bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligence and Visual Mismatch Negativity: Is Pre-Attentive Visual Discrimination Related to General Cognitive Ability?
Authors: Hilger Kirsten , Euler Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used for decades to identify neurocognitive processes related to intelligence. Evidence is accumulating for associations with neural markers of higher-order cognitive processes (e.g., working memory); however, whether associations are specific to complex processes or also relate to earlier processing stages remains unclear. Addressing these issues has implications for improving our understanding of intelligence and its neural correlates. The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related brain potential (ERP) that is elicited when, within a series of frequent standard stimuli, rare deviant stimuli are presented. As stimuli are typically presented outside the focus of attention, the MMN is suggested to capture automatic pre-attentive discrimination processes. However, the MMN and its relation to intelligence has largely only been studied in the auditory domain, thus preventing conclusions about the involvement of automatic discrimination processes in humans’ dominant sensory modality vision. Electroencephalography was recorded from 50 healthy participants during a passive visual oddball task that presented simple sequence violations as well as deviations within a more complex hidden pattern. Signed area amplitudes and fractional area latencies of the visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) were calculated with and without Laplacian transformation. Correlations between vMMN and intelligence (Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices) were of negligible to small effect sizes, differed critically between measurement approaches, and Bayes Factors provided anecdotal to substantial evidence for the absence of an association. We discuss differences between the auditory and visual MMN, the implications of different measurement approaches, and offer recommendations for further research in this evolving field.

HIGHLIGHTS

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Testing whether intelligence is related to automatic visual discrimination

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Visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) as a neural indicator of pre-attentive processing

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No association between intelligence and vMMN amplitudes or latencies

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Critical differences between auditory and visual MMN?

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Results partly depend on different measurement approaches
Insights of the role of estrogen in obesity from two models of ERα deletion
Authors: Saavedra-Peña Rocío del M. , Taylor Natalia , Rodeheffer Matthew S.
Published: March 2022

Sex hormones play a pivotal role in physiology and disease. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, has been long implicated in having protective roles against obesity. However, the direct impact of estrogens in white adipose tissue (WAT) function and growth are not understood. Here, we show that deletion of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) from adipocytes using Adiponectin-cre does not affect adipose mass in male or female mice under normal or high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. However, loss of ERα in adipocyte precursor cells (APs) via PdgfRα-cre leads to exacerbated obesity upon HFD feeding in both male and female mice, with subcutaneous adipose (SWAT)-specific expansion in male mice. Further characterization of these mice revealed infertility and increased plasma levels of sex hormones, including estradiol in female mice and androgens in male mice. These findings compromise the study of estrogen signaling within the adipocyte lineage using the PdgfRα-cre strain. However, AP transplant studies demonstrate that the increased AP hyperplasia in male SWAT upon PdgfRα-cre-mediated ablation of ERα is not driven by AP-intrinsic mechanisms, but are rather mediated by off-target effects. These data highlight the inherent difficulties in studying models that disrupt the intricate balance of sex hormones. Thus, better approaches are needed to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of sex hormones in obesity and disease.
“Measurements of damage and repair in aging mice and humans reveals that robustness and resilience decrease with age, operate over broad timescales, and are affected differently by interventions”
Authors: Farrell S , Kane AE , Bisset E , Howlett SE , Rutenberg AD
Published: March 2022

As an organism ages, its health-state is determined by a balance between the processes of damage and repair. Measuring these processes requires longitudinal data. We extract damage and repair rates from repeated observations of health deficits in mice and humans to explore the contribution of robustness and resilience, which respectively decrease damage rates and increase repair rates, to aging health. We find a conserved decline with age in robustness and resilience in mice and humans, implying that both contribute to worsening health in aging. A decline in robustness, however, has a greater effect than a decline in resilience on accelerating damage accumulation with age, and a greater association with reduced survival. We also find that deficits are damaged and repaired over a wide range of timescales ranging from the shortest measurement scales towards organismal lifetime timescales. We explore the effect of systemic interventions that have been shown to improve health, including the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril and voluntary exercise for mice, and household wealth for humans. We find that these interventions affect both damage and repair rates – but in different proportions for different interventions. These findings have implications for how health in aging, and interventions targeting health, are conceptualized and assessed.
Earliest evidence for frugivory and seed dispersal by birds
Authors: Hu Han , Wang Yan , McDonald Paul G. , Wroe Stephen , O’Connor Jingmai K. , Bjarnason Alexander , Bevitt Joseph J. , Yin Xuwei , Zheng Xiaoting , Zhou Zhonghe , Benson Roger B.J.
Published: March 2022

The Early Cretaceous diversification of birds was a major event in the history of terrestrial ecosystems, occurring during the earliest phase of the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. Frugivorous birds play an important role in seed dispersal today, and may have done so since their origins. However, evidence of this has been lacking. Jeholornis is one of the earliest-diverging birds, only slightly more derived than Archaeopteryx, but its cranial anatomy has been poorly understood, obscuring diet-related functional interpretations. Originally hypothesised to be granivorous based on seeds preserved as gut contents, this interpretation has become controversial. We conducted high-resolution synchrotron tomography on an exquisitely preserved new skull of Jeholornis, revealing remarkable cranial plesiomorphies combined with a specialised rostrum. We use this to provide a near-complete cranial reconstruction of Jeholornis, and exclude the possibility that Jeholornis was granivorous, based on morphometric analyses of the mandible (3D) and cranium (2D), and comparisons with the 3D alimentary contents of extant birds. We show that Jeholornis was at least seasonally frugivorous, providing the earliest evidence for fruit consumption in birds, and indicating that seed dispersal was present from early in the avian radiation. As highly-mobile seed dispersers, early frugivorous birds could expand the scope for biotic dispersal in plants, and may explain, in part, the subsequent evolutionary expansion of fruits, indicating a potential role of bird-plant interactions in the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution.
Rapid hypermutation B cell trajectory recruits previously primed B cells upon third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Paschold Lisa , Klee Bianca , Gottschick Cornelia , Willscher Edith , Diexer Sophie , Schultheiß Christoph , Simnica Donjete , Sedding Daniel , Girndt Matthias , Gekle Michael , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Binder Mascha
Published: March 2022

High antibody affinity against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain seems to be necessary (but not always sufficient) for the control of emerging immune-escape variants. Therefore, aiming at strong B cell somatic hypermutation - not only at high antibody titers - is a priority when utilizing vaccines that are not targeted at individual variants. Here, we developed a next-generation sequencing based SARS-CoV-2 B cell tracking protocol to rapidly determine the level of immunoglobulin somatic hypermutation at distinct points during the immunization period. The percentage of somatically hypermutated B cells in the SARS-CoV-2 specific repertoire was low after the primary vaccination series, evolved further over months and increased steeply after boosting. The third vaccination mobilized not only naïve, but also antigen-experienced B cell clones into further rapid somatic hypermutation trajectories indicating increased affinity. Together, the strongly mutated post-booster repertoires and antibodies deriving from this may explain why the booster, but not the primary vaccination series, offers some protection against immune-escape variants such as Omicron B.1.1.529.

Brief summary

Priming SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations generate antibodies from low-level matured B cells while the third vaccination strongly boosts somatic hypermutation potentially explaining different protection from immune-escape variants.
Single cell atlas of the neonatal small intestine with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Egozi Adi , Olaloye Oluwabunmi , Werner Lael , Silva Tatiana , McCourt Blake , Pierce Richard W. , An Xiaojing , Wang Fujing , Chen Kong , Pober Jordan S. , Shoval Dror , Itzkovitz Shalev , Konnikova Liza
Published: March 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a gastrointestinal complication of premature infants with high rates of morbidity and mortality. A comprehensive view of the cellular changes and aberrant interactions that underlie this disease is lacking. Here, we combine single cell RNA sequencing, T Cell Receptor beta (TCRβ) analysis, bulk transcriptomics, and imaging to characterize cell identities, interactions and zonal changes in NEC. We find that inflammatory macrophages are abundant in NEC and that T cells exhibit increased expression of inflammatory genes and cytokines accompanied by an increase in TCRβ clonal expansion. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells increase in proportion and exhibit a switch to an activated pro-inflammatory state. Villus tip epithelial cell identity is substantially reduced in NEC and the remaining epithelial cells up-regulate pro-inflammatory genes. We establish a detailed map of aberrant epithelial-mesenchymal-immune interactions that may be driving inflammation in NEC mucosa. Our analyses highlight the cellular changes underlying NEC disease pathogenesis and identify potential targets for biomarker discovery and therapeutics.
Immunological memory to Common Cold Coronaviruses assessed longitudinally over a three-year period
Authors: Yu Esther Dawen , Narowski Tara M. , Wang Eric , Garrigan Emily , Mateus Jose , Frazier April , Weiskopf Daniela , Grifoni Alba , Premkumar Lakshmanane , da Silva Antunes Ricardo , Sette Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Understanding immune memory to Common Cold Coronaviruses (CCCs) is relevant for assessing its potential impact on the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and for the prospects of pan-corona vaccines development. We performed a longitudinal analysis, of pre-pandemic samples collected from 2016-2019. CD4+ T cells and antibody responses specific for CCC and to other respiratory viruses, and chronic or ubiquitous pathogens were assessed. CCC-specific memory CD4+ T cells were detected in most subjects, and their frequencies were comparable to those for other common antigens. Notably, responses to CCC and other antigens such as influenza and Tetanus Toxoid (TT) were sustained over time. CCC-specific CD4+ T cell responses were also associated with low numbers of HLA-DR+CD38+ cells and their magnitude did not correlate with yearly changes in the prevalence of CCC infections. Similarly, spike RBD-specific IgG responses for CCC were stable throughout the sampling period. Finally, high CD4+ T cell reactivity to CCC, but not antibody responses, was associated with high pre-existing SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Overall, these results suggest that the steady and sustained CCC responses observed in the study cohort are likely due to a relatively stable pool of CCC-specific memory CD4+ T cells instead of fast decaying responses and frequent reinfections.
ECD of PepT1 interacts with TM1 to facilitate substrate transport
Authors: Shen Jiemin , Hu Miaohui , Ren Zhenning , Fan Xiao , Portioli Corinne , Yan Xiuwen , Rong Mingqiang , Zhou Ming
Published: March 2022

Mammalian peptide transporters, PepT1 and PepT2, mediate uptake of a wide variety of di- and tri-peptides and are essential for the absorption of dietary peptides in the digestive tract and the recovery of peptides in renal filtrate. PepT also mediates absorption of many drugs and prodrugs to enhance their bioavailability. PepT has 12 transmembrane (TM) helices that fold into two domains, the N-terminal domain (NTD, TM1-6) and C-terminal domain (CTD, TM7-12), and a large extracellular domain (ECD) of ∼200 amino acids between TM9 and TM10. It is known that peptide transport involves large motions of the N- and C-domains, but the role of ECD remains unclear. Here we report the structure of PepT1 from Equus caballus (horse) determined by cryo-electron microscopy. The structure shows that ECD interacts with TM1 and bridges the N- and C-domains. Deletion of the ECD or mutations to the TM1-ECD interface both impair the transport activity. These results demonstrate a role of ECD in structure and function of PepT1 and enhance our understanding of the mechanism of transport in PepT1.
Persisting decreases in state and trait anxiety post-psilocybin: A naturalistic, observational study among retreat attendees
Authors: Kiraga M.K. , Kuypers K. P. C. , Uthaug M. V. , Ramaekers J.G. , Mason N. L.
Published: March 2022

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders among Western countries. Evidence-based treatment modalities including pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral therapy result in relatively low response rates (average range: 51 - 58%). Historical and recent research suggests psychedelic drugs may be efficacious in alleviating anxiety-related symptoms among healthy and clinical populations. The main aim of the present study was investigation of the effects of psilocybin-containing truffles, when taken in a supportive group setting, on ratings of state and trait anxiety across self-reported healthy volunteers. Attendees of psilocybin ceremonies were asked to complete a test battery at three separate occasions: before the ceremony (baseline), the morning after, and one week after the ceremony. The test battery included questionnaires assessing state and trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), mindfulness capacities (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire), and personality (Big Five Inventory). Additionally, the psychedelic experience was quantified with the Persisting Effects Questionnaire and the Ego Dissolution Inventory. The total amount of psilocybin-containing truffles consumed by each participant was recorded, and a sample of the truffles was analyzed to determine psilocin concentrations. Fifty-two attendees (males= 25; females= 25; others= 2) completed parts of the baseline assessment, 46 (males= 21; females= 24; others= 1) completed assessments the morning after the ceremony, and 23 (males= 10; females= 13) completed assessments at the one-week follow-up. Average psilocin consumption across individuals was 27.1 mg. We observed medium to large reductions in anxiety measures (both state and trait) compared to baseline which persisted over a one-week period post-ceremony. At one week post-ceremony, the non-judging facet of the mindfulness scale was increased, while the personality trait neuroticism decreased, when compared to baseline. Additionally, we found neuroticism and ratings of ego dissolution to be the strongest predictors of reductions in trait and state anxiety, respectively. In sum, results indicate rapid and persisting (up to one week) anxiolytic effects in psilocybin retreat attendees, which are related to the acute experience of ego dissolution, as well as lasting changes in trait neuroticism. To understand whether these effects extend to wider populations suffering from heightened anxiety, and the mechanisms involved, further experimental research is needed.
The conserved genetic program of male germ cells uncovers ancient regulators of human spermatogenesis
Authors: Correia Rion Brattig , Almeida Joana M. , Wyrwoll Margot J. , Julca Irene , Sobral Daniel , Misra Chandra Shekhar , Persio Sara Di , Guilgur Leonardo G. , Schuppe Hans-Christian , Silva Neide , Prudêncio Pedro , Nóvoa Ana , Leocádio Ana S. , Bom Joana , Laurentino Sandra , Mallo Moisés , Kliesch Sabine , Mutwil Marek , Rocha Luis M. , Tüttelmann Frank , Becker Jörg D. , Navarro-Costa Paulo
Published: March 2022

Male germ cells share a common origin across animal species, therefore they likely retain a conserved genetic program that defines their cellular identity. However, the unique evolutionary dynamics of male germ cells coupled with their widespread leaky transcription pose significant obstacles to the identification of the core spermatogenic program. Through network analysis of the spermatocyte transcriptome of vertebrate and invertebrate species, we describe the conserved evolutionary origin of metazoan male germ cells at the molecular level. We estimate the average functional requirement of a metazoan male germ cell to correspond to the expression of approximately 10,000 protein-coding genes, a third of which defines a genetic scaffold of deeply conserved genes that has been retained throughout evolution. Such scaffold contains a set of 79 functional associations between 104 gene expression regulators that represent a core component of the conserved genetic program of metazoan spermatogenesis. By genetically interfering with the acquisition and maintenance of male germ cell identity, we uncover 161 previously unknown spermatogenesis genes and three new potential genetic causes of human infertility. These findings emphasize the importance of evolutionary history on human reproductive disease and establish a cross-species analytical pipeline that can be repurposed to other cell types and pathologies.
Antiviral and Neuroprotective Abilities of Influenza Virus Infection in Tractable Brain Organoids
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Lin Haishuang , Dong Liangzhen , Xia Qing
Published: March 2022

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived brain organoids offer an unprecedented opportunity for various applications as an in vitro model, such as modeling virus infection and drug screening. In this study, we present an experimental brain organoid platform for modeling infection with multiple viruses (e.g., influenza virus or enterovirus). Brain organoids challenged by influenza viruses (H1N1-WSN and H3N2-HKT68) had decreased overall organoid size, similar to ZIKA virus infection, while enteroviruses (EV68 and EV71) infected brain organoids displayed the opposite result. Then, we studied the molecular events in WSN-infected organoids, and we found that WSN could widely infect multiple cell types, and preferentially infected MAP2+ neurons compared to SOX2+ neural stem cells (NSCs) and GFAP+ astrocytes in brain organoids, and induced apoptosis of NSCs and neurons, but not astrocytes. The inflammatory responses in organoids observed to occur (Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and interleukin 6) after WSN infection may further facilitate brain damage. Furthermore, transcriptional profiling revealed several upregulated genes (CSAG3 and OAS2) and downregulated genes (CDC20B, KCNJ13, OTX2-AS1, CROCC2, and F5) after WSN infection for 24 hpi and 96 hpi, implicating antiviral drugs development responses to WSN. Finally, we explored neurotrophic factors (e.g., BDNF, GDNF, and NT3) and PYC-12 as antiviral and neuroprotective reagents, which could significantly suppress virus infection, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Collectively, we established a tractable experimental model system to investigate the impact and mechanism of virus infection on human brain development, and provide a platform for rapidly screening therapeutic compounds, advancing the development of antiviral strategies.
High Calcium Transport by Polycystin-2 (TRPP2) Induces Channel Clustering and Coordinated Oscillatory Behavior
Authors: Velázquez Irina F. , Cantiello Horacio F. , del Rocío Cantero María
Published: March 2022

The regulation by Ca2+ of Ca2+-permeable ion channels represents an important mechanism in the control of cell function. Polycystin-2 (PC2, TRPP2), a member of the TRP channel family (Transient Potential Receptor), is a Ca2+ permeable non-selective cation channel. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that physiological concentrations of Ca2+ do not regulate in vitro translated PC2 (PC2iv) channel activity. However, the issue as to PC2’s Ca2+ permeability and regulation remain ill-defined. In this study, we assessed Ca2+ transport by PC2iv, in a lipid bilayer reconstitution system in the presence of a high Ca2+ gradient (CaCl2 100 mM cis, CaCl2 10 mM trans). PC2iv channel reconstitution was conducted in the presence of either 3:7 or 7:3 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-choline (POPC) and ethanolamine (POPE) lipid mixtures. Reconstituted PC2iv showed spontaneous Ca2+ currents, in both lipid mixtures with a maximum conductance of 63 ± 13 pS (n = 19) and 105 pS ± 9.8 (n = 9), respectively. In both cases, experimental data were best fitted with the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation, showing a reversal potential (Vrev ~ −27 mV) consistent with strict Ca2+ selectivity. The R742X mutated PC2 (PC2R742X), lacking the carboxy terminal domain of the channel showed no differences with wild type PC2. Interestingly, spontaneous Ca2+ current oscillations were observed whenever PC2-containing samples were reconstituted in the 3:7, but not 7:3 POPC:POPE lipid mixture. The amplitude and frequency of the oscillations were highly dependent on the applied voltage, the imposed Ca2+ gradient, and the presence of high Ca2+, which induced PC2 channel clustering as observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We also used the QuB suite to kinetically model the PC2 channel Ca2+ oscillations based on the presence of subconductance states in the channel. The encompassed data provide new evidence to support a high Ca2+ permeability by PC2, and a novel regulatory feedback mechanism dependent on the presence of Ca2+ and phospholipids on its function.

Statement of Significance

The regulation by Ca2+ of Ca2+-permeable ion channels represents an important mechanism in the control of cell function. The Transient Potential Receptor channel Polycystin-2 (TRPP2, PC2), is a Ca2+ permeable non-selective cation channel. Ca2+ transport by PC2 has largely been inferred by changes in reversal potential. This study provides experimental evidence on the Ca2+-transporting capabilities of PC2 in high Ca2+ that is modulated by lipids and generates a novel phenomenon of oscillatory currents by channel clustering and multiple subconductance behavior. PC2 can be self-regulated by feedback mechanisms, which are independent of external regulatory proteins. This oscillatory behavior, previously unknown for a single channel species, depend on the presence of Ca2+ interaction sites as have been postulated for the channel protein.
What drives wolf preference towards wild ungulates? Insights from a multi-prey system in the Slovak Carpathians
Authors: Guimarães Nuno F. , Álvares Francisco , Ďurová Jana , Urban Peter , Bučko Jozef , Iľko Tomáš , Brndiar Jaro , Štofik Jozef , Pataky Tibor , Barančeková Miroslava , Kropil Rudolf , Smolko Peter
Published: March 2022

The wolf is a generalist-opportunistic predator that displays diverse and remarkably adaptable feeding strategies across its range with local adaptations to certain prey species depending on their availability and vulnerability. The multi-prey system of the Slovak Carpathians supports important portion of the European wolf population; however, it has been markedly understudied. We evaluated winter diet composition and prey selection of Slovak wolves based on 321 scat samples collected between September – February within four different study areas during 2015 – 2017. The winter diet of wolves in the Slovak Carpathians was characterized by a 98% occurrence of wild large-sized and medium-sized ungulates with red deer occurring in wolf scats most often, consistent with their highest density among other wild ungulates. However, by comparing the consumption with availability of wild prey, we found that wolves in fact selected for wild boar especially in areas with higher altitudinal range, while selected for red deer in areas with low altitudinal range where this prey species was more spatially predictable. Although wolves showed the potential to switch between red deer and wild boar when their density increases, we found that this variation can be rather linked to changing prey vulnerability, which is dependent on particular environmental conditions at local scale such as topography and snow accumulation. The present study provides valuable insights into the winter foraging ecology of Slovak wolves in a multi-prey system of the Carpathians and allows for practical implications in the management of the rapidly increasing populations of wild ungulates across Europe.
Proton-driven alternating access in a spinster transporter, an emerging family of broad-specificity efflux pumps
Authors: Dastvan Reza , Rasouli Ali , Dehghani-Ghahnaviyeh Sepehr , Gies Samantha , Tajkhorshid Emad
Published: March 2022

Spinster (Spns) lipid transporters are critical for transporting sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) across cellular membranes. In humans, Spns2 functions as the main S1P transporter in endothelial cells, making it a potential drug target for modulating S1P signaling. Here, we employed an integrated approach in lipid membranes to identify unknown conformational states of a bacterial Spns from Hyphomonas neptunium (HnSpns) and to define its proton- and substrate-coupled conformational dynamics. Our systematic study reveals conserved residues critical for protonation steps and their regulation, and how sequential protonation of these proton switches coordinates the conformational transitions in the context of a noncanonical ligand-dependent alternating access. A conserved periplasmic salt bridge (Asp60TM2:Arg289TM7) keeps the transporter in a closed conformation, while proton-dependent conformational dynamics are significantly enhanced on the periplasmic side, providing a pathway for ligand exchange. Furthermore, our resistance assays reveal substrate polyspecificity and HnSpns multidrug resistance (MDR) activity that underscore the previously unknown role of Spns proteins in MDR, beyond their activity in sphingolipid transport and signaling.
NMD is required for timely cell fate transitions by fine-tuning gene expression and regulating translation
Authors: Huth Michelle , Santini Laura , Galimberti Elena , Ramesmayer Julia , Titz-Teixeira Fabian , Sehlke Robert , Oberhuemer Michael , Stummer Sarah , Herzog Veronika , Garmhausen Marius , Romeike Merrit , Chugunova Anastasia , Leesch Friederike , Holcik Laurenz , Weipoltshammer Klara , Lackner Andreas , Schoefer Christian , von Haeseler Arndt , Buecker Christa , Pauli Andrea , Ameres Stefan L. , Smith Austin , Beyer Andreas , Leeb Martin
Published: March 2022

Cell fate transitions depend on balanced rewiring of transcription and translation programs to mediate ordered developmental progression. Components of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway have been implicated in regulating embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Here we show that NMD controls expression levels of the translation initiation factor Eif4a2 and its premature termination codon-encoding isoform (Eif4a2PTC). NMD deficiency leads to translation of the truncated eIF4A2PTC protein. eIF4A2PTC elicits increased mTORC1 activity and translation rates and causes differentiation delays. This establishes a previously unknown feedback loop between NMD and translation initiation. Furthermore, our results show a clear hierarchy in the severity of target deregulation and differentiation phenotypes between NMD effector KOs (Smg5 KO > Smg6 KO > Smg7 KO), which highlights heterodimer-independent functions for SMG5 and SMG7. Together, our findings expose an intricate link between mRNA homeostasis and mTORC1 activity that must be maintained for normal dynamics of cell state transitions.
6DOF nonlinear control loading system for a large transport aircraft simulator
Authors: Amir Ahmadi Chomachar Saeb , Kuppusamy Ashok
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Flight simulators are one of the noticeable breakthroughs in aerospace engineering. One of the main compartments of flight simulators is its control loading system (CLS). The CLS functions as a generator of virtual aerodynamic control-loads over control columns of a simulator. This paper aims to present the design of a high-fidelity six six degrees of freedom (6DOF) nonlinear CLS for the Boeing-747 aircraft simulator.

Design/methodology/approach

An introduction to CLS for flight motion simulators are first recapitulated. Afterward, the commanding devices are explained through schematics available in an engineering sense. This paper then presents in detail, the active control loading strategy and hardware design for the CLS, while also introducing the aerodynamic model structure. The satisfactory computer numerical simulations are presented before the paper ends up in concluding remarks.

Findings

The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) 6DOF nonlinear CLS for Boeing-747 flight simulator has been successfully developed. The outcome of computer simulations in real-time verifies practicality of the design strategy. The research presented in this paper could be a simple roadmap for prototyping high-fidelity 6DOF nonlinear CLS for flight motion simulators.

Originality/value

The available control architecture and hardware technologies cannot enable a high-fidelity load realization in a CLS. The existing research has not yet presented a 6DOF nonlinear MIMO CLS architecture along with the underlying controller setup for a high-fidelity load realization. In this paper, the design of a high-fidelity 6DOF nonlinear MIMO CLS for flight simulator of a large transport aircraft has been accomplished.
Emergency health in the aftermath of disasters: a post-Hurricane Matthew skin outbreak in rural Haiti
Authors: Cela Toni , Marcelin Louis Herns , Fleurantin Nadia Lise , Jean Louis Shesly
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the context of the emergence of a skin infection outbreak in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti and detail the role of community-based participatory research in mobilizing local action in a country with low state capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

While implementing a post-disaster study that combined a survey of 984 households and 69 community leaders with 23 focus groups, 60 ethnographic interviews and community mapping, a skin infection outbreak was detected. Using study results, the research team in partnership with different stakeholders responded to the outbreak with a health intervention.

Findings

The findings illustrate how pre-existing conditions shape local communities' vulnerability to health crises in the aftermath of disasters and the critical role research can play in informing the recovery processes. Community-based approaches to emergency health reinforced by multi-stakeholder partnerships with local government can strengthen post-disaster response and governance structures setting the groundwork for the development of local resilience.

Research limitations/implications

The health intervention was implemented as a result of the study. Patients served were not derived from the study sample but were self-selected based on their need for skin-related medical treatment.

Originality/value

This article highlights the integral role research can play in identifying the health impacts of disaster events in vulnerable, hard-to-reach communities and strengthening government involvement in disaster governance.
Understanding subcontracting organizational arrangements for construction projects in China: integrating capabilities and uncertainty
Authors: Shi Chenxi , Chen Yongqiang , Hua Yuanyuan , Tang Yinqiu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Chinese construction projects commonly implement subcontracting, but organizational arrangements have received little attention. Some studies have debated the impact of firm capabilities on subcontracting. To address these issues, this study differentiates the general contractor’s technological capabilities and alliance management capabilities and investigates how capabilities affect the degree of subcontracting and subcontracting dispersion based on the resource-based view and transaction cost economics.

Design/methodology/approach

By conducting a survey, 219 valid questionnaires were collected from Chinese construction companies. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the influence of capabilities on subcontracting organizational arrangements and the moderating role of uncertainty.

Findings

The results show that technological capabilities decrease the degree of subcontracting, whereas alliance management capabilities increase the degree of subcontracting as well as subcontracting dispersion. The results also indicate that the positive effects of alliance management capabilities are weakened by project uncertainty.

Practical implications

This study provides a better understanding of the diversity of subcontracting organizational arrangements in China. In addition, the findings may help general contractors carry out a rational arrangement by considering their capabilities and transaction hazards.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a holistic understanding of how capabilities determine subcontracting by distinguishing technological capabilities and alliance management capabilities and refining the degree of subcontracting and subcontracting dispersion. Meanwhile, the findings highlight the complementarity of the resource-based view and transaction cost economics by examining the moderating effect of uncertainty.
Robotic process automation in Maersk procurement–applicability of action principles and research opportunities
Authors: van Hoek Remko , Gorm Larsen Jacob , Lacity Mary
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The authors share a real-world case study of a multiple-year adoption process of robotic process automation (RPA) in procurement to add to the limited empirical research base on RPA in supply chain management. The Maersk case offers hard evidence of the value of RPA that can be used as a benchmark for decision-making in companies and as a basis for further research in key areas such as change management and behavioral aspects as well as return on investment on RPA and the need for RPA capability development.

Design/methodology/approach

Together with the co-author from Maersk, the authors cover a multiple year RPA program in procurements, to capture lessons learned and develop research questions for the future. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a specific procurement context.

Findings

The authors find RPA for procurement to be an enabler of strategic progress and of advancing the concept of triple values (enterprise, customer and employee) in a supply chain setting. The authors offer RPA adoption scoping guidance and show how, with growth and maturity of the program, conditions such as predictability of volume become less relevant as a scoping criterium. The authors also find that RPA augments work rather than replace staff. Maersk utilizes staff time freed up by automation to focus employees on more strategic priorities. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a procurement-specific context and develop additional action principles based upon the Maersk case.

Originality/value

The authors study both a unique and rich case to complement limited empirical research on RPA in procurement and supply chain management and the limited research into RPA past early stage adoptions. The authors address Hofmann et al.'s (2019) questions about the change management involved in RPA and consider generic RPA action principles from literature in this specific procurement setting. The authors extend those action principles and develop a rich set of research opportunities.
Validation of diabetes-related awareness instrument (DRAI) to measure diabetics awareness towards risk factors and prevention strategies
Authors: Kansra Pooja , Oberoi Sumit , Bhargava Cherry , Sharma Pardeep Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Accessibility to a precise tool for healthcare management and self-precaution among diabetic patients is an absolute necessity. This paper aims to develop and validate diabetes-related awareness instrument (DRAI) – an instrument that measures diabetics awareness about risk factors and prevention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliability and validity of the DRAI were tested with a sample of 112 diabetics. The construct validity of the DRAI was measured using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Item discrimination, reliability, usefulness and validity of the items were determined by performing Cronbach's alpha, item difficulty and discrimination index analysis.

Findings

The study finds DRAI – a reliable and valid instrument to assess diabetics awareness towards diabetes mellitus, its associated risk factors and prevention strategies. The value of Cronbach's alpha for all three constructs was above the threshold level of 0.70. Under exploratory factor analysis, “Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin” test value of 0.805 exhibits a meritorious sample adequacy and “Bartlet's test of Sphericity” was statistically significant withp = 0.032. Therefore, results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that all fitness indices of the model to be excellent fit.

Practical implications

The present instrument can help to determine whether the individual is susceptible to diabetes, timely prevention and reduction in the incidence of diabetes mellitus.

Originality/value

DRAI is the first of its kind tool to assess the awareness and knowledge about diabetes-related risk factors and prevention strategies in such a demographically diverse population of India.
Digital disruption: a managers’ eye view
Authors: Thakur Ramendra , AlSaleh Dhoha , Hale Dena
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the drivers of digital disruption and its consequences from a managerial viewpoint. Understanding the drivers and consequences of digital disruption can help business managers modify and align their organizational structures and strategies with digital disruptors to promote survival in the marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used survey data from US managers. Of 1,000 managers, 272 provided responses eligible for use in the analysis. The study used EQS 6.2 software to analyze the data.

Findings

Eight hypothesized relationships were tested in this study. The results of this study indicate that convergence of intelligence, convergence of technology, support from C-level executives, organizational cultures of innovation and managerial skills act as drivers of digital disruption. The results also show that digital disruption improves both user experience and firms’ digital disruptive performance.

Originality/value

This study builds upon the disruptive innovation theory. This study demonstrates that both technology- and organization-induced drivers serve as predictors of digital disruption. Digital disruption affects user experience and firms’ digital disruptive performance. In addition, user experience influences firms’ digital disruptive performance. Overall, this study improves our understanding of the role of technology- and organization-induced drivers of businesses’ responses to digital disruption and provides contributions to theory and practice.
Whether and how top management create flexibility in mental healthcare organizations: COVID-19 as a test case
Authors: van Gool Frank , Bongers Inge , Bierbooms Joyce , Janssen Richard
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Flexibility is essential for healthcare organizations to anticipate the increasing internal and external dynamics. Mental healthcare organizations in the Netherlands face major policy reforms made by the government, increasing involvement from municipalities and gradual replacement of clinical care with outpatient care. Top management plays an important strategic role in creating this flexibility because they make important choices, give direction and structure the organization. To create flexibility, managers have to deal with complexity and paradoxes. In this study, the authors aim to contribute to the knowledge on how healthcare managers can create flexibility in their organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative empirical field study. In total, 21 managers of mental healthcare organizations participated in open in-depth interviews. The authors explored flexibility on three perspectives: organizational direction, structure and operations. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to explore flexibility. The authors asked participants to reflect on their organization's response to the pandemic.

Findings

Most mental healthcare organizations create flexibility in an implicit way. Flexibility and resilience are closely linked mechanisms. Flexibility ensures a quick response while resilience provides the counterforce and rebound needed to adapt. Adaption ensures that healthcare professionals learn from their experiences and do not return completely to the way things were done before. The primary urge to survive ensured rapid and adequate responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether this is a manifestation of flexibility remains difficult to conclude.

Practical implications

The complexity theory offers some guidance in creating a flexible organization without losing consistency. Flexibility and resilience are closely linked mechanisms that antagonize and protect each other. With this insight, managers in mental healthcare can utilize the qualities and balance them without falling into the various pitfalls.

Originality/value

In this research, the authors are concerned with flexibility as a proactive attitude and capacity of organizations. By looking at the response of organizations to the COVID-19 crisis, the authors find out that responding to a disaster out of survival instinct is something else than flexibility. There is an interesting relationship between flexibility, resilience and adaptability, and they can balance each other.
Can social cognitive theory explain breakfast frequency in workplace institutional feeding populations?
Authors: Harris Jessica A. , Carins Julia , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , David Patricia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to respond to calls to increase levels of theory application and extend understanding beyond individuals ensuring social and structural environmental considerations are taken into account. Social cognitive theory (SCT) was applied across two settings to examine its potential to explain breakfast eating frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two institutional feeding populations [military (n = 314) and mining (n = 235)]. Participants reported key SCT constructs including breakfast eating behaviour (self-efficacy, skills, practice), cognitive aspects (knowledge, attitude, expectations) and their perceptions regarding environmental constructs (access, social norms, influence). These were measured and analysed through SPSS and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Results indicated that 71% males and 90% females in the military do not eat breakfast at work, and in the mining, 23% males and 24% of females do not eat breakfast at work. Furthermore, SEM modelling found only a satisfactory fit for SCT as operationalised in this study. Within the models, behavioural aspects of self-efficacy, skills and practice were significant influences on breakfast eating. Cognitive influences and perceptions of environmental influences exerted little to no effect on breakfast eating. Study results indicate that SCT, as measured in this study using a selection of environment, cognitive and behavioural constructs, does not offer sufficient explanatory potential to explain breakfast eating behaviour.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is to deliver a complete application of Social Cognitive Theory, ensuring multiple constructs are measured to examine the explanatory behaviour of breakfast eating frequency in workplace institutional settings.
How do businesses achieve sustainable success and gain a competitive advantage in the green era?
Authors: Wang Wenfu , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Hongwei , Zhu Qingxiang , Morabbi Heravi Hakimeh
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To attain green economic efficiency, small, micro and medium-sized firms must follow environmental paradigms. This research aims to discover the relationship between green intellectual capital, green entrepreneurial orientation, green marketing, green organizational culture and competitive advantage strategies to attain sustainable manufacturing business success.

Design/methodology/approach

Today, many companies have accepted their responsibilities, that their operations should not harm the environment. This paper aims to discover the relationship between green factors and competitive advantage strategies to succeed in sustainable manufacturing. The employees of the large manufacturing firms in China are the sample population of the present investigation. Through simple random sampling, surveys were distributed via email. The present study was a quantitative analysis. The analytical tool utilized here was structural equation modeling and SmartPLS program applications.

Findings

The empirical outcomes find that green intellectual capital positively influences competitive advantages and sustainable success in business. In addition, the impact of green entrepreneurial orientation on competitive advantages and sustainable success is positive and significant. The findings illustrated that green marketing is an essential factor in competitive advantage and sustainable success in business. Another point is that green organizational culture positively affects competitive advantages and sustainable success. Finally, competitive advantages have significantly affected sustainable success in business.

Practical implications

The outcomes help specialists enhance their practices to reflect sustainable business efficiency and competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examined businesses' sustainable success and green factors in a comprehensive model and using a specific sample of manufacturing companies based on green technologies.