bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minor pilin genes are involved in motility and natural competence inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Oeser Sabrina , Wallner Thomas , Bučinská Lenka , Bähre Heike , Schürgers Nils , Wilde Annegret
Published: December 2020

Cyanobacteria synthesize type IV pili, which are known to be essential for motility, adhesion and natural competence. They consist of long flexible fibres that are primarily composed of the major pilin PilA1 inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803. In addition,Synechocystisencodes less abundant pilin-like proteins, which are known as minor pilins. The transcription of the minor pilin genespilA5, pilA6andpilA9-pilA11is inversely regulated in response to different conditions. In this study, we show that the minor pilin PilA5 is essential for natural transformation but is dispensable for motility and flocculation. In contrast, a set of minor pilins encoded by thepilA9-slr2019transcriptional unit are necessary for motility but are dispensable for natural transformation. NeitherpilA5-pilA6norpilA9-slr2019are essential for pilus assembly as mutant strains showed type IV pili on the cell surface. Microarray analysis demonstrated that the transcription levels of known and newly predicted minor pilin genes change in response to surface contact. A total of 120 genes were determined to have altered transcription between planktonic and surface growth. Among these genes, 13 are located on the pSYSM plasmid. The results of our study indicate that different minor pilins facilitate distinct pilus functions.
Co-Dependent and Interdigitated: Dual Quorum Sensing Systems Regulate Conjugative Transfer of the Ti Plasmid and the At Megaplasmid in Agrobacterium tumefaciens 15955
Authors: Barton Ian S , Eagan Justin L , Nieves-Otero Priscila A , Reynolds Ian P , Patt Thomas G , Fuqua Clay
Published: December 2020

Members of the Rhizobiaceae, often carry multiple secondary replicons in addition to the primary chromosome with compatible repABC-based replication systems. Unlike secondary chromosomes and chromids, repABC-based megaplasmids and plasmids can undergo copy number fluctuations and are capable of conjugative transfer in response to environmental signals. Several Agrobacterium tumefaciens lineages harbor three secondary repABC-based replicons, including a secondary chromosome (often linear), the Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid and the At megaplasmid. The Ti plasmid is required for virulence and encodes a conjugative transfer (tra) system that is strictly regulated by a subset of plant-tumor released opines and a well-described acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-based quorum-sensing mechanism. At plasmids are generally not required for virulence, but carry genes that enhance rhizosphere survival, and these plasmids are often conjugatively proficient. We report that the At megaplasmid of the octopine-type strain A. tumefaciens 15955 encodes a quorum-controlled conjugation system that directly interacts with the paralogous quorum sensing system on the co-resident Ti plasmid. Both the pAt15955 and pTi15955 plasmids carry homologues of a TraI-type AHL synthase, a TraR-type AHL-responsive transcription activator, and a TraM-type anti-activator. The traI genes from both pTi15955 and pAt15955 can direct production of the inducing AHL (3-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone) and together contribute to the overall AHL pool. The TraR protein encoded on each plasmid activates AHL-responsive transcription of target tra gene promoters. The pAt15955 TraR can cross-activate tra genes on the Ti plasmid as strongly as its cognate tra genes, whereas the pTi15955 TraR preferentially biased towards its own tra genes. Putative tra box elements are located upstream of target promoters, and comparing between plasmids, they are in similar locations and share an inverted repeat structure, but have distinct consensus sequences. The two AHL quorum sensing systems have a combinatorial effect on conjugative transfer of both plasmids. Overall, the interactions described here have implications for the horizontal transfer and evolutionary stability of both plasmids and, in a broad sense, are consistent with other repABC systems that often have multiple quorum-sensing controlled secondary replicons.
A nuclear role for ARGONAUTE-2 in regulation of neuronal alternative polyadenylation
Authors: Ravid Revital , Siany Aviad , Rivkin Natalia , Eitan Chen , Marmor-Kollet Hagai , Yanowski Eran , Savidor Alon , Levin Yishai , Rot Gregor , Meister Gunter , Hornstein Eran
Published: December 2020

Argonaute 2 (AGO2), the effector protein partner of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the cytoplasmic RNA induced silencing complex, is further involved in nuclear RNA processing. However, a role for AGO2 in regulation of alternative polyadenylation was not yet demonstrated. Here, we reveal unexpected abundance of AGO2 in mouse neuronal nuclei and characterize nuclear AGO2 interactors by mass spectrometry. We discover that AGO2 broadly regulated alternative polyadenylation (APA) in neuronal cells. Specifically, we demonstrate how two isoforms ofRetmRNA, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase are regulated by AGO2-depenent APA, affecting downstream GDNF signaling in primary motor neurons.
Immunogenomic profile of colorectal cancer response to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Bortolomeazzi Michele , Keddar Mohamed Reda , Montorsi Lucia , Acha-Sagredo Amelia , Benedetti Lorena , Temelkovski Damjan , Choi Subin , Petrov Nedyalko , Todd Katrina , Wai Patty , Kohl Jonny , Denner Tamara , Nye Emma , Goldstone Robert , Ward Sophia , Wilson Gareth A. , Al Bakir Maise , Swanton Charles , John Susan , Miles James , Larijani Banafshe , Kunene Victoria , Fontana Elisa , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Parker Peter J. , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Shiu Kai-Keen , Spencer Jo , Ciccarelli Francesca D.
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) show variable response to immune checkpoint blockade, which can only partially be explained by the variability of tumour mutational burden. To dissect the cellular and molecular determinants of response we performed a multi-omic screen of 721 cancer regions from patients treated with Pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE 177 clinical trial) or Nivolumab. Multi-regional whole exome, RNA and T-cell receptor sequencing show that, within hypermutated CRCs, response to both anti-PD1 agents is not positively associated with tumour mutational burden but with high clonality of immunogenic mutations, expanded T cells, low activation of the WNT pathway and active immune escape mechanisms. Coupling high-dimensional imaging mass cytometry with multiplexed immunofluorescence and computational spatial analysis, we observe that responsive hypermutated CRCs are rich in cytotoxic and proliferating PD1-expressing CD8 cells interacting with high-density clusters of PDL1-expressing antigen presenting macrophages. We propose that anti-PD1 agents release the PD1-PDL1 interaction between CD8 T cells and macrophages thus promoting cytotoxic anti-tumour activity.
Oncogene-induced cardiac neoplasia shares similar mechanisms with heart regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Pfefferli Catherine , Bonvin Marylène , Robatel Steve , Perler Julien , König Désirée , Jaźwińska Anna
Published: December 2020

The human heart is a poorly regenerative organ and cardiac tumors are extremely rare. The zebrafish heart can restore its damaged myocardium through cardiomyocyte proliferation. Whether this endogenous capacity causes a susceptibility to neoplasia remains unknown. Here, we established a strategy to conditionally express the HRASG12Voncogene in zebrafish cardiomyocytes. The induction of this transgene in larvae or adult animals resulted in heart overgrowth with abnormal histology. The malformed ventricle displayed similar characteristics to the regenerative myocardium, such as enhanced cell-cycle entry, incomplete differentiation, reactivation of cardiac embryonic programs, expression of regeneration genes, oxidative metabolism changes, intramyocardial matrix remodeling and leucocyte recruitment. We found that oncogene-mediated cardiac tumorigenesis and cryoinjury-induced regeneration involve TOR signaling, as visualized by phosphorylation of its target ribosomal protein S6. The inhibition of TOR by rapamycin impaired regeneration and rescued from neoplasia. These findings demonstrate the existence of common mechanisms underlying the proliferative plasticity of zebrafish cardiomyocytes during advantageous organ restoration and detrimental tumorigenesis.
No detectable signal for ongoing genetic recombination in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Richard Damien , Owen Christopher J. , van Dorp Lucy , Balloux François
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global sequencing effort of its viral agent SARS-CoV-2. The first whole genome assembly of SARS-CoV-2 was published on January 5 2020. Since then, over 150,000 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been made available. This large genomic resource has allowed tracing of the emergence and spread of mutations and phylogenetic reconstruction of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in near real time. Though, whether SARS-CoV-2 undergoes genetic recombination has been largely overlooked to date. Recombination-mediated rearrangement of variants that arose independently can be of major evolutionary importance. Moreover, the absence of recombination is a key assumption behind the application of phylogenetic inference methods. Here, we analyse the extant genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 and show that, to date, there is no detectable hallmark of recombination. We assess our detection power using simulations and validate our method on the related MERS-CoV for which we report evidence for widespread genetic recombination.
CRISPR knockdown of GABAAalpha3 subunits on thalamic reticular neurons enhances deep sleep
Authors: Uygun David S. , Yang Chun , Tilli Elena R. , Katsuki Fumi , McKenna James T. , McNally James M. , Brown Ritchie E. , Basheer Radhika
Published: December 2020

Identification of mechanisms which increase deep sleep could lead to novel treatments which promote the restorative effects of sleep. Here, knockdown of the α3 GABAA-receptor subunit from parvalbumin neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing increased the thalamocortical delta oscillations implicated in many health-promoting effects of sleep. Inhibitory synaptic currents were strongly reducedin vitro. Effects were most pronounced in the mouse sleep (light) period. Further analysis identified a novel deep-sleep state in mice prior to NREM-REM transitions which was preferentially affected by deletion of α3 subunits. Our results identify a functional role for GABAAreceptors on Thalamic Reticular Nucleus neurons and suggest antagonism of α3 subunits as a strategy to enhance deep sleep.

One Sentence Summary

Selective genetic knockdown of the major α subunit of GABAAreceptors present in the thalamic reticular nucleus enhanced deep sleep in mice.
A diencephalic circuit for opioid analgesia but not positive reinforcement
Authors: Waung Maggie W. , Maanum Kayla A. , Cirino Thomas J. , Driscoll Joseph R. , O’Brien Chris , Bryant Svetlana , Mansourian Kasra A. , Morales Marisela , Barker David J. , Margolis Elyssa B.
Published: December 2020

Mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists are potent analgesics, but also cause sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction risk. The epithalamic lateral habenula (LHb) signals aversive states including pain and we found it is a potent site for MOR-agonist analgesia. Importantly, LHb MOR activation is not reinforcing in the absence of noxious input. The LHb receives excitatory inputs from multiple sites including the ventral tegmental area, lateral hypothalamus, entopeduncular nucleus, and the lateral preoptic area of the hypothalamus (LPO). Here we report that LHb-projecting glutamatergic LPO neurons are excited by noxious stimulation and are preferentially inhibited by MOR selective agonists. Critically, optogenetic stimulation of LHb-projecting LPO neurons produces an aversive state that is relieved by LHb MOR activation, and optogenetic inhibition of LHb-projecting LPO neurons relieves the aversiveness of ongoing pain. Therefore, targeting this MOR sensitive forebrain circuit can relieve pain yet lower the risk of misuse by pain free individuals.
Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma develops in mice withArid1aloss and gain of oncogenicKras
Authors: Wang Xiyin , Praça Mariana S. L. , Wendel Jillian R. H. , Emerson Robert E. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Lydon John P. , Hawkins Shannon M.
Published: December 2020

Recent sequencing studies showed that loss-of-function mutations inARID1A(AT-rich interactive domain 1a) were enriched in gynecologic malignancies. However, multiple mouse models with deletion ofArid1adid not exhibit gynecologic malignancy. OncogenicKRASmutations are a common finding in endometrial cancers. However, expression of oncogenic Kras (KrasG12D) in the uterus was not sufficient to develop endometrial cancer. These results suggest that both ARID1A deletion and oncogenic KRAS require additional hits before driving gynecologic malignancy. To determine the role of the combination effects of deletion ofArid1aand oncogenicKras, Arid1aflox/floxmice were crossed toKrasLox-Stop-Lox-G12D/+mice using progesterone receptor Cre (PgrCre/+). Survival studies, histology, and immunohistochemistry were used to characterize the phenotype. Hormone dependence was evaluated by ovarian hormone depletion and estradiol replacement.Arid1aflox/flox;KrasLox-Stop-Lox-G12D/+;PgrCre/+(AKP) mice exhibited early euthanasia due to large vaginal tumors, which were invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Younger mice exhibited precancerous intraepithelial lesions that progressed to invasive squamous cell carcinoma with age. Immunohistochemistry supported the pathological diagnosis with abnormal expression and localization of cytokeratin 5, tumor protein P63, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A or p16), and marker of proliferation Ki-67. Vaginal lesions in AKP mice were hormone dependent. Ovarian hormone deletion in AKP mice resulted in atrophic vaginal epithelium without evidence of vaginal tumors. Estradiol replacement in ovarian hormone depleted AKP mice resulted in lesions that resembled the squamous cell carcinoma in intact mice. AKP mice did not develop endometrial cancer.Arid1adeletion withKrasG12Dexpression drives invasive vaginal squamous cell carcinoma. This mouse can be used to study the transition from benign precursor lesions into invasive vaginal squamous cell carcinoma offering insights into progression.
Three decades of green advertising – a review of literature and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Agarwal Neha Dhruv , Kumar V.V. Ravi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the research which has been done during the past three decades on the topic of green advertising and identify gaps for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology that has been adopted for analysis is two-pronged – the first being a literature review with tabulation of data using excel sheets and bar graphs and the second being a bibliometric review using the software VOSviewer. Both approaches analyze the number of citations, keywords, authors, journals and countries. A database of 113 articles from 1990 to 2020 is generated from Web of Science.

Findings

Major contributors to the topic of green advertising research have been identified. Thematic classification is created to understand the subtopics of green advertising. Under this classification, nine subtopics have been identified. Six core research gaps have been identified for future research in the area of green advertising.

Practical implications

The study helps identify where green advertising research is being conducted, its growth potential and future prospects. This research work will enable the industry to gain new insights into this emerging field of green advertising for incorporating the same in their advertising campaigns in view of growing consumer concerns on environment.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of research in green advertising. The paper is unique as it is the only review on the topic of green advertising. Given the increasing trend of going green among consumers, the paper adds tremendous value to the field of green advertising.
Potential impacts of blockchain technology on business practices of bricks and mortar (B&M) grocery stores
Authors: Nuseir Mohammed T.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of blockchain technology on the Bricks and Mortar (B&M) grocery sector from a technological and functional perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted an exploratory research design and the data comprises 17 semi-structured interviews with personnel at the top grocery retail chains in the United States, for example, Wal-Mart, Tesco, Stop and Shop and Meijer. Additionally, two major US-based blockchain service providers are included – SumatoSoft and Accubits.

Findings

Blockchain technology affects the business processes of B&M grocery retail by offering payment via tokens, secure payments and contracts between stakeholders, an end-to-end solution in the supply chain and secure management of the stock. However, this process is hampered by a number of challenges such as integrity and security concerns, difficulty in adapting sound logistics, lack of adequate skills and resistance to change by store managers and employees. This can be addressed by imparting education/training and creating awareness about the benefits of blockchain and generating industry-wide collaboration in which regulations can work.

Practical implications

The research has benefits for B&M grocery stores, governments and the wider society. For example, the findings of this study will help B&M grocery retailers to confront the competition by online retailers such as Amazon, AliExpress or eBay and promote the development of a systematic collaboration to achieve the changes they need.

Originality/value

The study is original and innovative in that no research to date has focused on how blockchain can help the B&M grocery sector and address its challenges.
Cultural values, school innovative climate and organizational affective commitment: a study of Israeli teachers
Authors: Masry-Herzallah Asmahan , Da'as Rima'a
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Research suggests that cultural dimensions affect teachers' perceptions and behaviors. Based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions and organizational innovation climate literature, we examined the effects of the cultural values of collectivism, masculinity, power distance, uncertainty avoidance and short-term orientation on teachers' perceptions of school innovative climate and their affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Arab and Jewish Israeli teachers studying toward their MA degree (N = 268) were randomly selected from three colleges to fill out questionnaires pertaining to these cultural values, innovative climate and their affective commitment.

Findings

Only the cultural value of collectivism positively affected perceptions of innovative climate. Negative relationships were found between the latter and uncertainty avoidance, as well as masculinity. Perception of innovative climate, in turn, related positively to teachers' affective commitment.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of research directed at identifying antecedents to affective commitment as well as to studies examining cultural effects on innovation.
Women's empowerment and household food security in Ghana
Authors: Essilfie Gloria , Sebu Joshua , Annim Samuel Kobina , Asmah Emmanuel Ekow
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study adopts three dimensions of women’s empowerment: (1) relative education empowerment, (2) women's autonomy in decision-making and (3) domestic violence to examine the effect of women’s empowerment on household food security in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the generalised ordered logit model (GOLM) and dominance analysis using a sample of 1,017 households from the seventh round of Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS7).

Findings

The findings from the study revealed that women’s empowerment proxied by relative years of schooling and women's decision-making were important indicators for improving household food security. Further, there exist varying dimensions of women’s empowerment in households, and these dimensions have a significant effect on the state of food security of households.

Originality/value

There are a number of studies on the effect of women's empowerment on food security. However, this study contributes to the literature by examining the varying effects of different dimensions of women’s empowerment on food security. This provides policymakers with a guide that looks at different levels of women’s empowerment and the combinations of women's empowerment dimensions that contribute for reducing food insecurity.
Credit composition and income inequality in Vietnam: an empirical analysis
Authors: Le Quoc Hoi , Quach Manh Hao , Tran Huong Lan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper examines credit composition and income inequality reduction in Vietnam. In particular, the authors focus on the distinction between policy and commercial credits and investigate whether these two types of credit adversely affect on income inequality. The authors also examine whether the educational level and institutional quality condition the impact of policy credit on income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the primary data set, which contains a panel of 60 provinces collected from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam from 2002 to 2016. The authors employ the generalized method of moments to solve the endogenous problem.

Findings

The authors show that while commercial credit increases income inequality, policy credit reduces income inequality in Vietnam. In addition, we provide evidence that the institutional quality and educational level condition the impact of policy credit on income inequality. Based on the findings, the paper implies that it was not the size of the private credit but its composition that mattered in reducing income inequality due to the asymmetric effects of different types of credit.

Practical implication

The government should focus on credit for the poor by helping them to exit poverty through investing in human capital, health and micro enterprises activities.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the links between the two components of credit and income inequality as well as the constraints of the links. The authors argue that analyzing the separate effects of commercial and policy credits is more important for explaining the role of credit in income inequality than the size of total credit.
The role of knowledge integration in shaping the capabilities and success of a charity: an in-depth case study analysis
Authors: Berri Bersisa , Donnelly Rory
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Making effective use of the knowledge available to a charitable organization is crucial to the achievement of its strategic objectives and the outcomes of its humanitarian interventions. This study aims to explore the integration of knowledge at an international development charity from the perspective of its workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Rich primary data were collected through an in-depth case study of a large international development charity actively embracing the management of knowledge using semi-structured interviews (n= 42), participant observation and organizational documentation. The data were integrated and analyzed thematically.

Findings

The analysis of the empirical data sheds light on how a more systematic framework for knowledge integration and application could enhance the capabilities and strategic effectiveness of a charitable organization.

Originality/value

The findings enable important contributions to the strategic management and effective use of knowledge in charitable organizations by empirically uncovering how a more coherent and structured approach to knowledge management could enhance the focus, efficiency, flexibility and relevance of its actions and those of its members. Accordingly, this paper advances a new integrated schema to meet the goals of charities and their stakeholders for broader application and testing by charities and future researchers.
The institutionalization of public sector accounting reforms: the role of pilot entities
Authors: Jorge Susana , Nogueira Sónia P. , Ribeiro Nuno
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims at understanding the action of pilot entities, in order to ultimately infer about their role to the overall reform process of public sector accounting (PSA).

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the Portuguese case as a reference, the new institutional theory (isomorphism perspective) and institutional logics are used to explain the action and stance of pilot entities in the implementation process of reforms.

Findings

Pilot experiments are expected to provide feedback on the main difficulties felt in the implementation of a new PSA system, helping to define a global strategy to overcome those problems and to improve the system to be generally and finally put into practice. Nevertheless, entities seem to find it important to be pilots, more for individual advantages than for the common benefit of the reform as a whole. Therefore, in order for them to actually be important actors in the reform process, pilots need to be included in the decision process, better realizing the benefits of the new IPSAS-based system and be provided with the proper technical, human and financial support.

Research limitations/implications

This research suffers from some limitations, namely concerning the use of questionnaires. The findings may, in some points, reflect the perceptions of the respondents and not the actual reality. Additionally, the respondents were not asked about any personal background factors, which may influence their answers. Also, they did not allow relating the new PSA system features with the way pilot entities (re)acted. In regard to the implications for practice, the study points to a need for decision-makers and external support bodies to work more closely with pilot entities in the overall design and implementation of PSA reforms. Pilot entities need to understand the importance and usefulness of changes, and reform authorities need to better recognize their institutional reality and the support they require. Only in this way, the use of pilots can make a difference in the implementation of PSA innovations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to theory by adding to a better understanding of the role of the ones acting in the development and implementation of PSA innovations, enlightening on how pilot entities can act/react. Despite several studies on PSA reforms, very few so far have addressed pilot entities in particular, their attitude and actual contribution toward PSA reforms, and why. The case of Portugal as a frontrunner in adopting an IPSAS-based system within the EU helps contribute to that understanding in the setting of European countries.
Vibration measurement of a cutting tool using root-embedded PZT sensor
Authors: Haddad Adli B. , Al-Bedoor Bassem O.F.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In this paper, a vibration measuring technique that relies on the use of piezoelectric material and is originally developed to measure the vibration of turbine blade is adopted to measure the vibration of cutting tool in turning. The piezoelectric material is embedded at the root of the cutting tool. The scope of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using this technique by first conducting ANSYS simulation to solve the coupled field equations that govern the piezoelectric phenomenon followed by experimental work to compare the measured data with those obtained by conventional method to have an insight into the effectiveness of the adopted technique. Both simulation and experimental results show that the use of an embedded PZT sensor at the root of cutting tool is very useful for measuring vibration and can be used for further cutting operation control. In addition, it has captured more information than conventional vibration measurement techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Vibration measurement of root-embedded PZT material to convert the dynamic cutting forces into vibration signals that can be used in cutting process optimization and improvement of cutting quality.

Findings

PZT material is found to be very responsive to high-frequency vibrations such that it can catch Chatter phenomena and can be used in developing control strategies.

Research limitations/implications

Mainly used for turning cutting process in this research. Other manufacturing process like milling special tool holder designs.

Practical implications

Can be used as online monitoring systems for cutting tool holders.

Social implications

Engineer and technician aid in quality assurance and control.

Originality/value

The new approach of embedding PZT material at the cutting tool root and the signals presentation and processing.
A new product development of the iOS-based ordering systems for smart cities
Authors: Chang Victor , Liddle James , Xu Qianwen Ariel , Liu Ben S.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper describes the process of creating a retail ordering application and aims to see how to achieve this through an IDE (integrated development environment) and back-end services for smart cities. The main goals are: allow a user to create an account, allow an admin user to edit or delete an order, create a database of products, test the application and replace the current ordering system, such as a desktop-based application, with a mobile-first approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Scrum method, this paper tries to develop the retail ordering application that can be used on an iOS device, such as an iPhone. Before the application design, the issues related to the software design will be researched and justified.

Findings

The proposed application has been created, and the objectives which were proposed have been met in terms of creating a user account and registering it with the database, using this to log in to the application, creating orders by taking the customer and product details and been able to view and edit these through another admin account for smart cities.

Practical implications

For customers, the mobile-based ordering system makes their shopping experience more convenient and easier. For the business, the staff's work can be more efficient, and companies are able to reduce their expenses. For the new software developers, this work demonstrated the process of creating a retail ordering application from scratch.

Originality/value

This work will be of great value to the customers, retail business as well as the new software developers. In order to establish sustainable cities and provide high-quality life to the citizens, the concept of “smart” has been widely used in urban construction. This paper contributes to the smart city area by creating a retail ordering application based on the iOS system.
Is temporal leadership always beneficial? The role of job passion and synchrony preference
Authors: Xiao Huan , Zhang Zhenduo , Zhang Li
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between temporal leadership and employees' innovative behavior while considering the competitive mediators of harmonious and obsessive passions in work situations, along with the moderating role of synchrony preference.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights from the literature and affective events theory (AET) underpin the hypotheses on whether and how temporal leadership would affect employees' innovative behavior. A total of 365 responses were received, and 336 questionnaires were considered for the analysis. This paper examined the whole model through a path analysis using Mplus 7.4.

Findings

The results indicated the significant effect of temporal leadership on innovative behavior through harmonious passion which is moderated by synchrony preference, such that the positive effects are stronger when employee's synchrony preference is higher.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on temporal management by examining the path of temporal leadership→ job passion→ innovative behavior to deepen knowledge of how temporal leadership may impact employees' innovative behavior. This paper also proposed a collaborative model related to temporal leadership and the synchronization of employees, providing a powerful explanation for the boundary conditions of temporal leadership.
Advancement of food‐derived mixed protein systems: Interactions, aggregations, and functional properties
Authors: Wu Chao , Wang Tao , Ren Chao , Ma Wuchao , Wu Di , Xu Xianbing , Wang Li‐Shu , Du Ming
Published: December 2020

Recently, interests in binary protein systems have been developed considerably ascribed to the sustainability, environment‐friendly, rich in nutrition, low cost, and tunable mechanical properties of these systems. However, the molecular coalition is challenged by the complex mechanisms of interaction, aggregation, gelation, and emulsifying of the mixed system in which another protein is introduced. To overcome these fundamental difficulties and better modulate the structural and functional properties of binary systems, efforts have been steered to gain basic information regarding the underlying dynamics, theories, and physicochemical characteristics of mixed systems. Therefore, the present review provides an overview of the current studies on the behaviors of proteins in such systems and highlights shortcomings and future challenges when applied in scientific fields.
Are psychiatric disorders associated with thyroid hormone therapy in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Eckert Alexander , Galler Angela , Papsch Matthias , Hess Melanie , Holder Martin , Döing Carsten , Bierkamp‐Christophersen Dirk , Hammer Elke , Pappa Angeliki , Lanzinger Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Background

To evaluate the association between thyroid autoimmunity and psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, eating disorder, schizophrenia or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder) among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes (11‐25 years).

Methods

We compared 9368 type 1 diabetes patients with thyroid autoimmunity (3789 of them treated with levothyroxine) with 62 438 type 1 diabetes patients without any thyroid disease from a multicentre diabetes patient follow‐up registry (DPV) in terms of psychiatric disorders. Thyroid autoimmunity was defined as documented diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis or positive antibodies against thyroid peroxidase or thyroglobulin. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios for the respective psychiatric disorders in type 1 diabetes patients with thyroid autoimmunity (overall and stratified by levothyroxine therapy) compared to type 1 diabetes patients without thyroid diseases (reference).

Results

Of the 9368 patients with thyroid autoimmunity, 62% were female with a median (Q1‐Q3) age of 16.3 (14.2‐17.6) years. Thyroid autoimmunity (with or without levothyroxine therapy) revealed a slight, but significant higher chance for depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19, 1.52), eating disorder (OR, 1.25, CI, 1.03, 1.51), attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR, 1.22, CI, 1.07, 1.39) and schizophrenia (OR, 1.63, CI, 1.04, 2.56). In individuals with prescribed levothyroxine therapy because of thyroid dysfunction significantly higher odds for depression (OR, 1.63, CI, 1.34, 1.99), anxiety (OR, 1.60, CI, 1.18, 2.18), and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR, 1.71, CI, 1.38, 2.12) were observed compared to reference. Thyroid autoimmunity without required levothyroxine therapy revealed no differences to the reference group.

Conclusions

Patients on levothyroxine had significantly higher odds for psychiatric disorders, but thyroid autoimmunity in terms of high antibody levels only did not show higher odds for any psychiatric disorder.
Policing the Organizational Threat in Morocco: Protest and Public Violence in Liberal Autocracies
Authors: Berman Chantal E.
Published: December 2020

As a prominent form of state violence against civilians, protest policing represents the type of coercion that “liberal” autocrats seek to minimize. Departing from aggregate notions of “mass threat” that dominate studies of authoritarian response to contention, this article develops an event‐level model of protest policing centering the role of social movement organizations in shaping elite threat perceptions and, hence, the likelihood that protests will face state violence. More than public protest per se, I argue that liberal autocrats fear the rise of autonomous, national‐level organizations capable of providing unregulated channels for citizen claim‐making. Having forsworn the ability to control which networks become active as social movement organizations, liberal autocrats use protest policing to dissuade citizens from mobilizing with autonomous organizations and to protect the near‐monopoly of embedded organizations over contention. I illustrate these arguments with unique protest event data from Morocco. I draw implications for the durability of liberalized regimes.
High‐resolution mollusc record from the Mituchovci tufa (western Slovakia): a reference for the Holocene succession of Western Carpathian mid‐elevation forests
Authors: Frodlová Jitka , Horsák Michal
Published: December 2020

The Western Carpathian Mountains have been attracting palaeoecologists for a long time, recently mainly to seek direct evidence of northern cryptic refugia in this region. We investigated a rich Holocene mollusc record in the White Carpathian Mountains, capturing a gradual development of forest malacofaunas under stable environmental conditions. To obtain precise data about colonization and extinction events for particular species, we applied a high‐resolution depth‐age model. Early Holocene assemblages revealed both the presence of Early Holocene relics and an early appearance of closed‐canopy forest species that might indicate a cryptic glacial refugium nearby. Many forest species peaking at the Holocene forest optimum, including anthropophobic arboricole land snails (Bulgarica cana and Macrogastra borealis), were present since the Early Holocene as well. After 4000 cal. a BP, forest vegetation composition changed, and the environment became less suitable for woodland snails (i.e. calcium and moisture level decreased). This change was indicated by the disappearance of many sensitive forest species. Most of the exclusively forest species reappeared during the early Middle Ages because of dense beech forest development. However, in the late Middle Ages, the study site was deforested and became an open wetland. The existence of pollen, plant macro‐remains, and stable isotope data allowed us to compare the recorded mollusc succession to the signal derived from these proxies. Hence, we propose that the Mituchovci site should be considered a model for the Holocene development of mollusc woodland faunas in the (Outer) Western Carpathians and one of the main reference sites for central European mollusc succession.
Planning the oral health workforce: Time for innovation
Authors: Birch Stephen , Ahern Susan , Brocklehurst Paul , Chikte Usuf , Gallagher Jennifer , Listl Stefan , Lalloo Ratilal , O'Malley Lucy , Rigby Janet , Tickle Martin , Tomblin Murphy Gail , Woods Noel
Published: December 2020

The levels and types of oral health problems occurring in populations change over time, while advances in technology change the way oral health problems are addressed and the ways care is delivered. These rapid changes have major implications for the size and mix of the oral health workforce, yet the methods used to plan the oral health workforce have remained rigid and isolated from planning of oral healthcare services and healthcare expenditures. In this paper, we argue that the innovation culture that has driven major developments in content and delivery of oral health care must also be applied to planning the oral health workforce if we are to develop ‘fit for purpose’ healthcare systems that meet the needs of populations in the 21st century. An innovative framework for workforce planning is presented focussed on responding to changes in population needs, service developments for meeting those needs and optimal models of care delivery.
The anatomy of Britain's interwar super‐rich: reconstructing the 1928/9 ‘millionaire’ population†
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: December 2020

This article examines the composition of Britain's `millionaire’ population during the late 1920s and early 1930s, based on data for living millionaires (in contrast to previous studies, which have focused on wealth at death). Using tabulated data compiled by the Inland Revenue for all persons on incomes over £50,000 per annum, it explores the factor incomes of Britain's millionaire population and their main sources of income, by sector. It then analyses a unique individual‐level data set of British millionaires, compiled by the Inland Revenue for the 1928/9 tax year, to show their sectoral and geographical composition. Most millionaires are shown to be `businesspeople’ rather than rentiers, while landed millionaires represented only a small proportion of the total. Businesspeople millionaires are shown to be disproportionately active in a relatively narrow range of sectors, the common characteristic of which was the potential to generate abnormal profits, mainly through cartelization or amalgamation. Thus, rather than revealing the sectors most important to national wealth, or competitive advantage, the clustering of millionaires primarily reflects rising barriers to competition in interwar Britain and the abnormal profits they generated.
Safety and efficacy of empagliflozin in elderly Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A post hoc analysis of data from the SACRA study
Authors: Okada Kenta , Hoshide Satoshi , Kato Mitsutoshi , Kanegae Hiroshi , Ishibashi Shun , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2020

Elderly diabetic patients are likely to have uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension, which confers higher risks of cardiovascular events and heart failure. To investigate the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), a sub‐analysis was performed of data from the SGLT2 inhibitor and Angiotensin receptor blocker Combination theRapy in pAtients with diabetes and uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension (SACRA) study, a multi‐center, double‐blind, randomized, parallel study of T2DM patients who were treated with empagliflozin for 12 weeks. In the present analysis, we compared efficacy and safety outcomes in participants aged <75 and ≥75 years. At baseline, 44 participants were ≥75 years and 87 were <75 years. Nighttime ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by 4.2 mm Hg in the ≥75‐year‐old group and by 7.9 mm Hg in the <75‐year‐old group (p = .884 for the between‐age group difference in the change between baseline and week 12) [primary endpoint]. Empagliflozin, but not placebo, significantly reduced mean 24‐h SBP (−8.7 mm Hg in ≥75‐year‐olds vs. −11.0 mm Hg in <75‐year‐olds) and daytime SBP (−10.8 mm Hg in ≥ 75‐year‐olds vs. −12.3 mm Hg in <75‐year‐olds) between baseline and week 12, with no significant differences between the groups. In addition, there were significant reductions in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and uric acid during 12 weeks of empagliflozin treatment in the two age groups. The incidences of hypoglycemic episodes, hypotension, and metabolic adverse events were similar in the two groups. Thus, empagliflozin was effective and well tolerated in elderly diabetic patients with uncontrolled nocturnal hypertension when administered for 12 weeks.
Genome‐wide data mining to construct a competing endogenous RNA network and reveal the pivotal therapeutic targets of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Ruiying , Shi Fan , Yang Pan , Sun Kun , Yang Xiaojing , Jin Yulan
Published: December 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative movement disorders, for which there has been no effective treatments. To clarify the pathogenesis of PD, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network based on the genome‐wide RNA sequencing data. It was found that 92 RNAs were differentially expressed, including 50 mRNAs, 25 miRNAs and 17 lncRNAs, based on which a ceRNA network was constructed and evaluated from 4 aspects of number of nodes, topological coefficients, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality. The functional annotation and enrichment analysis suggested that 6 functional modules, particularly the peripheral nervous system development and toxin metabolic process, dominated the development of PD. To validate the assumption, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted basing on the genome‐wide RNAs regardless whether they were differentially expressed or not. Consistently, the results revealed that dysregulation of MAG, HOXB3, MYRF and PLP1 led to metabolic disorders of sphingolipid and glutathione, which contributed to the pathogenesis of PD. Also, in‐depth mining of previous literature confirmed a pivotal role of these dysregulated RNAs, which had been indicated to be potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of PD. Overall, we constructed a ceRNA network based on the dysregulated mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs in PD, and the aberrant expression of MAG, HOXB3, MYRF and PLP1 caused metabolism disorder of sphingolipid and glutathione, and these genes are of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of PD.
T and B cell Epitope analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein based on immunoinformatics and experimental research
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Ruan Pinglang , Wang Lili , Nie Xinmin , Ma Xuejun , Tan Yurong
Published: December 2020

COVID‐19 caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is pandemic with a severe morbidity and mortality rate across the world. Despite the race for effective vaccine and drug against further expansion and fatality rate of this novel coronavirus, there is still lack of effective antiviral therapy. To this effect, we deemed it necessary to identify potential B and T cell epitopes from the envelope S protein. This can be used as potential targets to develop anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine preparations. In this study, we used immunoinformatics to identify conservative B and T cell epitopes for S proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2, which might play roles in the initiation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We identified the B cell and T cell peptide epitopes of S protein and their antigenicity, as well as the interaction between the peptide epitopes and human leucocyte antigen (HLA). Among the B cell epitopes, ‘EILDITPCSFGGVS’ has the highest score of antigenicity and great immunogenicity. In T cell epitopes, MHC‐I peptide ‘KIADYNYKL’ and MHC‐II peptide ‘LEILDITPC’ were identified as high antigens. Besides, docking analysis showed that the predicted peptide ‘KIADYNYKL’ was closely bound to the HLA‐A*0201. The results of molecular dynamics simulation through GROMACS software showed that ‘HLA‐A*0201~peptide’ complex was very stable. And the peptide we selected could induce the T cell response similar to that of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Moreover, the predicted peptides were highly conserved in different isolates from different countries. The antigenic epitopes presumed in this study were effective new vaccine targets to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.