bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C. elegansenteric motor neurons fire synchronized action potentials underlying the defecation motor program
Authors: Jiang Jingyuan , Su Yifan , Zhang Ruilin , Li Haiwen , Tao Louis , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2021

TheC. elegansnervous system was thought to be strictly analog, constituted solely by graded neurons. We recently discovered neuronal action potentials in the sensory neuron AWA; however, the extent to which theC. elegansnervous system relies on analog or digital neural signaling and coding is unclear. Here we report that the enteric motor neurons AVL and DVB fire all-or-none calcium-mediated action potentials that play essential roles in the rhythmic defecation behavior inC. elegans. Both AVL and DVB synchronously fire giant action potentials to faithfully execute all-or-none expulsion following the intestinal pacemaker. AVL fires unusual compound action potentials with each positive calcium-mediated spike followed by a potassium-mediated negative spike. The depolarizing calcium spikes in AVL are mediated by a CaV2 calcium channel UNC-2, while the negative potassium spikes are mediated by a repolarization-activated potassium channel EXP-2. Whole-body behavior tracking and simultaneous neural imaging in free-moving animals suggest that action potentials initiated in AVL in the head propagate along its axon to the tail and activate DVB through the INX-1 gap junction. Synchronized action potential spikes between AVL and DVB, as well as the negative spike and long-lasting afterhyperpolarization in AVL, play an important function in executing expulsion behavior. This work provides the first evidence that in addition to sensory coding,C. elegansmotor neurons also use digital coding scheme to perform specific functions including long-distance communication and temporal synchronization, suggesting further, unforeseen electrophysiological diversity remains to be discovered in theC. elegansnervous system.
The Lambda variant of SARS-CoV-2 has a better chance than the Delta variant to escape vaccines
Authors: Liu Haolin , Wei Pengcheng , Zhang Qianqian , Aviszus Katja , Linderberger Jared , Yang John , Liu Junfeng , Chen Zhongzhou , Waheed Hassan , Reynoso Lyndon , Downey Gregory P. , Frankel Stephen K. , Kappler John , Marrack Philippa , Zhang Gongyi
Published: August 2021

The newly emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 from India (Delta variant) and South America (Lambda variant) have led to a higher infection rate of either vaccinated or unvaccinated people. We found that sera from Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine remain high reactivity toward the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Delta variant while it drops dramatically toward that of Lambda variant. Interestingly, the overall titer of antibodies of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinated individuals drops 3-fold after 6 months, which could be one of major reasons for breakthrough infections, emphasizing the importance of potential third boost shot. While a therapeutic antibody, Bamlanivimab, decreases binding affinity to Delta variant by ~20 fold, it fully lost binding to Lambda variant. Structural modeling of complexes of RBD with human receptor, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), and Bamlanivimab suggest the potential basis of the change of binding. The data suggest possible danger and a potential surge of Lambda variant in near future.
The Specious Art of Single-Cell Genomics
Authors: Chari Tara , Pachter Lior
Published: August 2021

Dimensionality reduction is standard practice for filtering noise and identifying relevant features in large-scale data analyses. In biology, single-cell genomics studies typically begin with reduction to two or three dimensions to produce ‘all-in-one’ visuals of the data that are amenable to the human eye, and these are subsequently used for qualitative and quantitative exploratory analysis. However, there is little theoretical support for this practice, and we show that extreme dimension reduction, from hundreds or thousands of dimensions to two, inevitably induces significant distortion of high-dimensional datasets. We therefore examine the practical implications of low-dimensional embedding of single-cell data, and find that extensive distortions and inconsistent practices make such embeddings counter-productive for exploratory, biological analyses. In lieu of this, we discuss alternative approaches for conducting targeted embedding and feature exploration, to enable hypothesis-driven biological discovery.
The PH/MyTH4/FERM molecule MAX-1 inhibits UNC-5 activity in regulation of VD growth cone protrusion in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mahadik Snehal S. , Lundquist Erik A.
Published: August 2021

UNC-6/Netrin is a secreted conserved guidance cue that regulates dorsal-ventral axon guidance of C. elegans and in the vertebral spinal cord. In the polarity/protrusion model of VD growth cone guidance away from ventrally-expressed UNC-6 (repulsion), UNC-6 first polarizes the growth cone via the UNC-5 receptor such that filopodial protrusions are biased dorsally. UNC-6 then regulates a balance of protrusion in the growth cone based upon this polarity. UNC-5 inhibits protrusion ventrally, and the UNC-6 receptor UNC-40/DCC stimulates protrusion dorsally, resulting in net dorsal growth cone outgrowth. UNC-5 inhibits protrusion through the flavin monooxygenases FMO-1, 4, and 5 and possible actin destabilization, and inhibits pro-protrusive microtubule entry into the growth cone utilizing UNC-33/CRMP. The PH/MyTH4/FERM myosin-like protein was previously shown to act with UNC-5 in VD axon guidance utilizing axon guidance endpoint analysis. Here, we analyzed the effects of MAX-1 on VD growth cone morphology during outgrowth. We found that max-1 mutant growth cones were smaller and less protrusive than wild-type, the opposite of the unc-5 mutant phenotype. Furthermore, genetic interactions suggest that MAX-1 might normally inhibit UNC-5 activity, such that in a max-1 mutant growth cone, UNC-5 is overactive. Our results, combined with previous studies suggesting that MAX-1 might regulate UNC-5 levels in the cell or plasma membrane localization, suggest that MAX-1 attenuates UNC-5 signaling by regulating UNC-5 stability or trafficking. In summary, in the context of growth cone protrusion, MAX-1 inhibits UNC-5, demonstrating the mechanistic insight that can be gained by analyzing growth cones during outgrowth in addition to axon guidance endpoint analysis.
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae redox recycling of protein thiols promotes resistance to oxidative killing and bacterial survival in biofilms in a smoke related infection model
Authors: Hunt Benjamin C. , Xu Xin , Gaggar Amit , Swords W. Edward
Published: August 2021

Smoke exposure is a risk factor for community acquired pneumonia, which is typically caused by host adapted opportunists like nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Genomic analyses of NTHi revealed homologs of enzymes involved in thiol metabolism, which can have key roles in oxidant resistance. Using a clinical NTHi isolate (NTHi 7P49H1), we generated isogenic mutant bacterial strains in which homologs of glutathione reductase (NTHI 0251), thiol peroxidase (NTHI 0361), thiol peroxidase (NTHI 0907), thioredoxin reductase (NTHI 1327) and glutaredoxin/peroxiredoxin (NTHI 0705) were inactivated. Bacterial protein analyses revealed significant increases in protein oxidation after oxidative stress for all the mutant strains. Similarly, each of these mutants were less resistant to oxidative killing compared with the parental strain; these phenotypes were reversed by genetic complementation. Quantitative confocal analysis of biofilms showed reducted biofilm thickness and density, and significant sensitization of bacteria within the biofilm structure to oxidative killing for thiol mutant strains. Smoke-exposed mice infected with NTHi 7P49H1 showed significantly increased lung bacterial load, as compared to control mice. Immunofluorescent staining of lung tissues showed NTHi communities on the lung mucosa, interspersed with host neutrophil extracellular traps; these bacteria had surface moieties associated with the Hi biofilm matrix, and transcript profiles consistent with NTHi biofilms. In contrast, infection with the panel of NTHi mutants showed significant decrease in lung bacterial load. Comparable results were observed in bactericidal assays with neutrophil extracellular traps in vitro. Thus, we conclude that thiol mediated redox homeostasis promotes persistence of NTHi within biofilm communities.

Importance

Chronic bacterial respiratory infections are a significant problem for smoke exposed individuals, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These infections often persist despite antibiotic use. Thus, the bacteria remain and contribute to the development of inflammation and other respiratory problems. Respiratory bacteria often form biofilms within the lungs, while growing in a biofilm their antibiotic and oxidative stress resistance is incredibly heightened. It is well documented that redox homeostasis genes are upregulated during this phase of growth. Many common respiratory pathogens such as NTHi and Streptococcus pneumoniae are reliant on scavenging from the host the necessary components they need to maintain these redox systems. This work here begins to lay down the foundation for exploiting this requirement and thiol redox homeostasis pathways of these bacteria as a therapeutic target for managing chronic respiratory bacterial infections, which are resistant to traditional antibiotic treatments alone.
Long-term immunogenicity of BNT162b2 vaccination in the elderly and in younger health care workers
Authors: Tober-Lau Pinkus , Schwarz Tatjana , Vanshylla Kanika , Hillus David , Gruell Henning ,   EICOV/COVIM Study Group, Suttorp Norbert , Landgraf Irmgard , Kappert Kai , Seybold Joachim , Drosten Christian , Klein Florian , Kurth Florian , Corman Victor Max , Sander Leif Erik
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 is highly immunogenic and effective, but recent studies have indicated waning anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses over time. Increasing infection rates has led authorities in several countries to initiate booster campaigns for vulnerable populations, including the elderly. However, the durability of vaccine-induced immunity in the elderly is currently unknown. Here, we describe interim results of a prospective cohort study comparing immune responses in a cohort of vaccinated elderly persons to those in healthcare workers (HCW), measured six months after first immunisation with BNT162b2. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1-, full Spike- and RBD-IgG seropositivity rates and IgG levels at six months were significantly lower in the elderly compared to HCW. Serum neutralization of Delta VOC measured by pseudovirus neutralisation test was detectable in 43/71 (60.6%, 95%CI: 48.9-71.1) in the elderly cohort compared to 79/83 in the HCW cohort (95.2%, 95%CI: 88.3-98.1) at six months post vaccination. Consistent with the overall lower antibody levels, SARS-CoV-2-S1 T cell reactivity was reduced in the elderly compared to HCW (261.6 mIU/ml, IQR:141.5-828.6 vs 1198.0 mIU/ml, IQR: 593.9-2533.6, p<0.0001).

Collectively, these findings suggest that the established two-dose vaccination regimen elicits less durable immune responses in the elderly compared to young adults. Given the recent surge in hospitalisations, even in countries with high vaccination rates such as Israel, the current data may support booster vaccinations of the elderly. Further studies to determine long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in high-risk populations and the safety and effectiveness of additional boosters are needed.
Hydroxylation of Actin Impairs Cell Motility Through Blocking its’ Histidine Methylation
Authors: Zi Zhenzhen , Yuan Lin , Ding Qing , Kim Chiho , Wang Xu-dong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yu Yonghao
Published: August 2021

Protein hydroxylation is a post translational modification happens on various amino acids, which is catalyzed by the oxoglutarate and oxygen dependent dioxygenases. The best characterized hydroxylated protein is the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), which is degraded by VHL/elongin C/elongin B/cullin 2/RBX1 (VCB/CR) E3 complex under normal oxygen conditions. Hypoxia or inhibitors (including FG4592 and MK8617) of PHDs stabilize HIF1a and regulate its downstream targets. Prolyl hydroxylase, including PHD2 and PHD3 has been reported in regulating actin polymerization and cell motility. Here, we found MK8617 regulated cell motility in Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) dependent manner. Through the protein hydroxylation proteome experiment upon MK8617 treatment, we identified Pro70 in actin could be hydroxylated and near to His73, which has been reported be methylated and stabilize actin polymerization. Using biochemical assay, we found that binding of VHL with hydroxylated actin (Pro70) decrease the His73 methylation by blocking the interaction of actin with SETD3, the His73 methyltransferase, and further regulated actin polymerization and cell motility. In summary, our study revealed that hypoxia and deficiencies in the VHL, in a HIF independent and prolyl hydroxylation dependent manner, regulate actin polymerization and cell motility through the PTM (Post Translational Modifications) crosstalk.
Health assessment of the pink land iguana,Conolophus marthae
Authors: Gentile Gabriele , Colosimo Giuliano , Vera Carlos A. , Gerber Glenn P. , Westermeyer Hans , Sevilla Christian , Lewbart Gregory A.
Published: August 2021

The pink land iguana,Conolophus marthae, is one of four species of iguanas (three terrestrial and one marine) in the Galápagos Islands, and the only one listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. The species can only be found on the north-west slopes of the highest volcano on the island of Isabela and was first described to science in 2009. As part of a population telemetry study, a health assessment was authorized by the Galápagos National Park. Wild adult iguanas were captured on Wolf Volcano in September 2019 and April 2021 to record morphological and physiological parameters including body temperature, heart rate, body measurements, intraocular pressures, tear formation, and infrared iris images. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed. An i-STAT portable blood analyzer was used to obtain values for base excess in the extracellular fluid compartment (BEECF), glucose, hematocrit, hemoglobin, ionized calcium (iCa), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), percent oxygen saturation (sO2%), pH, potassium (K), and sodium (Na). Standard laboratory hematology techniques were employed for packed-cell-volume (PCV) determination. When possible, data were compared to previously published and available data for the other Galápagos iguanas. The results reported here provide baseline values that may be useful in detecting changes in health status among pink land iguanas affected by climate change, invasive species, anthropogenic threats, or natural disturbances.
Relationship between bacterial phylotype and specialized metabolite production in the culturable microbiome of two freshwater sponges
Authors: Clark Chase M. , Hernandez Antonio , Mullowney Michael W. , Fitz-Henley Jhewelle , Li Emma , Romanowski Sean B. , Pronzato Roberto , Manconi Renata , Murphy Brian T.
Published: August 2021

Microbial drug discovery programs rely heavily on accessing bacterial diversity from the environment to acquire new specialized metabolite (SM) lead compounds for the therapeutic pipeline. Therefore, knowledge of how certain bacterial taxa are distributed in nature, in addition to the degree of variation of SM production within those taxa, is critical to informing these front-end discovery efforts and making the overall sample collection and bacterial library creation process more efficient. In the current study we employed MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and the bioinformatics pipeline IDBac to analyze diversity within phylotype groupings and SM profiles of hundreds of bacterial isolates from two Eunapius fragilis freshwater sponges, collected 1.5 km apart. We demonstrated that within two sponge samples of the same species, the culturable bacterial populations contained significant overlap in approximate genus-level phylotypes but mostly non-overlapping populations of isolates when grouped lower than the level of genus. Further, correlations between bacterial phylotype and SM production varied at the species level and below, suggesting SM distribution within bacterial taxa must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Our results suggest that two E. fragilis freshwater sponges collected in similar environments can exhibit large culturable diversity on a species-level scale, thus researchers should scrutinize the isolates with analyses that take both phylogeny and SM production into account in order to optimize the chemical space entering into a downstream bacterial library.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa differentiates substrate rigidity using retraction of type IV pili
Authors: Koch Matthias D. , Han Endao , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Gitai Zemer
Published: August 2021

The ability of eukaryotic cells to differentiate substrate stiffness is fundamental for many processes such as the development of stem cells into mature tissue. Here, we establish that bacteria feel their microenvironment in a similar manner. We show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa actively probes and measures substrate stiffness using type IV pili (TFP). The activity of the major virulence factor regulator Vfr is peaked with stiffness in a physiologically important range between 0.1 kPa (mucus) and 1000 kPa (cartilage). The local concentration of PilA at the base of dynamic TFP changes during extension and retraction in a surface dependent manner due to slow PilA diffusion in the cell membrane. Traction force measurements reveal that TFP retraction deforms even stiff substrates. Modeling of the measured substrate deformation and optical tweezers experiments suggest that TFP adhere at the tip only. Informed by these experimental results, we developed a model that describes substrate stiffness dependent dynamics of the polar PilA concentration which are quantitatively consistent with the transcriptional response to stiffness. Manipulating the ATPase activity of the TFP motors changes the TFP extension and retraction velocities and consequently the PilA concentration dynamics in a manner that is predictive of the experimental stiffness response. This work points to the use of a competition between PilA diffusion and TFP extension-retraction as a molecular shear rheometer. Our results highlight that stiffness sensing is a conserved property between the kingdoms of life.
Leaked genomic and mitochondrial DNA contribute to the host response to noroviruses in a STING-dependent manner
Authors: Jahun Aminu S. , Sorgeloos Frederic , Chaudhry Yasmin , Arthur Sabastine E. , Hosmillo Myra , Georgana Iliana , Izuagbe Rhys , Goodfellow Ian G.
Published: August 2021

The cGAS-STING pathway is central to the IFN response against DNA viruses. However, recent studies are increasingly demonstrating its role in the restriction of some RNA viruses. Here we show that the cGAS-STING pathway also contributes to the IFN response against noroviruses, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that are now one of the most common causes of infectious gastroenteritis world-wide. We show a significant reduction in IFN-β induction and a corresponding increase in viral replication in norovirus-infected cells following STING inhibition, knockdown or deletion. Upstream of STING, we show that cells lacking either cGAS or IFI16 also have severely impaired IFN responses. Further, we demonstrate that immunostimulatory host genome-derived DNA, and to a lesser extent mitochondrial DNA, accumulate in the cytosol of norovirus-infected cells. And lastly, overexpression of the viral NS4 protein was sufficient to drive the accumulation of cytosolic DNA. Together, our data elucidate a role for cGAS, IFI16 and STING in the restriction of noroviruses, and demonstrate for the first time the utility of host genomic DNA as a damage-associated molecular pattern in cells infected with an RNA virus.

Highlights

cGAS, IFI16 and STING are required for a robust IFN response against noroviruses

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA accumulate in the cytosols of infected cells

Viral NS4 mediates accumulation of cytosolic DNA
Variation in synonymous nucleotide composition among genomes of sarbecoviruses and consequences for the origin of COVID-19
Authors: Hassanin Alexandre
Published: August 2021

The subgenus Sarbecovirus includes two human viruses, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, respectively responsible for the SARS epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic, as well as many bat viruses and two pangolin viruses.

Here, the synonymous nucleotide composition (SNC) of Sarbecovirus genomes was analysed by examining third codon-positions, dinucleotides, and degenerate codons. The results show evidence for the eigth following groups: (i) SARS-CoV related coronaviruses (SCoVrC including many bat viruses from China), (ii) SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses (SCoV2rC; including five bat viruses from Cambodia, Thailand and Yunnan), (iii) pangolin viruses, (iv) three bat viruses showing evidence of recombination between SCoVrC and SCoV2rC genomes, (v) two highly divergent bat viruses from Yunnan, (vi) the bat virus from Japan, (vii) the bat virus from Bulgaria, and (viii) the bat virus from Kenya. All these groups can be diagnosed by specific nucleotide compositional features except the one concerned by recombination between SCoVrC and SCoV2rC. In particular, SCoV2rC genomes are characterised by the lowest percentages of cyosine and highest percentages of uracil at third codon-positions, whereas the genomes of pangolin viruses exhibit the highest percentages of adenine at third codon-positions. I suggest that latitudinal and taxonomic differences in the imbalanced nucleotide pools available in host cells during viral replication can explain the seven groups of SNC here detected among Sarbecovirus genomes. A related effect due to hibernating bats is also considered. I conclude that the two independent host switches from Rhinolophus bats to pangolins resulted in convergent mutational constraints and that SARS-CoV-2 emerged directly from a horseshoe bat virus.
An Algorithm to Quantify Inducible Protein Condensates In Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Hunn Jeremy C. , Hutchinson Katherine M. , Kelley Joshua B. , Reines Daniel
Published: August 2021

Reorganization of cellular proteins into subcellular compartments, such as the rearrangement of RNA-binding proteins into cytoplasmic stress granules and P-bodies, is a well-recognized, widely studied physiological process currently under intense investigation. Using the assembly of a novel, inducible, nuclear granule formed from the yeast RNA-binding transcription termination factors Nab3 and Nrd1, we present a freely-accessible, high-throughput and unbiased algorithm written in MATLAB that detects and measures protein distribution, partitioning, and sequestration into subcellular compartments captured by fluorescence microscopy; an invaluable advancement to current image analysis methods which utilize experiment-specific custom scripts or subjective manual counting. Employing our algorithm, we quantified thousands of cells, ensuring rigorous examination of Nab3 granule formation across strains with reproducible statistical analyses. We document strain differences in Nab3 granule formation and an associated growth defect. Additionally, we applied our algorithm to immunofluorescent images of the inducible polymerization into filaments of an enzyme in human cells, demonstrating the algorithm’s versatility and adaptability.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

We describe a computational tool that enables the quantification of protein condensation during assembly of a subnuclear compartment. The algorithm scores assembly of fluorescently tagged proteins in yeast or human cells.
Identification of novel BDNF-specific corticostriatal circuitries
Authors: Ehinger Yann , Soneja Drishti , Phamluong Khanhky , Salvi Alexandra , Ron Dorit
Published: August 2021

BDNF is released from axon terminals originating in the cerebral cortex onto striatal neurons. Here, we characterized BDNF neurons in the corticostriatal circuitry. First, we utilizedBDNF-Cre and Ribotag transgenic mouse lines to label BDNF-positive neurons in the cortex and detectedBDNFexpression in all the subregions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Next, we used a retrograde viral tracing strategy, in combination withBDNF-Cre knockin mice, to map the cortical outputs of BDNF neurons in the dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum (DMS and DLS). We found thatBDNF-expressing neurons located in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) project mainly to the DMS, and those located in the primary and secondary motor cortices (M1 and M2) and agranular insular cortex (AI) project mainly to the DLS. In contrast,BDNF-expressing orbitofrontal cortical (OFC) neurons differentially target the dorsal striatum (DS) depending on their mediolateral and rostrocaudal location. Specifically, the DMS is mainly innervated by the medial and ventral part of the orbitofrontal cortex (MO and VO) whereas the DLS receives projections specifically from the lateral part of the OFC (LO). Together, our study uncovers previously unknown BDNF corticostriatal circuitries. These findings could have important implications for the role of BDNF signaling in corticostriatal pathways.

Significance Statement

BDNF is released in axons upon neuronal depolarization. Surprisingly, careful mapping of BDNF projecting neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) has not been conducted. Using retrograde viral strategies in combination with transgenic mice, we mapped out corticostriatal BDNF circuits. We found that, mPFC BDNF neurons project mainly to the DMS whereas the motor cortex and AI project to the DLS. BDNF neurons in the OFC are anatomically segregated. Whereas the DMS receives BDNF-positive projections from the VO, the DLS mainly receives BDNF-positive projections from the LO. Our findings could be important to the study of BDNF in corticostriatal circuitries.
From Alpha to Zeta: Identifying variants and subtypes of SARS-CoV-2 via clustering
Authors: Melnyk Andrew , Mohebbi Fatemeh , Knyazev Sergey , Sahoo Bikram , Hosseini Roya , Skums Pavel , Zelikovsky Alex , Patterson Murray
Published: August 2021

The availability of millions of SARS-CoV-2 sequences in public databases such as GISAID and EMBL-EBI (UK) allows a detailed study of the evolution, genomic diversity and dynamics of a virus like never before. Here we identify novel variants and sub-types of SARS-CoV-2 by clustering sequences in adapting methods originally designed for haplotyping intra-host viral populations. We asses our results using clustering entropy — the first time it has been used in this context.

Our clustering approach reaches lower entropies compared to other methods, and we are able to boost this even further through gap filling and Monte Carlo based entropy minimization. Moreover, our method clearly identifies the well-known Alpha variant in the UK and GISAID datasets, but is also able to detect the much less represented (< 1% of the sequences) Beta (South Africa), Epsilon (California), Gamma and Zeta (Brazil) variants in the GISAID dataset. Finally, we show that each variant identified has high selective fitness, based on the growth rate of its cluster over time. This demonstrates that our clustering approach is a viable alternative for detecting even rare subtypes in very large datasets.
Adaptation in outbred sexual yeast is repeatable, polygenic, and favors rare haplotypes
Authors: Linder Robert A. , Zabanavar Behzad , Majumder Arundhati , Hoang Hannah Chiao-Shyan , Delgado Vanessa Genesaret , Tran Ryan , La Vy Thoai , Leemans Simon William , Long Anthony D
Published: August 2021

We describe the results of a 200 generation Evolve and Resequence (E&R) study initiated from an outbred dipliod recombined synthetic base population derived from 18 genetically diverse founders. Replicate populations were maintained at large effective population sizes (>105 individuals), exposed to several different chemical challenges over 12 weeks of evolution, and whole-genome resequenced. Weekly forced outcrossing implies a per gene per cell-division recombination rate higher than that achieved in Drosophila E&R studies. In 55 sexual populations we observe large fitness gains and highly repeatable patterns of genome-wide haplotype change within each chemical challenge. There was little evidence for pervasive pleiotropy, as evidenced by patterns of haplotype change between drug treatments. Within treatment adaptation appears highly polygenic with almost the entire genome showing significant consistent haplotype change. Finally, adaptation was almost always associated with only one of the 18 founder alleles, suggesting selection primarily acts on rare variants private to a founder or haplotype blocks harboring multiple mutations. This observation contradicts the notion that adaptation is often due to subtle frequency shifts at intermediate frequency variants.
Effect of the non-ideal axial ratioc/aon anharmonic EXAFS oscillation of h.c.p. crystals
Authors: Tien Tong Sy
Published: August 2021

The temperature and wavenumber dependence of the extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) oscillation of hexagonal close-packed (h.c.p.) crystals have been calculated and analyzed under the effect of the non-ideal axial ratioc/a. The anharmonic EXAFS oscillation is presented in terms of the Debye–Waller factor using the cumulant expansion approach up to the fourth order. An effective calculation model is expanded and developed from the many-body perturbation approach and correlated Debye model using the anharmonic effective potential. This potential, depending on the non-ideal axial ratioc/a, is obtained from the first-shell near-neighbor contribution approach. A suitable analysis procedure is performed by evaluating the influence of EXAFS cumulants on the phase shift and amplitude reduction of the anharmonic EXAFS oscillation. The numerical results for crystalline zinc are found to be in good agreement with those obtained from experiments and other theoretical methods at various temperatures. The obtained results show that the present theoretical model is essential and effective in improving the accuracy for analyzing the experimental data of anharmonic EXAFS signals of h.c.p. crystals with a non-ideal axial ratioc/a.
The Eastern construction of paradoxical cognitive framework and its antecedents: a Yin–Yang balancing perspective
Authors: Yang Yong , Fan Youqing , Jia Jianfeng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In the face of external paradoxical requirements, the cognitive framework of managers and employees use to perceive, interpret and reconstruct information is important to ease anxiety and improve job performance. The Yin-Yang balancing of eastern philosophical thought is particularly good at explaining and predicting changes and conflict environments. For this reason, this study aims to propose the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework based on the Yin-Yang balancing theory and its antecedent framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contrasts the similarity and differences between Chinese and Western philosophy’s thoughts on paradoxes. On this basis, the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework is proposed. Then, the paper puts forward the antecedent framework of managers’ cognitive framework and employees’ paradoxical cognitive framework.

Findings

This paper proposes the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework includes the following three dimensions: the unity-in-diversity of paradoxical elements, the asymmetric balance of paradoxical elements and mutual transformation of paradoxical elements. In addition, this paper proposes an antecedent framework of the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework – the paradoxical requirement of organizational environment exerts a direct impact on managers’ and employees’ paradoxical cognitive framework; managers’ paradoxical cognitive framework has a positive impact on paradoxical leadership; paradoxical leadership exerts an indirect impact on employees’ paradoxical cognitive framework through the collective paradoxical cognitive framework; paradoxical leadership directly affects employees’ paradoxical cognitive framework.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on comparing the similarities and differences of the individual paradoxical cognitive framework in Chinese and Western cultures and proposes the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework and its antecedent framework. Future research needs to further verify the theoretical framework proposed in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper makes a detailed comparison of the paradox views in Chinese and Western philosophy. It is the first to propose the eastern construction of the paradoxical cognitive framework and its antecedent framework, laying a theoretical foundation for future empirical research.
Alone but together: flow experience and its impact on creative output in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®
Authors: Zenk Lukas , Primus Dirk J. , Sonnenburg Stephan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Do LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) workshops result in improved experience of flow components as well as higher levels of creative output than traditional meetings (MEET)? This research studies the extent to which LSP, as a specialized material-mediated and process-oriented cocreative workshop setting, differs from MEET, a traditional workshop setting. Hypotheses for differences in individual flow components (autotelic behavior, happiness, balance), group flow components (equal participation, continuous communication) and creative output were developed and tested in a quasi-experimental comparison between LSP and MEET.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted with 39 practitioners in six teams from various industries. In total, 164 observations were collected during two workshops using the Experience Sampling Method. The creative output was assessed by peer evaluations of all participants, followed by structural analysis and quantitative group comparisons.

Findings

The results show that two components of individual flow experience (autotelic behavior, happiness) were significantly higher in LSP, and one of the components of group flow experience (continuous communication) was, as expected, significantly lower. Regarding creative output, the LSP teams outperformed the MEET teams. The study suggests that a process-oriented setting that includes time for individuals to independently explore their ideas using a different kind of material in the presence of other participants has a significant influence on the team result.

Practical implications

LSP can improve the components of participants' flow experience to have an impact on the creative output of teams. In cocreative settings like LSP, teams benefit from a combination of alone time and high-quality collaborative activities using boundary objects and a clear process to share their ideas.

Originality/value

This is the first quasi-experimental study with management practitioners as participants to compare LSP with a traditional and widespread workshop approach in the context of flow experience and creative output.
Role of artificial intelligence and robotics to foster the touchless travel during a pandemic: a review and research agenda
Authors: Gaur Loveleen , Afaq Anam , Singh Gurmeet , Dwivedi Yogesh Kumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The hospitality industry experienced an unanticipated challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, research in this area is scarce. Accordingly, this study aims to unfold a three-angled research agenda to intensify the knowledge advancement in the hospitality sector. It proposes a theoretical framework by extending the protection motivation theory (PMT) to explain the guest’s intent to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics as a protective measure in reaction to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is centered on outlining the pertinent literature on hospitality management practices and the guest’s transformed behavior during the current crisis. This study intends to identify a research agenda based on investigating hospitality service trends in today’s changing times.

Findings

The study sets out a research agenda that includes three dimensions as follows: AI and robotics, cleanliness and sanitation and health care and wellness. This study’s findings suggest that AI and robotics may bring out definite research directions at the connection of health crisis and hospitality management, taking into account the COVID-19 crisis.

Practical implications

The suggested research areas are anticipated to propel the knowledge base and help the hospitality industry retrieve the COVID-19 crisis through digital transformation. AI and robotics are at the cusp of invaluable advancement that can revive the hotels while re-establish guests’ confidence in safe hotel practices. The proposed research areas are likely to impart pragmatic lessons to the hospitality industry to fight against disruptive situations.

Originality/value

This study stands out to be pioneer research that incorporated AI and robotics to expand the PMT and highlights how behavioral choices during emergencies can bring technological revolution.
The direct and indirect effects of parental trauma on child adjustment for resettled refugees in Australia
Authors: Kara Behice Humeyra , Stuart Jaimee
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Understanding the effects trauma has on refugee parents and consequently, their children, is the first step in interrupting the intergenerational transmission of trauma. This study aims to investigate the impacts of parental exposure to trauma pre-settlement on parent and child reports of developmental difficulties as mediated by parental post-traumatic stress symptomology and harsh parenting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 414 refugee children (age M = 14.04, SD = 2.00; 48.3% female) and their caregivers (age M = 41.78, SD = 5.24, 77% female). The sample was drawn from the Building a New Life in Australia study, a large, representative cohort study of resettled refugees in Australia. Only data collected where both parents and their children could be matched were used in this study.

Findings

Results indicated that trauma was significantly associated with increased parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in all models and was negatively, albeit weakly, associated with lower levels of harsh parenting in the overall model which combined parent and child reports. Trauma also had a weak, positive indirect effect on developmental difficulties via parental PTSD in both the overall model and the model assessing parent-rated developmental difficulties. In all models, harsh parenting was associated with increased developmental difficulties, although harsh parenting did not act as a significant mediator of the effects of trauma or parental PTSD.

Originality/value

Results suggest that prior traumas had less of an adverse effect on parenting and child adjustment as was expected. Parenting, however, was strongly associated with poor child adjustment, indicating that this may be a key factor to encourage positive adjustment for refugee children.
Impact of mass collaboration on knowledge sharing process using mediating role of innovation capability
Authors: Sultan Abdulsatar Abduljabbar , Alfaiza Salsabila Aisyah , Riyadh Hosam Alden
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of mass collaboration on the knowledge-sharing process in the manufacturing sector of Iraq in the mediation of innovation capability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative in nature in which the data has been gathered from the primary sources of information through a survey questionnaire from 225 respondents. The structural equation structural equation modeling technique has been used to analyze the data along with the path assessment and confirmatory factor analysis confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results of this study determined that in the context of the interactive system and mutual adjustment, the mediation of innovation capability is partial whereas, in the context of shared understating, the mediation is full. In addition to this, an interactive system and mutual adjustment had a significant effect on the knowledge sharing process, while the shared understanding was determined to have an insignificant effect on the knowledge sharing process.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are limited to the manufacturing sector of Iraq. In addition to this, the study includes a limited sample size which must be increased by future researchers.

Originality/value

This paper ensures originality in the context of Iraq, as the associations tested in this study have not been tested previously considering Iraq.
Investigating service innovation, bank reputation and customer trust: evidence from Indian retail banking
Authors: Biswas Abhijeet , Jaiswal Deepak , Kant Rishi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Global proliferation had a noteworthy impact on the Indian retail banking industry and mushrooming banks have entailed to emphasize on customer satisfaction (CS) quotient to remain competitive. This study aims to illuminate determinants of CS and customer trust (CT) and their denouement in Indian retail banking.

Design/methodology/approach

The top six Indian private sector banks were selected hinged on market capitalization. A total of 460 responses from retail bank customers were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Direct and indirect relationships were analyzed with mediation and moderation by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study identifies determinants of CS and CT. The results manifest that perceived service innovation (PSI) and bank reputation (BR) considerably aggrandize CS and CT. Furthermore, CS strikingly magnifies customer loyalty (CL). The study also posits that CT partially mediates between the nexus of PSI and BR on the one side and CS on the other. Moreover, perceived risk moderates the association between CS and loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The study demonstrates indispensable drivers of CS, CT and CL which may encourage bank professionals to hold on to their customers and enhance profitability.

Originality/value

Here is a dearth of literature on PSI and BR in the Indian banking industry. Thus, the study supplements literature by assimilating these constructs through a compendious conceptual model. The study is distinct as it evaluates mediating effects of CT in unfurling complexities of relationships among the underlying constructs.
The role of switching cost in the e-service recovery framework among banking customers
Authors: Jose Ajay , Mathew Sonia , G. Rejikumar , Chacko Dony Peter , Thomas Ajith K.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The emergence of tech-driven initiatives in retail banking has created a vast spectrum of system-related service failures; hence, e-service recovery quality is of prime importance to banks to ensure e-service recovery satisfaction. However, e-service satisfaction is dependent on the ease of moving from one service provider to the other; thus, switching costs assume great significance. This study aims to probe the moderating role of switching cost on e-service recovery satisfaction by exploring e-service recovery quality antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

A measurement model is suggested in the contextual settings of the Indian banking scenario and is estimated using structural equation modeling. Responses from 399 e-banking customers, who had experienced a service failure, were sought using a five-point Likert scale.

Findings

The result affirms that “recovery expectation” is the most significant predictor of e-service recovery satisfaction, and that switching cost moderates the relation between e-service recovery quality and e-service recovery satisfaction.

Practical implications

The study highlights the high relevance of switching costs in the e-banking context and emphasizes investment in marketing strategies and campaigns to do away with switching intentions. It also highlights the relevance of recovery expectations as an antecedent of e-service recovery quality and thus stresses the need to satisfactorily address the same in the e-service recovery process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the e-service recovery satisfaction literature in the banking context by empirically validating the moderating role of switching cost. It also identifies the critical antecedents of banking e-service recovery quality.
How Málaga’s airport contributes to promote the establishment of companies in its hinterland and improves the local economy
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between Málaga’s airport, air transport, companies and the local economy.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a bibliographic study, and it uses secondary data from Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea, Instituto de Estadística y Cartografía de Andalucía, España Exportación e Inversiones, Instituto Nacional de Estadística and International Air Transport Association to support research results. The investigation has reviewed and collected data on the specific paradigm of research which discusses, investigates and evaluates the impact of the Málaga Costa del Sol airport and its regional context.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that Málaga Costa del Sol airport promotes an increase of the establishment of companies in the city and how this plays an important role in the tourist, air cargo and logistics development and Málaga local economy. This is a great opportunity for companies and Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) help add value to local products, bet on tourist quality and design customized products with high added value, as long as the pandemic lasts, and everyone is vaccinated.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is double. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study shows for the first time to Málaga Costa del Sol airport such as a multifunctional airfield (tourist-cargo-logistics-accessible) and not only as tourist airport. Second, this study shows the influence of Málaga airport in the establishment of large national and international companies in the city of Málaga and urban development. Furthermore, this paper contributes to the literature by presenting new evidence on the spatial spillover effects of airports on economic development in cities.