bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the complex transcriptional landscape of the phytopathogenic bacteriumDickeya dadantii
Authors: Forquet Raphaël , Jiang Xuejiao , Nasser William , Hommais Florence , Reverchon Sylvie , Meyer Sam
Published: October 2020

Dickeya dadantiiis a phytopathogenic bacterium that causes soft rot in a wide range of plant hosts worldwide, and a model organism for studying virulence gene regulation. The present study provides a comprehensive and annotated transcriptomic map ofD. dadantiiobtained by a computational method combining five independent transcriptomic datasets: (i) paired-end RNA-seq data for a precise re-construction of the RNA landscape; (ii) DNA microarray data providing transcriptional responses to a broad variety of environmental conditions; (iii) long-read Nanopore native RNA-seq data for isoform-level transcriptome validation and determination of transcription termination sites; (iv)dRNA-seq data forthe precise mapping of transcription start sites; (v)in plantaDNA microarray data for a comparison of gene expression profiles betweenin vitroexperiments and the early stages of plant infection. Our results show that transcription units sometimes coincide with predicted operons but are generally longer, most of them comprising internal promoters and terminators that generate alternative transcripts of variable gene composition. We characterise the occurrence of transcriptional read-through at terminators, which might play a basal regulation role and explain the extent of transcription beyond the scale of operons. We finally highlight the presence of noncontiguous operons and excludons in theD. dadantiigenome, novel genomic arrangements that might contribute to the basal coordination of transcription. The highlighted transcriptional organisation may allowD. dadantiito finely adjust its gene expression programme for a rapid adaptation to fast changing environments.

IMPORTANCE

This is the first transcriptomic map of aDickeyaspecies. It may therefore significantly contribute to further progress in the field of phytopathogenicity. It is also one of the first reported applications of long-read Nanopore native RNA-seq in prokaryotes. Our findings yield insights into basal rules of coordination of transcription that might be valid for other bacteria, and may raise interest in the field of microbiology in general. In particular, we demonstrate that gene expression is coordinated at the scale of transcription units rather than operons, which are larger functional genomic units capable of generating transcripts with variable gene composition for a fine-tuning of gene expression in response to environmental changes. In line with recent studies, our findings indicate that the canonical operon model is insufficient to explain the complexity of bacterial transcriptomes.
Analysis of cell-cell bridges inHaloferax volcaniiusing Electron cryo-tomography reveal a continuous cytoplasm and S-layer
Authors: Sivabalasarma Shamphavi , Wetzel Hanna , Nußbaum Phillip , van der Does Chris , Beeby Morgan , Albers Sonja-Verena
Published: October 2020

Halophilic archaea exchange DNA and proteins using a fusion-based mating mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy previously suggested that mating involves an intermediate state, where cells are connected by an intercellular bridge. To better understand this process, we used electron cryotomography and fluorescence microscopy to visualize cells forming these intercellular bridges. Electron cryo-tomography showed that the observed bridges were enveloped by an S-layer and connected mating cells via a continuous cytoplasm. Macromolecular complexes like ribosomes and unknown thin filamentous helical structures were visualized in the cytoplasm inside the bridges, demonstrating that these bridges can facilitate exchange of cellular components. We followed formation of a cell-cell bridge by fluorescence time-lapse microscopy between cells at a distance of 1.5 µm. These results shed light on the process of haloarchaeal mating and highlight further mechanistic questions.
A cross-species interaction with a symbiotic commensal enables cell-density-dependent growth and in vivo virulence of an oral pathogen
Authors: Hoare Anilei , Wang Hui , Meethil Archana , Abusleme Loreto , Hong Bo-Young , Moutsopoulos Niki M. , Marsh Philip D. , Hajishengallis George , Diaz Patricia I.
Published: October 2020

Recent studies describe in detail the shifts in composition of human-associated polymicrobial communities from health to disease. However, the specific processes that drive the colonization and overgrowth of pathogens within these communities remain incompletely understood. We used in vitro culture systems and a disease-relevant mouse model to show that population size, which determines the availability of an endogenous diffusible small molecule, limits the growth, colonization, and in vivo virulence of the human oral pathogenPorphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterial pathogen overcomes the requirement for an endogenous cue by utilizing a cell-density dependent, growth-promoting, soluble molecule provided by the symbiotic early colonizerVeillonella parvula, but not produced by other commensals tested. Our work shows that exchange of cell-density-dependent diffusible cues between specific early and late colonizing species in a polymicrobial community drives microbial successions, pathogen colonization and disease development, representing a target process for manipulation of the microbiome towards the healthy state.
An improved experimental pipeline for preparing circular ssDNA viruses for next-generation sequencing
Authors: Aimone Catherine D. , Hoyer J. Steen , Dye Anna E. , Deppong David O. , Duffy Siobain , Carbone Ignazio , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: October 2020

We present an optimized protocol for enhanced amplification and enrichment of viral DNA for Next Generation Sequencing of begomovirus genomes. The rapid ability of these viruses to evolve threatens many crops and underscores the importance of using next generation sequencing efficiently to detect and understand the diversity of these viruses. We combined enhanced rolling circle amplification (RCA) with EquiPhi29 polymerase and size selection to generate a cost-effective, short-read sequencing method. This optimized protocol produced short-read sequencing with at least 50% of the reads mapping to the viral reference genome. We provide other insights into common misconceptions about RCA and lessons we have learned from sequencing single-stranded DNA viruses. Our protocol can be used to examine viral DNA as it moves through the entire pathosystem from host to vector, providing valuable information for viral DNA population studies, and would likely work well with other CRESS DNA viruses.

Highlights

Protocol for short-read, high throughput sequencing of single-stranded DNA viruses using random primers

Comparison of the sequencing of total DNA versus size-selected DNA

Comparison of phi29 and Equiphi29 DNA polymerases for rolling circle amplification of viral single-stranded DNA genomes
The Arabidopsis active demethylase ROS1cis-regulates immune-responsive genes by pruning DNA methylation at promoter-regulatory regions
Authors: Halter Thierry , Wang Jingyu , Amesefe Delase , Lastrucci Emmanuelle , Charvin Magali , Rastogi Meenu Singla , Navarro Lionel
Published: October 2020

Active DNA demethylation has emerged as an important regulatory process of plant and mammalian immunity. However, very little is known about the mechanisms by which active demethylation controls transcriptional immune reprogramming and disease resistance. Here, we first show that the Arabidopsis active demethylase ROS1 promotes basal resistance towardsPseudomonas syringaeby antagonizing RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Furthermore, we found that ROS1 facilitates the flagellin-triggered induction of the disease resistance geneRMG1by limiting RdDM at the 3’ boundary of a remnant RC/Helitron transposable element (TE) embedded in its promoter. We further identify flagellin-responsive ROS1 putative primary targets, and show that at a subset of promoters, ROS1 erases methylation at discrete regions exhibiting WRKY transcription factors (TFs) binding. In particular, we demonstrate that ROS1 removes methylation at the orphan immune receptorRLP43promoter, to ensure DNA binding of WRKY TFs. Finally, we show that ROS1-directed demethylation of theRMG1andRLP43promoters is causal for both flagellin responsiveness of these genes and for basal resistance. Overall, these findings significantly advance our understanding of how active demethylases shape transcriptional immune reprogramming to enable antibacterial resistance.

HIGHLIGHTS

TheTNL RMG1that is regulated by ROS1 positively regulates basal resistance towardsPtoDC3000

ROS1 regulates the flg22-triggered differential expression of more than 2000 thousands genes, among which 10% are demethylated by ROS1

ROS1 facilitates the transcriptional activation of a subset of flg22-induced genes by antagonizing RdDM at discrete promoter regions

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) bind to the demethylated promoter regions of a subset of flg22-induced ROS1 targets

The hypermethylation at theRLP43promoter, caused by the lack of ROS1, repels DNA binding of two PAMP-responsive WRKY TFs

Specific hypermethylation at the ROS1-targeted promoter regions ofRMG1andRLP43is causal for their silencing as well as for disease susceptibility againstPtoDC3000
Single-cell landscape of bone marrow metastases in human neuroblastoma unraveled by deep multiplex imaging
Authors: Lazic Daria , Kromp Florian , Kirr Michael , Mivalt Filip , Rifatbegovic Fikret , Halbritter Florian , Bernkopf Marie , Bileck Andrea , Ussowicz Marek , Ambros Inge M , Ambros Peter F , Gerner Christopher , Ladenstein Ruth , Ostalecki Christian , Taschner-Mandl Sabine
Published: October 2020

Bone marrow commonly serves as a metastatic niche for disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) of solid cancers in patients with unfavorable clinical outcome. Single-cell assessment of bone marrow metastases is essential to decipher the entire spectrum of tumor heterogeneity in these cancers, however, has previously not been performed.

Here we used multi-epitope-ligand cartography (MELC) to spatially profile 20 biomarkers and assess morphology in DTCs as well as hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells of eight bone marrow metastases from neuroblastoma patients. We developed DeepFLEX, a single-cell image analysis pipeline for MELC data that combines deep learning-based cell and nucleus segmentation and overcomes frequent challenges of multiplex imaging methods including autofluorescence and unspecific antibody binding.

Using DeepFLEX, we built a single-cell atlas of bone marrow metastases comprising more than 35,000 single cells. Comparisons of cell type proportions between samples indicated that microenvironmental changes in the metastatic bone marrow are associated with tumor cell infiltration and therapy response. Hierarchical clustering of DTCs revealed multiple phenotypes with highly diverse expression of markers such as FAIM2, an inhibitory protein in the Fas apoptotic pathway, which we propose as a complementary marker to capture DTC heterogeneity in neuroblastoma.

The presented single-cell atlas provides first insights into the heterogeneity of human bone marrow metastases and is an important step towards a deeper understanding of DTCs and their interactions with the bone marrow niche.
Self-Organizing 3D Human Choroid Plexus-Ventricle-Cortical Organoids
Authors: Shaker Mohammed R. , Cooper-White Justin , Wolvetang Ernst J.
Published: October 2020

Both the choroid plexus (CP) and the cortex are derived from the rostral neural tube during early embryonic development. In addition to producing CSF, the CP secretes essential factors that orchestrate cortical development and later neurogenesis. Previous brain modeling efforts with human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) generated either cortical or CP tissues in 3D culture. Here, we used hPSC-derived neuroectodermal cells, the building blocks of the anterior body, to simultaneously generate CP that forms ventricles and cortical cells in organoids (CVCOs), which can be maintained as 3D organoid cultures. Large scale culture revealed reproducibility of the protocol independent of cell lines, clones or batches. CVCOs contain mature and functional CP that projects multiple cilia into the ventricle-like fluid filled cysts and is in direct contact with appropriately patterned cortical cells. CVCOs thus recapitulate key features of developing forebrain structures observed inin vivoand constitute a useful for dissecting the role of CP in human forebrain development in health and disease.
Cellular Protrusions Engage Viral Infection Enhancing EF-C Peptide Nanofibrils
Authors: Schütz Desiree , Rode Sascha , Read Clarissa , Müller Janis A. , Glocker Bernhard , Sparrer Konstantin , Fackler Oliver , Walther Paul , Münch Jan
Published: October 2020

Self-assembling peptide nanofibrils (PNF) have gained increasing attention as versatile molecules in material science and biomedicine. One important application of PNF is to enhance retroviral gene transfer, a technology that has been central to the development of gene therapy. The best-investigated and commercially available PNF is derived from a 12-mer peptide termed EF-C. The mechanism of transduction enhancement depends on the polycationic surface of EF-C PNF, which binds to the negatively charged membranes of viruses and cells thereby overcoming electrostatic repulsion and increasing virion attachment and fusion. Assuming an even distribution of charges at the surfaces of virions and cells would result in an evenly distributed interaction of the virions with the cell surface. However, we here report that PNF do not randomly bind at the cell surface but are actively engaged by cellular protrusions. Chemical suppression of protrusion formation in cell lines and primary CD4+ T cells greatly reduced fibril binding and hence virion binding. Thus, the mechanism of PNF-mediated viral transduction enhancement involves active engagement of virus-loaded fibrils by cellular protrusions.
EBF1 and Pax5 safeguard leukemic transformation by limiting IL-7 signaling, Myc expression, and folate metabolism
Authors: Ramamoorthy Senthilkumar , Kometani Kohei , Herman Josip S. , Bayer Marc , Boller Sören , Edwards-Hicks Joy , Ramachandran Haribaskar , Li Rui , Klein-Geltink Ramon , Pearce Erika L. , Grün Dominic , Grosschedl Rudolf
Published: October 2020

EBF1 and PAX5 mutations are associated with the development of B progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in humans. To understand the molecular networks driving leukemia in the Ebf1+/−Pax5+/− (dHet) mouse model for B-ALL, we interrogated the transcriptional profiles and chromatin status of leukemic cells, preleukemic dHet pro-B, and wild-type pro-B cells with the corresponding EBF1 and Pax5 cistromes. In dHet B-ALL cells, many EBF1 and Pax5 target genes encoding pre-BCR signaling components and transcription factors were down-regulated, whereas Myc and genes downstream from IL-7 signaling or associated with the folate pathway were up-regulated. We show that blockade of IL-7 signaling in vivo and methotrexate treatment of leukemic cells in vitro attenuate the expansion of leukemic cells. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed heterogeneity of leukemic cells and identified a subset of wild-type pro-B cells with reduced Ebf1 and enhanced Myc expression that show hallmarks of dHet B-ALL cells. Thus, EBF1 and Pax5 may safeguard early stage B cells from transformation to B-ALL by limiting IL-7 signaling, folate metabolism and Myc expression.
Transcriptional activation of macropinocytosis by the Hippo pathway following nutrient limitation
Authors: Sivanand Sharanya , Vander Heiden Matthew G.
Published: October 2020

Cancer cells must adapt metabolism to thrive despite nutrient limitations in the tumor microenvironment. In this issue of Genes & Development, King and colleagues (pp. 1345–1358) report a role for transcriptional regulators of the Hippo pathway to facilitate protein scavenging and support proliferation under some nutrient-deprived conditions.
Understanding the information needs and information-seeking behaviours of new-generation engineering designers for effective knowledge management
Authors: Qin Hao , Wang Hongwei , Johnson Aylmer
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the information needs and information-seeking behaviours of the new generation of engineering designers. A survey study is used to approach what their information needs are, how these needs change during an engineering design project and how their information-seeking behaviours have been influenced by the newly developed information technologies (ITs). Through an in-depth analysis of the survey results, the key functions have been identified for the next-generation management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first proposed four hypotheses on the information needs and information-seeking behaviours of young engineers. Then, a survey study was undertaken to understand their information usage in terms of the information needs and information-seeking behaviours during a complete engineering design process. Through analysing the survey results, several findings were obtained and on this basis, further comparisons were made to discuss and evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

The paper has revealed that the engineering designers' information needs will evolve throughout the engineering design project; thus, they should be assisted at several different levels. Although they intend to search information and knowledge on know-what and know-how, what they really require is the know-why knowledge in order to help them complete design tasks. Also, the paper has shown how the newly developed ITs and web-based applications have influenced the engineers' information-seeking practices.

Research limitations/implications

The research subjects chosen in this study are engineering students in universities who, although not as experienced as engineers in companies, do go through a complete design process with the tasks similar to industrial scenarios. In addition, the focus of this study is to understand the information-seeking behaviours of a new generation of design engineers, so that the development of next-generation information and knowledge management systems can be well informed. In this sense, the results obtained do reveal some new knowledge about the information-seeking behaviours during a general design process.

Practical implications

This paper first identifies the information needs and information-seeking behaviours of the new generation of engineering designers. On this basis, the varied ways to meet these needs and behaviours are discussed and elaborated. This intends to provide the key characteristics for the development of the next-generation knowledge management system for engineering design projects.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel means of exploring the future engineers' information needs and information-seeking behaviours in a collaborative working environment. It also characterises the key features and functions for the next generation of knowledge management systems for engineering design.
Within- and between-person(s) emotional reactions toward crisis communication
Authors: Wei Lewen , Kim Nahyun
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The study sought to explore how people's negative emotions change in a crisis situation when they get to know about the crisis and the corporate's socially responsible activities after crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (crisis type: human error vs organization misdeed) × 2 (CSR fit: low vs high) × 3 (motive disclosure: no disclosure vs company-oriented disclosure vs society-oriented disclosure) between-subjects experiment was conducted online.

Findings

More anger was elicited toward organizational misdeed than human error from both within-person and between-persons perspectives. When using CSR as postcrisis strategy, within-person analyses revealed that high CSR fit in message helped to attenuate sadness (and potentially anger) to a greater extent than low CSR fit, whereas between-persons analyses did not find significant effects of either CSR fit or motive disclosure.

Originality/value

Our findings demonstrate that situational dynamics in crisis situation constantly influence people's emotional states, suggesting a vertical investigation (e.g. within-individual analysis) of emotions may help both scholars and practitioners better understand the nature of crisis emotions and provide fresh insights on how to cope with them.
Impact of mobile money access on internal remittances, consumption expenditure and household welfare in Ghana
Authors: Twumasi Baffour Priscilla , Abdul Rahaman Wassiuw , Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of mobile money access on internal remittances received, per capita consumption expenditure and welfare of household in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used data from the latest round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 7) and employed the propensity score matching technique to estimate average treatment effect between users and non-users of mobile money transfer services.

Findings

The study finds that using mobile money is welfare enhancing, particularly for poor households and the channel by which it impacts on welfare is through higher internal remittances received and per capita expenditure. The results from the average treatment effect indicate that mobile money users receive significantly higher remittances and consequently spend averagely higher on consumption than non-users.

Research limitations/implications

Although the data employed in this study is limited to one country, the findings support the financial inclusion role and developmental impact of mobile money transfer services. Hence, mobile money transfer services should be promoted and facilitated by the telecommunication and financial sector regulators.

Originality/value

In addition to making original contribution to the literature on the welfare impact of mobile money, the study's use of the propensity score matching is unique.
Financial conditions, financial constraints and investment-cash flow sensitivity: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Guizani Moncef , Ajmi Ahdi Noomen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the sensitivity of investment to cash flow varies with exogenous financial conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic model of investment based on the Euler equation approach is employed to investigate the impact of macro-financial factors on the sensitivity of investment to cash flow. The sample comprises data from 84 non-financial firms listed on Saudi stock market over the period 2007–2018.

Findings

The results show that the sensitivity of investment to cash flow is positive, implying the presence of financing constraints for Saudi firms. Evidence also reveals that better financial conditions relax firms' financing constraints. However, contractionary monetary policy, poor financial development and liquidity crisis strengthen the dependence of firms on internally generated funds when undertaking new investment projects.

Practical implications

The empirical results have useful policy implications. First, policymakers should pay attention to the importance of policymaking based on the monetary demand of microeconomic entities. In monetary contraction periods, firms face greater challenges in accessing external finance. These firms are likely to experience under-investment which at a macro level would translate into lower investments and economic growth for the country. Second, policymakers are encouraged to implement complementary measures that, coupled with existing financial reforms, may promote efficiency, competitiveness and transparency in firms' operations. Finally, managers and investors should consider financial structure and condition as important factors in their investment decision.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research by investigating whether the widely reported positive investment and cash flow relationship can be observed using data from an emerging market, specifically Saudi Arabia. It also sheds light on the investment-cash flow debate under a macroeconomic perspective and provides further evidence on the impact of financial crisis on the investment-cash flow (ICF) sensitivity.
Corporate acceleration process: a systems psychodynamics perspective
Authors: Wójcik Piotr , Obłój Krzysztof , Wąsowska Aleksandra , Wierciński Szymon
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emotional dynamics of the corporate acceleration process, using the systems psychodynamics perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies inductive multiple case study of embedded 10 cases of corporate acceleration, covering both incumbent and startup perspectives, occurring in the context of a corporate accelerator.

Findings

We find that (1) the process of corporate acceleration involves three phases, each of them is dominated by a different emotional state (hope, anxiety and acceptance), triggering different behavioral responses; (2) as a means to deal with negative emotions, entrepreneurs and corporate acceleration program's team members develop different mechanisms of dealing with contradictories in subsequent acceleration phases (defense and copying mechanisms), which are reflected in their behaviors. Coping mechanisms with goal reformulation (i.e. refocus from the officially declared “open innovation” goals toward mainly symbolic ones) is an effective strategy to manage negative emotions in third phase of the acceleration.

Research limitations/implications

Our sample is limited to two relatively similar accelerators established by telecom companies, and therefore, our theoretical and practical conclusions cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

We supplement the studies of corporate accelerators that imply how to design them better and improve decision-making rules with recommendation that in order to improve their effectiveness in terms of learning and innovations, their managers need not only to learn how to manage structural and procedural differences but also how to overcome social defenses triggered by corporate–startups cooperation.

Originality/value

By documenting a multidimensional impact of acceleration process, and especially shedding light on psychodynamic aspects behind such liaisons, this paper contributes to richer understanding of corporate–startup relationships, typically examined through a rationalistic lens of strategy literature. The study contributes to interorganizational research and open innovation literature, by showing that corporate acceleration process is marked by phases based on the type of emotions intertwined with the nature and dynamism of its life cycle. It indicates how these emotions are managed depending on their type.
Internal and external social responsibilities in new ventures: evidence from Chinese private firms
Authors: Ye Yan , Li Kongyue
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Extant studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) have mainly focused on established corporations; the context of new ventures remains largely unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the patterns of socially responsible activities in new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the perspective of stakeholders to differentiate external CSR activities (efforts directed toward external stakeholders) from internal CSR activities (efforts directed toward employees) and performs empirical tests using a sample of 3,650 Chinese private firms.

Findings

This study empirically shows that new ventures are more involved in external CSR activities and less involved in internal CSR activities than mature firms. New ventures prioritize their limited resources to fulfill the expectations of external stakeholders rather than those of internal stakeholders. External stakeholders are considered primary stakeholders because of their potential to satisfy critical organizational needs at the start-up stage. However, new ventures tend to cut the spending on employee benefits, ignoring the potential effect of this investment on their long-term growth. After testing the moderating effect of financial resource availability, we find that new ventures with high financial resource availability are inclined to implement external CSR strategy rather than internal CSR strategy.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on new ventures and reveals the influence of organizational life cycle on CSR decisions. The findings may be limited to the context of China or emerging markets. Thus, further research is needed to compare the patterns of CSR activities in new ventures under different institutional environments.

Practical implications

This study indicates that new ventures are inclined to implement external CSR strategy rather than internal CSR strategy. This choice may be rational in the short term, but insufficient investment in employee benefits may affect the long-term growth of these firms. Therefore, they must also focus on their internal CSR activities.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies to investigate the patterns of socially responsible activities in new ventures in a transition economy. The findings in this study can help reconcile the seemingly contradictory views on whether new ventures are socially responsible and contribute to our understanding about CSR strategy in these firms.
Supply market orientation: a dynamic capability of the purchasing and supply management function
Authors: Foerstl Kai , Kähkönen Anni-Kaisa , Blome Constantin , Goellner Matthias
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualize supply market orientation (SMO) for the purchasing and supply chain management function and discusses how SMO capabilities are developed and how their application differs within and across firms. This research can thus be used as a blueprint for the development of a SMO capability that accommodates a firm’s unique contextual antecedents’ profile.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research design comprises five in-depth case studies with 43 semi-structured interviews with large manufacturing and service firms.

Findings

SMO is defined as the capability to exploit market intelligence to assess, integrate and reconfigure the heterogeneously dispersed resources in purchasing and supply chain management in a way that best reflects the peculiarities of a firm’s supply environment. The empirical analysis shows that although SMO capabilities are configured similarly, their application varies across and within firms depending on the characteristics of a firm’s purchasing categories and tasks. Hence, reactive versus proactive SMO application is contingent upon firm-level and purchasing category–level characteristics.

Originality/value

The study uses the dynamic capabilities view as a theoretical background and provides empirical evidence and theoretical reasoning to elaborate and endorse SMO as a dynamic capability that firms need to have to compete in a complex and dynamic environment. The study provides guidance for supply chain managers on how to successfully develop and deploy a SMO capability.
Rethinking ethnography: A study in public anthropology
Authors: Borofsky R.
Published: October 2020

This editorial calls for an alternative approach to writing ethnographies. Instead of treating a group as a cultural whole to make writing about it easier, the author emphasizes the importance of understanding the intracultural diversity that exists within that group. In addition, he asks ethnographers to step away from a framework which places them as the primary interpreters of a group. Instead, he calls for more dialogic, multicentric narratives, that allow the people they study (as well as their readers) to compose their own empowering narratives about the group. Intracultural diversity ensures there is not one true account, but many.
Walking the Dog in Madrid During the Pandemic
Authors: Tomé Pedro
Published: October 2020

The relationships we humans form with our pets condition the spaces we inhabit and how we move around in them. This article discusses relations between humans and their dogs in the city of Madrid during the Covid‐19 lockdown. As an emergency ethnography, this article shows how, in this context, dogs can become the centre of relations between neighbours, facilitating or worsening them, creating new problems and simplifying others.
Blockchain technology and traceability in the agrifood industry
Authors: Patelli Niccolò , Mandrioli Mauro
Published: October 2020

Distributed ledgers are becoming commonly used technologies to trace agrifood supply chains in view of their safety, immutability, transparency, and scalability. In the present review, we discuss the most relevant case studies of agrifood supply chain traceability using blockchain (BC) and other distributed ledgers technologies. Considering that each supply chain actually has specific requests of traceability, we here suggest a logical scheme in order to favor the identification of the BC structure that is more appropriate for each agrifood supply chain, including the identification of supply chains where complex BC technologies are actually not necessary.
Chest computed tomography (CT) features in children with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐confirmed COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Simoni Paolo , Bazzocchi Alberto , Boitsios Grammatina , De Leucio Alessandro , Preziosi Marco , Aparisi Gómez Maria Pilar
Published: October 2020

To describe the chest CT features reported in children with confirmed COVID‐19 infection, published in English literature. A systematic review was completed on PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases on the 1st of June 2020 using the PICO strategy. The NIH Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the quality of the selected articles. The systematic review was evaluated by Case Series Studies and the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA). The extracted data were assessed and compared with those reported in the adult population. Seventy‐two articles were retrieved from the database search and screened by the title, abstract and keywords. Eleven articles were deemed eligible for full‐text assessment. Nine articles were included for the data extraction and in the final analysis. Chest CT features in children with COVID‐19 differ from those in adults. ‘Ground‐grass opacities’ (GGOs) are the most commonly described abnormalities, but closely followed by a combination of GGO and consolidation, not usual in adults. Children tend to have a more variable involvement than the subpleural and posterior and basal topography described in adults. Interlobular thickening and air bronchogram found in adults with COVID‐19 are not frequent in children. Pulmonary embolism reported in up to 30% of adults has not been yet reported in children. Original articles describing chest CT features in children with COVID‐19 in the English literature are limited to small populations of Chinese children. Chest CT imaging features are very diverse across the selected studies and globally different from those reported in adults. Data from children of different countries would provide a more comprehensive description of chest CT features in children with COVID‐19.
Brain volume changes after long‐term injectable opioid treatment: A longitudinal voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Schmidt André , Vogel Marc , Baumgartner Sophie , Wiesbeck Gerhard A. , Lang Undine , Borgwardt Stefan , Walter Marc
Published: October 2020

Clinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of injectable opioid treatment for long‐term, treatment‐refractory opioid‐dependent patients. It has been hypothesized that compulsive drug use is particularly associated with neuroplasticity changes in the networks corresponding to withdrawal/negative affect and preoccupation/anticipation rather than binge/intoxication. However, as yet, no study has investigated the effect of long‐term opioid treatment on key regions within these networks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess brain volumes changes during long‐term (approximately 9 years) injectable opioid agonist treatment with diacetylmorphine (DAM) in 22 patients with opioid use disorder. Voxel‐based morphometry was applied to detect volumetric changes within the networks of binge/intoxication (ventral/dorsal striatum, globus pallidus and thalamus), withdrawal/negative affect (amygdala and ventral striatum) and preoccupation/anticipation (hippocampus, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex). The relationships between significant volume changes and features of opioid use disorder were tested using Pearson correlation. Long‐term opioid agonist treatment was associated with the enlargement of the right caudate nucleus, which was related to the duration of opioid use disorder. In contrast, reduced volume in the right amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex were found that were related to opioid dose, onset of opioid consumption and state anxiety. These findings suggest that long‐term opioid agonist treatment is related to structural changes in key brain regions underlying binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect and preoccupation/anticipation, suggesting sustained interaction between these systems.
No impact of sex and age on beta‐adrenoceptor‐mediated inotropy in human right atrial trabeculae
Authors: Pecha Simon , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Kempe Romy , Berk Emanuel , Engel Andreas , Girdauskas Evaldas , Reichenspurner Hermann , Ravens Ursula , Kaumann Alberto , Eschenhagen Thomas , Schnabel Renate B. , Christ Torsten
Published: October 2020

Aim

There is an increasing awareness of the impact of age and sex on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Differences in physiology are suspected. Beta‐adrenoceptors (beta‐ARs) are an important drug target in CVD and potential differences might have significant impact on the treatment of many patients. To investigate whether age and sex affects beta‐AR function, we analysed a large data set on beta‐AR‐induced inotropy in human atrial trabeculae.

Methods

We performed multivariable analysis of individual atrial contractility data from trabeculae obtained during heart surgery of patients in sinus rhythm (535 trabeculae from 165 patients). Noradrenaline or adrenaline were used in the presence of the beta2‐selective antagonist (ICI 118 551, 50 nmol/L) or the beta1‐selective antagonist (CGP 20712A, 300 nmol/L) to stimulate beta1‐AR or beta2‐AR respectively. Agonist concentration required to achieve half‐maximum inotropic effects (EC50) was taken as a measure of beta‐AR sensitivity.

Results

Impact of clinical variables was modelled using multivariable mixed model regression. As previously reported, chronic treatment with beta‐blockers sensitized beta‐AR. However, there was no significant interaction between basal force, maximum force and beta‐AR sensitivity when age and sex were modelled continuously. In addition, there was no statistically significant effect of body mass index or diabetes on atrial contractility.

Conclusion

Our large, multivariable analysis shows that neither age nor sex affects beta‐AR‐mediated inotropy or catecholamine sensitivity in human atrial trabeculae. These findings may have important clinical implications because beta‐ARs, as a common drug target in CVD and heart failure, do not behave differently in women and men across age decades.
Circannual variation in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations and dexamethasone suppression test results in Standardbred horses, Andalusian horses and mixed‐breed ponies
Authors: Bamford NJ , Harris PA , Bailey SR
Published: October 2020

Objective

To compare circannual plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and seasonal dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results between three different equine breed groups.

Methods

Six Standardbred horses, six Andalusian horses and six mixed‐breed ponies were followed over a 1‐year period, during which time groups were managed identically. Blood samples were collected monthly (around the autumn equinox) or in every second month (other times of the year) for the determination of plasma ACTH concentrations using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. Overnight DSTs were performed quarterly, with suppression of plasma cortisol to below 27 nmol/L at 19 h considered a normal result.

Results

Seasonal variation in plasma ACTH concentrations was present among all breed groups with, as expected, higher levels detected around the autumn equinox, from February to April (P < 0.001). Plasma ACTH concentrations were different between breed groups in March, with higher levels in Andalusians compared with Standardbreds (P = 0.048) and in ponies compared with Standardbreds (P = 0.010). Suppression of cortisol during the DST was normal for all animals in winter, spring and summer, but five Andalusians and three ponies returned abnormally high results in autumn, compared with zero Standardbreds.

Conclusion

Higher plasma ACTH concentrations and more false‐positive DST results were obtained during autumn in ponies and Andalusian horses when compared with Standardbred horses. Potential differences between breeds should be considered when interpreting test results for horses and ponies that are evaluated for pituitarypars intermediadysfunction. Further work is recommended to establish population‐based reference intervals and clinical cut‐off values for ACTH in different equine breeds.
Equipotency of insulin glargine 300 and 100 U/mL with intravenous dosing but differential bioavailability with subcutaneous dosing in dogs
Authors: Werner Ulrich , Tennagels Norbert , Fanelli Carmine G. , Bolli Geremia B.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla‐300) contains the same units versus glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100) in three‐fold lower volume, and higher subcutaneous (SC) doses are required in people with diabetes. To investigate blood glucose (BG) lowering potency, Gla‐300 and Gla‐100 were compared after intravenous (IV, for 4 h) and SC (for 24 h) injection in healthy Beagle dogs.

Materials and methods

The dose of 0.15 U/kg Gla‐300 and Gla‐100 was injected IV in 12 dogs. BG, C‐peptide, glucagon and the active metabolite 21A‐Gly‐human insulin (M1; liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method) were measured. Twelve other dogs were studied after SC injection of 0.3 U/kg Gla‐300 and Gla‐100.

Results

After IV injection, Gla‐300 and Gla‐100 were equally potent [BG_AUC0‐4 h ratio 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.94; 1.09)]. After SC injection, BG decreased slower and less with Gla‐300. Similar metabolism of Gla‐300 and Gla‐100 to M1 occurred with IV dosing [M1_AUC0‐1 h ratio 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.82; 1.22)], but with SC dosing M1_Cmax and AUC0‐24h were 44% and 17% lower; mean residency time and bioavailability were 32% longer and 50% lower, with Gla‐300.

Conclusions

IV Gla‐300 and Gla‐100 have the equivalent of BG‐lowering potency and M1 metabolism. SC Gla‐300 has lower M1 bioavailability with a reduced BG‐lowering effect and need for greater doses versus Gla‐100.
Exploring horse owners' understanding of obese body condition and weight management in UK leisure horses
Authors: Furtado Tamzin , Perkins Elizabeth , Pinchbeck Gina , McGowan Catherine , Watkins Francine , Christley Robert
Published: October 2020

Background

Equine obesity is considered one of the most serious welfare concerns in UK leisure horses, yet little is known about how horse owners conceptualise their horse's weight as part of its health, or how they plan and carry out weight management.

Objectives

This study aimed to further our understanding of leisure horse owners' perceptions of equine health and awareness of excess fat in order to clarify our understanding of successful strategies for managing equine weight.

Study design

This study used a qualitative research methodology.

Methods

Data comprised 16 threads from online UK equine discussion fora, 28 individual interviews with leisure horse owners, 19 interviews with equine professionals such as vets and nutritionists, and two focus groups with a further 21 horse owners. Data were anonymised and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Awareness of excess fat was a complex issue, with owners finding it difficult to differentiate equine obesity from the shape they thought the horse was “meant to be”, particularly if the horse was a heavier breed such as a native pony or cob. Owners were not necessarily “aware” or “unaware” of fat, but instead equine body fat was constructed as an integral part of the equine body. For example, owners might say that they thought their horse was an ideal weight yet describe their horse's overall body shape as “like a Thelwell”. When owners became aware of fat as a changeable part of the horse's body, and/or a threat to health, the presence of fat was articulated as a strong‐willed adversary, and weight management was considered a “battle” or “war”. Owners found weight management difficult because they perceived that it had immediate negative welfare implications for the horse, and this therefore interfered with their preferred ownership practices and the horse‐human relationship.

Main limitations

Interview data are self‐reported, and people may not always do what they say they do.

Conclusions

This study has provided valuable insight into how owners conceptualise weight and weight management, yielding important information about communicating with owners about weight, tailoring weight management strategies, and promoting positive welfare.
Marginalized to double marginalized: My mutational intersectionality between the East and the West
Authors: Abdellatif Amal
Published: October 2020

Intersectionality allows better understanding of the differences between individuals' experiences. In this article, I use intersectionality to explore how my lived experience of marginalization is different from one context to another. I reflect on how the nature of intersectionality and the intensity of oppression are altered by context. Grounded in a brief reflection of my fragmented experience in two different contexts, I explore how my identities and their intersection “mutate” from the Egyptian context to the UK context. Then, I reflect on how the intensity of oppression changed with this alteration in my intersectionality. In contextualizing my intersectional experience, first I problematize viewing intersectionality as a fixed acontextual ontology. Second, as a student immigrant and racialized minority in the United Kingdom, I seek to extend intersectionality and move beyond the traditional categories of race, class, gender, religion, and sexuality to include precarity as a pivotal social category that amplifies the intensity of oppression and marginalization, especially when intersected with race and gender. Finally, in sharing my reflection as a Middle Eastern woman, I contribute my unique experiences into the conversation, and a voice that has been muted, invisibled, marginalized, and excluded from the literature.