bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human saphenous vein provides a unique source of anti-calcific pericytes for prosthetic cardiac valve engineering
Authors: Jover Eva , Fagnano Marco , Meng William Cathery , Slater Sadie , Pisanu Emanuela , Gu Yue , Avolio Elisa , Bruno Domenico , Baz-Lopez Daniel , Faulkner Ashton , Carrabba Michele , Angelini Gianni , Madeddu Paolo
Published: July 2020

Aims

Tissue engineering seeks to improve the longevity of prosthetic heart valves, but the cell source of choice has yet to be determined. This study aimed to establish a mechanistic rationale supporting the suitability of human adventitial pericytes (APCs).

Methods and Results

AntigenicallyAPCs were immunomagnetically sorted from saphenous vein leftovers of patients undergoing coronary artery surgery and antigenically characterized for purity. Unlike bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), APCs were resistant to osteochondrogenic induction by high phosphate (HP), as assessed by cytochemistry and expression of osteogenic markers. MiR-132 is natively expressed by APCs, with copy numbers being enhanced by HP stimulation.In silicobioinformatic analysis, followed by luciferase assays in HEK293 cells and miR-132 titration using agomiR and antagomiR in APCs, demonstrated that several osteochondrogenic genes were negatively regulated by miR-132. Among these, the glycolytic marker GLUT1 was downregulated in HP-stimulated APCs. In contrast to BM-APCs, APCs showed no increase in glycolysis under HP. Interestingly, incubation with APC-derived conditioned medium conferred swine cardiac valves with resistance to osteogenic transformation by HP; whereas, conditioned media from miR-132-knocked-down APCs failed to prevent the expression of these markers. Finally, we demonstrated the feasibility of using APCs to engineer bovine pericardium patches. APCs proliferate in the patch and secrete factors able to attract aortic endothelial cells under HP.

Conclusions

Human APCs are resistant to calcification compared with BM-MSCs and convey the anti-calcific phenotype to heart valves through miR-132. These findings may open new important avenues for prosthetic valve cellularization.
Primary and secondary motoneurons use different calcium channel types to control escape and swimming behaviors in zebrafish
Authors: Wen Hua , Eckenstein Kazumi , Weihrauch Vivien , Stigloher Christian , Brehm Paul
Published: July 2020

The escape response and rhythmic swimming in zebrafish are distinct behaviors mediated by two functionally distinct motoneuron (Mn) types. The primary (1°Mn) type depresses, has a large quantal content (Qc), and a high release probability (Pr). Conversely, the secondary (2°Mn) type facilitates and has low and variable Qc and Pr. This functional duality matches well the distinct associated behaviors, with the 1°Mn providing the strong, singular C-bend initiating escape and the 2°Mn confers weaker, rhythmic contractions. Contributing to these functional distinctions is our identification of P/Q type calcium channels mediating transmitter release in 1°Mns and N type channels in 2°Mns. Remarkably, despite these functional and behavioral distinctions, all ~15 individual synapses on each muscle cell are shared by a 1°Mn bouton and at least one 2°Mn bouton. This novel blueprint of synaptic sharing provides an efficient way of controlling two different behaviors at the level of a single postsynaptic cell.
Comparison of HLA ligand elution data and binding predictions reveals varying prediction performance for the multiple motifs recognized by HLA-DQ2.5
Authors: Koşaloğlu-Yalçın Zeynep , Sidney John , Chronister William , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Binding prediction tools are commonly used to identify peptides presented on MHC class II molecules. Recently, a wealth of data in the form of naturally eluted ligands has become available and discrepancies between ligand elution data and binding predictions have been reported. Quantitative metrics for such comparisons are currently lacking. In this study, we assessed how efficiently MHC class II binding predictions can identify naturally eluted peptides, and investigated instances with discrepancies between the two methods in detail. We found that, in general, MHC class II eluted ligands are predicted to bind to their reported restriction element with high affinity. But, for several studies reporting an increased number of ligands that were not predicted to bind, we found that the reported MHC restriction was ambiguous. Additional analyses determined that most of the ligands predicted to not bind are either weak binders or predicted to bind other co-expressed MHC class II molecules. For selected alleles, we addressed discrepancies between elution data and binding predictions by experimental measurements, and found that predicted and measured affinities correlate well. For DQA1*05:01/DQB1*02:01 (DQ2.5) however, binding predictions did miss several peptides that were determined experimentally to be binders. For these peptides and several known DQ2.5 binders we determined key residues for conferring DQ2.5 binding capacity, which revealed that DQ2.5 utilizes two different binding motifs, of which only one is predicted effectively. These findings have important implications for the interpretation of ligand elution data and for the improvement of MHC class II binding predictions.
An inducible AraC that responds to blue light instead of arabinose
Authors: Romano Edoardo , Baumschlager Armin , Akmeriç Emir Bora , Palanisamy Navaneethan , Houmani Moustafa , Schmidt Gregor , Öztürk Mehmet Ali , Ernst Leonard , Khammash Mustafa , Di Ventura Barbara
Published: July 2020

InEscherichia coli, the operon responsible for the catabolism of L-arabinose is regulated by the dimeric DNA-binding protein AraC. In the absence of L-arabinose, AraC binds to the distal I1and O2half-sites, leading to repression of the downstream PBADpromoter. In the presence of the sugar, the dimer changes conformation and binds to the adjacent I1and I2half-sites, resulting in the activation of PBAD. Here we engineer blue light-inducible AraC dimers inEscherichia coli(BLADE) by swapping the dimerization domain of AraC with blue light-inducible dimerization domains. Using BLADE to overexpress proteins important for cell shape and division site selection, we reversibly control cell morphology with light. We demonstrate the exquisite light responsiveness of BLADE by employing it to create bacteriographs with an unprecedented quality. We then employ it to perform a medium-throughput characterization of 39E. coligenes with poorly defined or completely unknown function. Finally, we expand the initial library and create a whole family of BLADE transcription factors (TFs), which we characterize using a novel 96-well light induction setup. Since the PBADpromoter is commonly used by microbiologists, we envisage that the BLADE TFs will bring the many advantages of optogenetic gene expression to the field of microbiology.
Nuclear GSK-3β and Oncogenic KRas Promote Expansion of Terminal Duct Cells and the Development of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
Authors: Ding Li , Roeck Kaely , Zhang Cheng , Zidek Brooke , Rodman Esther , Hernandez-Barco Yasmin Genevieve , Zhang Jin-San , Bamlet William R. , Oberg Ann L. , Zhang Lizhi , Bardeesy Nabeel , Li Hu , Billadeau Daniel D.
Published: July 2020

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) represents one type of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) precursor lesion, however its cell-of-origin remains unclear. Here we describe a new mouse model in which pancreas-specific Cre activation of a nuclear glycogen synthase kinase-3β transgene is combined with oncogenic KRas (referred to as KNGC). KNGC mice show accumulation of neoplastic ductal cells at 4-weeks that progressively develop into IPMN with low-grade dysplasia in advanced age. RNA-sequencing identified expression of several terminal duct cell lineage genes including Agr2 and Aqp5. Interestingly, Aqp5, a water channel, was found to be required for the development of IPMN lesions in KNGC mice. Staining of human IPMN samples indicates that these preneoplastic lesions also arise from expansion of the terminal duct population. Altogether, these data highlight the utility of the KNGC model for understanding the biology of IPMN and potential utility in defining predictive biomarkers of IPMN – PDA development.

Statement of significance

Understanding the cell-of-origin of IPMN is crucial to developing early detection methods that specifically target aggressive precursors of PDA. This work, using a novel mouse model, identifies Aqp5-modulated development of Agr2+terminal ducts that could potentially serve as a clinical biomarker for IPMN.
TheDrosophilaEGFR ligand mSpitz is delivered to cytoplasmic capes at sites of non-canonical RNA export on the nuclear envelopeviathe endosomal system
Authors: Mattie Floyd J. , Kumar Praveen , Travor Mark D. , Browder Kristen C. , Thomas Claire M.
Published: July 2020

Nuclear-cytoplasmic communication is not limited to nuclear pores, with both proteins and RNA using alternative routes between these compartments. We previously characterized cytoplasmic capes (large invaginations of the nuclear envelope inDrosophila), which are enriched for the membrane-bound EGF receptor ligand mSpitz, endosome-related organelles and ubiquitylated proteins. Closely associated with capes are groups of perinuclear vesicles resembling those seen at sites of RNP exportviaa budding mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that mSpitz delivery to capes requires passage through the endosomal system. We also show that capes are closely associated with sites of non-canonical RNP export as well as the dFrizzled2 receptor C terminal fragment, a core component of this export pathway. Video microscopy of glands in intact larvae indicates that cytoplasmic capes are stable structures that persist for at least 90 minutes without conspicuous growth. We further show that capes appear with the growth of the salivary gland rather than its developmental stage. Finally, we show that the large F-actin binding protein βH-spectrin, which modulates endosomal trafficking, as well as its partner α-spectrin are required for cape formation. Cytoplasmic capes therefore represent a subspecialization of the nuclear envelope where endosomal trafficking and RNP export are closely associated.

Synopsis

We further characterize large invaginations of the nuclear envelope called cytoplasmic capes inDrosophila. The EGF receptor ligand mSpitz is concentrated in capes and we show that it traffics to this compartmentviaendosomes. The presence of RNP and the dFrizzled2 receptor C-terminal fragment also indicates that non-canonical RNA export is concentrated at capes.In vivoimaging shows that capes persist for at least 90 minutes. Finally, the large F-actin crosslinker α/β◻-spectrin is shown to be required for cape formation.

Abstract Figure
Cetacean habitat modelling to inform conservation management, marine spatial planning, and as a basis for anthropogenic threat mitigation in Indonesia
Authors: Sahri Achmad , Putra Mochamad Iqbal Herwata , Mustika Putu Liza Kusuma , Kreb Danielle , Murk Albertinka J.
Published: July 2020

Indonesia harbours a high diversity of cetaceans, yet effective conservation is hampered by a lack of knowledge about cetacean spatial distribution and habitat preferences. This study aims to address this knowledge gap at an adequate resolution to support national cetacean conservation and management planning. Maximum Entropy (Maxent) modelling was used to map the distribution of 15 selected cetacean species in seven areas within Indonesian waters using recent cetacean presence datasets as well as environmental predictors (topographic and oceanographic variables). We then combined the individual species suitable habitat maps and overlaid them with provincial marine spatial planning (MSP) jurisdictions, marine protected areas (MPAs), oil and gas contract areas, and marine traffic density. Our results reflect a great heterogeneity in distribution among species and within species among different locations. This heterogeneity reflects an interrelated influence of topographic variables and oceanographic processes on the distribution of cetacean species. Bathymetry, distance to-coast and −200m isobaths, and Chl and SST were important variables influencing distribution of most species in many regions. Areas rich in species were mainly related to high coastal or insular-reef complexity, representing high productivity and upwelling-modified waters. Although some important suitable habitats currently fall within MPAs, other areas are not and overlap with oil and gas exploration activities and marine traffic, indicating potentially high risk areas for cetaceans. The results of this study can support national cetacean conservation and management planning, and be used to reduce or avoid adverse anthropogenic threats. We advise considering currently unprotected suitable cetacean habitats in MPA and MSP development.
An fMRI dataset in response to “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, a socially-rich, naturalistic movie
Authors: di Oleggio Castello Matteo Visconti , Chauhan Vassiki , Jiahui Guo , Gobbini M. Ida
Published: July 2020

Naturalistic stimuli evoke strong, consistent, and information-rich patterns of brain activity, and engage large extents of the human brain. They allow researchers to compare highly similar brain responses across subjects, and to study how complex representations are encoded in brain activity. Here, we describe and share a dataset where 25 subjects watched part of the feature film “The Grand Budapest Hotel” by Wes Anderson. The movie has a large cast with many famous actors. Throughout the story, the camera shots highlight faces and expressions, which are fundamental to understand the complex narrative of the movie. This movie was chosen to sample brain activity specifically related to social interactions and face processing. This dataset provides researchers with fMRI data that can be used to explore social cognitive processes and face processing, adding to the existing neuroimaging datasets that sample brain activity with naturalistic movies.
Diversity in rest-activity patterns among Lake Malawi cichlid fishes suggests novel axis of habitat partitioning
Authors: Lloyd Evan , Chhouk Brian , Keene Alex C. , Albertson R. Craig
Published: July 2020

Animals display remarkable diversity in rest and activity patterns that are regulated by endogenous foraging strategies, social behaviors, and predator avoidance. Alteration in the circadian timing of activity or the duration of rest-wake cycles provide a central mechanism for animals to exploit novel niches. The diversity of the 3000+ cichlid species throughout the world provides a unique opportunity to examine variation in locomotor activity and rest. Lake Malawi alone is home to over 500 species of cichlids that display divergent behaviors and inhabit well-defined niches throughout the lake. These species are presumed to be diurnal, though this has never been tested systematically. Here, we measure locomotor activity across the circadian cycle in 12 cichlid species from divergent lineages and distinct habitats. We document surprising variability in the circadian time of locomotor activity and the duration of rest. In particular, we identify a single species,Tropheopssp. “red cheek” that is nocturnal. Nocturnal behavior was maintained when fish were provided shelter, but not under constant darkness, suggesting it results from acute response to light rather than an endogenous circadian rhythm. Finally, we show that nocturnality is associated with increased eye size, suggesting a link between visual processing and nighttime activity. Together, these findings identify diversity of locomotor behavior in Lake Malawi cichlids and provide a system for investigating the molecular and neural basis underlying the evolution of nocturnal activity.
Automatic processing of numerosity in human neocortex evidenced by occipital and parietal neuromagnetic responses
Authors: Van Rinsveld Amandine , Wens Vincent , Guillaume Mathieu , Beuel Anthony , Gevers Wim , De Tiège Xavier , Content Alain
Published: July 2020

Humans and other animal species are endowed with the ability tosense, represent, and mentally manipulate the number of items in a set without needing to count them. One central hypothesis is that this ability relies on an automated functional system dedicated tonumerosity, the perception of the discrete numerical magnitude of a set of items. This system has classically been associated with intraparietal regions, however accumulating evidence in favor of an earlyvisual number sensecalls into question the functional role of parietal regions in numerosity processing. Targeting specifically numerosity among other visual features in the earliest stages of processing requires high temporal and spatial resolution. We used frequency-tagged magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate the early automatic processing of numerical magnitudes and measured the steady-state brain responses specifically evoked by numerical and other visual changes in the visual scene. The neuromagnetic responses showed implicit discrimination of numerosity, total occupied area, and convex hull. The source reconstruction corresponding to the implicit discrimination responses showed common and separate sources along the ventral and dorsal visual pathways. Occipital sources attested the perceptual salience of numerosity similarly to both other implicitly discriminable visual features. Crucially, we found parietal responses uniquely associated with numerosity discrimination, showing automatic processing of numerosity in the parietal cortex, even when not relevant to the task. Taken together, these results provide further insights into the functional roles of parietal and occipital regions in numerosity encoding along the visual hierarchy.

Significance Statement

Approximating the number of items in a set has been identified as a building block of mathematical cognition but the processing of numerosity is not fully understood. The natural correlation between numerosity and other visual features makes it difficult to test whether the number of items is a perceptual primitive or whether it needs to be recombined at a higher level. We used frequency-tagged magnetoencephalography to localize the implicit discrimination of numerosity within the visual hierarchy. We found that numerosity yielded occipital responses, supporting that the human visual system can grasp it at a single glance. Crucially, numerosity also yielded specific parietal responses, showing that numerosity is a perceptual primitive with a unique automatic involvement of parietal cortex.
Numerical results for the classical free convection flow problem in a square porous cavity using spline functions
Authors: Micula Sanda , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the problem of natural convection in a square cavity filled with a fluid-saturated porous medium having constant temperatures on the side walls, and the numerical results are obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

Dimensionless equations governing the mathematical model together with the boundary conditions are obtained, and the problem is solved by spline functions.

Findings

The numerical results of streamlines, isotherms and local and average Nusselt numbers are investigated and discussed for different values of the governing parameters. The Rayleigh number is proposed to be control parameter for heat and fluid flow inside the cavity.

Originality/value

Interesting results with this new numerical method have been obtained, such as the behaviour of the convective cells and the local and average Nusselt number. The obtained results are compared and successfully validated with previous reported results from the open literature. The present numerical results are new and original. The reported results can contribute to other researchers on electing the relevant parameters to optimize the heat transfer process in the modern industry.
Managing and responding to pandemics in higher educational institutions: initial learning from COVID-19
Authors: Izumi Takako , Sukhwani Vibhas , Surjan Akhilesh , Shaw Rajib
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the key challenges, approaches and lessons of the higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the context of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to understand the key challenges being faced by the HEIs around the world during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 150 responses were collected from 65 universities, located in 29 countries.

Findings

The results show that 47% of respondents with defined universities believe their institutions lacked a permanent or dedicated emergency management office, and 41% said their HEIs lacked a general business continuity plan for an emergency. In universities with BCPs, 33% of the plans do not cover biological hazards and pandemic risk management, and 60% of the plans did not include conducting any advanced simulation exercises. More than 70% the responded said their instruction, information sharing and decision-making process were timely and open. The major challenges identified were a lack of adequate preparedness for pandemic and of pandemic-specific advanced simulation exercises. The next major challenges were the change in the mode of teaching to online lectures and working from home. Based on these challenges, a set of short- and long-term recommendations were proposed.

Originality/value

This was the first survey in academic institutions in post COVID-19 context. The findings will be useful for preparing for biological and other related hazards.
Towards a framework on the factors conditioning the role of logistics service providers in the provision of inventory financing
Authors: Chakuu Sumeer , Masi Donato , Godsell Janet
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the conditions in which logistics service providers (LSPs) can compete or collaborate with banks in offering inventory financing as a supply chain finance (SCF) service.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study research methodology was adopted. The case study involved six LSPs across Europe. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The results highlighted that an attractive credit demand for LSPs consists in suppliers with high amounts of inventory or borrowing needs that go beyond their borrowing capacity from the perspective of a bank. LSPs can respond to this demand when they have three specific capabilities as follows: risk assessment, risk monitoring and organizational capabilities. The offer of inventory financing can be controlled by the LSPs or by the banks. When the LSPs control the offer, they offer different conditions compared to the banks in terms of credit rationing, transaction costs, payment flexibility, tax rate advantage and financial risk management. When the banks control the offer, the LSPs influence the nature of the SCF services only in terms of credit rationing and transaction costs. The LSPs seem to easily develop risk assessment and risk mitigation capabilities, while the organisational capabilities appear to be the most challenging to build, and when absent they create a barrier to the provision of inventory financing.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is twofold. First, the paper provides a comprehensive taxonomy of the factors conditioning the role of the LSPs in the provision of inventory financing as a SCF service. Second, the paper clarifies the link between the factors and the different roles played by the LSPs.
Green service production in healthcare and role of value chain flexibility
Authors: Kumar Pradeep
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the specific role of value chain flexibility (VCF) in the strategies of green service production (GSP) in healthcare. The study explores the key dimensions of VCF and their linkages with the current GSP strategies in healthcare firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an exploratory case study with three representative national-level healthcare firms in India. A multiple case study methodology was utilized to explore the relationships between GSP and VCF.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that several strategies for GSP require the support of multiple dimensions of VCF. More importantly, the role of each dimension of VCF depends upon the innovativeness of green service design, green procurement and green service practices.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in the emerging healthcare market of India. Thus, the generalizability of the framework needs to be tested in another context. The study reports the employee's perception, and the patients’ (customers) views were not included.

Originality/value

The study is a first step to understand the theoretical perspectives of the relationships between GSP and VCF by exploring the underlying concepts. Furthermore, the study explicates the dynamics of their interplay in a systematic way and contributes to a framework of GSP and VCF in the healthcare context.
Assessment of sustainable recycling at The University of Jordan
Authors: Moqbel Shadi , Abu-Zurayk Rund , Bozeya Ayat , Alsisan Raed , Al Bawab Abeer
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study sought to assess the process of initiating a sustainable recycling program at the University of Jordan. It illustrates the potentials of recycling, perceived awareness of recycling by the students and staff, as well as challenges to a sustainable waste recycling program. This study aims to identify the barriers and challenges that face a sustainable waste recycling program at the University of Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consisted of investigating waste recycling potential on campus, inspecting general environmental awareness toward recycling and running an experimental recycling study on part of the campus. A waste characterization study was conducted to assess the current waste status and recycling extent. A questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain information on the students’ and staffs’ awareness of waste recycling and management on campus. In the experimental recycling study, seventy units of waste segregation bins were distributed on campus. The recycling efficiency was evaluated at two schools; the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine. The administrative support and collaboration while running the recycling program were also observed.

Findings

Overall, waste recycling at the University of Jordan has an appreciable opportunity and potential. A substantial amount of waste can be diverted from going to the landfill. Data showed general positive recycling rates except for plastic. Also, the recycling rates show great potential for enhancing. The recycling at the University of Jordan faces several barriers and obstacles. The greatest barrier was identified as the lack of cooperation of the administrative system on campus. The administrative support for the recycling program was strong only at the initiation of the recycling program. Administrative support has a vital influence on the recycling program. It has the potential of boosting it or bringing it to halt. Future studies should focus on investigating recycling efficiency for the entire campus and focus more on increasing pro-environmental behavior among students and staff in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in it being conducted in a large campus university in a developing country. Also, the study used a diagnostic approach that is based on evaluating an environmental sustainability program as it evolves inside a higher education institution. The study illustrates the challenges that face universities in developing countries while adopting green campus initiatives.
Tech start-ups: networking strategies for better performance
Authors: Chu Youngeun , Yoon Woojin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial strategies and the performance of technological start-up companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the extant literature on network theory, this paper derives the propositions that observe the effect of strategic alliances on the growth of technology-based ventures.

Findings

This study suggests that the network of a start-up evolves in response to the changing resource needs and resource acquisition challenges of a firm as it moves through the life cycle stages of emergence and early growth.

Originality/value

The present study challenges the basic assumption that more embeddedness is better by examining which kinds of specific ties are more beneficial than others, and whether these beneficiaries are maintained overtime.
A machine learning approach to predict the success of crowdfunding fintech project
Authors: Yeh Jen-Yin , Chen Chi-Hua
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The crowdfunding market has experienced rapid growth in recent years. However, not all projects are successfully financed because of information asymmetries between the founder and the providers of external finance. This shortfall in funding has made factors that lead to successful fundraising, a great interest to researchers. This study draws on the social capital theory, human capital theory and level of processing (LOP) theory to predict the success of crowdfunding projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A feature set is extracted and correlations between project success and features are utilized to order the features. The artificial neural network (ANN) is popularly applied to analyze the dependencies of the input variables to improve the accuracy of prediction. However, the problem of overfitting may exist in such neural networks. This study proposes a neural network method based on ensemble machine learning and dropout methods to generate several neural networks for preventing the problem of overfitting. Four machine learning techniques are applied and compared for prediction performance.

Findings

This study shows that the success of crowdfunding projects can be predicted by measuring and analyzing big data of social media activity, human capital of funders and online project presentation. The ensemble neural network method achieves highest accuracy. The investments rose from early projects and another platform by the funder serve as credible indicators for later investors.

Practical implications

The managerial implication of this study is that the project founders and investors can apply the proposed model to predict the success of crowdfunding projects. This study also identifies the most influential features that affect fundraising outcomes. The project funders can use these features to increase the successful opportunities of crowdfunding project.

Originality/value

This study contributes to apply a new machine learning modeling method to extract features from activity data of crowdfunding platforms and predict crowdfunding project success. In addition, it contributes to the research on the deployment of social capital, human capital and online presentation strategies in a crowdfunding context as well as offers practical implications for project funders and investors.
Why busy leaders may have exhausted followers: a multilevel perspective on supportive leadership
Authors: Stein Maie , Vincent-Höper Sylvie , Gregersen Sabine
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study of leaders and followers working in day-care centers aims to use a multilevel perspective on supportive leadership to examine its role in linking workload at the leader level and emotional exhaustion at the follower level. Integrating theoretical work on social support with conservation of resources (COR) theory, leaders' workload is proposed to be positively related to followers' feelings of emotional exhaustion through constraining the enactment of supportive leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Multisource survey data from 442 followers and their leaders from 68 teams were collected to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Multilevel analyses showed that leader workload was negatively related to followers' perception of supportive leadership, which, in turn, was positively related to followers' levels of emotional exhaustion. Leader workload was indirectly and positively related to follower emotional exhaustion via supportive leadership.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides initial support for the idea that work contextual factors at the leader level create boundaries for the extent to which leaders may provide support to their followers and draws attention to the accountability of leaders' work contextual factors for followers' well-being.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organizations must not focus narrowly on training leaders on how to benefit followers but should also aim to optimize leaders' levels of workload to enable them to act in a supportive manner.

Originality/value

By considering both the receivers (i.e. followers) and providers (i.e. leaders) of support simultaneously, we take a crossover approach to COR theory and acknowledge that work contextual factors at higher organizational levels may spread to employee well-being at lower levels of the organization.
Logistics service quality: where we are and where we go in the context of airline industry
Authors: Thongkruer Peeraya , Wanarat Sawat
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In practice and in literature, logistics service quality is one of the key concepts in any service industry, including airlines. However, the breadth of content and the inconsistent accounts make comprehensive understanding of service quality elusive, thereby necessitating the conduct of a systematic review of the literature on service quality in the context of airlines. In doing so, this study aims to provide a clear, consistent and current overview of the literature, enabling the advancement of theory and research in service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

In particular, this study presents several aspects of logistics service quality based on the 52 articles reviewed published between 1993 and 2019. Content analysis was used to analyze the data in terms of key attributes of service quality from the selected articles.

Findings

Following an analysis, this study summarizes the antecedents and consequences, along with mediators and moderators, and develops a review framework of service quality.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides a starting point for understanding logistics service quality in a context of airline where choice of perspective (at three different perspectives) and framing of context (where logistics interfaces with marketing function, thereby ensuring a well-functiong synthesis of marketing and service activities in the value chain) are of decisive importance. It also expands an understanding of service quality in marketing field with an integration of logistics function as well as challenging some of the conventional knowledge of the applying logistics in service-based business like the airlines. However, this paper is restricted by several limitations that must be taken into account when applying its findings such as context-specific results,cross-sectional data and recall variables.

Originality/value

This paper provides a clear and consistent concept, as well as a current overview of the literature, which enables advancement in theory and research. It also reveals theoretical underpinnings of the research stream and outlines future research directions. Additionally, it challenges some of the conventional knowledge of the applying logistics on service-based business such as airline which broadens the scope of our thinking and provides a foundation for future study.
The impact of balanced agile project management on firm performance: the mediating role of market orientation and strategic agility
Authors: Kurniawan Randy , Budiastuti Dyah , Hamsal Mohammad , Kosasih Wibowo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of balanced agile project management (balanced APM) on firm performance through the mediating role of market orientation and strategic agility of medium and large telecommunication technology providers in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data was collected from the executive management of telecommunication technology providers in Indonesia via a questionnaire survey to obtain 150 valid questionnaires for analysis. This study analyzed the overall model fit through confirmatory factor analysis and causal relationships through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that market orientation mediates the link between balanced APM and strategic agility and that strategic agility mediates the link between market orientation and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The choice of single telecommunication industry in a single country, Indonesia, provides a limitation on external validity. It is, therefore, suggested to extend the research efforts to other industry sectors in multi-country environments.

Originality/value

This study extends the knowledge about agile project management by embracing balancing control enforcement and tests it empirically. This study also re-conceptualizes strategic agility to embrace business partner switching capability and market orientation to embrace the inter-partner coordination dimension. Finally, the results highlight that agile project management needs to be framed by market orientation to create higher value for customers. However, market orientation alone is not enough and that the organization requires strategic agility to achieve firm performance.
Fungal volatiles influence plant defence against above‐ground and below‐ground herbivory
Authors: Moisan Kay , Aragón Marcela , Gort Gerrit , Dicke Marcel , Cordovez Viviane , Raaijmakers Jos M. , Lucas‐Barbosa Dani
Published: July 2020

Plants have evolved resistance traits that negatively affect attackers, and tolerance traits that sustain plant growth despite herbivore damage. These mechanisms often co‐occur in a mixed‐defence strategy, balancing resistance and tolerance. These plant defences can be enhanced upon interaction with soil micro‐organisms.

Here we investigated the effects of volatiles emitted by soil‐borne fungi on plant defence to insect herbivory, and on plant phenology.

We exposed roots of Brassica rapa plants to volatiles emitted by four soil‐borne fungi. As a proxy of plant resistance, we assessed the performance of Pieris brassicae, a caterpillar feeding on leaves and inflorescences, and of Delia radicum, an insect root herbivore. As a proxy of plant tolerance, we compared growth of volatile‐exposed plants challenged with or without insects. Additionally, we assessed the effects on plant phenology by recording bolting time and by counting the number of buds and flowers.

Plant exposure to fungal volatiles differentially affected plant resistance to above‐ and below‐ground herbivory. Performance of P. brassicae caterpillars differed between the fungal volatile‐exposed plants but was variable between experimental batches. In contrast, the effects of fungal volatiles on D. radicum performance were predominantly negative, indicating an increased plant resistance. Despite root consumption by D. radicum, root dry weight remained unchanged in infested plants compared with uninfested ones, irrespectively of the volatile exposure, suggesting compensation for the tissue loss, sometimes at the cost of undamaged above‐ground tissues. When B. rapa plants were attacked by P. brassicae caterpillars, only exposure to volatiles of some fungi led to compensation for the loss of above‐ground tissues consumed by the caterpillars, which differed between leaves and inflorescences. Furthermore, bolting was accelerated in response to volatiles of some fungi, resulting in more buds and flowers, which suggests a potential enhancement of plant fitness.

Our data show that fungal volatiles can modulate the mixed‐defence strategies of B. rapa plants, balancing plant resistance and tolerance to above‐ and below‐ground herbivory. These effects may be variable and were fungus specific. Ultimately, plant fitness may be enhanced upon root exposure to fungal volatiles.

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Transcriptomic analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation by the halophilic fungus Aspergillus sydowii at hypersaline conditions
Authors: Peidro‐Guzmán Heidy , Pérez‐Llano Yordanis , González‐Abradelo Deborah , Fernández‐López Maikel Gilberto , Dávila‐Ramos Sonia , Aranda Elisabet , Hernández Darío Rafael Olicón , García Angélica Ortega , Lira‐Ruan Verónica , Pliego Oscar Ramírez , Santana María Angélica , Schnabel Denhi , Jiménez‐Gómez Irina , Mouriño‐Pérez Rosa R. , Aréchiga‐Carvajal Elva T. , del Rayo Sánchez‐Carbente María , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis , Sánchez‐Reyes Ayixon , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar , Cabana Hubert , Gunde‐Cimerman Nina , Batista‐García Ramón Alberto
Published: July 2020

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most persistent xenobiotic compounds, with high toxicity effects. Mycoremediation with halophilic Aspergillus sydowii was used for their removal from a hypersaline medium (1 M NaCl). A. sydowii metabolized PAHs as sole carbon sources, resulting in the removal of up to 90% for both PAHs [benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) and phenanthrene (Phe)] after 10 days. Elimination of Phe and BaP was almost exclusively due to biotransformation and not adsorption by dead mycelium and did not correlate with the activity of lignin modifying enzymes (LME). Transcriptomes of A. sydowii grown on PAHs, or on glucose as control, both at hypersaline conditions, revealed 170 upregulated and 76 downregulated genes. Upregulated genes were related to starvation, cell wall remodelling, degradation and metabolism of xenobiotics, DNA/RNA metabolism, energy generation, signalling and general stress responses. Changes of LME expression levels were not detected, while the chloroperoxidase gene, possibly related to detoxification processes in fungi, was strongly upregulated. We propose that two parallel metabolic pathways (mitochondrial and cytosolic) are involved in degradation and detoxification of PAHs in A. sydowii resulting in intracellular oxidation of PAHs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive transcriptomic analysis on fungal degradation of PAHs.
A GT‐seq panel for walleye (Sander vitreus) provides important insights for efficient development and implementation of amplicon panels in non‐model organisms
Authors: Bootsma Matthew L. , Gruenthal Kristen M. , McKinney Garrett J. , Simmons Levi , Miller Loren , Sass Greg G. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: July 2020

Targeted amplicon sequencing methods, such as genotyping‐in‐thousands by sequencing (GT‐seq), facilitate rapid, accurate, and cost‐effective analysis of hundreds of genetic loci in thousands of individuals. Development of GT‐seq panels is nontrivial, but studies describing trade‐offs associated with different steps of GT‐seq panel development are rare. Here, we construct a dual‐purpose GT‐seq panel for walleye (Sander vitreus), discuss trade‐offs associated with different development and genotyping approaches, and provide suggestions for researchers constructing their own GT‐seq panels. Our GT‐seq panel was developed using an ascertainment set consisting of restriction site‐associated DNA data from 954 individuals sampled from 23 populations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. We conducted simulations to test the utility of all loci for parentage analysis and genetic stock identification and designed 600 primer pairs to maximize joint accuracy for these analyses. We then performed three rounds of primer optimization to remove loci that overamplified and our final panel consisted of 436 loci. We also explored different approaches for DNA extraction, multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and cleanup steps during the GT‐seq process and discovered the following: (i) inexpensive Chelex extractions performed well for genotyping; (ii) the exonuclease I and shrimp alkaline phosphatase (ExoSAP) procedure included in some current protocols did not improve results substantially and was probably unnecessary; and (iii) it was possible to PCR amplify panels separately and combine them prior to adapter ligation. Well‐optimized GT‐seq panels are valuable resources for conservation genetics and our findings and suggestions should aid in their construction in myriad taxa.
Aging aggravated liver ischemia and reperfusion injury by promoting STING‐mediated NLRP3 activation in macrophages
Authors: Zhong Weizhe , Rao Zhuqing , Rao Jianhua , Han Guoyong , Wang Ping , Jiang Tao , Pan Xiongxiong , Zhou Shun , Zhou Haoming , Wang Xuehao
Published: July 2020

Although aggravated liver injury has been reported in aged livers post‐ischemia and reperfusion (IR), the underlying mechanism of innate immune activation of aged macrophages is not well understood. Here, we investigated whether and how Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling regulated macrophage proinflammatory activation and liver IR injury. Mice were subjected to hepatic IR in vivo. Macrophages isolated from IR‐stressed livers and bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) from young and aged mice were used for in vitro studies. Enhanced nucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat containing protein 3 (NLRP3) activation was found in both livers and macrophages of aged mice post‐IR. NLRP3 knockdown in macrophages inhibited intrahepatic inflammation and liver injury in both young and aged mice. Interestingly, enhanced activation of the STING/ TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) signaling pathway was observed in aged macrophages post‐IR and mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) stimulation. STING suppression blocked over‐activation of NLRP3 signaling and excessive secretion of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the mtDNA‐stimulated BMDMs from aged mice. More importantly, STING knockdown in macrophages abrogated the detrimental role of aging in aggravating liver IR injury and intrahepatic inflammation. Finally, peripheral blood from the recipients undergoing liver transplantation was collected and analyzed. The results showed that the elderly recipients had much higher levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 post‐transplantation, indicating increased NLRP3 activation in lR‐stressed livers of elderly recipients. In summary, our study demonstrated that the STING‐NLRP3 axis was critical for the proinflammatory response of aged macrophages and would be a novel therapeutic target to reduce IR injury in elderly patients.
Incubation of alcohol craving as it naturally occurs in a developmentally diverse sample of dependent and nondependent drinkers
Authors: Treloar Padovano Hayley , Miranda Robert
Published: July 2020

Longer periods of abstinence are shown to enhance response to alcohol cues among alcohol‐dependent animals and humans, a phenomenon described as “incubation of craving.” The present work examined the effects of days since last drink on general craving and alcohol‐cued craving as it occurs in daily life and explored whether effects were influenced by age and dependence. Three samples were combined to include 266 drinkers ranging in age from 14 to 67 years recruited from the community; about half (59.4%) met criteria for alcohol dependence. Drinkers used handheld electronic devices to rate their subjective alcohol craving (assessed as “urge to drink”) and situational context (e.g., presence of visible alcohol cues) at nondrinking times in daily life, with days since last alcohol use culled from timeline follow‐back interviews and real‐world reports. Drinkers at the lower end of the age range in this sample reported greater intensification of craving with more days of continuous abstinence than drinkers at the upper end of the age range. Age was not related to incubation of cue‐elicited craving, in specific, however. For drinkers with dependence, craving when in the presence of visible alcohol cues intensified with more days of continuous abstinence, suggesting craving incubation. This study builds from important foundational work to demonstrate that incubation of cue‐elicited craving occurs in dependent drinkers and applies regardless of age. Inasmuch as craving is a motivational drive that maintains alcohol use, understanding factors that influence craving in daily life holds promise for improving clinical care.