bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyryl/Caproyl-CoA:Acetate CoA-Transferase: Cloning, Expression and Characterization of the Key Enzyme Involved in Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Yang Qingzhuoma , Guo Shengtao , Lu Qi , Tao Yong , Zheng Decong , Zhou Qinmao , Liu Jun
Published: March 2021

Coenzyme A transferases (CoATs) are important enzymes involved in carbon chain elongation contributing to medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) biosynthesis. For example, butyryl-CoA:acetate CoA transferase (BCoAT) is responsible for the final step of butyrate synthesis from butyryl-CoA. However, little is known about caproyl-CoA:acetate CoA-transferase (CCoAT), which is responsible for the final step of caproate synthesis from caproyl-CoA. In this study, two CoAT genes fromRuminococcaceaebacterium CPB6 andClostridium tyrobutyricumBEY8 were identified by gene cloning and expression analysis. The enzyme assays and kinetic studies were carried out using butyryl-CoA or caproyl-CoA as the substrate. CPB6-CoAT can catalyze the conversion of both butyryl-CoA to butyrate and caproyl-CoA to caproate, but its catalytic efficiency with caproyl-CoA as the substrate was 3.8 times higher than that with butyryl-CoA. In contrast, BEY8-CoAT had only BCoAT activity, not CCoAT activity. This demonstrated the existence of a specific CCoAT involved in chain elongation via the reverse β-oxidation pathway. Comparative bioinformatics analysis showed the presence of a highly conserved motif (GGQXDFXXGAXX) in CoATs, which is predicted to be the active center of CoATs. Single point mutations in the conserved motif of CPB6-CoAT (Asp346 and Ala351) led to marked decreases in the activity for butyryl-CoA and caproyl-CoA, indicating that the conserved motif is the active center of CPB6-CoAT, and sites Asp346 and Ala351 were critical residues that affect enzymatic activity. This work provides insight into the function of CCoAT in caproic acid biosynthesis and improves the understanding of the chain elongation pathway for MCFA production.
Bi-directional flow of the funny current (If) during the pacemaking cycle in murine sinoatrial node myocytes
Authors: Peters Colin H. , Liu Pin W. , Morotti Stefano , Gantz Stephanie C. , Grandi Eleonora , Bean Bruce P. , Proenza Catherine
Published: March 2021

Sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs) act as cardiac pacemaker cells by firing spontaneous action potentials (APs) that initiate each heartbeat. The funny current, If, is critical for the generation of these spontaneous APs; however, its precise role during the pacemaking cycle remains unresolved. We used the AP-clamp technique to quantify Ifduring the cardiac cycle in mouse SAMs. We found that Ifis persistently active throughout the sinoatrial AP, with surprisingly little voltage-dependent gating. As a consequence, it carries both inward and outward current around its reversal potential of -30 mV. Despite operating at only 2-5% of its maximal conductance, Ifcarries a substantial fraction of both depolarizing and repolarizing net charge movement during the firing cycle. We also show that β-adrenergic receptor stimulation increases the percentage of net depolarizing charge moved by If, consistent with a contribution of Ifto the fight-or-flight increase in heart rate. These properties were confirmed by heterologously-expressed HCN4 channels and by mathematical models of If. Modelling further suggested that the slow activation and deactivation of the HCN4 isoform underlie the persistent activity of Ifduring the sinoatrial AP. These results establish a new conceptual framework for the role of Ifin pacemaking, in which it operates at a very small fraction of maximal activation but nevertheless drives membrane potential oscillations in SAMs by providing substantial driving force in both inward and outward directions.

Significance Statement

Cardiac pacemaker cells trigger each heartbeat by virtue of spontaneous oscillations in their membrane voltage. Although the funny current (If) is critical for these oscillations and for setting heart rate, its precise role remains an enigma because it activates mostly outside of the physiological voltage range and quite slowly relative to the pacemaker cycle. Here we show that Ifis persistently active in pacemaker cells; once opened, the small fraction of ion channels that conduct Ifdo not re-close. Consequently, Ifflows both inward and outward to help propel the voltage oscillations and it paradoxically conducts a large fraction of the net charge movement. These results establish a new conceptual framework for the role of Ifin driving cardiac pacemaking.
Identification of Cell-Free DNA Methylation Patterns Unique to the Human Left Ventricle as a Potential Indicator of Acute Cellular Rejection
Authors: Pattar Sabrina , Aleinati Mohammad , Iqbal Fatima , Madhu Aiswarya , Blais Samuel , Wang Xuemei , Dallaire Frederic , Wang Yinong , Isaac Debra , Fine Nowell , Greenway Steven C.
Published: March 2021

Increased levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in recipient plasma have been associated with rejection after transplantation. DNA sequence differences have been used to distinguish between donor and recipient but epigenetic differences could also potentially identify dd-cfDNA. This pilot study aimed to identify ventricle-specific differentially methylated regions of DNA (DMRs) that could be detected in cfDNA. We identified 24 ventricle-specific DMRs and chose two for further study, one on chromosome 9 and one on chromosome 12. The specificity of both DMRs for the left ventricle was confirmed using genomic DNA from multiple human tissues. Serial matched samples of myocardium (n=33) and plasma (n=24) were collected from stable adult heart transplant recipients undergoing routine endomyocardial biopsy for rejection surveillance. Plasma DMR levels increased with biopsy-proven rejection grade for individual patients. Mean cellular apoptosis in biopsy samples increased significantly with rejection severity (2.4%, 4.4% and 10.0% for ACR 0R, 1R and 2R, respectively) but did not show a consistent relationship with DMR levels. We identified multiple DNA methylation patterns unique to the human ventricle and conclude that epigenetic differences in cfDNA populations represent a promising alternative strategy for the non-invasive detection of rejection.
Tiled-ClickSeq for targeted sequencing of complete coronavirus genomes with simultaneous capture of RNA recombination and minority variants
Authors: Jaworski Elizabeth , Langsjoen Rose M. , Mitchell Brooke , Judy Barbara , Newman Patrick , Plante Jessica A. , Plante Kenneth S. , Miller Aaron L. , Zhou Yiyang , Swetnam Daniele , Sotcheff Stephanea , Morris Victoria , Saada Nehad , Machado Rafael , McConnell Allan , Widen Steve , Thompson Jill , Dong Jianli , Ren Ping , Pyles Rick B. , Ksiazek Thomas , Menachery Vineet D. , Weaver Scott C. , Routh Andrew
Published: March 2021

High-throughput genomics of SARS-CoV-2 is essential to characterize virus evolution and to identify adaptations that affect pathogenicity or transmission. While single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) are commonly considered as driving virus adaption, RNA recombination events that delete or insert nucleic acid sequences are also critical. Whole genome targeting sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 is typically achieved using pairs of primers to generate cDNA amplicons suitable for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). However, paired-primer approaches impose constraints on where primers can be designed, how many amplicons are synthesized and requires multiple PCR reactions with non-overlapping primer pools. This imparts sensitivity to underlying SNVs and fails to resolve RNA recombination junctions that are not flanked by primer pairs. To address these limitations, we have designed an approach called ‘Tiled-ClickSeq’, which uses hundreds of tiled-primers spaced evenly along the virus genome in a single reverse-transcription reaction. The other end of the cDNA amplicon is generated by azido-nucleotides that stochastically terminate cDNA synthesis, removing the need for a paired-primer. A sequencing adaptor containing a Unique Molecular Identifier (UMI) is appended to the cDNA fragment using click-chemistry and a PCR reaction generates a final NGS library. Tiled-ClickSeq provides complete genome coverage, including the 5’UTR, at high depth and specificity to the virus on both Illumina and Nanopore NGS platforms. Here, we analyze multiple SARS-CoV-2 isolates and clinical samples to simultaneously characterize minority variants, sub-genomic mRNAs (sgmRNAs), structural variants (SVs) and D-RNAs. Tiled-ClickSeq therefore provides a convenient and robust platform for SARS-CoV-2 genomics that captures the full range of RNA species in a single, simple assay.
Memory B cell repertoire for recognition of evolving SARS-CoV-2 spike
Authors: Tong Pei , Gautam Avneesh , Windsor Ian , Travers Meghan , Chen Yuezhou , Garcia Nicholas , Whiteman Noah B. , McKay Lindsay G.A. , Lelis Felipe J.N. , Habibi Shaghayegh , Cai Yongfei , Rennick Linda J. , Duprex W. Paul , McCarthy Kevin R. , Lavine Christy L. , Zuo Teng , Lin Junrui , Zuiani Adam , Feldman Jared , MacDonald Elizabeth A. , Hauser Blake M. , Griffths Anthony , Seaman Michael S. , Schmidt Aaron G. , Chen Bing , Neuberg Donna , Bajic Goran , Harrison Stephen C. , Wesemann Duane R.
Published: March 2021

Memory B cell reserves can generate protective antibodies against repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections, but with an unknown reach from original infection to antigenically drifted variants. We charted memory B cell receptor-encoded monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from 19 COVID-19 convalescent subjects against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and found 7 major mAb competition groups against epitopes recurrently targeted across individuals. Inclusion of published and newly determined structures of mAb-S complexes identified corresponding epitopic regions. Group assignment correlated with cross-CoV-reactivity breadth, neutralization potency, and convergent antibody signatures. mAbs that competed for binding the original S isolate bound differentially to S variants, suggesting the protective importance of otherwise-redundant recognition. The results furnish a global atlas of the S-specific memory B cell repertoire and illustrate properties conferring robustness against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Variable autoinhibition among deafness-associated variants of Diaphanous 1 (DIAPH1)
Authors: Lakha Rabina , Montero Angela M. , Jabeen Tayyaba , Costeas Christina C. , Ma Jia , Vizcarra Christina L.
Published: March 2021

One of the earliest mapped human deafness genes,DIAPH1, encodes the formin DIAPH1. To date, at least three distinct mutations in the C-terminal domains and two additional mutations in the N-terminal region are associated with autosomal dominant hearing loss. The underlying molecular mechanisms are not known, and the role of formins in the inner ear is not well understood. In this study we use biochemical assays to test the hypotheses that autoinhibition and/or actin assembly activities are disrupted by DFNA1 mutations. Our results indicate that C-terminal mutant forms of DIAPH1 are functionalin vitroand promote actin filament assembly. Similarly, N-terminal mutants are well-folded and have quaternary structures and thermal stabilities similar to the WT protein. The strength of the autoinhibitory interactions varies widely among mutants, with thettaa, A265S and I530S mutations having an affinity similar to WT and the 1213x and Δagmutations completely abolishing autoinhibition. These data indicate that, in some cases, hearing loss may be linked to reduced inhibition of actin assembly.
A wing growth organizer in a hemimetabolous insect suggests wing origin
Authors: Ohde Takahiro , Mito Taro , Niimi Teruyuki
Published: March 2021

The origin and evolution of insect wings remain enigmatic after a century-long discussion. Molecular dissection of wing development in hemimetabolous insects, in which the first functional wings evolved, is key to understand genetic changes required for wing evolution. We investigatedDrosophilawing marker genes in the cricket,Gryllus bimaculatus, and foundapterousandvestigialshow critical functions in nymphal tergal identity and margin formation, respectively. We further demonstrate that margin cells in the lateral-anterior tergal region constitute a growth organizer of wing blades. Transcriptome and RNAi analyses unveiled that Wnt, Fat-Dachsous, and Hippo pathways are involved in disproportional growth ofGrylluswings. Our data collectively support the idea that tergal margin cells of a wingless ancestor gave rise to the body wall extension required for evolution of the first powered flight.
Integrated Systems-Analysis of the Human and Murine Pancreatic Cancer Glycomes Reveal a Tumor Promoting Role for ST6GAL1
Authors: Kurz Emma , Chen Shuhui , Vucic Emily , Baptiste Gillian , Loomis Cynthia , Agarwal Praveen , Hajdu Cristina , Bar-Sagi Dafna , Mahal Lara K.
Published: March 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the 3rdleading cause of cancer-death in the U.S.. Glycans, such as CA-19-9, are biomarkers of PDA and are emerging as important modulators of cancer phenotypes. Herein, we utilized a systems-based approach integrating glycomic analysis of human PDA and the well-established KC mouse model, with transcriptomic data to identify and probe the functional significance of aberrant glycosylation in pancreatic cancer. We observed both common and distinct patterns of glycosylation in pancreatic cancer across species. Common alterations included increased levels of α-2,3- and α-2,6-sialic acids, bisecting GlcNAc and poly-LacNAc. However, core fucose, which was increased in human PDAC, was not seen in the mouse, indicating that not all human glycomic changes can be modeled in the KC mouse. In silico a nalysis of bulk and single cell sequencing data identified ST6GAL1, which underlies α-2,6-sialic acid, as overexpressed in human PDA, concordant with histological data. Enzymes levels correlated with the stage of clinical disease. To test whether ST6GAL1 promotes pancreatic cancer we created a novel mouse in which a pancreas-specific genetic deletion of this enzyme overlays the KC mouse model. Analysis of our new model showed delayed cancer formation and a significant reduction in fibrosis. Our results highlight the importance of a strategic systems-approach to identifying glycans whose functions can be modeled in mouse, a crucial step in the development of therapeutics targeting glycosylation in pancreatic cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the 3rdleading cause of cancer-death in the U.S.. Glycosylation is emerging as an important modulator of cancer phenotype. Herein we use a systems-approach integrating glycomics of human PDA and a well-established PDA mouse model with transcriptomic data to identify ST6GAL1, the enzyme underlying α-2,6-sialic acid, as a potential cancer promoter. A pancreatic specific ST6GAL1 knockout in the KC mouse showed delayed cancer formation and a reduction in fibrosis. Our results highlight the importance of a strategic systems-approach to identifying glycans whose functions can be modeled in mouse, a crucial step in the development of therapeutics targeting glycosylation in pancreatic cancer.
Different issue types have different signal intensity onb=0 images and its implication on intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) analysis: examples of liver MRI
Authors: Xiao Ben-Heng , Wáng Yì Xiáng J.
Published: March 2021

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) theory in MRI was proposed to account for the effect of vessel/capillary perfusion on the aggregate diffusion weighted MR signal. The prevalent IVIM modeling is based on equation-1: SI(b)/SI(0)= (1 -PF) × exp(-b× Dslow) + PF × exp(-b× Dfast) [1] where SI(b)and SI(0)denote the signal intensity of images acquired with the b-factor value ofbandb=0 s/mm2, respectively. We recently reported that, for the liver and likely for other organs as well, IVIM modeling of the perfusion component is constrained by the diffusion component, with a reducedDslowmeasure leading to artificially higher PF andDfastmeasures. With higher b-value associated lower image signal of the targeted tissue, Euqation-1 is focused on describing the signal decay pattern along increasingly higherb-values by three IVIM parameters. Signal intensity at eachb-value (i.e., SI(b)) is normalised by the signal intensity ofb=0 image (i.e., SI(0)). We noted an apparent problem for Euqation-1. For example, if we want to compare the IVIM parameters of the normal liver parenchyma and a liver tumor, following Euqation-1 we will take the assumption that the SI(0)of the normal parenchyma and the tumor are the same and considered equally as 1 (or 100) for the biexponential decay modelling. However, this assumption is invalid for many scenarios. From our liver IVIM database of 27 healthy female subjects, we chose six of the youngest subjects (20-27 yrs) and six of the oldest subjects (58-71 yrs) and measured the signals of the liver and left erector spinae muscle onb=0 and 2 s/mm2images. The results show, while there was no apparent difference of left erector spinae muscle signal among the young and elderly groups, the elderly group’s liver SI(0)is approximately 20 % lower than that of young group. This difference skewed the ratios of various SI(b)/SI(0)and the followed IVIM parameter determination. The general trend is that lower liver SI(0)is associated with lowerDslowand higher PF andDfast. If IVIM bi-exponential decay fitting starts from a very low non-zero b images (such asb=2 s/mm2images), this problem persists. We performed an additional analysis of our IVIM database of five cirrhotic livers and the results show SI(b=2)of cirrhotic right liver is positively associatedDslow(Pearson r=0.687), and negatively associated with PF (Pearsonr=-0.733). Though the examples we used in this letter are on liver aging and liver fibrosis, the points discussed are expected to be generalisable to other pathologies and to other organs.
The level of synovial human VEGFA, IL-8 and MIP-1α correlate with truncation of lubricin glycans in osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Shan , Thomsson Kristina A. , Jin Chunsheng , Ryberg Henrik , Das Nabangshu , Struglics André , Rolfson Ola , Björkman Lena I , Eisler Thomas , Schmidt Tannin A. , Jay Gregory D. , Krawetz Roman , Karlsson Niclas G.
Published: March 2021

Osteoarthrithis (OA) is an endemic disease due to the increase of the world’s elderly population. Previously thought to be a consequence of an imbalance between cartilage degradation and biosynthesis, it is now recognized as a disease also involving inflammation, hence influencing the level of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and chemokines. Lubricin is a mucin type molecule where its OA induced glycosylation truncation propels a deteriorating lubrication of the articular cartilage. The objective of this study was to explore the OA driven truncation ofO-linked glycosylation of synovial lubricin and its cross talk with systemic and local (synovial fluid, SF) inflammation. We compared the systemic level of cytokines/chemokine in OA patients’ and controls’ plasma with their local level in SF using a 44 plex screen. The level of 27 cytokines and chemokines was consistently measured in both plasma and SF. The data showed that the levels of cytokines and chemokines in OA plasma display limited correlation to their counterpart in SF. The level of synovial IL-8 and MIP-1α and VEGFA in OA patients, but not their plasma level, where the only cytokines that displayed a significant correlation to the observed lubricinO-linked glycosylation truncation. These cytokines were also shown to be upregulated exposing fibroblast like synoviocytes from healthy and OA patients to recombinant lubricin with truncated glycans mainly consisting of Tn-antigens, while lubricin with sialylated and non-sialylated T anigens did not have any effect. The data suggest that truncated glycans of lubricin, as found in OA, promotes the synovial cytokine production and exerebate the local synovial inflammation.
Loss of histone methyltransferase SETD1B in oogenesis results in the redistribution of genomic histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation
Authors: Hanna Courtney W. , Huang Jiahao , Belton Christian , Reinhardt Susanne , Dahl Andreas , Andrews Simon , Stewart A. Francis , Kranz Andrea , Kelsey Gavin
Published: March 2021

Histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is an epigenetic mark found at gene promoters and CpG islands. H3K4me3 is essential for mammalian development, yet mechanisms underlying its genomic targeting are poorly understood. H3K4me3 methyltransferases SETD1B and MLL2 are essential for oogenesis. We investigated changes in H3K4me3 inSetd1bconditional knockout (cKO) oocytes using ultra-low input ChIP-seq, with comparisons to DNA methylation and gene expression analyses. H3K4me3 was redistributed inSetd1bcKO oocytes showing losses at active gene promoters associated with downregulated gene expression. Remarkably, many regions also gained H3K4me3, in particular those that were DNA hypomethylated, transcriptionally inactive and CpG-rich, which are hallmarks of MLL2 targets. Consequently, loss of SETD1B disrupts the balance between MLL2 andde novoDNA methyltransferases in determining the epigenetic landscape during oogenesis. Our work reveals two distinct, complementary mechanisms of genomic targeting of H3K4me3 in oogenesis, with SETD1B linked to gene expression and MLL2 to CpG content.

Graphical Abstract

In oogenesis, SETD1B and CXXC1 target H3K4me3 to actively transcribed gene promoters, while MLL2 targets transcriptionally inactive regions based on underlying CpG composition (upper panel). When SETD1B is ablated, H3K4me3 is lost at a subset of active promoters, resulting in downregulation of transcription (lower panel). Loss of SETD1B alters the activity of MLL2, permitting MLL2 to deposit H3K4me3 at CpG-rich regions, many of which should otherwise be DNA methylated. Thus, it is evident that MLL2 and de novo DNMTs compete for genomic occupancy late in oogenesis, and loss of SETD1B disrupts the balance of these mechanisms.
Reconstituting the genusMycobacterium
Authors: Meehan Conor J , Barco Roman A. , Loh Yong-Hwee E , Cogneau Sari , Rigouts Leen
Published: March 2021

The definition of a genus has wide ranging implications both in terms of binomial species names and also evolutionary relationships. In recent years, the definition of the genusMycobacteriumhas been debated due to the proposed split of this genus into five new genera (Mycolicibacterium, Mycolicibacter, Mycolicibacillus, Mycobacteroidesand an emendedMycobacterium). Since this group of species contains many important obligate and opportunistic pathogens, it is important that any renaming of species is does not cause confusion in clinical treatment as outlined by thenomen periculosumrule (56a) of the Prokaryotic Code.

In this study, we evaluated the proposed and original genus boundaries for the mycobacteria, to determine if the split into five genera was warranted. By combining multiple approaches for defining genus boundaries (16S rRNA gene similarity, amino acid identity index, average nucleotide identity, alignment fraction and percentage of conserved proteins) we show that the original genusMycobacteriumis strongly supported over the proposed five-way split. Thus, we propose that the original genus label be reapplied to all species within this group, with the proposed five genera used as sub-genus complex names.
The feedback regulator Nord controls Dpp/BMP signaling via extracellular interaction with Dally in theDrosophilawing
Authors: Akiyama Takuya , Seidel Chris W. , Gibson Matthew C.
Published: March 2021

TheDrosophilaBMP 2/4 homologue Decapentaplegic (Dpp) acts as a morphogen to regulate diverse developmental processes, including wing morphogenesis. Transcriptional feedback regulation of this pathway ensures tightly controlled signaling outputs to generate the precise pattern of the adult wing. Nevertheless, few direct Dpp target genes have been explored and our understanding of feedback regulation remains incomplete. Here, we employ transcriptional profiling followingdppconditional knockout to identifynord, a novel Dpp/BMP feedback regulator. Nord mutants generated by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis produce a smaller wing and display low penetrance venation defects. At the molecular level,nordencodes a heparin-binding protein and we show that its overexpression is sufficient to antagonize Dpp/BMP signaling. Further, we demonstrate that Nord physically and genetically interacts with the Dpp/BMP co-receptor Dally. In sum we propose that Nord acts with Dally to fine tune Dpp/BMP signaling, with implications for both developmental and disease models.

Impact statement

Functional analyses of theDrosophilahomologue of Neuron Derived Neurotrophic Factor reveal a new mode of extracellular heparan sulfate proteoglycan regulation required for proper morphogen action.
A New Type of Satellite associated with Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses
Authors: Aimone Catherine D. , De León Leandro , Dallas Mary M. , Ndunguru Joseph , Ascencio-Ibáñez José T. , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: March 2021

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which is caused by single-stranded DNA begomoviruses, severely limits cassava production across Africa. A previous study showed that CMD symptom severity and viral DNA accumulation increase in cassava in the presence of a DNA sequence designated as SEGS-2 (sequenceenhancinggeminivirussymptoms). We report here that when SEGS-2 is co-inoculated withAfrican cassava mosaic virus(ACMV) ontoArabidopsis thaliana, viral symptoms increase. TransgenicArabidopsiswith an integrated copy of SEGS-2 inoculated with ACMV also display increased symptom severity and viral DNA levels. Moreover, SEGS-2 enablesCabbage leaf curl virus(CaLCuV) to infect a geminivirus resistant Arabidopsis accession. Although SEGS-2 is related to cassava genomic sequences, an earlier study showed that it occurs as episomes and is packaged into virions in CMD-infected cassava and viruliferous whiteflies. We identified SEGS-2 episomes in SEGS-2 transgenic Arabidopsis. The episomes occur as both double-stranded and single-stranded DNA, with the single-stranded form packaged into virions. In addition, SEGS-2 episomes replicate in tobacco protoplasts in the presence, but not the absence, of ACMV DNA-A. SEGS-2 episomes contain a SEGS-2 derived promoter and an open reading frame with the potential to encode a 75-amino acid protein. An ATG mutation at the beginning of the SEGS-2 coding region does not enhance ACMV infection in Arabidopsis. Together, the results established that SEGS-2 is a new type of begomovirus satellite that enhances viral disease through the action of a SEGS-2 encoded protein that may also be encoded in the cassava genome.

IMPORTANCE

Cassava is an important root crop in the developing world and a food and income crop for more than 300 million African farmers. Cassava is rising in global importance and trade as the demands for biofuels and commercial starch increase. More than half of the world’s cassava is produced in Africa, where it is primarily grown by smallholder farmers, many of whom are from the poorest villages. Although cassava can grow under high temperature, drought and poor soil conditions, its production is severely limited by viral diseases. Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is one of the most important viral diseases of cassava and can cause up to 100% yield losses. We provide evidence that SEGS-2, which was originally isolated from cassava crops displaying severe and atypical CMD symptoms in Tanzanian fields, is a novel begomovirus satellite that can compromise the development of durable CMD resistance.
Developing a matrix framework for protein transition towards more sustainable diets
Authors: Paloviita Ari
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a matrix framework to understand the interdependencies of domains and scales of protein transition towards diets based on plants and alternative sources of proteins.

Design/methodology/approach

The abductive research approach is used in building the framework, and the proposed framework is illustrated using the regional food system in Central Finland as an example. Focus groups and interviews were used to collect qualitative data from 28 respondents.

Findings

This study provides a framework for protein transition, with five domains and five scale levels. Interactions between public and private governance activities at different scales, domains and governed niche and regime levels are discussed. The study shows how micro-level activities at individual or community levels are linked with broader governance activities.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the relatively narrowed set of empirical data, further research is required to test the framework in different regional and cultural settings.

Practical implications

This paper presents a practical illustration of the matrix framework, and considering this, the paper discusses the possible implications of matrix interdependencies for protein transition management.

Social implications

This study proposes that understanding the coevolution of domains and scales, with the help of accurate policies and business models, can lead to effective protein transition.

Originality/value

This study fulfils an identified need to study protein transition in a broader frame, which highlights the structural activity interdependencies between different scale levels and domains.
Performance measurement and NPOs' effectiveness: does internal stakeholders' trust matter? Evidence from Palestine
Authors: Aboramadan Mohammed , Dahleez Khalid Abed , Farao Caterina , Alshurafa Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study proposes a model of the effect of financial and non-financial performance measures on nonprofit organizations’ (NPOs’) effectiveness where internal stakeholders' trust play an intervening role in the aforementioned relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 218 employees working at the largest Palestinian NPOs. The perceptions of these employees were used to measure the variables, and structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

Results suggest that the use of financial and non-financial performance measures was positively related to NPOs' effectiveness. Internal stakeholders' trust showed a significant mediating effect between the use of performance measures and NPOs' effectiveness.

Practical implications

This study may be of value for NPOs' managers due to the positive effects performance measurement (PM) can have on NPO effectiveness. Managers and boards should seek to enhance their internal stakeholders' trust to achieve higher levels of effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study has three main contributions. First, it is one of the very few papers which empirically examines the links between PM and NPOs' effectiveness, rather than providing conceptual lens. Second, the paper investigates the role of stakeholders' trust as a mediating mechanism in the proposed model, a topic that has been neglected by NPOs governance researchers. Finally, the study uses data from the Palestinian context, contributing to the PM literature by providing evidence on the relationship between performance measures and NPOs' effectiveness from a non-Western context.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) website disclosures: empirical evidence from the German banking industry
Authors: Schröder Philipp
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Content analysis was used to examine the CSR disclosures of 78 bank websites based on four categories: environment and energy, human resources, customers and products and community involvement. Furthermore, sample units were grouped according to their characteristics, and nonparametric tests were employed to determine significant differences between these groups.

Design/methodology/approach

This study (1) examines the extent of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure on bank websites and (2) analyzes the relationship between online CSR disclosure and bank characteristics (i.e. size, profitability, capital market orientation, government ownership, media visibility and bank category).

Findings

The results reveal that the most-disclosed (least-disclosed) CSR information by banks relates to customers and products (environment and energy). Moreover, characteristics such as size, capital market orientation, government-ownership and media visibility are significant in explaining CSR website disclosures, while profitability (bank category) is not (only partially) significant.

Research limitations/implications

Although the sample constitutes all the relevant banks in Germany, it is small and limited to a single national context. Thus, the results may not be generalizable.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the relatively scarce literature concerning CSR disclosures on banks' websites, provides new empirical data and extends prior research that compares CSR practices among different types of banks. Recommendations for action are also formulated that are relevant for banking practitioners in the present and future.
Do network capabilities improve corporate financial performance? Evidence from financial supply chains
Authors: Wang Liukai , Yan Ji , Chen Xiaohong , Xu Qifa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to bridge the gap in the literature on supply chain finance (SCF) by exploring the relationship between network capabilities and corporate financial performance (CFP) in financial supply chains (FSCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect panel data and adopt regression analysis to analyse the joint investment activities among 1359 manufacturing firms and 289 financial service providers in China to explore how network capabilities, both network power and network centrality, improve CFP in the FSCs.

Findings

Under the FSCs environments, network centrality (i.e. eigenvector centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality) raises CFP (ROA, ROE and Tobin's Q) and network power (node degree, clustering coefficient) also improves CFP. However, node strength from the network power stream has a negative effect on Tobin's Q, indicating that when the partner of a firm has an extremely strong influence in FSCs; this weakens the bargaining ability and flexibility of the focal firm, thus reducing its long-term financial performance.

Practical implications

The joint investment activities among supply chain partners and financial service providers help managers understand the advanced financing solutions generated by internal and external network organisations as well as be aware of network capabilities' impact on CFP in FSCs.

Originality/value

This study answers the call for more empirical research on SCF to provide a broader sample to examine financial supply chain management. This is one of the earliest studies to shed light on a new perspective – how network capabilities improve CFP in the FSCs.
The franchisor–franchisee relationship and customer data management in the digital era
Authors: Oueslati Hanene , Deparis Martine , Bennaghmouch-Maire Saloua
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The digitalization of an organization implies centralizing the data collected. Nevertheless, the management of customer data in franchise networks is a delicate, complicated and little studied issue. The purpose of this paper is to investigate its challenges and the keys to success, by developing a conceptual framework resulting from a qualitative study and a literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was carried out with around 30 franchisors, franchisees and franchise experts in the light of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The results of the qualitative study helped to clarify our theoretical framework and to position ourselves on the side of the founding theories of relationship marketing. A research model was then defined and tested using a quantitative survey administered to a total sample of 192 franchisors and franchisees.

Findings

The results of the various studies show that relationship quality, through inter-organizational commitment, explains the achievement of marketing performance in franchise networks. In addition, the place of relationship quality depends on four essential variables: inter-organizational communication, franchisee autonomy, technical and human resources and contractualization of customer data management.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a topic that has received very little attention, particularly in franchise networks. It uses a mixed-methods design that has enabled the identification of key variables contributing to the achievement of marketing and sales performance in a data management context.
Dissociative fashion practices and identity conflicts: local resistance as a response to clothing acculturation in the context of rural–urban migration
Authors: Lok Lam Magnum Man , Hung Li Eric Ping , Liu Wing-Sun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to examine how local consumers disassociate themselves from migrants' acculturative practices and negotiate their identity through the symbolic consumption of fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this interpretive study were obtained via phenomenological interviews with locally-born Chinese youth in Guangzhou, China, to examine their acculturative consumption practices as well as their subjective experiences of perceived threats to their lifestyle imposed by the influx of outsiders. Snowballing and purposive sampling methods were adopted in recruiting the research participants.

Findings

Data analyses revealed that local consumers adopt three dissociative strategies (stigmatization, avoidance and self-assertion) in order to ascribe meanings to their fashion consumption practices as a means of resolving identity conflicts and differentiate themselves from the migrant consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This research offers a single perspective (i.e. that of local-born young consumers residing in Guangzhou) on the locals' attitudes aimed at distinguishing and negotiating their identities in an intercultural setting via specific fashion-clothing choices. This research has theoretical implications for the consumer acculturation theory and identity negotiation.

Practical implications

Findings yielded by the present study have important implications for commercial companies focusing on fashion consumption, in particular for marketing practices aimed at rural-urban identification and youth market segmentation.

Social implications

This study contributes to the existing discussion on consumer acculturation by offering an intracultural perspective to the understanding of local consumers' responses to migrants' acculturation. It also provides managerial insights for fashion retailers, prompting them to rethink their market segmentation strategies to address population mobility in the marketplace and better understand how it alters the in-between social relationships that result in different consumption patterns and practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing discussion on youth consumer acculturation theories by offering an intercultural perspective to the understanding of local consumers' responses to migrants' acculturation attempts. It also offers managerial insights for fashion retailers, prompting them to rethink their market segmentation strategies to address population mobility and better understand how it alters the social relationships that result in different consumption patterns and practices.
The effects of business ethics and corporate social responsibility on intellectual capital voluntary disclosure
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Festa Giuseppe , Chouaibi Salim , Fait Monica , Papa Armando
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the potential effect that business ethics (BE) in general and corporate social responsibility (CSR) more specifically can exert on the voluntary disclosure (VD) of intellectual capital (IC) for the ethically most engaged firms in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on an inductive approach. As part of the global quantitative investigation, the authors have analyzed the impact of BE and CSR on the transparent communication of the IC. The data under analysis have been investigated using multiple linear regression.

Findings

Based on a sample of 83 enterprises emerging as the most ethical companies in the world, the results have revealed that the adoption of ethical and socially responsible approach is positively associated with the extent of VD about IC. This finding may help attenuating the asymmetry of information and the conflict of interest potentially arising with corporate partners. Hence, IC-VD may stand as an evidence of ethical and socially responsible behaviors.

Practical implications

Global and national regulators and policymakers can be involved by these results when setting social reporting standards because they suggest that institutional and/or cultural factors affect top management's social reporting behavior in the publication of the IC information.

Social implications

Direct and indirect stakeholders, if supported by ethical and socially responsible behaviors of the company, could assess more in detail the quality of the disclosed information concerning the IC.

Originality/value

Most of the studies that have been conducted in this field have examined the effect of BE and CSR on the firm's overall transparency, neglecting their potential effect on IC disclosure. This study is designed to fill in this gap through testing the impact of ethical and socially responsible approaches specifically on IC-VD.
Impact of sustainable practices on sustainable performance: the moderating role of supply chain visibility
Authors: Saqib Zulkaif Ahmed , Zhang Qingyu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Sustainability failures have increased the pressure for manufacturing firms to come up with innovative solutions to resolve the sustainable matters. Drawing on the resource-based theory, the purpose of this study is to examine how supply chain visibility moderates the effects of sustainable practices on sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data employed in the current work were collected from 355 small and medium manufacturing firms in Pakistan using a structured questionnaire. The structural equation modelling was applied to the collected data with AMOSS-23 and SPSS-25 package

Findings

The results show that sustainable practices (for manufacturing, procurement and distribution) significantly influence the firm's sustainability performance, and this relationship is moderated by supply chain visibility.

Originality/value

Sustainable practices are necessary for small and medium enterprises to achieve sustainable performance, but the previously under-explored moderating effect of supply chain visibility generally indicates that sharing information for learning, sensing and co-ordinating activities plays an intensifying effect.
Actor transformation in service: a process model for vulnerable consumers
Authors: Ho Bach Quang , Shirahada Kunio
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a process model for the role transformation of vulnerable consumers through support services.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on four years of participant observation at a community-based support service and in-depth interviews with the consumers. Visual ethnography was used to document the process of the consumers' role transformation through service exchanges.

Findings

The main outcome of this study is a consumer transformation model, describing consumers' role transformation processes, from recipients to generic actors. The model demonstrates that vulnerable consumers will transform from recipients to quasi-actors before becoming generic actors.

Social implications

Vulnerable consumers' participation in value cocreation can be promoted by providing social support according to their dynamic roles. By enabling consumers to participate in value cocreation, social support provision can become sustainable and inclusive, especially in rural areas affected by aging and depopulation. Transforming recipients into generic actors should be a critical aim of service provision in the global challenge of aging societies.

Originality/value

Beyond identifying service factors, the research findings describe the mechanism of consumers' role transformation process as a service mechanics study. Furthermore, this study contributes to transformative service research by applying social exchange theory and broadening service-dominant logic by describing the process of consumer growth for individual and community well-being.
Social loafing in online brand communities: the roles of personality and dehumanization
Authors: Hou Ru-Jing , Han Sheng-Hao , Zhang Yu-Dong , Zhang Chu-Bing , Wang Kun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The biggest obstacle to the sustainable development of online brand communities is social loafing. Based on 3M Hierarchical Model of Personality, this paper aims to discuss the influence of the Big Five on social loafing in online brand communities, and consider the mediating role of dehumanization from the perspective of moral disengagement theory, so as to alleviate social loafing and promote the sustainable development of online brand communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected utilizing the online self-report questionnaires. Community members of mobile phone brands represented by HUAWEI and Xiaomi completed the questionnaire sets. Based on the responses of 214 participants, a structural equation modeling was applied to examine the relationship between Big Five on social loafing in online brand communities. Later, bootstrap analysis was used to further explore the indirect effect of dehumanization.

Findings

Only two personality traits, neuroticism and extroversion, have direct effect on social loafing, while agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness not. However, all the Big Five personality traits can indirectly influence social loafing through dehumanization.

Originality/value

This study introduces the concept of social loafing into online brand communities, and analyzes social loafing from the unique research perspective of moral disengagement theory, which can not only contribute to the development of moral disengagement theory and social loafing theory but also provide guiding points for relieving social loafing in online brand communities.