bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of microRNAs involved in NOD-dependent induction of pro-inflammatory genes in pulmonary endothelial cells
Authors: Vlacil Ann-Kathrin , Vollmeister Evelyn , Bertrams Wilhelm , Schoesser Florian , Oberoi Raghav , Schuett Jutta , Schuett Harald , Huehn Sonja , Bedenbender Katrin , Schmeck Bernd T. , Schieffer Bernhard , Grote Karsten
Published: January 2020

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing proteins (NOD) 1 and 2 are mammalian cytosolic pattern recognition receptors sensing bacterial peptidoglycan fragments in order to initiate cytokine expression and pathogen host defence. Since endothelial cells are relevant cells for pathogen recognition at the blood/tissue interface, we here analysed the role of NOD1- and NOD2-dependently expressed microRNAs (miRNAs, miR) for cytokine regulation in murine pulmonary endothelial cells. The induction of inflammatory cytokines in response to NOD1 and NOD2 was confirmed by increased expression of tumour necrosis factor (Tnf)-αand interleukin (Il)-6. MiRNA expression profiling revealed NOD1- and NOD2-dependently regulated miRNA candidates, of which miR-147-3p, miR-200a-3p, and miR-298-5p were subsequently validated in pulmonary endothelial cells isolated fromNod1/2-deficient mice.In-silicoanalysis of the two down-regulated candidates miR-147-3p and miR-298-5p revealed predicted binding sites in the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of the murineTnf-αandIl-6mRNA. Consequently, transfection of endothelial cells with miRNA mimics decreasedTnf-αandIl-6mRNA levels. Finally, a novel direct interaction of miR-298-5p with the 3’UTR of theIl-6mRNA was uncovered by luciferase reporter assays. We here identified a mechanism of miRNA-down-regulation by NOD stimulation thereby enabling the induction of inflammatory gene expression in endothelial cells.
Host-derived Circular RNAs Display Proviral Activities in Hepatitis C Virus - Infected Cells
Authors: Chen Tzu-Chun , Tallo-Parra Marc , Kadener Sebastian , Böttcher René , Pérez-Vilaró Gemma , Boonchuen Pakpoom , Somboonwiwat Kunlaya , Díez Juana , Sarnow Peter
Published: January 2020

Viruses subvert macromolecular pathways in infected host cells to aid in viral gene amplification or to counteract innate immune responses. Roles for host-encoded RNAs, including microRNAs, have been found to provide pro- and anti-viral functions. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), that are generated by a nuclear back-splicing mechanism of pre-mRNAs, have been implicated to have roles in DNA virus-infected cells. This study examines the circular RNA landscape in uninfected and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver cells. Results showed that the abundances of distinct classes of circRNAs were up-regulated or down-regulated in infected cells. Identified circRNAs displayed pro-viral effects. One particular up-regulated circRNA, circPSD3, displayed a very pronounced effect on viral RNA abundances in both hepatitis C virus- and Dengue virus-infected cells. Surprisingly, circPSD3 also inhibited the cellular nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) pathway in liver cells. Thus, enhanced abundance of circPSD3 in virus-infected cells aids in viral replication and likely contributes to the known inhibition of NMD in HCV-infected cells. Findings from the global analyses of the circular RNA landscape argue pro-, and likely, anti-viral functions are executed by circRNAs that modulate both viral gene expression as well as host pathways. Because of their long half-lives, circRNAs likely play hitherto unknown, important roles in viral pathogenesis.

Author Summary

Usually, cells are infected by one or a few virus particles that carry genomes with limited expression capacity. Thus, the expression of viral genomes has to compete with a sea of cellular components that aid in viral translation, replication and virion production. Depending on their lifestyle, viruses have evolved to avoid or to subvert cellular pathways, especially those that display anti-viral functions. Host-derived circular RNA molecules have recently been discovered in the cytoplasm of cells, although, as-of yet, few functions have been assigned to them. Here, we describe alterations in the circular RNA landscape in hepatitis C virus-infected liver cells. Up-regulated and down-regulated circular RNAs were identified, and three of the upregulated RNAs were shown to promote HCV infection. One of them, circPSD3, inhibited the cellular nonsense-mediated RNA decay that is a powerful antiviral response in infected cells. Because circular RNAs are more stable than linear RNAs, they may have important functions during viral infection, dictating the outcomes of innate immune responses and viral pathogenesis.
Variation in a pleiotropic hub gene drives morphological evolution: Insights from interspecific differences in head shape and eye size inDrosophila
Authors: Buchberger Elisa , Bilen Anıl , Ayaz Sanem , Salamanca David , Matas de las Heras Cristina , Niksic Armin , Almudi Isabel , Torres-Oliva Montserrat , Casares Fernando , Posnien Nico
Published: January 2020

Revealing the mechanisms underlying the breath-taking morphological diversity observed in nature is a major challenge in Biology. It has been established that recurrent mutations in hotspot genes cause the repeated evolution of rather simple morphological traits, such as body pigmentation or the gain and loss of structures. To date, however, it remains elusive whether hotspot genes contribute to natural variation in complex morphological traits, such as the size and shape of organs. Since natural variation in head morphology is pervasive inDrosophila, we studied the molecular and developmental basis of differences in compound eye size and head shape in two closely relatedDrosophilaspecies. We show that differences in both traits are established late during head development and we applied comparative transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility data to identify the GATA transcription factor Pannier (Pnr) as central factor regulating these differences. Although the genetic manipulation of Pnr affected multiple aspects of dorsal head development, the effect of natural variation is restricted to a subset of the phenotypic space. We present data suggesting that this developmental constraint is caused by the co-evolution of expression ofpnrand its co-factoru-shaped (ush). We propose that natural variation in highly connected developmental regulators with pleiotropic functions is a major driver for morphological evolution and we discuss implications on gene regulatory network evolution. In comparison to previous findings, our data strongly suggests that evolutionary hotspots do not contribute to the repeated evolution of eye size and head shape inDrosophila.
Linking endoplasmic reticulum stress to polyploidy in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Yart Lucile , Bastida-Ruiz Daniel , Wuillemin Christine , Ribaux Pascale , Allard Mathilde , Dietrich Pierre-Yves , Petignat Patrick , Cohen Marie
Published: January 2020

Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been observed in epithelial ovarian tumors and have the ability to survive to antimitotic drugs. Their appearance can result from paclitaxel treatment or hypoxia, two conditions known to induce unfolded protein response (UPR) activation. PGCCs produced under hypoxia may be formed by cell fusion and can contribute by bursting and budding to the generation of cancer stem-like cells which have a more aggressive phenotype than the parental cells. Despite the fact that PGCCs may contribute to tumor maintenance and recurrence, they were poorly studied. Here, we confirmed that PGCCs could derive, at least in part, from cell fusion. We also observed that PGCCs nuclei were able to fuse. The resulting cells were able to proliferate by mitosis and were more invasive than the parental cancer cells. Using two different ovarian cancer cell lines (COV318 and SKOV3), we showed that UPR activation with chemical inducers increased cell fusion and PGCCs appearance. Down-regulation of the UPR-associated protein PERK expression partially reversed the UPR-induced PGCCs formation, suggesting that the PERK arm of the UPR is involved in ovarian PGCCs onset.
PAT2 regulates autophagy through vATPase assembly and lysosomal acidification in brown adipocytes
Authors: Wang Jiefu , Krueger Martin , Hauck Stefanie M. , Ussar Siegfried
Published: January 2020

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a key role in maintaining body temperature as well as glucose and lipid homeostasis by its ability to dissipate energy through mitochondrial uncoupling. To facilitate these tasks BAT needs to adopt its thermogenic activity and substrate utilization to changes in nutrient availability, regulated by a complex network of neuronal, endocrine and nutritional inputs. Amongst this multitude of factors influencing BAT activity changes in the autophagic response of brown adipocytes are an important regulator of its thermogenic capacity and activity. Increasing evidence supports an important role of amino acid transporters in mTORC1 activation and the regulation of autophagy. However, a specific role of amino acid transporters in BAT regulating its function has not been described. Here we show that the brown adipocyte specific proton coupled amino acid transporter PAT2 rapidly translocates from the plasma membrane to the lysosome in response to amino acid withdrawal, where it facilitates the assembly of the lysosomal vATPase. Loss or overexpression of PAT2 therefore impair lysosomal acidification, autophagolysosome formation and starvation induced mTORC1 activation.
Msps Governs Acentrosomal Microtubule Assembly and Reactivation of Quiescent Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Deng Qiannan , Tan Ye Sing , Chew Liang Yuh , Wang Hongyan
Published: January 2020

The ability of stem cells to switch between quiescence and proliferation is crucial for tissue homeostasis and regeneration.Drosophilaquiescent neural stem cells (NSCs) extend a primary cellular protrusion from the cell body prior to their reactivation. However, the structure and function of this protrusion are not well established. In this study, we show that in the primary protrusion of quiescent NSCs microtubules are predominantly acentrosomal and oriented plus-end-out, distal to the cell body. We have identified Mini Spindles (Msps)/XMAP215 as a key regulator of NSC reactivation and acentrosomal microtubule assembly in quiescent NSCs. We show that E-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, is localized to NSC-neuropil contact points, in a Msps-dependent manner, and is intrinsically required for NSC reactivation. Our study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which Msps-dependent microtubule assembly in the primary protrusion of quiescent NSCs targets E-cadherin to NSC-neuropil contact sites to promote NSC reactivation. We propose that the neuropil functions as a new niche for promoting NSC reactivation, which may be a general paradigm in mammalian systems.
Single molecule imaging reveals the collective and independent search mechanisms of cFos and cJun on DNA
Authors: Leech James T. , Brennan Andrew , Don Nicola A. , Mason Jody M. , Kad Neil M.
Published: January 2020

AP-1 proteins are members of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family of dimeric transcription factors, which facilitate a multitude of cellular processes, but are primarily known for their oncogenic potential in several cancer types. The oncogenic transcription factor AP-1 binds a specific DNA target site (5’TCA[G/C]TGA), however the physical mechanism of how this is achieved has not been determined. The archetypal AP-1 complex is formed by cFos and cJun, which heterodimerize via their leucine zipper domains. We investigated the DNA-binding bZIP domains of AP-1 interacting with DNA tightropes using real-time single molecule fluorescence imagingin vitro. We find that AP-1 bZIP domains comprising cFos:cJun and cJun:cJun rapidly scan DNA using a 1D diffusional search with average diffusion constants of 0.14 μm2s−1and 0.26 μm2s−1respectively. We also report for the first time that cFos is able to bind to and diffuse on DNA (0.29 μm2s−1) as a mixed population of monomers and homodimers, despite previous studies suggesting that it is incapable of independent DNA binding. Additionally, we note increased pause lifetimes for the cFos:cJun heterodimer compared to the cJun:cJun homodimer, and were able to detect distinct pausing behaviours within diffusion data. Understanding how cFos:cJun and other transcription factors identify their targets is highly relevant to the development of new therapeutics which target DNA binding proteins using these search mechanisms.
Definition of the fibroblast adhesome using multiplexed proximity biotinylation
Authors: Chastney Megan R. , Lawless Craig , Humphries Jonathan D. , Warwood Stacey , Jones Matthew C. , Knight David , Jorgensen Claus , Humphries Martin J.
Published: January 2020

Integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) bridge the extracellular matrix to the actin cytoskeleton and transduce signals in response to both chemical and mechanical cues. The composition, interactions, stoichiometry and topological organisation of proteins within IACs are not fully understood. To address this gap, we used multiplexed proximity biotinylation (BioID) to generate anin situ,proximity-dependent adhesome in mouse pancreatic fibroblasts. Integration of the interactomes of 16 IAC-associated baits revealed a network of 147 proteins with 361 proximity interactions. Candidates with underappreciated roles in adhesion were identified, in addition to established IAC components. Bioinformatic analysis revealed five clusters of IAC baits that link to common groups of prey, and which therefore may represent functional modules. The five clusters, and their spatial associations, are consistent with current models of IAC interaction networks and stratification. This study provides a resource to examine proximal relationships within IACs at a global level.
Crystal structure of the Tof1-Csm3 (Timeless-Tipin) fork protection complex
Authors: Grabarczyk Daniel B.
Published: January 2020

The Tof1-Csm3 fork protection complex has a central role in the replisome – it promotes the progression of DNA replication forks and protects them when they stall, while also enabling cohesion establishment and checkpoint responses. Here, I present the crystal structure of the Tof1-Csm3 complex fromChaetomium thermophilumat 3.1 Å resolution. The structure reveals that Tof1 is an extended alpha-helical repeat protein which is capped at its C-terminal end by Csm3, a small helical bundle protein. I also characterize the DNA binding properties of the complex and a cancer-associated peptide-binding site. This study provides the molecular basis for understanding the functions of the Tof1-Csm3 complex, its human orthologue the Timeless-Tipin complex and additionally the Drosophila circadian rhythm protein Timeless.
Sequential combinations of chemotherapeutic agents with BH3 mimetics to treat rhabdomyosarcoma and avoid resistance
Authors: Alcon Clara , Manzano-Muñoz Albert , Prada Estela , Mora Jaume , Soriano Aroa , Guillén Gabriela , Gallego Soledad , Roma Josep , Samitier Josep , Villanueva Alberto , Montero Joan
Published: January 2020

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in childhood and adolescence. Refractory/relapsed RMS patients present a bad prognosis that combined with the lack of specific biomarkers difficult the development of new therapies. We here utilize dynamic BH3 Profiling (DBP), a functional predictive biomarker that measures net changes in mitochondrial apoptotic signaling, to identify anti-apoptotic adaptations upon treatment. We use this information to guide the use of BH3 mimetics to specifically inhibit BCL-2 pro-survival proteins, defeat resistance and avoid relapse to therapy. Indeed, we found that BH3 mimetics that selectively target BCL-xL and MCL-1 synergistically enhance the effect of the clinically used chemotherapeutic agents vincristine and doxorubicin in RMS cells. We validated this strategy in vivo using a RMS patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and observed a reduction on tumor growth with a tendency to its stabilization with the sequential combination of vincristine and the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845. Finally, we identified the molecular mechanism by which RMS cells acquire resistance to vincristine: through the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 for which we observed an enhanced binding between MCL-1 and BID after drug exposure, which is suppressed by the sequential addition of S63845. In conclusion, our findings validate the use of DBP as a functional assay to predict treatment effectiveness in RMS and provide a rationale for BH3 mimetic combination with chemotherapeutic agents to avoid tumor resistance, improve treatment efficiency and decrease undesired secondary effects.
Combining feature selection and shape analysis uncovers precise rules for miRNA regulation in Huntington’s disease mice
Authors: Mégret Lucile , Nair Satish Sasidharan , Dancourt Julia , Aaronson Jeff , Rosinski Jim , Neri Christian
Published: January 2020

Background

MicroRNA (miRNA) regulation is associated with several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases. Several approaches can be used for modeling miRNA regulation. However, their precision may be limited for analyzing multidimensional data. Here, we addressed this question by integrating shape analysis and feature selection into miRAMINT, a methodology that we used for analyzing multidimensional RNA-seq and proteomic data from a knock-in mouse model (Hdh mice) of Huntington’s disease (HD), a disease caused by CAG repeat expansion in huntingtin (htt). This dataset covers 6 CAG repeat alleles and 3 age points in the striatum and cortex of Hdh mice.

Results

Remarkably, compared to previous analyzes of this multidimensional dataset, the miRAMINT approach retained only 31 explanatory striatal miRNA-mRNA pairs that are precisely associated with the shape of CAG repeat dependence over time, among which 5 pairs with a strong change of target expression levels. Several of these pairs were previously associated with neuronal homeostasis or HD pathogenesis, or both. Such miRNA-mRNA pairs were not detected in cortex.

Conclusions

These data suggest that miRNA regulation has a limited global role in HD while providing accurately-selected miRNA-target pairs to study how the brain may compute molecular responses to HD over time. These data also provide a methodological framework for researchers to explore how shape analysis can enhance multidimensional data analytics in biology and disease.
Cardiomyocyte-specific ACSL1 Deficiency Prevents Cardiac Lipotoxicity and Alleviates Heart Dysfunction in theob/obModel of Obesity
Authors: Pascual Florencia , Grevengoed Trisha J. , Zhao Liyang , Willis Monte S. , Coleman Rosalind A.
Published: January 2020

Cardiac lipotoxicity is associated with structural remodeling and functional changes that are features of obesity-related cardiomyopathy. Both high fat diet and theob/obmutation lead to increased fatty acid (FA) uptake, elevated triacylglycerol (TAG) content, hypertrophy, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction in murine hearts. Cardiomyocyte-specific long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) deficiency (Acsl1H-/-) results in a 90% reduction in FA activation, suggesting thatAcsl1ablation might alleviate obesity-associated myocardial dysfunction. Double knockoutob-Acsl1H-/-andob-Acsl1flox/floxcontrol mice were treated with tamoxifen at 20 weeks of age; heart function, TAG content, and relevant gene expression were assessed immediately before and 2 and 5 weeks after treatment. Heart weights initially increased in lean and obeseAcsl1H-/-mice, but normalized inob-Acsl1H-/-mice by 5 weeks. Ventricular TAG content was decreased by 51% and 61% inob-Acsl1H-/-mice 2 and 5 weeks afterAcsl1knockout induction, respectively. Moreover, ACSL1 knockout resulted in increased survival ofob/obmice, suggesting that lack of ACSL1 protected obese hearts subjected to stress. Our results indicate that partial knockdown of cardiac ACSL1 is sufficient to reverse cardiac TAG accumulation and to ameliorate heart dysfunction even in the context of established obesity-related cardiomyopathy.
Macrophages Promote Aortic Valve Cell Calcification Through STAT3 Splicing
Authors: Raddatz Michael A. , Huffstater Tessa M. , Bersi Matthew R. , Reinfeld Bradley I. , Madden Matthew Z. , Booton Sabrina E. , Rathmell W. Kimryn , Rathmell Jeffrey C. , Lindman Brian R. , Madhur Meena S. , Merryman W. David
Published: January 2020

Objective

Macrophages have been described in calcific aortic valve disease, but it is unclear if they promote or counteract calcification. We aimed to determine how macrophages are involved in calcification using theNotch1+/-model of calcific aortic valve disease.

Approach and Results

Macrophages in wild-type andNotch1+/-murine aortic valves were characterized by flow cytometry. Macrophages inNotch1+/-aortic valves had increased expression of MHCII. We then used bone marrow transplants to test if differences inNotch1+/-macrophages drive disease.Notch1+/-mice had increased valve thickness, macrophage infiltration, and M1-like macrophage polarization regardless of transplanted bone marrow genotype.In vitroapproaches confirm thatNotch1+/-aortic valve cells promote macrophage invasion as quantified by migration index and M1-like polarization quantified by Ly6C and CCR2 positivity regardless of macrophage genotype. Finally, we found that macrophage interaction with aortic valve cells promotes osteogenic, but not dystrophic, calcification by decreasing abundance of the STAT3β isoform.

Conclusions

This study reveals thatNotch1+/-aortic valve disease involves increased macrophage recruitment and polarization driven by altered aortic valve cell secretion, and that increased macrophage recruitment promotes osteogenic calcification through STAT3 splicing changes. Further investigation of STAT3 and macrophage-driven inflammation as therapeutic targets in calcific aortic valve disease is warranted.

Graphical Abstract
Structure-based inhibitors reveal roles for the clathrin terminal domain and its W-box binding site in CME
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Mino Rosa , Mettlen Marcel , Michaely Peter , Bhave Madhura , Reed Dana Kim , Schmid Sandra L.
Published: January 2020

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) occurs via the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles from clathrin-coated pits (CCPs). Clathrin is recruited to CCPs through interactions between the AP2 complex and its N-terminal domain (TD), which in turn recruits endocytic accessory proteins. Inhibitors of CME that interfere with clathrin function have been described, but their specificity and mechanisms of action are unclear. Here we show that overexpression of the TD with or without the distal leg specifically inhibits CME and CCP dynamics by perturbing clathrin interactions with AP2 and SNX9. We designed small membrane-penetrating peptides that mimic the four known binding sites on the TD. A peptide, Wbox2, designed to mimic to the W-box motif binding surface on TD binds to SNX9 and AP2, and potently and acutely inhibits CME, while not perturbing AP1-dependent lysosomal trafficking from the Golgi or bulk, fluid phase endocytosis.

Chen et al define the role the N-terminal domain (TD) of clathrin heavy chain in early and late stages of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and guided by its structure, design a membrane-penetrating peptide, Wbox2, that acutely and potently inhibits CME.
Under-the-radar dengue virus infections in natural populations ofAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: Boyles Sean M. , Mavian Carla N. , Finol Esteban , Ukhanova Maria , Stephenson Caroline J. , Hamerlinck Gabriela , Kang Seokyoung , Baumgartner Caleb , Geesey Mary , Stinton Israel , Williams Kate , Mathias Derrick K. , Prosperi Mattia , Mai Volker , Salemi Marco , Buckner Eva A. , Lednicky John A. , Rivers Adam R. , Dinglasan Rhoel R.
Published: January 2020

The incidence of locally acquired dengue infections increased during the last decade in the United States, compelling a sustained research effort on the dengue mosquito vector,Aedes aegypti,and its microbiome, which has been shown to influence virus transmission success. We examined the ‘metavirome’ of four populations ofAe. aegyptimosquitoes collected in 2016-2017 from Manatee County, Florida. Unexpectedly, we discovered that dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV4) was circulating in these mosquito populations, representing the first documented case of such a phenomenon in the absence of a local DENV4 human case in this county over a two-year period. We confirmed that all of the mosquito populations carried the same DENV4 strain, assembled its full genome, validated infection orthogonally by reverse transcriptase PCR, traced the virus origin, estimated the time period of its introduction to the Caribbean region, as well as explored the viral genetic signatures and mosquito-specific virome associations that potentially mediated DENV4 persistence in mosquitoes. We discuss the significance of prolonged maintenance of these DENV4 infections inAe. aegyptithat occurred in the absence of a DENV4 human index case in Manatee County with respect to the inability of current surveillance paradigms to detect mosquito vector infections prior to a potential local outbreak.

Importance

Since 1999, dengue outbreaks in the continental United States (U.S.) involving local transmission have occurred episodically and only in Florida and Texas. In Florida, these episodes appear to be coincident with increased introductions of dengue virus into the region through human travel and migration from endemic countries. To date, the U.S. public health response to dengue outbreaks is largely reactive, and implementation of comprehensive arbovirus surveillance in advance of predictable transmission seasons, which would enable proactive preventative efforts, remains unsupported. The significance of our finding is that it is the first documented report of non-outbreak DENV4 transmission and maintenance within a local mosquito vector population in the continental U.S.in the absence of a human case during a two-year time period. Our data suggest that molecular surveillance of mosquito populations in high-risk, high tourism areas of the U.S., may allow for proactive, targeted vector control before potential arbovirus outbreaks.
The end of plastic bags: strategic dilemma of INAPOL
Authors: Peña Ramírez Camilo , Briones Maira Fernanda , Paredes Fernanda Valentina , Diaz Javiera Constanza , Vásquez María José
Published: January 2020

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes of this study are as follows: formulate an external analysis of INAPOL; and develop a strategic analysis to identify strategic alternatives.

Case overview/synopsis

INAPOL is a manufacturing company dedicated to the production of polyethylene sleeves and the manufacture of plastic bags, which faced a crisis because of the new environmental regulations in Chile. This rule prohibits the delivery of plastic bags in commerce, which leads directly to a decrease in the demand for bags by its main customers. This is why it is necessary to conduct a strategic analysis and reformulate a development plan. The reader is expected to be able to identify the external factors that limit the company and the internal factors that affect the company. In addition, the reader is expected to develop strategic analysis tools such as PESTEL and SWOT and identify background information to propose strategic alternatives.

Complexity academic level

The present case study presents a low complexity and can be applied in introductory courses of strategy or management for undergraduate students in administration.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Estimation of technical efficiency and output growth decomposition for small-scale rice farmers in Eastern India
Authors: Wu Wei
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the degree of technical efficiency, determinants of technical inefficiencies and driving forces behind the production growth for a panel data set collected during the 1998/1999 and 2004/2006 Kharif cropping season, from 452 small-scale rice farming households in the Giridih and Purulia districts of Eastern India.

Design/methodology/approach

The estimations of technical efficiency utilize stochastic frontier production function with a sub-model of inefficiency effects at both aggregated farm level and disaggregated plot level where traditional varieties (TVs) and high-yielding varieties (HYVs) are differentiated. The output growth decomposition analysis identifies the main contributor to the total rice production growth.

Findings

The results indicate that the sampled farms are operated at moderate levels of technical efficiency. The production of HYV rice is associated with higher technical efficiency compared to TV rice. Farming experience, education attainment, landholding size, the share of non-agricultural income and the share of land in the lower terraces account for the differences in technical inefficiencies across the sampled farms. The decomposition analysis suggests that as technical efficiency decreased, technical change is the main source of production growth during the survey period.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size applied in the analysis will result in an insufficient representativeness of the study area.

Originality/value

This paper fills the literature gap as estimations of technical efficiency that account for subtle differences in adopted rice varieties are still rare in India.
Modified integrated Islamic CSRD index and financial performance of Malaysian Islamic banks
Authors: Mohd Sofian Fatimah Noor Rashidah , Muhamad Rusnah
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the modified integrated Islamic CSRD index (MIICSRDi) and financial performance of Malaysian Islamic banks as perceived by the stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used survey questionnaire with a purposive sample of 343 stakeholders of Malaysian Islamic banks. A theoretical framework was developed and tested by using partial least square analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between the MIICSRDi and financial performance as perceived by the stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of empirical research proposing an Islamic CSRD framework that is suitable to be applied within the context of the Malaysian environment. Hence, this paper shows that MIICSRDi in line with the stakeholder theory, Shariah principles and ‘urf principle (customary practice) can be used by Malaysian Islamic banks to increase their performance.

Practical implications

MIICSRDi can be used as one of the strategies to improve the financial performance of Islamic banks. In fact, it can be instilled in the value-based intermediation introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia for the rebranding of Islamic banks.

Originality/value

The relationship between perceived MIICSRDi and perceived financial performance is explained in light of the stakeholder theory, Shariah principles (unity, equilibrium, free will, responsibility and tazkiyah) and ‘urf principle (customary practice).
Money laundering in the jewellery business
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how white-collar criminals launder money in the jewellery business.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 white-collar criminals and 50 compliance and prevention experts in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Following the qualitative content analysis of their responses, a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers was then conducted in the same geographical area. These two methods reveal the concrete techniques used by money launderers and the compliance industry’s (lack of) awareness.

Findings

The jewellery business is susceptible to laundering money. It facilitates both the placement and layering of incriminated assets.

Research limitations/implications

As the findings of the qualitative study are based on semi-standardised interviews, they are limited to the 100 interviewees’ perspectives.

Practical implications

The identification of concrete methods of money laundering provides valuable insight into criminal activity for compliance officers, law enforcement agencies and legislators. A more profound understanding of the methods used by criminals should foster more effective crime prevention.

Originality/value

While prior literature predominantly focusses on the organisations and mechanisms aimed at fighting money laundering, this paper considers how criminals avoid detection by exploring both prevention experts’ and criminals’ perspectives.
Rimonabant suppresses RNA transcription of hepatitis B virus by inhibiting hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α
Authors: Sato Asuka , Ono Chikako , Tamura Tomokazu , Mori Hiroyuki , Izumi Takuma , Torii Shiho , Fauzyah Yuzy , Yamamoto Takuya , Morioka Yuhei , Okuzaki Daisuke , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2020

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) sometime induces lethal cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although nucleot(s)ide analogs are used as main treatment for HBV infection, the emergence of the drug‐resistant viruses has become a problem. To discover novel antivirals with low side effects and low risk of emergence of resistant viruses, screening for anti‐HBV compounds was performed with compound libraries of inhibitors targeting G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). HepG2‐hNTCP C4 cells infected with HBV were treated with various GPCR inhibitors and harvested at 14 day postinfection for quantification of core protein in the first screening or relaxed circular DNA in the second screening. Finally, we identified a cannabinoid receptor 1 inhibitor, rimonabant, as a candidate showing anti‐HBV effect. In HepG2‐hNTCP C4 cells, treatment with rimonabant suppressed HBV propagation at the viral RNA transcription step but had no effect on entry or covalently closed circular DNA level. The values of half maximal inhibitory concentration, half maximal effective concentration, and selectivity index of rimonabant in primary human hepatocyte (PHH) are 2.77 μm, 40.4 μm, and 14.6, respectively. Transcriptome analysis of rimonabant‐treated primary hepatocytes by RNA sequencing revealed that the transcriptional activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), which is known to stimulate viral RNA synthesis, was depressed. By treatment of PHH with rimonabant, the expression level of HNF4α protein and the production of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of downstream factors promoted by HNF4α were reduced while the amount of HNF4α mRNA was not altered. These results suggest that treatment with rimonabant suppresses HBV propagation through the inhibition of HNF4α activity.
Seismic modelling for reservoir studies: a comparison between convolutional and full‐waveform methods for a deep‐water turbidite sandstone reservoir
Authors: Amini Hamed , MacBeth Colin , Shams Asghar
Published: January 2020

Two seismic modelling approaches, that is, two‐dimensional pre‐stack elastic finite‐difference and one‐dimensional convolution methods, are compared in a modelling exercise over the fluid‐flow simulation model of a producing deep‐water turbidite sandstone reservoir in the West of Shetland Basin. If the appropriate parameterization for one‐dimensional convolution is used, the differences in three‐dimensional and four‐dimensional seismic responses from the two methods are negligible. The key parameters to ensure an accurate seismic response are a representative wavelet, the distribution of common‐depth points and their associated angles of incidence. Conventional seismic images generated by the one‐dimensional convolutional model suffer from lack of continuity because it only accounts for vertical resolution. After application of a lateral resolution function, the convolutional and finite‐difference seismic images are very similar. Although transmission effects, internal multiples and P‐to‐S conversions are not included in our convolutional modelling, the subtle differences between images from the two methods indicates that such effects are of secondary nature in our study. A quantitative comparison of the (normalized root‐mean‐square) amplitude attributes and waveform kinematics indicates that the finite‐difference approach does not offer any tangible benefit in our target‐oriented seismic modelling case study, and the potential errors from one‐dimensional convolution modelling are comparatively much smaller than the production‐induced time‐lapse changes.
Uncertainty and certain death: the role of clinical trials in terminal cancer care
Authors: Cortez Dagoberto , Halpin Michael
Published: January 2020

We consider uncertainty in relation to clinical trials for terminal non‐small cell lung cancer, which is an aggressive and difficult to treat form of cancer. Using grounded theory to analyse 85 clinical interactions between doctors, patients and family members, we argue that uncertainty is a major source of tension for terminally ill patients, with individuals confronting a choice between transitioning to palliative care or volunteering for an experimental/trial medication that might postpone death. Regardless of their efficacy, patients must also consider how such experimental treatments might impact their quality‐of‐life. We argue that clinical trials produce uncertainty through (i) discussions about the efficacy of clinical trials; (ii) the physiological consequences of clinical trial medications; and (iii) the impact clinical trials have on patient's prognostic understanding of their terminal cancer. Accordingly, while study participants encounter high prognostic certainty (i.e. they have a fatal cancer), they nonetheless experience considerable uncertainty in relation to their participation in clinical trials.
Stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions as influenced by thermal treatment of whey protein dispersions or emulsions
Authors: Dybowska Brygida E , Krupa‐Kozak Urszula
Published: January 2020

Properties of whey protein concentrate stabilised emulsions were modified by protein and emulsion heat treatment (60–90 °C). All liquid emulsions were flocculated and the particle sizes showed bimodal size distributions. The state and surface properties of proteins and coexisting protein/aggregates in the system strongly determined the stability of heat‐modified whey protein concentrate stabilised emulsions. The whey protein particles of 122–342 nm that formed on protein heating enhanced the stability of highly concentrated emulsions. These particles stabilised protein‐heated emulsions in the way that is typical for Pickering emulsions. The emulsions heated at 80 and 90 °C gelled due to the aggregation of the protein‐coated oil droplets.
Change and continuity in the ideological gender gap a longitudinal analysis of left‐right self‐placement in OECD countries
Authors: DASSONNEVILLE RUTH
Published: January 2020

When asked to place themselves on a left‐right scale, men and women tend to take different positions. Over time, however ideological gender differences have taken a different form. While women were traditionally more right‐leaning than men, from around the mid‐1990s onwards they have been found to take positions to the left of men. Using an originally constructed dataset that includes information on the left‐right self‐placement of more than 2.5 million respondents in 36 OECD countries between 1973 and 2018, I empirically verify how the ideological gender gap has evolved since. The results show, first, that while women have shifted to the left since the late 1970s, the pace of this change has strongly diminished since the late 1990s. Second, there is important between‐country variation in the size of the reversal in the ideological gender gap. Third, with the exception of the Silent generation and the Baby‐boomers, newer generations of women have not taken more left‐leaning positions than generations before them.
How Does Using a Mobile Device Change Investors’ Reactions to Firm Disclosures?
Authors: GRANT STEPHANIE M.
Published: January 2020

I examine how characteristics of investors’ information access tools change investors’ reactions to firm disclosures. I examine my research question in the context of information choice (i.e., allowing investors to choose the order of information and sections to read within a disclosure) and spatial layout (i.e., how information is displayed when viewing the disclosure). Results of an experiment are consistent with information choice improving investors’ judgments if the disclosure is viewed on a computer screen. Conversely, and consistent with cognitive overload, information choice harms investors’ judgments if the disclosure is viewed on a smaller screen, such as that of a mobile device. Follow‐up experiments show that changing the disclosure presentation to reduce the need to scroll is one way to improve investors’ judgments on a smaller (or mobile) screen. My findings caution firms and regulators about expanding information choice within disclosures without considering the screen size used to access the disclosure.
On Minerogenetic Series: The Third Discussion
Authors: CHEN Yuchuan , PEI Rongfu , WANG Denghong
Published: January 2020

The minerogenetic (or metallogenetic) series of mineral deposits (called minerogenetic series for short) is an academic idea (concept) of studying minerogenetic characteristics in mineral deposit geology. It uses the views of systematology and mobilism to study mineralizing processes and naturally occurring mineral deposit assemblages formed in various stages of geological development in specific tectonic environments. The minerogenetic series is also a natural classification of mineral deposits. There are five hierarchical orders in the classification, with the minerogenetic series as the basic order and the core. The first order includes three categories: minerogenetic series association, minerogenetic series type, and minerogenetic series group. The second is the minerogenetic series, which is decomposed into three orders, i.e. the third, fourth, and fifth orders. The third is the minerogenetic subseries, the fourth is mineral deposit models (types), and the fifth is mineral deposits. Minerogenetic series is comparable to a certain extent metallogenic systems both in the research content and in their own research content. The study of minerogenetic series has both great theoretical significance and practical value for mineral prospecting. However, the study is still in its initial stage and a further study remains to be conducted.
Evaporation Stage of Paleo‐saline Lake in the Sichuan Basin, China: Insight from Fluid inclusions in Halite
Authors: DING Ting , LIU Chenglin , GUO Fusheng , ZHAO Yanjun , WANG Mingquan , CHEN Liuqin
Published: January 2020

Sichuan Basin is one of the most important marine–salt forming basins in China. The Simian and Triassic have a large number of evaporites. The Triassic strata have found a large amount of polyhalite and potassium‐rich brine. However, no soluble potassium salt deposit were found. In this study, the halite in well Changping 3 which is located at the eastern part of the Sichuan basin was studied using the characteristics, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of the fluid inclusion in halite to reconstruct the paleoenvironment. The salt rocks in well Changping 3 can be divided into two types: grey salt rock and orange salt rock. The result shows that the isotopic composition of the halite fluid inclusion is distinct from the global precipitation line reflecting that the salt formation process is under strong evaporation conditions and the climate is extremely dry. At the same time, compared with the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of brine in the Sichuan Basin and the hydrous isotope composition of the inclusions in the salt inclusions of other areas in China, it is shown that the evaporation depth of the ancient seawater in the Sichuan Basin was high and reached the precipitation of potassium and magnesium stage.
Relationship Between Electrical Properties and Sedimentary Environment of the Longmaxi Formation Shale, Southern Sichuan
Authors: YANG Kai , ZHANG Bing , WANG Xuben , HE Lanfang , YANG Hongyu , WANG Pengwan , TANG Jialin , DENG Jixin , ZHANG Cong
Published: January 2020

The Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in the south of Sichuan is a key player in the exploration and development of shale gas in China. Due to a highly complex topographic area, electromagnetic methods (EM) become important exploration means in this area. Many studies have been conducted on the shale mineral composition and electrical properties of shale, however, the correlation between sedimentary environments and the electrical properties of shale remain poorly understood. The electrical properties and sedimentary environment of the organic‐rich shale of the Longmaxi Formation have been studied by means of X‐ray diffraction, organic geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and complex resistivity measurements. The discovered high quartz content of the Longmaxi Formation shale results in low resistivity. Deep‐water shelf biogenic quartz contributes lower resistivity more than that of shallow‐water terrigenous quartz. The deep‐water anoxic and organic sedimentary environment led to major enrichment of pyrite, leading to a high polarization effect in shale. We present the correlation between the lithofacies types and electrical properties of Longmaxi Formation. The mixed siliceous shale lithofacies is the most favorable among the three lithofacies, which is characterized by high total organic carbon (TOC) content, high brittleness mineral content, high polarization and low resistivity (“three high and one low”). This feature is an effective identification of shale gas reservoirs by electromagnetic prospecting. Our study can provide constraints on electrical parameters of rocks for electromagnetic “sweet spot” exploration of shale gas, and so this has important geological significance to shale gas exploration and development.
The neglected impact of tracking devices on terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Batsleer Femke , Bonte Dries , Dekeukeleire Daan , Goossens Steven , Poelmans Ward , Van der Cruyssen Eliane , Maes Dirk , Vandegehuchte Martijn L.
Published: January 2020

Tracking devices have become small enough to be widely applied to arthropods to study their movement. However, possible side effects of these devices on arthropod performance and behaviour are rarely considered.

We performed a systematic review of 173 papers about research in which tracking devices—radio frequency identification (RFID), harmonic radar and radio telemetry tags—were attached to terrestrial arthropods. The impact of such tags was quantified in only 12% of the papers, while in 40% the potential impact was completely disregarded. Often‐cited rules of thumb for determining appropriate tag weight had either no empirical basis or were misconstrued.

Several properties of a tracking device (e.g. weight, balance, size, drag) can affect different aspects of an arthropod's life history (e.g. energy, movement, foraging, mating). The impact can differ among species and environments. Taken together, these tag effects can influence the reliability of obtained movement data and conclusions drawn from them. We argue that the impact of tracking devices on arthropods should be quantified for each (a) study species, (b) tag type, and (c) environmental context. As an example, we include a low‐effort impact study of the effect of an RFID tag on a digger wasp.

Technological advancements enable studying the movement of arthropods in unprecedented detail. However, we should adopt a more critical attitude towards the use of tracking devices on terrestrial arthropods. The benefits of tracking devices should be balanced against their potential side effects on arthropods and on the reliability of the resulting data.