bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-silico, interactomic and clinical validation based approach for screening and identification of miR biomarkers involved in Oral submucous fibrosis to Oral squamous cell carcinoma transition
Authors: Ukey Shweta , Vishnoi Jeewan Ram , Choudhury Chinmayee , Purohit Purvi , Dwivedi Shailendra , jain Ankit , Chugh Ankita , Elhence Poonam , Pareek Puneet , Misra Sanjeev , Sharma Praveen
Published: October 2020

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is common preventable disease when diagnosed early, but mostly its progression follows transition from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) like Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF). However, it is difficult to predict possibilities of progression in these premalignant lesions hence, identification of molecular biomarkers would have major clinical impact in early diagnosis and better prognosis. In this context microRNA’s(miR’s) provide better opportunities in malignancy prediction and demarcation in OSF to OSCC transition as they perform key regulatory roles in many tumorigenic processes. Here, we computationally screened differentially expressed miR’s of OSCC and OSF from public databases followed by construction of protein interaction networks and enrichment analyses. The relevant miR’s were validated using qPCR of total 93 samplesincluding 34 OSCC, 30 OSF and 29 control blood and tissue samples. We identified significant down regulation of miR-133a-3p in OSCC compared to controls and interesting up-regulation compared to OSCC and control. miR-9-5p was up-regulated in OSF as well as OSCC and down-regulated in OSF compared to OSCC. Therefore, these two miR’s may serve as risk stratification biomarkers with validation in larger categorical datasets.
Small molecule targeting r(UGGAA)ndisrupts RNA foci and alleviates disease phenotype inDrosophilamodel
Authors: Shibata Tomonori , Nagano Konami , Ueyama Morio , Ninomiya Kensuke , Hirose Tetsuro , Nagai Yoshitaka , Ishikawa Kinya , Kawai Gota , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: October 2020

Synthetic small molecules modulating RNA structure and function have therapeutic potential for RNA diseases. Here we report our discovery that naphthyridine carbamate dimer (NCD) targets disease-causing r(UGGAA)nrepeat RNAs in spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31). Structural analysis of the NCD-UGGAA/UGGAA complex by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy clarified the mode of binding that recognizes four guanines in UGGAA/UGGAA pentad by hydrogen bonding with four naphthyridine moieties of two NCD molecules. Biological studies show that NCD disrupts naturally occurring RNA foci built on r(UGGAA)nrepeat RNA known as nuclear stress bodies (nSBs) by interfering with RNA-protein interactions resulting in the suppression of nSBs-mediated splicing event. Feeding NCD to larvae of theDrosophilamodel of SCA31 alleviates disease phenotype induced by toxic r(UGGAA)nrepeat RNA. These studies demonstrated that small molecules targeting toxic repeat RNAs are a promising chemical tool for studies on repeat expansion diseases.
Genome analysis ofSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium bacteriophage L, indicator for StySA (StyLT2III) restriction-modification system action
Authors: Zaworski Julie , McClung Colleen , Ruse Cristian , Weigele Peter R. , Hendrix Roger W. , Ko Ching-Chung , Edgar Robert , Hatfull Graham F. , Casjens Sherwood R. , Raleigh Elisabeth A.
Published: October 2020

Bacteriophage L, a P22-like phage ofSalmonella entericasv Typhimurium LT2, was important for definition of mosaic organization of the lambdoid phage family and for characterization of restriction-modification systems ofSalmonella. We report the complete genome sequences of bacteriophage LcI−4013−am43 and LcII−101; the deduced sequence of wildtype L is 40,633 bp long with a 47.5% GC content. We compare this sequence with those of P22 and ST64T, and predict 71 Coding Sequences, 2 tRNA genes and 14 intergenic rho-independent transcription terminators. The overall genome organization of L agrees with earlier genetic and physical evidence; for example, no secondary immunity region (ImmI:ant,arc) or genes for superinfection exclusion (sieAandsieB) are present. Proteomic analysis confirmed identification of virion proteins, along with low levels of assembly intermediates and host cell envelope proteins. The genome of L is 99.9% identical at the nucleotide level to that reported for phage ST64T, despite isolation on different continents ~35 years apart. DNA modification by the epigenetic regulator Dam is generally incomplete. Dam modification is also selectively missing in one location, corresponding to the P22 phase-variation-sensitive promoter region of the serotype-convertinggtrABCoperon. The number of sites for SenLTIII (StySA) action may account for stronger restriction of L (13 sites) than of P22 (3 sites).
Metabolomic profiling identifies complex lipid species associated with response to weight loss interventions
Authors: Bihlmeyer Nathan A. , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Clish Clary B. , Deik Amy Anderson , Gerszten Robert E. , Pagidipati Neha J. , Laferrère Blandine , Svetkey Laura P. , Newgard Christopher B. , Kraus William E. , Shah Svati H.
Published: October 2020

Obesity is an epidemic internationally. While weight loss interventions are efficacious, they are compounded by heterogeneity with regards to clinically relevant metabolic responses. Thus, we sought to identify metabolic pathways and biomarkers that distinguish individuals with obesity who would most benefit from a given type of intervention. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based profiling was used to measure 765 metabolites in baseline plasma from three different weight loss studies: WLM (behavioral intervention, N=443), STRRIDE-PD (exercise trial, N=163), and CBD (surgical cohort, N=125). The primary outcome was percent change in insulin resistance (as measured by the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [%ΔHOMA-IR]) over the intervention. Overall, 92 individual metabolites were associated with %ΔHOMA-IR after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Concordantly, the most significant metabolites were triacylglycerols (TAGs; p=2.3e-5) and diacylglycerols (DAGs; p=1.6e-4), with higher TAG and DAG levels associated with a greater improvement in HOMA-IR. In tests of heterogeneity, 50 metabolites changed differently between weight loss interventions; we found amino acids, peptides, and their analogues to be most significant (4.7e-3) in this category. Our results highlight novel metabolic pathways associated with heterogeneity in response to weight loss interventions, and related biomarkers which could be used in future studies of personalized approaches to weight loss interventions.
Glyoxal fixation facilitates transcriptome analysis after antigen staining and cell sorting by flow cytometry
Authors: Channathodiyil Prasanna , Houseley Jonathan
Published: October 2020

A simple method for extraction of high quality RNA from cells that have been fixed, stained and sorted by flow cytometry would allow routine transcriptome analysis of highly purified cell populations and single cells. However, formaldehyde fixation impairs RNA extraction and inhibits RNA amplification. Here we show that good quality RNA can be readily extracted from stained and sorted mammalian cells if formaldehyde is replaced by glyoxal - a well-characterised fixative that is widely compatible with immunofluorescent staining methods. Although both formaldehyde and glyoxal efficiently form protein-protein crosslinks, glyoxal does not crosslink RNA to proteins nor form stable RNA adducts, ensuring that RNA remains accessible and amenable to enzymatic manipulation after glyoxal fixation. We find that RNA integrity is maintained through glyoxal fixation, permeabilisation with methanol or saponin, indirect immunofluorescent staining and flow sorting. RNA can then be extracted by standard methods and processed into RNA-seq libraries using commercial kits; mRNA abundances measured by poly(A)+ RNA-seq correlate well between freshly harvested cells and fixed, stained and sorted cells. We validate the applicability of this approach to flow cytometry by staining MCF-7 cells for the intracellular G2/M-specific antigen cyclin B1 (CCNB1), and show strong enrichment for G2/M-phase cells based on transcriptomic data. Switching to glyoxal fixation with RNA-compatible staining methods requires only minor adjustments of most existing staining and sorting protocols, and should facilitate routine transcriptomic analysis of sorted cells.
Effects of heat-killedEnterococcus faecalisT-110 supplementation on gut immunity, gut flora, and intestinal infection in normal aged hamsters
Authors: Inatomi Takio , Otomaru Konosuke
Published: October 2020

Infectious diseases are a threat to elderly people, whose immune systems become depressed with age. Among the various infectious diseases,Clostridium difficileinfections in particular lead to significant mortality in elderly humans and are a serious problem worldwide, especially because of the increasing infection rates. Probiotics have been proposed as an effective countermeasure againstC. difficileinfection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat-killedEnterococcus faecalisT-110 on intestinal immunity, intestinal flora, and intestinal infections, especiallyC. difficileinfections, in naturally ageing animals, for extrapolation to elderly human subjects. Twenty female hamsters were randomly distributed into two groups. Group 1 was fed a basal diet, and group 2 was fed a basal diet supplemented with heat-killedE. faecalisfor 7 days. Heat-killedE. faecalisT-110 improved gut immunity and microflora, especiallyClostridium perfringensandC. difficile, of the normal aged hamsters. Heat-killedE. faecalisT-110 may, therefore, be a countermeasure against age-related immune dysfunction and intestinal infections, especiallyC. difficileinfection, in elderly humans. However, further investigation in humans is needed.
Lipid anchoring and electrostatic interactions target the phospholipase NOT-LIKE-DAD to pollen endo-plasma membrane
Authors: Gilles Laurine M. , La Padula Veronica , Jacquier Nathanaël M.A. , Martinant Jean-Pierre , Rogowsky Peter M. , Widiez Thomas
Published: October 2020

Phospholipases are ubiquitous enzymes that cleave phospholipids, one major constituent of membranes. They are thus essential for many developmental processes, including male gamete development. In flowering plants, mutation of phospholipase NOT-LIKE-DAD (NLD) leads to peculiar defects in sexual reproduction. Indeed, pollination of a wild-type female with mutant pollen generates haploid embryos containing solely maternal genetic information. Contrary to previous reports NLD does not localize to cytosol and plasma membrane (PM) of sperm cells but to the pollen endo-plasma membrane (endo-PM), a specific membrane derived from the PM of the pollen vegetative cell that encircles the two sperm cells. Pharmacological approaches coupled with targeted mutagenesis revealed that lipid anchoring together with electrostatic interactions between membrane and NLD are involved in the attachment of NLD to this atypical endo-PM. Membrane surface-charge and anionic lipid bio-sensors indicated that phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(4,5)P2) is enriched in the endo-PM as compared to the PM. Our results uncover a unique example of how membrane electrostatic properties can specify a unique polar domain (i.e. endo-PM), which is critical for plant reproduction and gamete formation.
Composition and stage dynamics of mitochondrial complexes inPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Evers Felix , Cabrera-Orefice Alfredo , Elurbe Dei M. , Lindert Mariska Kea-te , Boltryk Sylwia D. , Voss Till S. , Huynen Martijn A. , Brandt Ulrich , Kooij Taco W.A.
Published: October 2020

Our current understanding of mitochondrial functioning is largely restricted to traditional model organisms, which only represent a fraction of eukaryotic diversity. The unusual mitochondrion of malaria parasites is a validated drug target but remains poorly understood. Here, we apply complexome profiling to map the inventory of protein complexes across the pathogenic asexual blood stages and the transmissible gametocyte stages ofPlasmodium falciparum. We identify remarkably divergent composition and clade-specific additions of all respiratory chain complexes. Furthermore, we show that respiratory chain complex components and linked metabolic pathways are up to 40-fold more prevalent in gametocytes, while glycolytic enzymes are substantially reduced. Underlining this functional switch, we find that cristae are exclusively present in gametocytes. Leveraging these divergent properties and stage dynamics for drug development presents an attractive opportunity to discover novel classes of antimalarials and increase our repertoire of gametocytocidal drugs.
Metformin alleviates aging-associated cellular senescence of human adipose stem cells and derived adipocytes
Authors: Mantecon Matthieu , Le Pelletier Laura , Gorwood Jennifer , Auclair Martine , Atlan Michael , Fève Bruno , Capeau Jacqueline , Lagathu Claire , Béréziat Véronique
Published: October 2020

Aging is associated with central fat redistribution, and insulin resistance. To identify age-related adipose features, we evaluated the senescence and adipogenic potential of adipose-derived-stemcells (ASCs) from abdominal subcutaneous fat obtained from healthy normal-weight young (<25y) or older women (>60y).

Aged-donor ASCs showed more intense features of aging (senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress) than young-donor ASCs. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction occurred earlier in adipocytes derived from aged-donor than from young-donor ASCs, leading to insulin resistance and impaired adipogenesis.

When aged-donor ASCs were treated with metformin, senescence, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction returned to the levels observed in young-donor ASCs. Furthermore, metformin’s prevention of senescence and dysfunction during ASC proliferation restored the cells’ adipogenic capacity and insulin sensitivity. This effect was mediated by the activation of AMP-activated-protein-kinase.

We show here that targeting senescent ASCs from aged women with metformin may alleviate age-related dysfunction, insulin resistance, and impaired adipogenesis.
NAP-CNB: Bioinformatic pipeline to predict MHC-I-restricted T cell epitopes in mice
Authors: Wert-Carvajal Carlos , Sánchez-García Rubén , Macías José R , Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , Pérez Almudena Méndez , Alemany Ramon , Veiga Esteban , Sorzano Carlos Óscar S. , Muñoz-Barrutia Arrate
Published: October 2020

Lack of a dedicated integrated pipeline for neoantigen discovery in mice hinders cancer immunotherapy research. Novel sequential approaches through recurrent neural networks can improve the accuracy of T-cell epitope immunogenicity predictions in mice, and a simplified variant selection process can reduce operational requirements. We have developed a web server tool (NAP-CNB) for a full and automatic pipeline based on recurrent neural networks, to predict putative neoantigens from tumoral RNA sequencing reads. The developed software can estimate H-2 peptide ligands, with an AUC of 0.95, directly from tumor samples. As a proof-of-concept, we used the B16 melanoma model to test the system’s predictive capabilities, and we report its putative neoantigens. NAP-CNB web server is freely available at http://biocomp.cnb.csic.es/NeoantigensApp/ with scripts and datasets accessible through the download section.
Representational drift in the mouse visual cortex
Authors: Deitch Daniel , Rubin Alon , Ziv Yaniv
Published: October 2020

Neuronal representations in the hippocampus and related structures gradually change over time despite no changes in the environment or behavior. The extent to which such ‘representational drift’ occurs in sensory cortical areas and whether the hierarchy of information flow across areas affects neural-code stability have remained elusive. Here, we address these questions by analyzing large-scale optical and electrophysiological recordings from six visual cortical areas in behaving mice that were repeatedly presented with the same natural movies. We found representational drift over timescales spanning minutes to days across multiple visual areas. The drift was driven mostly by changes in individual cells’ activity rates, while their tuning changed to a lesser extent. Despite these changes, the structure of relationships between the population activity patterns remained stable and stereotypic, allowing robust maintenance of information over time. Such population-level organization may underlie stable visual perception in the face of continuous changes in neuronal responses.
PapRIV, a BV-2 microglial cell activating quorum sensing peptide
Authors: Janssens Yorick , Debunne Nathan , De Spiegeleer Anton , Wynendaele Evelien , Planas Marta , Feliu Lidia , Quarta Alessandra , Claes Christel , Van Dam Debby , De Deyn Peter Paul , Ponsaerts Peter , Blurton-Jones Matthew , De Spiegeleer Bart
Published: October 2020

Background

Quorum sensing peptides (QSPs) are bacterial peptides produced by Gram-positive bacteria to communicate with their peers in a cell-density dependent manner. These peptides do not only act as interbacterial communication signals, but can also have effects on the host. Compelling evidence demonstrates the presence of a gut-brain axis and more specifically, the role of the gut microbiota in microglial functioning. The aim of this study is to investigate microglial activating properties of a selected QSP (PapRIV) which is produced byBacillus cereusspecies.

Methods

Gastro-intestinal transport of the peptide is investigated using thein vitroCaco-2 model while transport over the blood-brain barrier is investigated in mice using multiple time regression experiments. Microglial activation is assessed using ELISA, fluorometry, immunoblotting, qPCR and phase-contrast microscopy.In vivoplasma detection andex vivometabolization experiments are performed using UHPLC-MS2and UHPLC-UV/MS, respectively.

Results

PapRIV showedin vitroactivating properties of BV-2 microglia cells and was able to cross thein vitroCaco-2 cell model and pass the blood-brain barrierin vivo.In vivopeptide presence was also demonstrated in mouse plasma. The peptide caused induction of IL-6, TNFα and ROS expression and increased the fraction of ameboid BV-2 microglia cells in an NF-κB dependent manner. Different metabolites were identified in serum, of which the main metabolite (DLPFEH) still remained active.

Conclusions

PapRIV is thus able to cross the gastro-intestinal tract and the blood-brain barrier and showsin vitroactivating properties in BV-2 microglia cells, hereby indicating a potential role of this quorum sensing peptide in gut-brain interaction.
A polarity pathway for exocyst-dependent intracellular tube extension
Authors: Abrams Joshua , Nance Jeremy
Published: October 2020

Lumen extension in intracellular tubes can occur by the directed fusion of vesicles with an invading apical membrane domain. Within theC. elegansexcretory cell, which contains an intracellular tube, the exocyst vesicle-tethering complex is enriched at the lumenal membrane domain and is required for tube formation, suggesting that it targets vesicles needed for lumen extension. Here, we identify a polarity pathway that promotes intracellular tube formation by enriching the exocyst at the lumenal membrane. We show that the PAR polarity proteins PAR-6 and PKC-3/aPKC localize to the lumenal membrane domain and function within the excretory cell to promote lumen extension, similar to exocyst component SEC-5 and exocyst regulator RAL-1. Using acute protein depletion, we find that PAR-6 is required to recruit the exocyst to the lumenal membrane domain, whereas PAR-3, which functions as an exocyst receptor in mammalian cells, appears to be dispensable for exocyst localization and lumen extension. Finally, we show that the Rho GTPase CDC-42 and the RhoGEF EXC-5/FGD act as upstream regulators of lumen formation by recruiting PAR-6 and PKC-3 to the lumenal membrane. Our findings reveal a molecular pathway that connects Rho GTPase signaling, cell polarity, and vesicle-tethering proteins to promote lumen extension in intracellular tubes.
To hum or not to hum: Neural transcriptome signature of courtship vocalization in a teleost fish
Authors: Tripp Joel A. , Feng Ni Y. , Bass Andrew H.
Published: October 2020

For many animal species, vocal communication is a critical social behavior, often a necessary component of reproductive success. In addition to the role of vocal behavior in social interactions, vocalizations are often demanding motor acts. Through understanding the genes involved in regulating and permitting vertebrate vocalization, we can better understand the mechanisms regulating vocal and, more broadly, motor behaviors. Here, we use RNA-sequencing to investigate neural gene expression underlying the performance of an extreme vocal behavior, the courtship hum of the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus). Single hums can last up to two hours and may be repeated throughout an evening of courtship activity. We asked whether vocal behavioral states are associated with specific gene expression signatures in key brain regions that regulate vocalization by comparing transcript levels in humming versus non-humming males. We find that the circadian-related genesperiod3andClockare significantly upregulated in the vocal motor nucleus and preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus, respectively, in humming compared to non-humming males, indicating that internal circadian clocks may differ between these divergent behavioral states. In addition, we identify suites of differentially expressed genes related to synaptic transmission, ion channels and transport, hormone signaling, and metabolism and antioxidant activity that may permit or support humming behavior. These results underscore the importance of the known circadian control of midshipman humming and provide testable candidate genes for future studies of the neuroendocrine and motor control of energetically demanding courtship behaviors in midshipman fish and other vertebrate groups.
Stabilizing role of seed banks and the maintenance of bacterial diversity
Authors: Wisnoski Nathan I. , Lennon Jay T.
Published: October 2020

Coexisting species often exhibit negative frequency dependence due to mechanisms that promote population growth and persistence when rare. These stabilizing mechanisms can maintain diversity through interspecific niche differences, but also through life-history strategies like dormancy that buffer populations in fluctuating environments. However, there are few tests demonstrating how seed banks contribute to long-term community dynamics and the maintenance of diversity. Using a multi-year, high-frequency time series of bacterial community data from a north temperate lake, we documented patterns consistent with stabilizing coexistence. Bacterial taxa exhibited differential responses to seasonal environmental conditions, while seed bank dynamics helped maintain diversity over winter. Strong negative frequency dependence in rare, but metabolically active, taxa suggested a role for biotic interactions in promoting coexistence. Together, our results provide field-based evidence that niche differences and seed banks contribute to recurring community dynamics and the long-term maintenance of diversity in nature.
Methylome-wide association study of antidepressant use in Generation Scotland and the Netherlands Twin Register implicates the innate immune system
Authors: Barbu MC , Huider F , Campbell A , Amador C , Adams MJ , Lynall ME , Howard DM , Walker RM , Morris SW , Van Dongen J , Porteous DJ , Evans KL , Bullmore E , Willemsen G , Boomsma DI , Whalley HC , McIntosh AM
Published: October 2020

Antidepressants are an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), although individual response is unpredictable and highly variable. Whilst the mode of action of antidepressants is incompletely understood, many medications are associated with changes in DNA methylation in genes that are plausibly linked to their mechanisms. Studies of DNA methylation may therefore reveal the biological processes underpinning the efficacy and side effects of antidepressants.

We performed a methylome-wide association study (MWAS) of self-reported antidepressant use accounting for lifestyle factors and MDD in Generation Scotland (GS:SFHS, N=6,428, EPIC array) and the Netherlands Twin Register (NTR, N=2,449, 450K array) and ran a meta-analysis of antidepressant use across these two cohorts.

We found 10 CpG sites significantly associated with self-reported antidepressant use in GS:SFHS, with the top CpG located within a gene previously associated with mental health disorders, ATP6V1B2 (β=-0.055, pcorrected=0.005). Other top loci were annotated to genes including CASP10, TMBIM1, MAPKAPK3, and HEBP2, which have previously been implicated in the innate immune response. Next, using penalised regression, we trained a methylation-based score of self-reported antidepressant use in a subset of 3,799 GS:SFHS individuals that predicted antidepressant use in a second subset of GS:SFHS (N=3,360, β=0.377, p=3.12×10−11, R2=2.12%). In an MWAS analysis of prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, we showed convergent findings with those based on self-report. In NTR, we did not find any CpGs significantly associated with antidepressant use. The meta-analysis identified the two CpGs of the ten above that were common to the two arrays used as being significantly associated with antidepressant use, although the effect was in the opposite direction for one of them.

Antidepressants were associated with epigenetic alterations in loci previously associated with mental health disorders and the innate immune system. These changes predicted self-reported antidepressant use in a subset of GS:SFHS and identified processes that may be relevant to our mechanistic understanding of clinically relevant antidepressant drug actions and side effects.
Factors influencing the importance of criteria for judging answer quality on academic social Q&A platforms
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Chengzhi , He Daqing
Published: October 2020

Purpose

With the growth in popularity of academic social networking sites, evaluating the quality of the academic information they contain has become increasingly important. Users' evaluations of this are based on predefined criteria, with external factors affecting how important these are seen to be. As few studies on these influences exist, this research explores the factors affecting the importance of criteria used for judging high-quality answers on academic social Q&A sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Scholars who had recommended answers on ResearchGate Q&A were asked to complete a questionnaire survey to rate the importance of various criteria for evaluating the quality of these answers. Statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the data from 215 questionnaires to establish the influence of scholars' demographic characteristics, the question types, the discipline and the combination of these factors on the importance of each evaluation criterion.

Findings

Particular disciplines and academic positions had a significant impact on the importance ratings of the criteria of relevance, completeness and credibility. Also, some combinations of factors had a significant impact: for example, older scholars tended to view verifiability as more important to the quality of answers to information-seeking questions than to discussion-seeking questions within the LIS and Art disciplines.

Originality/value

This research can help academic social Q&A platforms recommend high-quality answers based on different influencing factors, in order to meet the needs of scholars more effectively.
Suzlon Energy
Authors: Sinha Sidharth
Published: October 2020

In February 2015, Suzlon had just completed its financial and asset restructuring, following financial default after rapid growth through debt financed acquisitions in the financial boom ending in 2008. The restructuring resulted in a significant decrease in the promoter's equity stake. Suzlon now has to decide how to respond to an offer by the DilipSanghvi Group, promoters of Sun Pharma, to acquire a large equity stake in Suzlon for Rs. 1,800 crore. If Suzlon were to accept the offer then both the existing promoters and the DilipSanghvigroup would have the same stake of about 22% each. The case will help students examine the need to align financing and business strategy on the same plane. It will also help them understand details about restructuring of financial and business strategy in the face of financial distress.
Texica Limited (A): A Day in the Life of a Consultant1
Authors: Maheshwari Sunil Kumar , Ray Prantika
Published: October 2020

The Chairman of the 60-year old company Texica, Ashutosh Verma approached Dr. Asim Vakil who had wide experience in consulting turnaround activities in declining organizations. The organization had undergone a few rounds of downsizing and was also reporting about 15–20% attrition in the organization. Vakil was requested to redesign the job description and the appraisal system of the employees. He found several gaps in the existing process. The human resource processes were not well-structured and the key performance indicators of the employees were not communicated to them properly. So, the team decided to deep-dive into the activity based job allocation to different employees and found interesting results. They decided to discuss their results with the Chairman. The Chairman asked the team to discuss the results with the top management of the organization. The meeting was aimed at identifying not only the operational issues in the organization but also the attitudinal problems in the organization.
Humanistic leadership in the Tata group: the synergy in personal values, organisational strategy and national cultural ethos
Authors: Tripathi Ritu , Kumar Abhishek
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To identify the characteristic features of humanistic leadership in the Tata group in India, and to explicate the key facilitating factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative case-study inquiry via semi-structured interviews with top management leaders and middle managers, and secondary sources of information.

Findings

The top leaders of the Tata companies emphasised the following values and leadership experience: (1) Adherence to the founder's philosophy and the basic core values, (2) Leadership with Trust, (3) Community as the key purpose of the enterprise, (4) Senior leaders as mentors and role-models, (5) Abiding by the ethical code of conduct, (6) Employee-focus and (7) Tacit alignment with Indian cultural values. These resonated with the humanistic leadership tenets. Based on the literature the authors also identified that in Tata leadership, there is an amalgamation of personal values (humata, hukhta, hvarshta: good thought, word and deed) and national cultural ethos (dharma, karma and jnana: emphasis on duty-bound action and knowledge). These leadership values are conveyed and institutionalised in the organisation via strategic initiatives such as the Tata Trusts, Tata Business Excellence Model, Tata Code of Conduct. This synergy of personal values, national cultural ethos and organisational strategy makes Tata group realise the humanistic leadership objectives, while achieving business targets.

Research limitations/implications

The thematic analysis of interview data provides a contextualised understanding of how humanistic leadership gets realised at both the individual behavioural level, as well as at the broader organisational strategic level. This provides inputs to building the theory of humanistic leadership.

Practical implications

By unravelling the factors that facilitate the realisation of humanistic leadership in the Tata group, the authors provide an exemplar for other organisations and business leaders to draw insights from.

Social implications

Humanistic leadership, oriented towards upliftment of community and society, and not just profit maximisation, is critical to creating a more sustainable and peaceful world.

Originality/value

This is one of first studies that conceptualises the Tata leadership from the humanistic perspective. The theoretical insights are of basic and applied use.
Skill formation, automation and governance: comparing German and Korean automotive manufacturers in Central-Eastern Europe
Authors: Krzywdzinski Martin , Jo Hyung Je
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Building on neo-institutionalism models of the transfer of human resource management (HRM) practices within multinational companies, this paper aims to analyze the transfer of skill formation concepts using the cases of two automotive OEMs in Slovakia. The purpose of the paper is twofold. First, it aims to explain the differences between the two multinationals. Second, it builds on the empirical analysis to reconsider the neo-institutionalist theoretical framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on two qualitative case studies of automotive multinationals in Slovakia. The home country locations of both companies represent different approaches to skill formation: systematic vocational education for blue-collar workers is regarded as crucial at the German manufacturer, while the Korean company relies mainly on on-the-job-training and puts much less emphasis on skilled blue-collar work.

Findings

The paper shows that the differences between the companies are related to different understandings of technology/automation. It argues that the increasing automation and the decentralization of responsibilities for the product-launch processes supported the transfer of German skill formation concepts to the plant in Slovakia, while the Korean manufacturer’s specific engineering-led automation concept and centralization of product launch responsibilities in its Korean headquarters reduced the need to invest in skill formation for blue collars abroad. The paper concludes that theories of the transfer of HRM practices within multinationals must include technological factors and must also develop more specific concepts of the centralization of multinationals.

Originality/value

The paper is to the knowledge the first to include technology as a core variable into the neo-institutionalist theory in the field of international business and HRM. While the relationship between technology and organization has gained huge prominence in the recent discussions about digitalization, it has been so far neglected by scholars of international business.
Fighting COVID-19: social capital and community mobilisation in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Pui Yan Flora
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Focussing on the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong, when the infection rate was relatively low, this paper aims to explore the role of social capital in fighting the novel coronavirus.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper that draws evidence from current scholarly literature and other commentaries, government policies and the personal observation of the author. The main conceptual tool used in the study is Szreter and Woolcock (2004) three-dimensional framework of social capital.

Findings

This paper suggests that whilst the experience of fighting SARS as early as 2003 equipped Hong Kong people with adequate knowledge of virus prevention, efforts to control COVID-19 also benefited from social capital developed during the prolonged social protest since 2019. People belonging to the pro-democracy camp took the initiative to deliver facemasks and advocate hygiene measures in Hong Kong, demonstrating strong community mobilisation. This led to the emergence of bonding and bridging social capital (but not linking social capital) in local society, based substantially on similarity in political orientation.

Originality/value

The use of Szreter and Woolcock (2004) three-dimensional framework for examining social capital provides a new perspective on the contribution of social network analysis to coronavirus protective measures.
The impacts of terrorism on risk perception and travel behaviour of the Dutch market: Sri Lanka as a case study
Authors: Isaac Rami K. , Van den Bedem Annika
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of terrorism on risk perception and travel behaviour of the Dutch market towards Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The research process involved an online self-administered method created with one of the leading research and web-based survey tools called Qualtrics. The questionnaire was filled in by 328 respondents.

Findings

Findings indicate that Sri Lankan is perceived to be a relatively safe destination. However, the likeliness of visiting the country is unlikely. The respondents with past travel experience (PTE) perceive Sri Lanka to be safer than those without PTE and are more likely to revisit. Male respondents have a higher safety perception of Sri Lanka than women. Most of the respondents see Sri Lanka as an attractive destination and would consider travelling there with children.

Research limitations/implications

The majority of the respondents are female and aged between 18 to 29 years old. The majority of the respondents’ children were already 19 or older and not accompanying their parents on holiday. This study has managerial implications for Sri Lanka’s tourism board that could work on developing a marketing strategy that focusses on promoting Sri Lanka as a safe destination in combination with all the other unique selling points.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, no analysis has been so far published with a focus on the impact of terrorism on risk perception and attitudes of the Dutch tourist towards Sri Lanka. The aim of this paper is to close the existing gap in the literature and to provide valuable knowledge on the influence of terrorism on risk perception and attitudes of the Dutch tourists’ travel behaviour towards Sri Lanka as a destination.
Fiscal resilience of Russia's regions in the face of COVID-19
Authors: Klimanov Vladimir , Kazakova Sofia , Mikhaylova Anna , Safina Aliya
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to analyze how COVID-19 pandemic affects regional budgets and regional fiscal resilience in Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research article is structured as follows. Based on the official data from the Ministry of Finance, the Federal Treasure and the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation, first, the state of Russian regional budgets before and under COVID-19 is analyzed. Second, due to the increase of regional spending commitments under pandemic the regional debt dependence is reviewed. Third, anticrisis fiscal measures which have been taken to combat the negative impact of COVID-19 are discussed.

Findings

In general, 2020 may be the most difficult for regional budgets, although the results of the first quarter do not show such tension. However, the impact of COVID-19 on budget indicators is ambiguous because the economic crisis of 2020 is dual, including the crisis in the oil markets. The pandemic has become a unique global phenomenon, the effect of which is difficult to identify and interpret outside of the economic aspects of life.

Originality/value

The value of the article is based on the overview of the state of regional budgets before and under COVID-19, on the analysis of how pandemic affects fiscal resilience of the regional budgets and on the forecast of how serious the volume of lost revenues are going to be.
Bayesian stable isotope mixing models effectively characterize the diet of an Arctic raptor
Authors: Johnson Devin L. , Henderson Michael T. , Anderson David L. , Booms Travis L. , Williams Cory T.
Published: October 2020

Bayesian stable isotope mixing models (BSIMMs) for δ13C and δ15N can be a useful tool to reconstruct diets, characterize trophic relationships, and assess spatiotemporal variation in food webs. However, use of this approach typically requires a priori knowledge on the level of enrichment occurring between the diet and tissue of the consumer being sampled (i.e. a trophic discrimination factor or TDF).

Trophic discrimination factors derived from captive feeding studies are highly variable, and it is challenging to select the appropriate TDF for diet estimation in wild populations. We introduce a novel method for estimating TDFs in a wild population—a proportionally balanced equation that uses high‐precision diet estimates from nest cameras installed on a subset of nests in lieu of a controlled feeding study (TDFCAM).

We tested the ability of BSIMMs to characterize diet in a free‐living population of gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus nestlings by comparing model output to high‐precision nest camera diet estimates. We analysed the performance of models formulated with a TDFCAM against other relevant TDFs and assessed model sensitivity to an informative prior. We applied the most parsimonious model inputs to a larger sample to analyse broad‐scale temporal dietary trends.

Bayesian stable isotope mixing models fitted with a TDFCAM and uninformative prior had the best agreement with nest camera data, outperforming TDFs derived from captive feeding studies. BSIMMs produced with a TDFCAM produced reliable diet estimates at the nest level and accurately identified significant temporal shifts in gyrfalcon diet within and between years.

Our method of TDF estimation produced more accurate estimates of TDFs in a wild population than traditional approaches, consequently improving BSIMM diet estimates. We demonstrate how BSIMMs can complement a high‐precision diet study by expanding its spatiotemporal scope of inference and recommend this integrative methodology as a powerful tool for future trophic studies.
Using spatial models to identify refugia and guide restoration in response to an invasive plant pathogen
Authors: McCarthy James K. , Wiser Susan K. , Bellingham Peter J. , Beresford Robert M. , Campbell Rebecca E. , Turner Richard , Richardson Sarah J.
Published: October 2020

The global spread of invasive plant pathogens is increasing, putting natural forests and ecosystem services under threat. Spatial data can quantify range non‐overlap between invasive pathogens and their hosts to identify existing and potentially restorable refugia to enable ‘escape’ from the pathogen.

In 2017, myrtle rustAustropuccinia psidiiwas detected in New Zealand. New Zealand has 27 native woody and liana species in the plant family susceptible to the disease (Myrtaceae), many of which are ecosystem dominants and economically important. Spatial methods were used to compare the current New Zealand distribution of myrtle rust with the modelled distributions of its potential native hosts. To guide management and set priorities for conservation of at‐risk species, areas of potential refugia where a Myrtaceae species is predicted to occur outside the pathogen range were identified under two myrtle rust distribution scenarios.

Myrtle rust will thrive in New Zealand's warmer regions. Many native Myrtaceae are distributed within this area, but several species occur extensively outside the core range of the disease. Species distributed in cooler southern regions will be best placed to persist in refugia.

Myrtaceae species with specific habitat requirements and narrow geographical ranges in warmer (northern) areas are likely to require ex situ or active in situ management. Even widely distributed species will benefit from the restoration of suitable habitat that supports multiple species outside the myrtle rust range.

Synthesis and applications. Spatial data can be used to identify refugia and restoration opportunities, and thus inform landscape‐level management responses to invasive pathogens. This approach can guide decisions over where to implement in situ (e.g. fungicide spraying) versus ex situ (e.g. seed banking, botanic gardens) management efforts.
A closer look at the functions behind ecosystem multifunctionality: A review
Authors: Garland Gina , Banerjee Samiran , Edlinger Anna , Miranda Oliveira Emily , Herzog Chantal , Wittwer Raphaël , Philippot Laurent , Maestre Fernando T. , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: October 2020

In recent years there has been an upsurge of studies on ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), or the ability of ecosystems to simultaneously provide multiple functions and/or services. The concept of EMF itself, the analytical approaches used to calculate it, and its implications depending on the spatial scale and field of study have been discussed in detail. However, to date there has been little dialogue concerning the basis of EMF studies: what should or should not be considered appropriate measures for ecosystem functions.

To begin this discussion, we performed an in‐depth review of EMF studies across four major terrestrial ecosystems (agroecosystems, drylands, forests and grasslands) by analysing 82 studies, which together have assessed 775 ecosystem functions from a variety of field and greenhouse experiments across the globe.

The number of ecosystem functions analysed varied from two to 82 per study and we found large differences in the distribution of functions across ecosystem types and ecosystem service categories. Furthermore, there was little explanation of why certain variables were included in the EMF calculation or how they relate to ecosystem functioning.

Synthesis. Based on the literature analysis, it is clear that there is no general agreement regarding which measurements should or should not be considered functions in the field of ecology. To address this issue, we propose a general guideline for determining and measuring appropriate functions.
Sildenafil attenuates nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory‐induced gastric ulceration in mice via antioxidant and antigenotoxic mechanisms
Authors: Maziero Alves Gisele , Aires Rafaela , de Souza Santos Verônica , Zambom Côco Larissa , Peters Beatriz , de Leone Evangelista Monteiro Assis Arícia , Ramos Athaydes Brena , Gobbi Amorim Fernanda , Valentim Nogueira Breno , de Ribeiro Gonçalves Rita Cássia , dos Santos Meyrelles Silvana , Melo Costa Pereira Thiago , Prandi Campagnaro Bianca
Published: October 2020

Sildenafil (SIL) has potential as an interesting gastroprotective drug. However, the pathways of its protective effect still needs to be clarified, and its use as a potential gastroprotective agent validated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of SIL via modulation of oxidative stress in a NSAID‐induced gastric lesion model. Male Swiss mice were divided into six groups: control (CON, water), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID, water), proton pump inhibitor (PPI, 30 mg/kg of lansoprazole), SIL 5 (5 mg/kg), SIL 25 (25 mg/kg) and SIL 50 (50 mg/kg). The animals were treated by gavage (a single dose) after 24 hours of fasting, and gastric lesions were performed after 30 minutes, with indomethacin (40 mg/kg, by gavage). After 6h, the animals were killed and the stomach was removed to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidation of macromolecules, quantification of antioxidant enzymes, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis and macroscopic and histologic analysis of gastric lesions. SIL exerts a dose‐dependent gastroprotective effect against NSAID‐induced mucosal injury, also reducing cytoplasmic levels of ROS and consequent oxidative damage to macromolecules. In addition, SIL increases nitric oxide bioavailability, antioxidant enzymes and gastric cellular viability, as well as restoring important factors involved in gastroprotection. Our results demonstrate that different doses of SIL prevent indomethacin‐induced gastric ulcer in mice via different, but complementary antioxidant, antigenotoxic and antiapoptotic mechanisms.