bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oestrogen promotes innate immune evasion ofCandida albicansthrough inactivation of the alternative complement system
Authors: Kumwenda Pizga , Cottier Fabien , Keevan Ben , Gallagher Hannah , Tsai Hung-Ji , Hall Rebecca A.
Published: July 2020

Gender is a risk factor for several infections that, for many pathogens, has been linked to sex hormones impacting host immunity and directly affecting microbial virulence.Candida albicansis a commensal of the urogenital tract and the predominant cause of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Factors that increase circulatory oestrogen levels like pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy predispose women to VVC, but the reasons for this are largely unknown. Here, we investigate how adaptation ofC. albicansto oestrogen impacts the fungal host-pathogen interaction. Physiologically relevant concentrations of oestrogen promoted fungal virulence by enablingC. albicansto avoid the actions of the innate immune system. Oestrogen-induced innate immune evasion was mediated via inhibition of opsonophagocytosis through enhanced acquisition of the human complement regulatory protein, Factor H, on the fungal cell surface. Oestrogen induced accumulation of Factor H was dependent on the fungal cell surface protein Gpd2, with oestrogen dependent derepression ofGPD2being mediated via a non-canonical signalling pathway involving Ebp1 and Bcr1. Therefore, we propose that, in addition to affecting the antifungal potential of vaginal epithelial cells, elevated oestrogen levels predispose women to VVC by directly enhancing fungal pathogenicity through the inactivation of complement. The discovery of this new hormone sensing pathway might pave the way in explaining gender biases associated with fungal infections and may provide an alternative approach to improving women’s health.
Whole-genome sequencing of multiple isolates ofPuccinia triticinareveals asexual lineages evolving by recurrent mutations
Authors: Fellers John P. , Sakthikumar Sharadha , He Fei , McRell Katie , Bakkeren Guus , Cuomo Christina A. , Kolmer James A.
Published: July 2020

Background

The wheat leaf rust fungus,Puccinia triticinaErikss. is a worldwide pathogen of tetraploid durum and hexaploid wheat. Many races ofP. triticinadiffer for virulence to specific leaf rust resistance genes and are found in most wheat-growing regions of the world. Wheat cultivars with effective leaf rust resistance exert selection pressure onP. triticinapopulations for virulent race types. The objectives of this study were to examine whole-genome sequence data of 121P. triticinaisolates and to gain insight into race evolution. The collection included isolates comprising many different race phenotypes collected worldwide from common wheat in the U.S. and the European Union together with isolates from durum wheat. One isolate from the wild wheat relativeAegilops speltoides,and two fromAe. cylindricawere also included for comparison.

Results

Based on 121,907 variants identified relative to the reference race 1-1 genome, the isolates were clustered into 11 major lineages with 100% bootstrap support. The isolates were also grouped based on variation in approximately 1400 secreted resistance interactor candidate proteins. In gene-coding regions, all groups had high ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous mutations and nonsense to readthrough mutations.

Conclusions

Based on total variation or variation in the secreted protein genes, isolates grouped the same indicating that variants were distributed across the entire genome. Our results suggest that recurrent mutation and selection play a major role in differentiation within the clonal lineages.
Increasing cell-free gene expression yields from linear templates inEscherichia coliandVibrio natriegensextracts by using DNA-binding proteins
Authors: Zhu Bo , Gan Rui , Cabezas Maria D. , Kojima Takaaki , Nicol Robert , Jewett Michael C. , Nakano Hideo
Published: July 2020

In crude extract-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS), DNA templates are transcribed and translated into functional proteins. Although linear expression templates (LETs) are less laborious and expensive to generate, plasmid templates are often desired over PCR-generated LETs due to increased stability and protection against exonucleases present in the extract of the reaction. Here we demonstrate that addition of a dsDNA-binding protein to the CFPS reaction, termed single-chain Cro protein (scCro), achieves terminal protection of LETs. This CroP-LET (scCro-basedProtection ofLET) method effectively increases sfGFP expression levels from LETs inEscherichia coliCFPS reactions by 6-fold. Our yields are comparable to other strategies that provide chemical and enzymatic DNA stabilization inE. coliCFPS. Notably, we also report that the CroP-LET method successfully enhanced yields in CFPS platforms derived from non-model organisms. Our results show that CroP-LET increased sfGFP yields by 18-fold in theVibrio natriegensCFPS platform. With the fast-expanding applications of CFPS platforms, this method provides a practical and generalizable solution to protect linear expression DNA templates.
Expectancy changes the self-monitoring of voice identity
Authors: Johnson Joseph F. , Belyk Michel , Schwartze Michael , Pinheiro Ana P. , Kotz Sonja A.
Published: July 2020

Self-voice attribution can become difficult when voice characteristics are ambiguous, and functional magnetic resonance imagines (fMRI) investigations of such ambiguity are sparse. We utilized voice-morphing (self-other) to manipulate (un-)certainty in self-voice attribution in a button-press paradigm. This allowed investigating how levels of self-voice certainty alter brain activation in regions monitoring voice identity areas and unexpected changes in voice playback quality. FMRI results confirm a self-voice suppression effect in the right anterior superior temporal gyrus (aSTG) when self-voice attribution was unambiguous. Although the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) was more active during self-generated voice compared to when passively-heard, the putative role of this region in detecting unexpected self-voice changes was not confirmed. Further research on the link between right aSTG and IFG is required and may establish a threshold monitoring voice identity in action. The current results have implications for a better understanding of an altered experience of self-voice feedback leading to auditory verbal hallucinations.
STAT3 but not STAT5 contributes to the protective effect of electro-acupuncture against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Guo Hui-Hui , Jing Xin-Yue , Chen Hui , Xu Hou-Xi , Zhu Bing-Mei
Published: July 2020

Late remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPC) and electro-acupuncture (EA) have both been suggested to reduce injury caused by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Our previous study has found that cardioprotection in RIPC is STAT5-dependent. Here, we aim to observe the effects of electro-acupuncture pretreatment (EAP) on I/R in the presence or absence of STAT5 in mice and investigate whether the protection of EAP is in a STAT5-dependent manner. In this study, EAP decreased myocardial infarction size (IS) /total area (TA) and rate of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. STAT5 was activated by EAP in theStat5fl/flmice but not in theStat5-cKOmice, whereas, STAT3 was activated by EAP only in theStat5-cKObut not in theStat5fl/flmice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by EAP in theStat5fl/fland theStat5-cKOmice were quite distinct, indicating that EAP may activate IL-6/STAT3 signal in the absence ofStat5, and that EAP-induced cardioprotection against myocardial I/R injury was correlated with the activation of anti-apoptotic signaling and cardiomyocyte-survival signaling. Our results, for the first time, demonstrated that the protective effect of EAP was attributed to, but not dependent on, STAT5.
Partial prion cross-seeding between fungal and mammalian amyloid signaling motifs
Authors: Bardin Thierry , Daskalov Asen , Barrouilhet Sophie , Granger-Farbos Alexandra , Salin Bénédicte , Blancard Corinne , Saupe Sven J. , Coustou Virginie
Published: July 2020

In filamentous fungi, NLR-based signalosomes activate downstream membrane-targeting cell-death inducing proteins by a mechanism of amyloid templating. In the speciesPodospora anserina, two such signalosomes, NWD2/HET-S and FNT1/HELLF have been described. An analogous system, involving a distinct amyloid signaling motif termed PP was also identified in the genome of the speciesChaetomium globosumand studied using heterologous expression inPodospora anserina. The PP-motif bears resemblance to the RHIM and RHIM-like motifs controlling necroptosis in mammals and innate immunity in flies. We identified here, a third NLR signalosome inPodospora anserinacomprising a PP-motif and organized as a two-gene cluster encoding a NLR and a HELL-domain cell-death execution protein termed HELLP. We show that the PP-motif region of HELLP forms a prion we term [π] and that [π] prions trigger the cell-death inducing activity of full length HELLP. We detect no prion cross-seeding between HET-S, HELLF and HELLP amyloid motifs. In addition, we find that akin to PP-motifs, RHIM motifs from human RIP1 and RIP3 kinases are able to form prions inPodospora, and that [π] and [Rhim] prions partially cross-seed. Our study shows thatPodospora anserinadisplays three independent cell-death inducing amyloid signalosomes. Based on the described functional similarity between RHIM and PP, it appears likely that these amyloid motifs constitute evolutionary related cell-death signaling modules.

Importance

Amyloids are β-sheet-rich protein polymers that can be pathological or display a variety of biological roles. In filamentous fungi, specific immune receptors activate programmed cell-death execution proteins through a process of amyloid templating akin to prion propagation.

Among these fungal amyloid signaling sequences, the PP-motif stands out because it shows similarity to RHIM, an amyloid sequence controlling necroptotic cell-death in mammals. We characterized an amyloid signaling system comprising a PP-motif in the model speciesPodospora anserinathus bringing to three the number of independent amyloid signaling cell death pathways described in that species. We then show that human RHIM motifs not only propagate as prions inP. anserinabut also partially cross-seed with fungal PP-prions. These results indicate that in addition to show sequence similarity, PP and RHIM-motif are at least partially functionally related, supporting a model of long-term evolutionary conservation of amyloid signaling mechanisms from fungi to mammals.
Morphological aspects of immature stages ofMigonemyia migonei(Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) an important vector of Leishmaniosis in South America by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Marialva Eric F. , Secundino Nágila F. , Fernandes Fernando F. , Araújo Helena R. C. , Ríos-Velásquez Claudia M. , Pimenta Paulo F. P. , Pessoa Felipe A. C.
Published: July 2020

We describe the immature stages ofMigonemyia migonei, which is the vector ofLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, the aetiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America, and a putative vector of Leishmania infantum chagasi. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to refine the description of the structures of eggs, all instar larvae and pupa. The eggs have polygonal cells on the egg exochorion, and differences between larval and pupal chaetotaxy are highlighted. Different sensillary subtypes were observed in the larval stages, among the types trichoidea, basiconica, coelonica and campanoformia. These results contribute to the taxonomy ofMg. migoneiand may contribute to future studies on the phylogeny of this important species vector.
Genome-resolved viral ecology in a marine oxygen minimum zone (OMZ)
Authors: Vik Dean , Gazitúa Maria Consuelo , Sun Christine L. , Aldunate Montserrat , Mulholland Margaret R. , Ulloa Osvaldo , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: July 2020

Oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are critical to marine nitrogen cycling and global climate change. While OMZ microbial communities are relatively well-studied, little is known about their viruses. Here we assess the viral community ecology of 22 deeply sequenced viral metagenomes along a gradient of surface oxygenated to anoxic waters (< 0.02 μmol/L O2) in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) OMZ. We identified 46,127 viral populations (>5 kb), which augments the known viruses at this site by 10-fold. ETSP viral communities clustered into 6 groups that correspond to oceanographic features, with 3 clusters representing samples from suboxic to anoxic waters. Oxygen concentration was the predominant environmental feature driving viral community structure. Alpha and beta diversity of viral communities in the anoxic zone were lower than in surface waters, which parallels the low microbial diversity seen in other studies. Viruses were largely endemic as few (6% of viruses from this study) were found in at least another marine metagenome, and of those, most (77%) were restricted to other OMZs. Together these findings provide an ecological baseline for viral community structure, drivers and population variability in OMZs that will help future studies assess the role of viruses in these climate-critical environments.

Originality-Significance Statement

Marine oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) are unique and important ocean ecosystems where microbes drive climate-altering nutrient transformations. This study provides a baseline, deeply sequenced viral metagenomic dataset and reference viral genomes to assess ecological change and drivers across the oxygenated surface to de-oxygenated deep waters of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) OMZ. Community ecological assessment of the ETSP viromes reveals a relatively low diversity viral community with a high degree of endemic populations in the OMZ waters.
Genome-informed microscopy reveals infections of uncultivated carbon-fixing archaea by lytic viruses in Earth’s crust
Authors: Rahlff Janina , Turzynski Victoria , Esser Sarah P. , Monsees Indra , Bornemann Till L.V. , Figueroa-Gonzalez Perla Abigail , Schulz Frederik , Woyke Tanja , Klingl Andreas , Moraru Cristina , Probst Alexander J.
Published: July 2020

The continental subsurface houses a major portion of life’s abundance and diversity, yet little is known about viruses infecting microbes that reside there. Here, we used a combination of metagenomics and genome-informed microscopy to show that highly abundant carbon-fixing organisms of the uncultivated genus Candidatus Altiarchaeum are frequent targets of previously unrecognized viruses in the deep subsurface. Analysis of CRISPR spacer matches displayed resistances of Ca. Altiarchaea against eight predicted viral clades, which showed genomic relatedness across continents but little similarity to previously identified viruses. Based on metagenomic information, we tagged and imaged a putatively viral genome rich in protospacers using fluorescence microscopy. Virus-targeted genomeFISH revealed a lytic lifestyle of the respective virus and challenges previous predictions that lysogeny prevails as the dominant viral lifestyle in the subsurface. CRISPR development over time and imaging of 18 samples from one subsurface ecosystem suggest a sophisticated interplay of viral diversification and adapting CRISPR-mediated resistances of Ca. Altiarchaeum. We conclude that infections of primary producers with lytic viruses followed by cell lysis potentially jump-start heterotrophic carbon cycling in these subsurface ecosystems.
Combination of high pressure treatment at 500 MPa and biopreservation with aLactococcus lactisstrain for lowering the bacterial growth during storage of diced cooked ham with reduced nitrite salt
Authors: Chaillou Stéphane , Ramaroson Mihanta , Coeuret Gwendoline , Rossero Albert , Anthoine Valérie , Champomier-Vergès Marie , Moriceau Nicolas , Rezé Sandrine , Martin Jean-Luc , Guillou Sandrine , Zagorec Monique
Published: July 2020

We investigated the combined effects of biopreservation and high pressure treatment on bacterial communities of diced cooked ham prepared with diminished nitrite salt. First, bacterial communities of four commercial brands of dice cooked ham from local supermarkets, were characterised and stored frozen. Second, sterile diced cooked ham, prepared with reduced level of nitrite was inoculated with two different microbiota collected from the aforementioned commercial samples together with a nisin producingLactococcus lactisprotective strain able to recover from a 500 MPa high pressure treatment. Dices were then treated at 500 MPa for 5 minutes and bacterial dynamics was monitored during storage at 8°C. Depending on samples, ham microbiota were dominated by different Proteobacteria (Pseudomonas, Serratia, Psychrobacter, orVibrio) or by Firmicutes (LatilactobacillusandLeuconostoc). Applied alone, none of the treatments stabilized durably the growth of hams microbiota. Nevertheless, the combination of biopreservation and high pressure treatment was efficient to reduce the growth of Proteobacteria spoilage species. However, this effect was dependent on the nature of the initial microbiota, showing that use of biopreservation and high pressure treatment as an alternative to nitrite reduction for ensuring cooked ham microbial safety merits attention but still requires improvement.
Neonatal hyperoxia enhances age-dependent expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in mice
Authors: Yee Min , Cohen E. David , Haak Jeannie , Dylag Andrew M. , O’Reilly Michael A.
Published: July 2020

The severity of COVID-19 lung disease is higher in the elderly and people with pre-existing co-morbidities. People who were born preterm may be at greater risk for COVID-19 because their early exposure to oxygen at birth increases their risk of being hospitalized when infected with RSV and other respiratory viruses. Our prior studies in mice showed how high levels of oxygen (hyperoxia) between postnatal days 0-4 increases the severity of influenza A virus infections by reducing the number of alveolar epithelial type 2 (AT2) cells. Because AT2 cells express the SARS-CoV-2 receptors angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) and transmembrane protease/serine subfamily member 2 (TMPRSS2), we expected their expression would decline as AT2 cells were depleted by hyperoxia. Instead, we made the surprising discovery that expression ofAce2andTmprss2mRNA increases as mice age and is accelerated by exposing mice to neonatal hyperoxia. ACE2 is primarily expressed at birth by airway Club cells and becomes detectable in AT2 cells by one year of life. Neonatal hyperoxia increases ACE2 expression in Club cells and makes it detectable in 2-month-old AT2 cells. This early and increased expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors was not seen in adult mice who had been administered the mitochondrial superoxide scavenger mitoTEMPO during hyperoxia. Our finding that early life insults such as hyperoxia enhances the age-dependent expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in the respiratory epithelium helps explain why COVID-19 lung disease is greater in the elderly and people with pre-existing co-morbidities.
Systematic Quantification of Sequence and Structural Determinants Controlling mRNA stability in Bacterial Operons
Authors: Cetnar Daniel P. , Salis Howard M.
Published: July 2020

mRNA degradation is a central process that affects all gene expression levels, and yet the determinants that control mRNA decay rates remain poorly characterized. Here, we applied a synthetic biology, learn-by-design approach to elucidate the sequence and structural determinants that control mRNA stability in bacterial operons. We designed, constructed, and characterized 82 operons, systematically varying RNAse binding site characteristics, translation initiation rates, and transcriptional terminator efficiencies in the 5’ UTR, intergenic, and 3’ UTR regions, and measuring their mRNA levels using RT-qPCR assays. We show that introducing long single-stranded RNA into 5’ UTRs reduced mRNA levels by up to 9.4-fold and that lowering translation rates reduced mRNA levels by up to 11.8-fold. We also found that RNAse binding sites in intergenic regions had much lower effects on mRNA levels. Surprisingly, changing transcriptional termination efficiency or introducing long single-stranded RNA into 3’ UTRs had no effect on upstream mRNA levels. From these measurements, we developed and validated biophysical models of ribosome protection and RNAse activity with excellent quantitative correspondence. We also formulated design rules to rationally control a mRNA’s stability, facilitating the automated design of engineered genetic systems with desired functionalities.
Modular cell-free expression plasmids to accelerate biological design in cells
Authors: Karim Ashty S. , Liew Fungmin Eric , Garg Shivani , Vögeli Bastian , Rasor Blake J. , Gonnot Aislinn , Pavan Marilene , Juminaga Alex , Simpson Séan D. , Köpke Michael , Jewett Michael C.
Published: July 2020

Industrial biotechnology aims to produce high-value products from renewable resources. This can be challenging because model microorganisms—organisms that are easy to use likeEscherichia coli—often lack the machinery required to utilize desired feedstocks like lignocellulosic biomass or syngas. Non-model organisms, such asClostridium, are industrially proven and have the desired metabolic features but have several hurdles to mainstream use. Namely, these species grow more slowly than conventional laboratory microbes and genetic tools for engineering them are far less prevalent. To address these hurdles for accelerating cellular design, cell-free synthetic biology has emerged as an approach for characterizing non-model organisms and rapidly testing metabolic pathwaysin vitro. Unfortunately, cell-free systems can require specialized DNA architectures with minimal regulation that are not compatible with cellular expression. In this work, we develop a modular vector system that allows for T7 expression of desired enzymes for cell-free expression and direct Golden Gate assembly intoClostridiumexpression vectors. Utilizing the Joint Genome Institute’s DNA Synthesis Community Science Program, we designed and synthesized these plasmids and genes required for our projects allowing us to shuttle DNA easily between ourin vitroandin vivoexperiments. We next validated that these vectors were sufficient for cell-free expression of enzymes, performing on par with the previous state-of-the-art. Lastly, we demonstrated automated six-part DNA assemblies forC. autoethanogenumexpression with efficiencies ranging from 68-90%. We anticipate this system of plasmids will enable a framework for facile testing of biosynthetic pathwaysin vitroandin vivoby shortening development cycles.
CglB adhesins secreted at bacterial focal adhesions mediate gliding motility
Authors: Islam Salim T. , My Laetitia , Jolivet Nicolas Y. , Belgrave Akeisha M. , Fleuchot Betty , Brasseur Gael , Faure Laura M. , Sharma Gaurav , Lemon David J. , Saïdi Fares , Fiche Jean-Bernard , Bratton Benjamin P. , Singer Mitchell , Garza Anthony G. , Nollmann Marcelo , Shaevitz Joshua W. , Mignot Tâm
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The predatory deltaproteobacteriumMyxococcus xanthususes a helically-trafficked motor at bacterial focal adhesion (bFA) sites to power gliding motility. Using TIRF and force microscopy, we herein identify the integrin αI-domain-like outer-membrane (OM) lipoprotein CglB as an essential substratum-coupling protein of the gliding motility complex. Similar to most known OM lipoproteins, CglB is anchored on the periplasmic side of the OM and thus a mechanism must exist to secrete it to the cell surface in order for it to interact with the underlying substratum. We reveal this process to be mediated by a predicted OM β-barrel structure of the gliding complex. This OM platform was found to regulate the conformational activation and secretion of CglB across the OM. These data suggest that the gliding complex promotes surface exposure of CglB at bFAs, thus explaining the manner by which forces exerted by inner-membrane motors are transduced across the cell envelope to the substratum; they also uncover a novel protein secretion mechanism, highlighting the ubiquitous connection between secretion and bacterial motility.
Rescue of SARS-CoV-2 from a single bacterial artificial chromosome
Authors: Ye Chengjin , Chiem Kevin , Park Jun-Gyu , Oladunni Fatai , Platt Roy Neal , Anderson Tim , Almazan Fernando , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Martinez-Sobrido Luis
Published: July 2020

An infectious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in the city of Wuhan (China) in December 2019, causing a pandemic that has dramatically impacted public health and socioeconomic activities worldwide. A previously unknown coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been identified as the causative agent of COVID-19. To date, there are no United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines or therapeutics available for the prevention or treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or associated COVID-19 disease, which has triggered a large influx of scientific efforts to develop countermeasures to control SARS-CoV-2 spread. To contribute to these efforts, we have developed an infectious cDNA clone of the SARS-CoV-2 USA-WA1/2020 strain based on the use of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC).

Recombinant (r)SARS-CoV-2 was readily rescued by transfection of the BAC into Vero E6 cells. Importantly, the BAC-derived rSARS-CoV-2 exhibited growth properties and plaque sizes in cultured cells comparable to those of the SARS-CoV-2 natural isolate. Likewise, rSARS-CoV-2 showed similar levels of replication to that of the natural isolate in nasal turbinates and lungs of infected golden Syrian hamsters. This is, to our knowledge, the first BAC based reverse genetics system for the generation of infectious rSARS-CoV-2 that displays similar featuresin vivoto that of a natural viral isolate. This SARS-CoV-2 BAC-based reverse genetics will facilitate studies addressing several important questions in the biology of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the identification of antivirals and development of vaccines for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated COVID-19 disease.
Ovariectomy as a Management Technique in Suburban Deer Populations
Authors: DeNicola Anthony J. , DeNicola Vickie L.
Published: July 2020

Overabundant suburban deer (Odocoileusspp.) are a source of human-wildlife conflict in many communities throughout the United States. Deer-vehicle collisions, tick-borne pathogens, impacts on local vegetation, and other negative interactions are the typical reasons cited for initiating a deer management program. Social attitudes, legal constraints, and perceived safety concerns lead many communities to examine nonlethal management options. Surgical sterilization is currently the only nonlethal method available to permanently sterilize females with a single treatment. There are limited data demonstrating methods and outcomes in management programs that sterilize a high percentage (>90%) of the local population, particularly regarding the impact of immigration on non-isolated populations. We present data from 6 surgical sterilization sites with geographically open populations in California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Virginia, USA. From 2012–2020, we sterilized 493 deer primarily via ovariectomy. We conducted annual or periodic population estimates using camera surveys, road-based distance sampling, and intensive field observations to assess population trends. Initial densities ranged from about 6–63 deer/km2. Study sites ranged from 1.2 km2to 16.5 km2, and initial populations ranged from ~47 to 169 individuals. For our 6 study sites, we noted an average reduction in deer abundance of approximately 25% (range: 16.2%–36.2%) from Year 1 to Year 2. Four years after the first treatment, at monitored sites (n= 4) using this management method, we noted an average total population reduction of about 45% (range: 28%–56%). During the first year, the average cost per deer handled was $1,221 (range: $864–$1,998). These projects demonstrate that significant reductions in local deer densities using high percentage surgical sterilization programs can be achieved in non-insular locations. Sustained sterilization efforts are necessary, as is the case with all deer management programs in open landscapes.
Electrochemical corrosion behavior and surface passivation of bulk nanocrystalline copper in alkaline solution
Authors: Luo Wei , Hu Lei , Xv Yimin , Zhou Jian , Xv Wentao , Yan Mi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on an assessment of the electrochemical corrosion performance of bulk NC copper in a variety of corrosion environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The electrochemical corrosion behavior of bulk nanocrystalline (NC) copper prepared by inert gas condensation andin situwarm compress technique was studied by using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests in de-aerated 0.1 M NaOH solution.

Findings

NC copper exhibited a typical active-passive-transpassive behavior with the formation of duplex passive films, which was qualitatively similar to coarse-grain (CG) copper. Although a compact passive film formed on NC copper surface, the corrosion resistance of NC copper was lower in comparison with CG copper. The increase in corrosion rate for NC copper was mainly attributed to the high activity of surface atoms and intergranular atoms. These atoms led to an enhancement of passive ability and an increase of dissolution rate of passive film in oxygen-deficiency solution. For NC copper, the corrosion resistance decreased as grain size increased in NC range.

Originality/value

The difference in corrosion resistance between bulk NC copper and its CG counterpart is dependent upon the corrosion solution. In a previous work, the potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed that NC copper bulks (grain size 48, 68, 92 nm) had identical corrosion resistance to CG copper bulk in naturally aerated 0.1 M NaOH solution. The results might be related to the dissolved oxygen in the medium.
Corporate brand management in a charity context: the internal communications challenge
Authors: Ramjaun Tauheed Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the practical issues and challenges faced when managing a corporate brand internally within a charity context from perspectives of both senior managers and grassroots volunteers.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive exploratory approach was adopted, where emphasis was placed on giving voice to participants considered as knowledge agents. Data collection methods included a combination of interviews and participatory observation. In-depth qualitative interviews were carried out with seven volunteers (including five branch chairs and one trustee) and five senior managers (chief executive officer [CEO], head of fundraising, national and regional directors and head of information and helplines). Participatory observations included visits in five branches as well as participation in two volunteer-targeted events.

Findings

Findings from this study revealed the complexities of managing a charity brand internally with several issues and challenges relating to internal communications. Also, three major themes emerged from insights gathered from both senior managers and volunteers, which are as follows: (1) internal brand clarity, (2) internal relational communications and (3) internal brand presence.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the paper lies in exploring the challenges of managing a corporate brand internally from both the perspectives of senior management and volunteers within a unique charity context. The study adds insights on the issues and tension faced by charities in managing their brands internally and provides a series of practical recommendations that might help charities in strengthening their brands from inside.
Analysis of the role of process innovation on export propensity in KIBS and non-KIBS firms in Colombia
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Jorge , Escandón-Charris Diana , Moreno-Charris Ana , Zapata-Upegui Luis
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of the process innovation on export propensity in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) firms and non-KIBS firms in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

For the empirical application, the authors use a unique primary data set drawn from the Global Competitiveness Project (GCP:www.gcp.org) that includes information for 57 Colombian KIBS for 2019. The authors use a binary choice model to test the proposed hypotheses on the relevance of KIBS and process innovation in explaining export propensity.

Findings

The results showed a positive relationship between KIBS and business size with an export propensity, but this relationship is non-meaningful. Also, the findings showed a negative and non-significant relationship between a process innovation and business age with the probability to export. On the other hand, the evidence state that KIBS firms encourage the relationship between propensity to export and process innovation, which is to say that they are highly effective to increase the propensity to export. Finally, the industry increases the probability of export propensity.

Originality/value

This study offers a new insight relating to KIBS, process innovation and their contribution to increasing export propensity. The findings of this paper offer relevant information to government policymakers to design strategies that promote export activity in Colombia.
Implementing the global model of the research university in a national context: perspectives of deans and departments heads
Authors: Hladchenko Myroslava , Benninghoff Martin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article aims to explore the implications of means–ends decoupling at the state level for the implementation of the global model of the research university by the deans and department heads. Means–ends decoupling at the state level implies that the policies and practices of the state are disconnected from its core goal of creating public welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

Data that form the basis of analysis were collected through twenty-four semi-structured interviews with deans and department heads from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences who were in their positions during 2010–2014, at two Ukrainian universities.

Findings

Apart from means–ends decoupling at the state level, which resulted in institutional complexity, case universities also sustained means–ends decoupling at the organisational level, which led to cultural complexity. Institutional and cultural complexities experienced by the deans and department heads, as well as their practices and values deviated from the global model of the research university, entailed them sustaining means–ends decoupling at the individual level. The degree of means–ends decoupling maintained by the deans and department heads at the individual level varied depending on organisational, disciplinary and individual cultural dimensions.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the policy development and implementation studies highlighting how mismatches in policies at both state and organisational levels hinder the achievement of the intended outcomes.
Managing liminality: professional care during organizational change
Authors: Willis Eileen Mary , Morgan Deidre D. , Sweet Kate
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the way in which the theoretical construct of liminality contributes to understanding the process of dying of cancer from the perspective of patients, carers and professionals in a state-run organization undergoing privatization.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interviews were held with 13 patients and their carers and two focus groups with eight physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Data were analysed from the perspective of liminality for all three actors: patients, carers and health professionals.

Findings

The theoretical construct of liminality was useful for understanding the lived experience of patients and their carers. However, a major finding of this study reveals that health professionals operated in a dual space as both managers of the ritual process and individuals undergoing a liminal journey as their organization underwent transformation or restructure. Clients and carers had little knowledge of these tensions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited by the fact that the interviews did not directly ask questions about the restructure of the organization.

Social implications

It would appear that professionals provide quality care despite their own struggles in moving from one organizational form to another

Originality/value

Few studies have explored the liminal rituals of dying at home that outline how professionals, as managers of the process, deal with their own liminal issues.
Community engagement through responsible leadership in managing pandemic: insight from India using netnography
Authors: Mehta Mita , Sarvaiya Harsha , Chandani Arti
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine how community engagement can be influenced by responsible leadership during crises. It looks at the phenomenon of community engagement and responsible leadership in India during the Covid-19 pandemic, using the collective responses of community.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses netnography, which studies community interpretations through their online social communication. The perceptions on how engaged the Indian community felt during the pandemic were studied by collecting and analysing their postings on social media.

Findings

The findings suggest that responsible leadership – through the building of trust, open communication, collective consciousness and mindful action – is an effective way to positively engage stakeholders and influence community response during a pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature of responsible leadership and community engagement during crises. It is an attempt to link public leadership with responsible leadership and its impact on community engagement in a novel way, filling a void in the literature.
WeScratch: an inclusive, playful and collaborative approach to creative learning online
Authors: Presicce Carmelo , Jain Rupal , Rodeghiero Carolina , Gabaree Lily E. , Rusk Natalie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Many educators currently face challenges when trying to engage students in creative learning experiences online, where it can be particularly difficult to move beyond the transmissive approach typical of video lessons and webinars. The purpose of this paper is to present WeScratch, online workshops designed as welcoming, playful and peer-supported spaces where educators can experience first-hand an alternative approach to learning online, as they actively learn to create projects using the Scratch programming language.

Design/methodology/approach

The WeScratch experience is designed as a hands-on, creative online workshop where participants spend most of their time making projects while they share ideas with peers. The authors describe the structure, platform, facilitation and activities of WeScratch workshops, highlighting the main design choices and their underlying motivations.

Findings

This study discusses how this environment has engaged educators from around the world to experiment with Scratch in a playful way. The authors give examples of how educators have described the value of the experience, both as learners developing their skills and as designers developing similar learning experiences for their students.

Originality/value

WeScratch provides a model for how to design online learning environments to be more inclusive, playful and collaborative. Although WeScratch workshops are designed to support learning to create with code, the authors see the wider potential for applying this approach to other online learning environments to broaden participation, build connection and expand creative expression.
STEM faculty members' experience of sabbatical leave: a narrative study
Authors: Shirbagi Naser , Gholami Parisa
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In this research, which has involved collecting Iranian faculty members' accounts of their experiences of sabbaticals, the authors are seeking to understand how faculty members make sense of events throughout the process of sabbatical, construction these events into episodes and thereby maintaining unity within their lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Using narrative qualitative method and episodic interviews the researchers collected and analyzed the data by applying MAXQDA 2020 software. In this study, the impact of sabbatical leave on faculty members' academic achievement was measured in three ways: individually, professionally and organizationally.

Findings

Sabbatical leave changed their academic and personal values. In addition, the results of the narrative analysis showed that sabbatical leave experience could enable faculty members to change themselves in terms of their lifestyle and attitudes. A considerable influence on their families was also found. Moreover, from individual dimension, it was found that participants' engagement with their colleagues and their sense of social responsibility especially in environmental protection zone area had increased. Furthermore, in professional and academic area, the participants reported tendency toward more team work, more creative approach and they developed a sense of innovation and willingness to take risks.

Practical implications

The findings of the study showed that faculty members sabbatical leave experience could stimulate their global thinking toward foreign overseas universities, their students and colleagues and they could have more publications in foreign languages. Based on the findings of the study some reconsiderations in administrative regulations should be taken into account in order to enable volunteer faculty members to take part in sabbatical leave programs.

Social implications

The authors demonstrate that how Iranian higher education regulations and dominated patriarchy, deprive female faculty members from sabbaticals. In addition, the results indicate that using sabbatical leaves by males, and mostly in STEM fields in Iran are fundamental in producing and reproducing inequalities regarding gender and academic field.

Originality/value

The paper addresses an important topic and by using a relevant qualitative method for examining participants' views in the study has added complementary information to the literature of faculty members' professional development. The study has been conducted in a particular context with a different understanding of the topic, since studying such a topic in Iran is missing almost in the literature.
Can corporate social responsibility deter consumer dysfunctional behavior?
Authors: Allen Alexis M. , Green Todd , Brady Michael K. , Peloza John
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how and when a reputation for corporate social responsibility (CSR) can deter dysfunctional consumer behaviors (DCBs) such as shoplifting or negative word-of-mouth (WOM) in response to firm failures. The authors predict that congruency of the CSR activities and the basis for the firm failure (e.g. environmental protection, environmental harm) provides protection for firms while incongruency (e.g. environmental protection, social harm) does not. The authors base this prediction on the process of retroactive attribution and sense-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Across two studies the research finds support that a reputation for CSR can deter consumer dysfunctional behavior. Study 1 uses an experimental design with a Mturk sample, and a behavioral outcome using an overpayment situation, to examine when consumers will act honestly and recognize overpayment. Study 2 uses secondary data, across three novel data sources (Google trends data, an existing data set of consumer perceptions of CSR and Factiva to uncover press coverage of negative firm events). Study 2 examines how CSR reputation impacts consumers’ participation in negative WOM in response to firm failures.

Findings

Study 1 finds support for CSR congruency as a protection mechanism against dysfunctional behavior in response to negative events. The authors find that dysfunctional behaviors in conditions of congruency, while incongruent and a control condition do not provide such protections. Study 2 supports these findings using Google trends data in the form of online negative WOM. The authors find that when firms are known for their social performance, negative events in the social domain result in significantly lower levels of negative WOM.

Originality/value

The current paper makes the novel prediction that consumers will use a current negative event (corporate social irresponsibility) to re-evaluate previous CSR. Thus, in contrast with prior research, the authors argue that a negative event is not affected by previous CSR but that previous CSR is affected by a negative event. Furthermore, the authors posit that the congruency between the transgression and previous CSR moderates consumer perceptions, such that incongruent CSR and transgression contexts lead to increased DCBs through consumers’ retroactive sense-making process.
Globalisation, income inequality and poverty relationships: evidence from Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey
Authors: Osinubi Tolulope Temilola , Olomola Philip Akanni
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The study examines the dynamic relationship among globalisation, income inequality and poverty in Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT countries) between 1980 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

A Bayesian vector autoregressive (BVAR) approach is used as a technique of estimation hanging on the fact that the method uses prior distribution for the estimated parameters.

Findings

The results show that globalisation is a strong predictor of itself in all the MINT countries only in the short run. In the long run, income inequality and poverty strongly influence globalisation, respectively, in Indonesia and Turkey, while globalisation still has more impact on itself in Nigeria. Income inequality has a strong endogenous impact on itself in Mexico and Indonesia over the time horizon, whereas globalisation and poverty are strong predictors of income inequality in the long run in Nigeria and Turkey, respectively. Also, poverty strongly influences itself in all the MINT countries in all the periods, meaning that poverty begets itself in all the MINT countries, except for Indonesia in the long run.

Practical implications

The study suggests that all the MINT countries should ensure political stability and a strong institutional framework to gain from the process of globalisation and to experience reductions in the levels of income inequality and poverty.

Originality/value

This study is distinct from other studies in the sense that an overall globalisation index (GBI) as used by Dreher et al. (2008) is used for the globalisation variable, and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is used to capture poverty in all the MINT countries. Also, the research paper uses a BVAR approach as against the classical VAR, and this helps in solving over-fitting problems.