bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlating glycoforms of DC-SIGN with stability using a combination of enzymatic digestion and ion mobility MS
Authors: Yen Hsin-Yung , Liko Idlir , Gault Joseph , Wu Di , Struwe Weston B. , Robinson Carol V.
Published: April 2020

The immune scavenger protein DC-SIGN interacts with glycosylated proteins and has a putative role in facilitating viral infection. How these recognition events take place with different viruses is not clear and the effects of glycosylation on the folding and stability of DC-SIGN have not been reported. Here, we develop and apply a mass spectrometry-based approach to both uncover and characterise the effects of O-glycans on the stability of DC-SIGN. We first quantify the Core 1 & 2 O-glycan structures on the carbohydrate recognition and extracellular domains of the protein via sequential exoglycosidase sequencing. We then use ion mobility mass spectrometry to show how specific O-glycans, and/or single monosaccharide substitutions, alter both the overall collision cross section and the gas-phase stability of the glycoprotein isoforms of DC-SIGN. We find that rather than the mass or length of glycoprotein modifications, the stability of DC-SIGN is better correlated with the number of glycosylation sites. Collectively, our results exemplify a combined multi-dimensional MS approach, proficient in evaluating protein stability in response to both glycoprotein macro- and micro-heterogeneity and adding structural detail to the infection enhancer DC-SIGN.
Tonic GABAergic activity facilitates dendritic calcium signaling and short-term plasticity
Authors: Chiu Chiayu Q. , Morse Thomas M. , Nani Francesca , Knoflach Frederic , Hernandez Maria-Clemencia , Jadi Monika , Higley Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Brain activity is highly regulated by GABAergic activity, which acts via GABAARs to suppress somatic spike generation as well as dendritic synaptic integration and calcium signaling. Tonic GABAergic conductances mediated by distinct receptor subtypes can also inhibit neuronal excitability and spike output, though the consequences for dendritic calcium signaling are unclear. Here, we use 2-photon calcium imaging in cortical pyramidal neurons and computational modeling to show that low affinity GABAARs containing an α5 subunit mediate a tonic hyperpolarization of the dendritic membrane potential, resulting in deinactivation of voltage-gated calcium channels and a paradoxical boosting of action potential-evoked calcium influx. We also find that GABAergic enhancement of calcium signaling modulates short-term synaptic plasticity, augmenting depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition. These results demonstrate a novel role for GABA in the control of dendritic activity and suggest a mechanism for differential modulation of electrical and biochemical signaling.
HSV Forms an HCMV-like Viral Assembly Center in Neuronal Cells
Authors: White Shaowen , Kawano Hiroyuki , Harata N. Charles , Roller Richard J.
Published: April 2020

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a neuroinvasive virus that has been used as a model organism for studying common properties of all herpesviruses. HSV induces host organelle rearrangement and forms dispersed assembly compartments in epithelial cells, which complicates the study of HSV assembly. In this study, we show that HSV forms a visually distinct unitary cytoplasmic viral assembly center (cVAC) in both cancerous and primary neuronal cells that concentrates viral structural proteins and is the site of capsid envelopment. The HSV cVAC also concentrates host membranes that are important for viral assembly, such as Golgi- and recycling endosome-derived membranes. Lastly, we show that HSV cVAC formation and/or maintenance depends on an intact microtubule network and a viral tegument protein, pUL51. Our observations suggest that the neuronal cVAC is a uniquely useful model to study common herpesvirus assembly pathways, and cell-specific pathways for membrane reorganization.

This study shows that HSV forms a viral assembly center in neuronal cells by reorganization of host membranes. This system is a novel and powerful tool to study herpesvirus assembly pathways and host cell membrane dynamics.
The SEM-4 transcription factor is required for regulation of the oxidative stress response inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Rafikova Adilya , Hu Queenie , Kubiseski Terrance J.
Published: April 2020

Oxidative stress causes damage to cells by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the overproduction of ROS have been linked to the onset of premature ageing. We previously found that abrap-2(BRCA1 associated protein 2) mutant significantly increases the expression of phase II detoxification enzymes inC. elegans.An RNAi suppression screen to identify transcription factors involved in the production ofgst-4mRNA inbrap-2worms identified SEM-4 as a potential candidate. Here, we show that knockdown ofsem-4suppresses the activation ofgst-4caused by the mutation inbrap-2.We also demonstrate thatsem-4 isrequired for survival upon exposure to oxidative stress and that SEM-4 is required for expression of the transcription factor SKN-1C. These findings identify a novel role for SEM-4 in ROS detoxification by regulating expression of SKN-1C and the phase II detoxification genes.

Article Summary

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated as a harmful agent in many age-related diseases as well as an important signaling molecule. The transcription factor SKN-1 in C. elegans is an important regulator of reactive oxygen species levels. Here we show that the transcription factor SEM-4 is required to activate the expression of skn-1c and promote phase II detoxification gene expression. These findings identify a novel role for SEM-4 in regulating reactive oxygen species levels.
Sharing of weak signals of positive selection across the genome
Authors: Harris Nathan S. , Rogers Alan R.
Published: April 2020

Selection in humans often leaves subtle signatures at individual loci. Few studies have measured the extent to which these signals are shared among human populations. Here a new method is developed to compare weak signals of selection in aggregate across the genome using the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 Data. Results presented here show that selection producing weak selection serves to increase population differences around coding areas of the genome.
The hemolymph ofBiomphalariasnail vectors of schistosomiasis supports a diverse microbiome
Authors: Chevalier Frédéric D. , Diaz Robbie , McDew-White Marina , Anderson Timothy JC. , Le Clec’h Winka
Published: April 2020

The microbiome – the microorganism community that is found on or within an organism’s body – is increasingly recognized to shape many aspects of its host biology and is a key determinant of health and disease. Microbiomes modulate the capacity of insect disease vectors (mosquitos, tsetse flies, sandflies) to transmit parasites and disease. We investigate the diversity and abundance of microorganisms within the hemolymph (i.e.blood) ofBiomphalariasnails, the intermediate host forSchistosoma mansoni, using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the bacterial 16S V4 rDNA. We sampled hemolymph from 5 snails from 6 different laboratory populations ofB. glabrataand one population ofB. alexandrina. We observed 279.84 ± 0.79 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) per snail. There were significant differences in microbiome composition at the level of individual snails, snail populations and species. Snail microbiomes were dominated by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes while water microbiomes from snail tank were dominated by Actinobacteria. We investigated the absolute bacterial load using qPCR: hemolymph samples contained 2,784 ± 339 bacteria per μL. We speculate that the microbiome may represent a critical, but unexplored intermediary in the snail-schistosome interaction as hemolymph is in very close contact to the parasite at each step of its development.
Coronavirus surveillance of wildlife in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic detects viral RNA in rodents
Authors: McIver David J. , Silithammavong Soubanh , Theppangna Watthana , Gillis Amethyst , Douangngeun Bounlom , Khammavong Kongsy , Singhalath Sinpakone , Duong Veasna , Buchy Philippe , Olson Sarah H. , Keatts Lucy , Fine Amanda E. , Greatorex Zoe , Gilbert Martin , LeBreton Matthew , Saylors Karen , Joly Damien O. , Rubin Edward M. , Lange Christian E.
Published: April 2020

Coronaviruses can become zoonotic as in the case of COVID-19, and hunting, sale, and consumption of wild animals in Southeast Asia facilitates an increased risk for such incidents. We sampled and tested rodents (851) and other mammals, and foundBetacoronavirusRNA in 12 rodents. The sequences belong to two separate genetic clusters, and relate closely to known rodent coronaviruses detected in the region, and distantly to human coronaviruses OC43 and HKU1. Considering close human-wildlife contact with many species in and beyond the region, a better understanding of virus diversity is urgently needed for the mitigation of future risks.
Spatio–temporal model reduces species misidentification bias of spawning eggs in stock assessment of spotted mackerel in the western North Pacific
Authors: Kanamori Yuki , Nishijima Shota , Okamura Hiroshi , Yukami Ryuji , Watai Mikio , Takasuka Akinori
Published: April 2020

Species identification based on morphological characteristics includes species misidentification, leading to estimation bias of population size. The eggs of spotted mackerelScomber australicusand chub mackerelS. japonicusin the western North Pacific has been identified based on egg diameter. Recent density of spotted mackerel was considerably high despite its low stock biomass. A possibility of this phenomenon is due to overestimation because the difference in egg diameter has become ambiguous between two species. However, we cannot test this possibility using DNA analysis because the eggs are fixed with formalin. Here, we estimated the index of egg density of spotted mackerel using a spatio–temporal model that incorporates the effect of egg density of chub mackerel on the catchability of spotted mackerel, using 15 years data of spawning eggs. We then examined how retrospective biases in estimated stock abundance were reduced when using the index from the model. The index estimated from the model decreased temporal fluctuation and showed smooth patterns. Especially, the recent index was considerably revised down rather than the nominal index. Additionally, the retrospective bias decreased ca. half compared with the nominal index. Therefore, incorporating species misidentification bias should be an essential process for improving stock assessment.
Little Evidence of Modified Genetic Effect of rs16969968 on Heavy Smoking Based on Age of Onset of Smoking
Authors: Adjangba Christine , Border Richard , Romero Villela Pamela N. , Ehringer Marissa A. , Evans Luke M.
Published: April 2020

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death globally. Smoking quantity, measured in cigarettes per day (CPD), is influenced both by the age of onset of regular smoking (AOS) and by genetic factors, including a strong effect of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism rs16969968. A previous study by Hartz et al. reported an interaction between these two factors, whereby rs16969968 risk allele carriers who started smoking earlier showed increased risk for heavy smoking compared to those who started later. This finding has yet to be replicated in a large, independent sample. We performed a preregistered, direct replication attempt of the rs16969968×AOS interaction on smoking quantity in 128,383 unrelated individuals from the UK Biobank, meta-analyzed across ancestry groups. We fit statistical association models mirroring the original publication as well as formal interaction tests on multiple phenotypic and analytical scales. We replicated the main effects of rs16969968 and AOS on CPD but failed to replicate the interaction using previous methods. Nominal significance of the rs16969968×AOS interaction term depended strongly on the scale of analysis and the particular phenotype, as did associations stratified by early/late AOS. No interaction tests passed genome-wide correction (α=5e-8), and all estimated interaction effect sizes were much smaller in magnitude than previous estimates. We failed to replicate the strong rs16969968×AOS interaction effect previously reported. If such gene-moderator interactions influence complex traits, they likely depend on scale of measurement, and current biobanks lack the power to detect significant genome-wide associations given the minute effect sizes expected.

IMPLICATIONS

We failed to replicate the strong rs16969968×AOS interaction effect on smoking quantity previously reported. If such gene-moderator interactions influence complex traits, current biobanks lack the power to detect significant genome-wide associations given the minute effect sizes expected. Furthermore, many potential interaction effects are likely to depend on the scale of measurement employed.
Causal analysis shows evidence of atopic dermatitis leading to an increase in vitamin D levels
Authors: Drodge Daniel R , Budu-Aggrey Ashley , Paternoster Lavinia
Published: April 2020

Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients have been observed to have lower vitamin D levels. Previous studies have found little evidence that vitamin D levels causally influence the risk of AD, but the reverse direction has not yet been investigated.

Here we used Mendelian Randomization to assess the causal relationship between AD and serum vitamin D levels, using genetic data from the most recent GWA studies of vitamin D and AD.

There was little evidence for vitamin D levels causally influencing AD risk (odds per standard deviations increase in log-transformed vitamin D levels =1.233, 95% CI 0.927 to 1.639, P-value =0.150). However, genetic liability for AD raises serum vitamin D levels by 0.043 (95% CI 0.017 to 0.069) standard deviations per doubling of odds of disease (P-value =0.001). The AD-associated filaggrin (FLG) mutation R501X appears to show a particularly strong relationship with vitamin D. However, the relationship between AD and vitamin D holds when R501X is omitted (0.018, 95% CI 0.004 to 0.031, P-value =0.008).

We found evidence that AD is causally associated with an increase in serum vitamin D levels. Whilst the AD-associated FLG gene has a particularly strong relationship with vitamin D, other AD SNPs show a consistent direction of effect, suggesting that AD more generally influences serum vitamin D levels.
Sorcin stimulates Activation Transcription Factor 6α (ATF6) transcriptional activity
Authors: Parks Steven , Gao Tian , Awuapura Natalia Jimenez , Ayathamattam Joseph , Chabosseau Pauline L. , Marchetti Piero , Johnson Paul , Bosco Domenico , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V. , Valdivia Héctor H. , Rutter Guy A. , Leclerc Isabelle
Published: April 2020

Levels of the transcription factor ATF6α, a key mediator of the unfolded protein response, that provides cellular protection during the progression endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, are markedly reduced in the pancreatic islet of patients with type 2 diabetes and in rodent models of the disease, including ob/ob and high fat-fed mice. Sorcin (gene nameSRI) is a calcium (Ca2+) binding protein involved in maintaining ER Ca2+homeostasis.

We have previously shown that overexpressing sorcin under the rat insulin promoter in transgenic mice was protective against high fat diet-induced pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, namely preserving intracellular Ca2+homeostasis and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during lipotoxic stress. Additionally, sorcin overexpression was apparently activating ATF6 signalling in MIN6 cells despite lowering ER stress.

Here, in order to investigate further the relationship between sorcin and ATF6, we describe changes in sorcin expression during ER and lipotoxic stress and changes in ATF6 signalling after sorcin overexpression or inactivation, both in excitable and non-excitable cells.

Sorcin mRNA levels were significantly increased in response to the ER stress-inducing agents thapsigargin and tunicamycin, but not by palmitate. On the contrary, palmitate caused a significant decrease in sorcin expression as assessed by both qRT-PCR and Western blotting despite inducing ER stress. Moreover, palmitate prevented the increase in sorcin expression induced by thapsigargin. In addition, sorcin overexpression significantly increased ATF6 transcriptional activity, whereas sorcin inactivation decreased ATF6 signalling. Finally, sorcin overexpression increased levels of ATF6 immunoreactivity and FRET imaging experiments following ER stress induction by thapsigargin showed a direct sorcin-ATF6 interaction.

Altogether, our data suggest that sorcin down-regulation during lipotoxicity may prevent full ATF6 activation and a normal UPR during the progression of obesity and insulin resistance, contributing to beta cell failure and type 2 diabetes.
STAT2 signaling as double-edged sword restricting viral dissemination but driving severe pneumonia in SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters
Authors: Boudewijns Robbert , Thibaut Hendrik Jan , Kaptein Suzanne J. F. , Li Rong , Vergote Valentijn , Seldeslachts Laura , De Keyzer Carolien , Bervoets Lindsey , Sharma Sapna , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Liesenborghs Laurens , Ma Ji , Jansen Sander , Van Looveren Dominique , Vercruysse Thomas , Jochmans Dirk , Wang Xinyu , Martens Erik , Roose Kenny , De Vlieger Dorien , Schepens Bert , Van Buyten Tina , Jacobs Sofie , Liu Yanan , Martí-Carreras Joan , Vanmechelen Bert , Wawina-Bokalanga Tony , Delang Leen , Rocha-Pereira Joana , Coelmont Lotte , Chiu Winston , Leyssen Pieter , Heylen Elisabeth , Schols Dominique , Wang Lanjiao , Close Lila , Matthijnssens Jelle , Van Ranst Marc , Compernolle Veerle , Schramm Georg , Van Laere Koen , Saelens Xavier , Callewaert Nico , Opdenakker Ghislain , Maes Piet , Weynand Birgit , Cawthorne Christopher , Velde Greetje Vande , Wang Zhongde , Neyts Johan , Dallmeier Kai
Published: April 2020

Introductory paragraph

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, the world is being shaken to its core with numerous hospitalizations and hundreds of thousands of deaths. In search for key targets of effective therapeutics, robust animal models mimicking COVID-19 in humans are urgently needed. Here, we show that productive SARS-CoV-2 infection in the lungs of mice is limited and restricted by early type I interferon responses. In contrast, we show that Syrian hamsters are highly permissive to SARS- CoV-2 and develop bronchopneumonia and a strong inflammatory response in the lungs with neutrophil infiltration and edema. Moreover, we identify an exuberant innate immune response as a key player in pathogenesis, in which STAT2 signaling plays a dual role, driving severe lung injury on the one hand, yet restricting systemic virus dissemination on the other. Finally, we assess SARS-CoV- 2-induced lung pathology in hamsters by micro-CT alike used in clinical practice. Our results reveal the importance of STAT2-dependent interferon responses in the pathogenesis and virus control during SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help rationalizing new strategies for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Mining zebrafish microbiota reveals key community-level resistance against fish pathogen infection
Authors: Stressmann Franziska A. , Bernal-Bayard Joaquin , Perez-Pascual David , Audrain Bianca , Rendueles Olaya , Briolat Valérie , Bruchmann Sebastian , Volant Stevenn , Ghozlane Amine , Haussler Susanne , Duchaud Eric , Levraud Jean-Pierre , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: April 2020

The long-known resistance to pathogens provided by host-associated microbiota fostered the notion that adding protective bacteria could prevent or attenuate infection. However, the identification of endogenous or exogenous bacteria conferring such protection is often hindered by the complexity of host microbial communities. Here, we used zebrafish and the fish pathogenFlavobacterium columnareas a model system to study the determinants of microbiota-associated colonization resistance. We compared infection susceptibility in germ-free, conventional and re-conventionalized larvae and showed that a consortium of 10 culturable bacterial species are sufficient to protect zebrafish. Whereas survival toF. columnareinfection does not rely on host innate immunity, we used antibiotic dysbiosis to alter zebrafish microbiota composition, leading to the identification of two different protection strategies. We first identified that the bacteriumChryseobacterium massiliaeindividually protects both larvae and adult zebrafish. We also showed that an assembly of 9 endogenous zebrafish species that do not otherwise protect individually confer a community-level resistance to infection. Our study therefore provides a rational approach to identify key endogenous protecting bacteria and promising candidates to engineer resilient microbial communities. It also shows how direct experimental analysis of colonization resistance in low-complexityin vivomodels can reveal unsuspected ecological strategies at play in microbiota-based protection against pathogens.
Two new zinc(II) and mercury(II) complexes based on N,N′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide): synthesis, crystal structures and antibacterial activities
Authors: OmarAli Al-Ameen Bariz , Al-Karawi Ahmed Jasim M. , Awad Adil A. , Dege Necmi , Kansız Sevgi , Agar Erbil , Hussein Zaman Ahmed , Mohammed Iman Rajab
Published: April 2020

Reaction of N,N′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide), C20H18F2N4O2, (LF
), with zinc chloride and mercury(II) chloride produced different types and shapes of neutral coordination complexes, namely, dichlorido[N,N′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide)-κ2
N,O]zinc(II), [ZnCl2(C20H18F2N4O2)], (1), and dichlorido[N,N′-(cyclohexane-1,2-diylidene)bis(4-fluorobenzohydrazide)-κ4
O,N,N′,O′]mercury(II), [HgCl2(C20H18F2N4O2)], (2). The organic ligand and its metal complexes are characterized using various techniques: IR, UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, in addition to powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), single-crystal X-ray crystallography and microelemental analysis. Depending upon the data from these analyses and measurements, a typical tetrahedral geometry was confirmed for zinc complex (1), in which the ZnII atom is located outside the bis(benzhydrazone) core. The HgII atom in (2) is found within the core and has a common octahedral structure. The in vitro antibacterial activities of the prepared compounds were evaluated against two different bacterial strains, i.e. gram positive Bacillus subtilis and gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The prepared compounds exhibited differentiated growth-inhibitory activities against these two bacterial strains based on the difference in their lipophilic nature and structural features.
Crystal structures, packing features, Hirshfeld surface analyses and DFT calculations of hydrogen-bond energy of two homologous 8a-aryl-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-6(1H)-ones
Authors: Grinev Vyacheslav S. , Linkova Elena I. , Krainov Mikhail N. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Yegorova Alevtina Yu.
Published: April 2020

The crystal structures and packing features of two homologous Meyer's bicyclic lactams with fused pyrrolidone and medium-sized perhydropyrimidine rings, namely, 8a-phenyl-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-6(1H)-one, C13H16N2O (1), and 8a-(4-methylphenyl)-2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-6(1H)-one, C14H18N2O (2), were elucidated, and Hirshfeld surface plots were calculated and drawn for visualization and a deeper analysis of the intermolecular noncovalent interactions. Molecules of 1 and 2 are weakly linked by intermolecular C=O...H—N hydrogen bonds into chains, which are in turn weakly linked by other C=O...H—Car interactions. The steric volume of the substituent significantly affects the crystal packing pattern.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-phenyl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-3-ium benzoate
Authors: Ahmed Ruby , Doğan Onur Erman , Ali Farman , Ahmad Musheer , Ahmed Adeeba , Dege Necmi , Golenia Irina A.
Published: April 2020

In the title compound, C21H15N2
+·C7H5O2
−, 2-phenyl-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole and benzoic acid form an ion pair complex. The system is consolidated by hydrogen bonds along with π–π interactions and N—H...π interactions between the constituent units. For a better understanding of the crystal structure and intermolecular interactions, a Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed.
Crystal structure and DFT computational studies of (E)-2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]iminomethyl}phenol
Authors: Kan Kaynar Nihal , Tanak Hasan , Macit Mustafa , Özdemir Namık
Published: April 2020

The title compound, C23H28F3NO, is an ortho-hydroxy Schiff base compound, which adopts the enol–imine tautomeric form in the solid state. The molecular structure is not planar and the dihedral angle between the planes of the aromatic rings is 85.52 (10)°. The trifluoromethyl group shows rotational disorder over two sites, with occupancies of 0.798 (6) and 0.202 (6). An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonding generates an S(6) ring motif. The crystal structure is consolidated by C—H...π interactions. The molecular structure was optimized via density functional theory (DFT) methods with the B3LYP functional and LanL2DZ basis set. The theoretical structure is in good agreement with the experimental data. The frontier orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential map were also examined by DFT computations.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-{[(anthracen-9-yl)methyl]amino}benzoic acid dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Ahmed Adeeba , Ahmad Aiman , Ahmad Musheer , Kalibabchuk Valentina A.
Published: April 2020

The title compound, C22H17NO2·C3H7NO, was synthesized by condensation of an aromatic aldehyde with a secondary amine and subsequent reduction. It was crystallized from a dimethylformamide solution as a monosolvate, C22H17NO2·C3H7NO. The aromatic molecule is non-planar with a dihedral angle between the mean planes of the aniline moiety and the methyl anthracene moiety of 81.36 (8)°. The torsion angle of the Caryl—CH2—NH—Caryl backbone is 175.9 (2)°. The crystal structure exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular network, resulting from hydrogen-bonding interactions between the carboxylic OH group and the solvent O atom as well as between the amine functionality and the O atom of the carboxylic group and additional C—H...π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to quantify the intermolecular interactions.
Open innovation and network dynamics. An analysis of openness of co-patenting collaborations in Florence, Italy
Authors: Capone Francesco , Innocenti Niccolò
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relational dynamics for innovation and, in particular, the impact of the openness of innovation process on the innovation capacity of organisations in restricted geographical contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a negative binomial regression, the work analyses how the characteristics of the openness of the organisation’s innovation process in the period 2004-2010 influence the firm’s patent productivity in the following period (2011-2016).

Findings

The breadth of the open innovation (OI) process, here measured by the number of external network ties that an organisation realises for the realisation of its patents, has a positive effect on patent productivity. The depth of the openness, that is, the intensity of external network ties, has an equally positive influence on the innovative performance. However, after a tipping point, the patent productivity tends to decrease, underlining the costs and problems of OI practices.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers only patent collaborations in the city of Florence. Therefore, it focusses on codified innovations and on a single territorial case study.

Practical implications

The results underline the importance of the adoption of OI practices in restricted geographical contexts (such as cities, clusters or industrial districts) but with several limitations. Only collaborating more with others does not foster the organisation’s invention productivity, but different types of evidence are found here.

Originality/value

An original database has been created, containing all the information on patents realised in the area of Florence from 2004 until 2016, and a social networks analysis was applied to identify the local innovation networks.
Board of directors' characteristics and corporate risk disclosure: the moderating role of family ownership
Authors: Alshirah Malek Hamed , Abdul Rahman Azhar , Mustapa Ifa Rizad
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims at examining the level of risk of disclosure practices and the effect of four board of directors' characteristics (board size, board meetings, CEO duality and board expertise) on these practices in the Jordanian context. This study also adds to the body of literature by examining the moderating effect of family ownership on the relationship between the board of directors' characteristics and the corporate risk disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study contains the non-financial Jordanian firms listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). 376 annual reports of the sampled firms over four years from 2014 to 2017 were used. The content analysis approach was used to collect data and to determine the level of risk disclosure by computing the number of risk-related sentences in the annual reporting. To test the study's hypothesis, the random effect model was employed.

Findings

The empirical results show that the total of the risk disclosure sentences for each firm ranges from a minimum value of 2 sentences to a maximum value of 61 sentences, and the mean of CRD is 28 sentences. The results also indicate that the board expertise is positively related with the level of risk disclosure. Conversely, CEO duality has a negative impact on the risk disclosure practices. However, the results failed to support that the board size and the board meetings have a significant effect on the level of risk disclosure. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the family ownership moderates the relationship between the board of directors and the corporate risk disclosure.

Practical implications

The finding of this study is more likely be useful for many concerned parties, researchers, authorities, investors and financial analysts alike in understanding the current practices of the risk disclosure in Jordan, thus helping them in reconsidering and reviewing the accounting standards and improving the credibility and transparency of the financial reports in the Jordanian capital market.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the literature of risk disclosure because the previous research has paid little attention to this topic in Jordan. To the best knowledge of the researcher, this study is the first Jordanian study that focuses on examining the relationship between the board of directors' characteristics and the corporate risk disclosure in the non-financial sector. Furthermore, it is the first study that examines the moderating role of family ownership on such relationships. Consequently, the results of the current study draw attention to the CRD practices and the monitoring role of board of directors in Jordan.
Open collaboration between universities and enterprises: a case study on GitHub
Authors: Cheng Xiufeng , Zhang Ziming , Yang Yue , Yan Zhonghua
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Social coding platforms (SCPs) have been adopted by scores of developers in building, testing and managing their codes collaboratively. Accordingly, this type of platform (site) enables collaboration between enterprises and universities (c-EU) at a lower cost in the form of online team-building projects (repositories). This paper investigates the open collaboration patterns between these two parties on GitHub by measuring their online behaviours. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the most attractive collaboration features that enterprises can offer to increase university students' participation intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research process is divided into four steps. First, the authors crawled for numerical data for each interactive repository feature created by employees of Alibaba on GitHub and identified the student accounts associated with these repositories. Second, a categorisation schema of feature classification was proposed on a behavioural basis. Third, the authors clustered the aforementioned repositories based on feature data and recognised four types of repositories (popular, formal, normal and obsolete) to represent four open collaboration patterns. The effects of the four repository types on university students' collaboration behaviour were measured using a multiple linear regression model. An ANOVA test was implemented to examine the robustness of research results. Finally, the authors proposed some practical suggestions to enhance collaboration between both sides of SCPs.

Findings

Several counterintuitive but reasonable findings were revealed, for example, those based on the “star” repository feature. The actual coding contribution of the repositories had a negative correlation with student attention. This result indicates that students were inclined to imitate rather than innovate.

Originality/value

This research explores the open collaboration patterns between enterprises and universities on GitHub and their impact on student coding behaviour. According to the research analysis, both parties benefit from open collaboration on SCPs, and the allocation or customisation of online repository features may affect students' participation in coding. This research brings a new perspective to the measurement of users' collaboration behaviour with output rates on SCPs.
Commute and labour productivity: investigation of inner city construction sites
Authors: Chaparro Daniel Alejandro , Ying Fei J. , Rotimi Funmilayo Ebun , Egbelakin Temitope
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the impact that commute patterns pose on construction labour productivity (CLP). There is limited research focussed on the impact of workforce transportation on productivity, even fewer in a construction environment. In particular, this study seeks to fill a gap in the understanding of how commute patterns may influence CLP.

Design/methodology/approach

Key factors reported affecting CLP were identified through a comprehensive literature review. Data were collected from 27 interviews and observational evidence at construction sites on Auckland Central Business District (CBD).

Findings

Shortage of skills, communication among workers, shirking behaviour, absenteeism and tardiness were perceived as the most critical labour productivity factors that are influenced by commute patterns. It is considered that stressful commutes may lead to shirking behaviours (absenteeism and calling sick). Meanwhile, ridesharing may encourage communication among workers.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out in a central business district, focussing on a geographic area with its particular characteristics. The results, thus, may not be generalised in general urban settings.

Originality/value

The research outcomes can be used as guidelines for companies considering travel plans for their employees, to minimise the negative impact commuting can have on workers, especially in industries with low productivity.
Omnichannel fashion retailing: examining the customer decision-making journey
Authors: Lynch Samantha , Barnes Liz
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the customer decision-making journey of high involvement female fashion consumers in the context of omnichannel fashion retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is qualitative in nature, using a multi-method approach consisting of focus groups, semi-structured interviews, online diaries and follow-up interviews, with grounded theory applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of the study include a framework to outline the stages of the omnichannel customer decision-making journey for young high involvement female fashion consumers. The findings also reveal that an omnichannel decision-making journey is the one that predicated on risk and that consumers employ specific strategies to avoid such risks.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of this research, the sample size is limited and may not be generalised. Data collection was confined to Manchester, UK.

Practical implications

Customer journey mapping enables practitioners to view the entire shopping experience through the eyes of the customer and enables retailers' fault-find issues within the customer and brand experience.

Originality/value

The paper advances knowledge about fashion and consumer behaviour. The customer decision journey framework maps the emotional experiences, devices and channels encountered by high-involvement fashion consumers across each stage of the omnichannel journey.
Risks in feasibility and viability appraisal process for property development and the investment market in Nigeria
Authors: Jagun Zainab Toyin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The feasibility and viability appraisal technique is becoming increasingly crucial in the planning systems, theory, applications and outputs for property development and project investments. This paper aims to account for the findings of the practices associated with risk in the feasibility and viability appraisal process. Also, it examines the need for a practical framework for conducting a feasibility and viability appraisal, which can be employed by estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted purposive sampling techniques to administer 240 sets of questionnaires, out of which 210 sets were well-thought-out to be useable for the analysis after data screening. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), structural equation modelling (SEM) and analysis of movement structures (AMOS) were the main analytical tools used to carry out the reliability test, normality test, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, measurement and structural model.

Findings

The analysis results indicated that the P-values of the various forms of concepts of risks in feasibility and viability appraisal process (preparation) for property development and the investment market was statistically significant: technological factor - 0.000; political factor- 0.000 and economic factor- 0.000. However, a non-significant effect was found with socio-environmental factors on the preparation of housing development appraisal with P-value 0.155, and that risk management is neither holistically implemented in the feasibility and viability appraisal process nor extensively taken into cognisance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reports the results of the practices among estate surveyors and valuers in regarding the risk associated in the preparation stages of the feasibility and viability appraisal process

Practical implications

There are limited studies that suggest risk management factors in the appraisal reports for property development. Although previous studies have identified the risk factors, there is a lack of emphasis on management, which entails identification, assessment, monitoring and control. This study, therefore, recommends the incorporation of risk management into the feasibility and viability appraisal process implemented by estate surveyors and valuers. It is envisaged that the process will protect investors from the potential risk factors associated with investments in property development.

Originality/value

The study highlighted the need for practical or empirical research to be used to assess the significant risk factors that are needed to be reflected in the preparation stages of the feasibility and viability appraisal conduct of estate surveyors and valuers in Abuja, Nigeria.
Financial performance and corporate diversification strategies in professional football – evidence from the English Premier League
Authors: Holzmayer Florian , Schmidt Sascha L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Professional football clubs have increasingly initiated two corporate diversification strategies to enfold growth opportunities besides traditional income sources: business diversification and international diversification. Empirical findings from management and sport management literature provide inconclusive evidence on these strategies' financial performance effects, necessitating further research. The purpose of this article is therefore to investigate how both corporate diversification strategies affect the financial performance of professional football clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

A 15-year panel data set of English Premier League (EPL) clubs is examined, many of which have employed corporate diversification strategies. Measures for related business diversification (RBD) and unrelated business diversification (UBD) as well as international diversification are established from management literature. Based on fixed effects regression models, their effects on clubs' revenues and profitability are then examined.

Findings

U-shaped effects from RBD on revenues and profitability are found, but no effects from UBD. These findings empirically support the theoretically appealing superiority of RBD over UBD and, with increasing levels of RBD, over a focused strategy in management literature. With international diversification, an inverted U-shaped effect on revenues is identified.

Research limitations/implications

Despite focusing only on the EPL, these findings provide new evidence of non-linear financial performance effects from corporate diversification strategies adding to (sport) management literature and setting the stage for future research on these strategies in professional football.

Practical implications

These findings have significant implications for club managers' strategic growth opportunities such as new business models or geographic markets.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically examine the financial effects of corporate diversification strategies in the football market context.
The Politics of Postcapitalism: Labour and our Digital Futures
Authors: Cruddas Jon , Pitts Frederick Harry
Published: April 2020

This article introduces the special issue on the politics of postcapitalism. Considering the theoretical foundations, empirical perspectives and political ramifications of claims made about a coming ‘post‐work’ or ‘postcapitalist’ society, it maps existing debates through a discussion of two key recent texts, Paul Mason’s Clear Bright Future and Aaron Bastani’s Fully Automated Luxury Communism. It first surveys how the relationship between labour market trends, technological change and wider political‐economic shifts is articulated in the postcapitalist literature. It then explores how concepts from Marx are deployed to depict social relations as a constraint on technological development and its utopian potentialities, leading to political demands for new class actors and electoral blocs centring on the new forms of economic and political activity associated with digital networks. It also considers the role of the state and how this theoretical and political approach envisions historical change, situating utopian visions of an incipient postcapitalist alternative to capitalism within the contemporary political context of authoritarian populism and challenges to liberal democracy. Finally, it explores the continuing relevance of humanism as a critical counterpoint to the social and philosophical agenda of present day ‘posthumanism’. It concludes that, in unfavourable political conditions, it would be strategically unwise to stake too much on an over‐optimistic approach to the unfolding future. This outlook, it is suggested, carries considerable risks and consequences for a contemporary left in search of a viable electoral coalition and route back to power.
Relationship between intestinal flora structure and metabolite analysis and immunotherapy efficacy in Chinese NSCLC patients
Authors: Song Peng , Yang Dongliang , Wang Hanping , Cui Xiaoxia , Si Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaotong , Zhang Li
Published: April 2020

Background

Many immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved in China to treat non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in the long term, less than 20% of patients benefit from ICIs. To maximize the benefit for NSCLC patients, it is necessary to guide the choice of immunotherapy through biomarkers. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota can affect tumor response to immunotherapy and might be a potential predictive biomarker. This study analyzed the relationship between intestinal flora structure and metabolomic characteristics in NSCLC and the efficacy of ICIs.

Methods

Prospective analysis of samples from 63 patients with advanced NSCLC who attended the Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2018 to June 2019, and were prescribed programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors, was carried out. The follow‐up deadline was 31 December 2019. Stool samples were collected from all patients before the start of immunotherapy. DNA was extracted from all samples and libraries were constructed. This was followed by sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform, and results were studied using a biological information data analysis process. We divided the data into two groups based on progression‐free survival (PFS) ≥ six months and PFS < six months.

Results

The median PFS was 7.0 months, not reaching the median overall survival (OS). We obtained 373.5 G of original sequencing data. The phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria accounted for most of the bacterial communities in the stool samples studied. Compared with the PFS < six‐month group, the patients in the PFS ≥ six‐month group had significantly higher β‐diversity in the intestinal microbiome at the baseline level. There were also differences in composition between the two groups. Samples in the PFS ≥ six‐month group were rich in Parabacteroides and Methanobrevibacter, while those in the PFS < six‐month group were rich in Veillonella, Selenomonadales, and Negativicutes. The KO, COG, and CAZy databases were used to study functional group protein families, yielding 390 (KO), 264 (COG), and 859 (CAZy) functional group abundances, with significant differences between the two groups. Bacterial metabolites analysis suggested significant differences in the metabolic potential of methanol and methane between the two groups.

Conclusions

We found a close correlation between intestinal microbiome β‐diversity and anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy response in Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC. The intestinal flora composition, functional group protein family, and KEGG metabolism also differed between the two groups. Differences in pathways and flora metabolites were also noted.