bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single particle-resolution fluorescence microscopy of nanoplastics
Authors: Nguyen Brian , Tufenkji Nathalie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnderstanding of nanoplastic prevalence and toxicology is limited by imaging challenges resulting from their small size. Fluorescence microscopy is widely applied to track and identify microplastics in laboratory studies and environmental samples. However, conventional fluorescence microscopy, due to diffraction, lacks the resolution to precisely localize nanoplastics in tissues, distinguish them from free dye, or quantify them in environmental samples. To address these limitations, we developed techniques to label nanoplastics for imaging with Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy to achieve resolution at an order of magnitude superior to conventional fluorescence microscopy. These techniques include (1) passive sorption; (2) swell incorporation; and (3) covalent coupling of STED-compatible fluorescence dyes to nanoplastics. We demonstrate that our labeling techniques, combined with STED microscopy, can be used to resolve nanoplastics of different shapes and compositions as small as 50 nm. The longevity of the dye labeling is demonstrated in different media and conditions of biological and environmental relevance. We also test STED imaging of nanoplastics in exposure experiments with the model wormC. elegans. These techniques will allow more precise localization and quantification of nanoplastics in complex matrices.SynopsisWe show that Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy can be used to image single nanoplastics of different compositions and shapes. This will allow researchers to study environmentally-relevant nanoplastics and their interactions with organisms in relevant exposure scenarios.TOC Graphic
Inhibiting coronavirus replication in cultured cells by chemical ER stress
Authors: Shaban Mohammed Samer , Müller Christin , Mayr-Buro Christin , Weiser Hendrik , Albert Benadict Vincent , Weber Axel , Linne Uwe , Hain Torsten , Babayev Ilya , Karl Nadja , Hofmann Nina , Becker Stephan , Herold Susanne , Schmitz M. Lienhard , Ziebuhr John , Kracht Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCoronaviruses (CoVs) are important human pathogens for which no specific treatment is available. Here, we provide evidence that pharmacological reprogramming of ER stress pathways can be exploited to suppress CoV replication. We found that the ER stress inducer thapsigargin efficiently inhibits coronavirus (HCoV-229E, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2) replication in different cell types, (partially) restores the virus-induced translational shut-down, and counteracts the CoV-mediated downregulation of IRE1α and the ER chaperone BiP. Proteome-wide data sets revealed specific pathways, protein networks and components that likely mediate the thapsigargin-induced antiviral state, including HERPUD1, an essential factor of ER quality control, and ER-associated protein degradation complexes. The data show that thapsigargin hits a central mechanism required for CoV replication, suggesting that thapsigargin (or derivatives thereof) may be developed into broad-spectrum anti-CoV drugs.One Sentence Summary / Running titleSuppression of coronavirus replication through thapsigargin-regulated ER stress, ERQC / ERAD and metabolic pathways
Induction of selective cell death in HIV-1-infected cells by DDX3 inhibitors leads to depletion of the inducible reservoir
Authors: Rao Shringar , Lungu Cynthia , Crespo Raquel , Steijaert Thijs H. , Gorska Alicja , Palstra Robert-Jan , Prins Henrieke A. B. , van Ijcken Wilfred , Mueller Yvonne M. , van Kampen Jeroen J. A. , Verbon Annelies , Katsikis Peter D. , Boucher Charles A. B. , Rokx Casper , Gruters Rob A. , Mahmoudi Tokameh 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTAn innovative approach to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells emerging out of latency, the major hurdle to HIV-1 cure, is to pharmacologically reactivate viral expression and concomitantly trigger intracellular pro-apoptotic pathways in order to selectively induce cell death (ICD) of infected cells, without reliance on the extracellular immune system. In this work we demonstrate the effect of DEAD-box polypeptide 3, X-Linked (DDX3) inhibitors on selectively inducing cell death in latent HIV-1-infected cell lines, primary CD4+ T cells and in CD4+ T cells from cART-suppressed people living with HIV-1 (PLWHIV). RNA sequencing analysis revealed that while overall gene expression was minimally dysregulated, DDX3 inhibition in independent donor CD4+ T cells led to significant downregulation of BIRC5 and HSPB1A, genes critical to cell survival during HIV-1 infection. We used single-cell FISH-Flow technology to characterise latency reversal and the contribution of viral RNA to inducing cell death; pharmacological targeting of DDX3 induced HIV-1 RNA expression, resulting in phosphorylation of IRF3, upregulation of IFNβ and selective induction of apoptosis in viral RNA-expressing CD4+ T cells from PLWHIV but not bystander cells. DDX3 inhibitor treatment of CD4+ T cells from PLWHIV in anin vitroculture model over five days resulted in an approximately 50% reduction of the inducible latent HIV-1 reservoir as determined by quantitation of CA HIV-1 RNA, by TILDA, as well as by FISH-Flow technology. Our data support the translation of DDX3 inhibitor class compounds into HIV-1 curative strategies and provide proof of concept for pharmacological reversal of latency coupled to induction of apoptosis towards elimination of the inducible reservoir.
Deep learning enables the design of functionalde novoantimicrobial proteins
Authors: Caceres-Delpiano Javier , Ibañez Roberto , Alegre Patricio , Sanhueza Cynthia , Paz-Fiblas Romualdo , Correa Simon , Retamal Pedro , Cristóbal Jiménez Juan , Álvarez Leonardo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractProtein sequences are highly dimensional and present one of the main problems for the optimization and study of sequence-structure relations. The intrinsic degeneration of protein sequences is hard to follow, but the continued discovery of new protein structures has shown that there is convergence in terms of the possible folds that proteins can adopt, such that proteins with sequence identities lower than 30% may still fold into similar structures. Given that proteins share a set of conserved structural motifs, machine-learning algorithms can play an essential role in the study of sequence-structure relations. Deep-learning neural networks are becoming an important tool in the development of new techniques, such as protein modeling and design, and they continue to gain power as new algorithms are developed and as increasing amounts of data are released every day. Here, we trained a deep-learning model based on previous recurrent neural networks to design analog protein structures using representations learning based on the evolutionary and structural information of proteins. We test the capabilities of this model by creatingde novovariants of an antifungal peptide, with sequence identities of 50% or lower relative to the wild-type (WT) peptide. We show byin silicoapproximations, such as molecular dynamics, that the new variants and the WT peptide can successfully bind to a chitin surface with comparable relative binding energies. These results are supported byin vitroassays, where thede novodesigned peptides showed antifungal activity that equaled or exceeded the WT peptide.
The circadian oscillator analysed at the single-transcript level
Authors: Phillips Nicholas E. , Hugues Alice , Yeung Jake , Durandau Eric , Nicolas Damien , Naef Felix 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe circadian clock is an endogenous and self-sustained oscillator that anticipates daily environmental cycles and coordinates physiology accordingly. While rhythmic gene expression of circadian genes is well-described in populations of cells, the single-cell mRNA dynamics of multiple core-clock genes remain largely unknown. Here we use single molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization (smFISH) at multiple time points to measure pairs of core-clock transcripts,Rev-erbα(Nr1d1),Cry1andBmal1, in mouse fibroblasts at single-molecule resolution. The mean mRNA level oscillates over 24 hours for all three genes, but mRNA numbers show considerable spread between cells. While transcript number scales with cell size for all genes, gene-to-gene correlations of mRNA number depends on the gene pair. To account for these features of the data, we develop a probabilistic model for multivariate smFISH mRNA counts that quantifies changes in transcriptional bursting across genes and over circadian time. We identify a mixture model of negative binomials as the preferred model of the mRNA count distributions, which accounts for cell-to-cell heterogeneity, notably in cell size. The paired count data and modelling allows the decomposition of mRNA variability into distinct noise sources, showing that circadian clock time contributes only a small fraction of the total variability in mRNA number between cells. Thus, our results highlight the intrinsic biological challenges in estimating circadian phase from single-cell mRNA counts and suggest that circadian phase in single cells is encoded post-transcriptionally.
Examining transformational and transactional leadership styles and safety citizenship behaviors in the power distribution sector: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Dartey-Baah Kwasi , Quartey Samuel Howard , Adotey Angeline 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence of transformational and transactional leadership styles and their related dimensions on safety citizenship behaviors (SCBs) in the power distribution sector (PDS) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
As a cross-sectional survey approach, questionnaires were used to collect data from managers of power distribution centers. Valid questionnaires were retrieved from 197 managers across four power distribution centers. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson correlation analysis and standard multiple regression analysis.

Findings
The results revealed that both transformational and transactional leaders have a positive influence on SCBs. The results also showed that some of the dimensions of transformational and transactional leadership styles cannot strongly predict SCBs in the PDS.

Research limitations/implications
The study was limited by the use of cross-sectional data which did not allow the study to examine any changes in some of the constructs examined with time. The results are occupation-, industry- and country-specific.

Practical implications
Several management implications are discussed, such as managers recognizing that both leadership behaviors can be the basis for SCBs and for mitigating the socioeconomic consequences of unsafe employee behaviors.

Originality/value
The paper’s principal theoretical contribution is the application of social exchange theory toward an understanding of SCBs in a high-risk sector. Energy sector reforms in developing countries are inconceivable without safety consideration.
How to enhance supplier performance in China: interplay of contracts, relational governance and legal development
Authors: Zhang Qiyuan , Jin Jason Lu , Yang Defeng 
Published: August 2020

PurposeGiven the pivotal influence of institutional forces, an important yet underexplored question in supply chain management literature is how contractual and relational governance jointly affect supplier performance under weak legislative environments. This study tends to solve the debate by distinguishing contractual definability from contractual enforceability and by considering the contingent role of legal development in China.Design/methodology/approachUsing a combined dataset of secondary data and a survey of 224 buyer–supplier dyads in China, this study examines how contractual definability and contractual enforceability interact with relational governance differently in driving supplier performance, and assesses the contingent role of legal development.FindingsThis study finds that contractual definability complements yet contractual enforceability substitutes relational governance in affecting supplier performance. Moreover, legal development weakens the complementary effect but strengthens the substitutive effect.Originality/valueThe study firstly enriches supply chain management literature by classifying the roles of contracts into contractual definability and contractual enforceability and showing their differential interplay with relational governance. Second, the study contributes to the complements–substitutes debate by revealing the shifting role of legal development. Third, the research enriches the understanding of supply chain management in the Chinese market.
Passion-driven entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized towns: empirical evidence from Italy
Authors: Pagano Alessandro , Petrucci Francesco , Bocconcelli Roberta 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the emergence of passion-driven entrepreneurship within the context of small and medium-sized towns (SMSTs). SMSTs are seen as peripheral areas lacking the resources to support autonomous economic development and renewal. The paper explores the relationship between entrepreneurship and the context of SMSTs through the concepts of entrepreneurial passion (EP) and domain passion (DP). Industrial marketing and purchasing approach is adopted as a theoretical foundation to conduct the analysis through the actors–activities–resource framework.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a multiple case-study methodology. Two passion-driven entrepreneurial ventures (PDEVs) have been traced from the conception of the initial idea until the new ventures establishment.

Findings
EP and DP emerge as key resources in transforming the initial idea into a real entrepreneurial venture in resource-scarce settings as SMSTs. Shared passion fosters the involvement of local actors and the propensity to overcome relevant hurdles in the entrepreneurial process.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature on entrepreneurship through the analysis of the role of PDEVs in SMSTs’ contexts. It highlights the role of “passion for place” as a new dimension of passion in entrepreneurial studies. From a managerial perspective, it emphasizes the role of passion as a key resource for networking and marketing. From a policy perspective, it calls for monitoring and support for training, funding and networking.
A framework for modeling the knowledge of workplace relocation
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Ibrahim Ahmed M. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose a framework model for workplace relocation.

Design/methodology/approach
Published literature was reviewed to comprehend the broad aspects of workplace relocation. The current practices of workplace relocation were investigated by corporate real estate (CRE) professionals. A generic framework model was developed to guide organizations upon the process of workplace relocation, over its lifecycle. The framework is validated by semi-structured interviews, conducted to ascertain its importance and applicability.

Findings
A validated integration definition for function modeling framework for the process of workplace relocation was developed. It consisted of three systematic processes, aligned with its lifecycle, namely, initiate the pre-relocation activities; implement the relocation activities; and conduct the post-relocation activities.

Originality/value
The workplace is a linkage between people, business processes and information technology, that provides a physical medium for interactions and provision of services. Workplace relocation is an opportunity to introduce elements of change. Yet the process of workplace relocation has been under-valued by practitioners in the CRE industry. The developed framework can be adopted as a standardized process for the relocation of workplace facilities. In terms of clearly structuring the workplace relocation processes, the study contributes to making these processes more transparent and aids accountability for decision-making. It is a time-saver and guiding model for organizations endeavoring on relocation.
Transitioning towards circular systems: property rights in waste
Authors: Steenmans Katrien , Malcolm Rosalind 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that property rights can have on the implementation of circular waste economies, in which waste is reused, recycled or recovered, within the European Union’s Waste Framework Directive.

Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical lens is applied to the legal definition as well as production and treatment cycle of waste to understand the property rights that can exist in waste.

Findings
This paper argues that even though different property rights regimes can apply to waste during its creation, disposal and recovery, the waste management regulatory and legal system is currently predominantly set up to support waste within classic forms of private property ownership. This tends towards commodification and linear systems, which are at odds with an approach that treats waste as a primary wanted resource rather than an unwanted by-product. It is recommended that adopting state or communal property approaches instead could affect systemic transformative change by facilitating the reconceptualisation of waste as a resource for everyone to use.

Research limitations/implications
The property rights issues are only one dimension of a bigger puzzle. The roles of social conceptualisation, norms, regulations and policies in pursuing circular strategies are only touched upon, but not fully explored in this paper. These provide other avenues that can be underpinned by certain property regimes to transition to circular economies.

Originality/value
The literature focused on property rights in waste has been very limited to date. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to consider this question in detail from a legal perspective.
Roger Martin: The problematic economic efficiency mindset that threatens corporations and democratic society
Authors: Leavy Brian 
Published: August 2020

Purpose
“On its current path, American democratic capitalism is, I believe, heading for an ugly fall.” So warns Roger L. Martin in his new book, When More is Not Better: Overcoming America’s Obsession with Economic Efficiency. Professor Martin has been concerned for some time now about the capability of the American capitalistic model in its current guise to deliver continued prosperity for the many and keep the American democratic dream alive.

Design/methodology/approach
Martin sees a serious problem in how the benefits of the American economy and its corporations are distributed; this has been shifting for some time now from a largely Gaussian (widely spread) to an increasingly Pareto (narrowly spread) pattern.

Findings
The shape of this distribution is getting ever more extreme, leading to a situation in which the richest families in the country are reaping a wildly disproportionate share of the benefits of economic growth. This kind of distribution tends to be self-reinforcing and that is not consistent with a well-functioning democratic capitalist system.

Practical implications
The actors within the system will keep adjusting to any change in the rules of engagement, and the tendency for them to keep “gaming” the system should be anticipated as both natural and inevitable and provided for accordingly. Breaking the company into subject-matter siloes has little chance of helping the company prosper. It tends to cause independent pursuits of efficiency that don’t add up to effectiveness.

Originality/value
The author of 11 books, Professor Martin has been ranked at the top of numerous lists of the world’s best strategic thinkers, and is a seminal contributor to the design thinking and integrative thinking movements. In his writings he seeks “to develop a new understanding of the broader public conversation around shared and sustainable prosperity, an essential piece of democratic capitalism.” A long-time consultant to major global firms, he offers insights for corporate executives.
Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation for treating patients with ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Hai Lan , Chen Shu Zhen , Xu Hao Ming , Zhou You Lian , He Jie , Huang Hong Li , Xu Jing , Nie Yu Qiang 
Published: August 2020

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of donor selection, stool procedures and pretreatment with antibiotics on the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)‐treated ulcerative colitis (UC).MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted including studies on UC treated with FMT as the primary therapeutic agent published up to June 30, 2020. Primary end‐point data included clinical remission (CR) or CR combined with endoscopic remission.ResultsA total of 37 studies (seven random controlled trials [RCTs], five controlled and 25 uncontrolled cohort studies) and 959 patients with UC were enrolled. In controlled cohort studies and RCTs, FMT had a significantly greater benefit than placebo (pooled odds ratio [P‐OR] 3.392, 95% CI 2.196‐5.240, P < 0.001), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Furthermore, administration of FMT via the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract was more effective in achieving CR than via the upper GI tract (44.3% vs 31.7%). The remission rate was also higher when the total stool dosage was over 275 g compared with less than 275 g (51.9% vs 29.5%). Overall, the incidence of serious adverse events of FMT was 5.9%. There was no significant difference between single and multiple donors, fresh and frozen stool sample used, and whether or not antibiotic pretreatment was administered before FMT.ConclusionFMT administration via the lower GI tract and using higher dosage appear to be effective and safe in inducing remission of active UC.
Geographic pattern of antibiotic resistance genes in the metagenomes of the giant panda
Authors: Hu Ting , Dai Qinlong , Chen Hua , Zhang Zheng , Dai Qiang , Gu Xiaodong , Yang Xuyu , Yang Zhisong , Zhu Lifeng 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe rise in infections by antibiotic‐resistant bacteria poses a serious public health problem worldwide. The gut microbiome of animals is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the correlation between the gut microbiome of wild animals and ARGs remains controversial. Here, based on the metagenomes of giant pandas (including three wild populations from the Qinling, Qionglai and Xiaoxiangling Mountains, and two major captive populations from Yaan and Chengdu), we investigated the potential correlation between the constitution of the gut microbiome and the composition of ARGs across the different geographic locations and living environments. We found that the types of ARGs were correlated with gut microbiome composition. The NMDS cluster analysis using Jaccard distance of the ARGs composition of the gut microbiome of wild giant pandas displayed a difference based on geographic location. Captivity also had an effect on the differences in ARGs composition. Furthermore, we found that the Qinling population exhibited profound dissimilarities of both gut microbiome composition and ARGs (the highest proportion of Clostridium and vancomycin resistance genes) when compared to the other wild and captive populations studies, which was supported by previous giant panda whole‐genome sequencing analysis. In this study, we provide an example of a potential consensus pattern regarding host population genetics, symbiotic gut microbiome and ARGs. We revealed that habitat isolation impacts the ARG structure in the gut microbiome of mammals. Therefore, the difference in ARG composition between giant panda populations will provide some basic information for their conservation and management, especially for captive populations.