bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMP-activated protein kinase: A key enzyme to manage nutritional stress responses in parasites with complex life cycles
Authors: Sternlieb Tamara , Schoijet Alejandra C. , Genta Patricio D. , Alonso Guillermo D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, has a digenetic life cycle. In its passage from the insect vector to the mammalian host, and vice versa, it must be prepared to cope with abrupt changes in environmental conditions in order to survive. Sensing and signaling pathways that allow the parasite to adapt, have unique characteristics with respect to their hosts and other free-living organisms. Many of the canonical proteins involved in these transduction pathways have not yet been found in the genomes of these parasites, because they present divergences either at the functional, structural and/or protein sequence level. All of this makes these pathways promising targets for therapeutic drugs.The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase activated by environmental stresses that results in reduction of ATP and increase of AMP levels. Thus, AMPK is regarded as a fuel gauge, functioning both as a nutrient and an energy sensor, to maintain energy homeostasis and, eventually, to protect cells from death by nutrient starvation.In the present study, we report the characterization of AMPK complexes for the first time inT. cruziand describe the function of TcAMPK as a novel regulator of nutritional stress in epimastigote forms. We demonstrate that this complex possesses specific AMPK kinase activity in epimastigotes, which is inhibited by Compound C and is modulated by carbon source availability. In addition, TcAMPKα2 subunit has an unprecedented functional substitution (Ser x Thr) at the activation loop and its overexpression in epimastigotes led to higher autophagic activity during prolonged nutritional stress. Moreover, the over-expression of the catalytic subunits resulted in antagonistic phenotypes associated with proliferation. Together, these results point to a role of TcAMPK in autophagy and nutrient sensing, key processes for the survival of trypanosomatids and for its life cycle progression.
Interdependence between histone marks and steps in Pol II transcription
Authors: Wang Zhong , Chivu Alexandra G. , Choate Lauren A. , Rice Edward J. , Miller Donald C. , Chu Tinyi , Chou Shao-Pei , Kingsley Nicole B. , Petersen Jessica L. , Finno Carrie J. , Bellone Rebecca R. , Antczak Douglas F. , Lis John T. , Danko Charles G. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe role of histone modifications in transcription remains incompletely understood. Here we used experimental perturbations combined with sensitive machine learning tools that infer the distribution of histone marks using maps of nascent transcription. Transcription predicted the variation in active histone marks and complex chromatin states, like bivalent promoters, down to single-nucleosome resolution and at an accuracy that rivaled the correspondence between independent ChIP-seq experiments. Blocking transcription rapidly removed two punctate marks, H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, from chromatin indicating that transcription is required for active histone modifications. Transcription was also required for maintenance of H3K27me3 consistent with a role for RNA in recruiting PRC2. A subset of DNase-I hypersensitive sites were refractory to prediction, precluding models where transcription initiates pervasively at any open chromatin. Our results, in combination with past literature, support a model in which active histone modifications serve a supportive, rather than a regulatory, role in transcription.
Genetically targeted reporter imaging of deep neuronal network in the mammalian brain
Authors: Shimojo Masafumi , Ono Maiko , Takuwa Hiroyuki , Mimura Koki , Nagai Yuji , Fujinaga Masayuki , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Okada Maki , Seki Chie , Tokunaga Masaki , Maeda Jun , Takado Yuhei , Takahashi Manami , Minamihisamatsu Takeharu , Zhang Ming-Rong , Tomita Yutaka , Suzuki Norihiro , Maximov Anton , Suhara Tetsuya , Minamimoto Takafumi , Sahara Naruhiko , Higuchi Makoto 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPositron Emission Tomography (PET) allows biomolecular tracking, while PET monitoring of brain networks has been hampered by the lack of a suitable reporter. Here, we describein vivobrain imaging that takes advantage of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, ecDHFR, and its unique antagonist, TMP. In mice, peripheral administration of radiofluorinated and fluorescent TMP analogs enabled PET and intravital microscopy, respectively, of neuronal ecDHFR expressions. This technique is applicable to the visualization of neuronal ensemble activities elicited by chemogenetic manipulation in the mouse hippocampus. Notably, ecDHFR-PET offers mapping of neuronal projections in non-human primate brains, indicating the availability of ecDHFR-based tracking technologies for network monitoring. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of TMP analogs for PET assays of turnover and self-assembly of proteins tagged with ecDHFR mutants. Our findings may facilitate a broad spectrum of PET analyses of a mammalian brain circuit at molecular levels that were not previously applicable for technical reasons.
Inelastic buckling mode interactions and resonance instabilities in thin-walled columns due to the fatigue damage
Authors: Milašinović Dragan D. , Marić Petar , Živanov Žarko , Hajduković Miroslav 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The problems of inelastic instability (buckling) and dynamic instability (resonance) have been the subject of extensive investigation and have received wide attention from the structural mechanics community. This paper aims to tackle these problems in thin-walled structures, taking into account geometrical and/or material non-linearity.

Design/methodology/approach
The inelastic buckling mode interactions and resonance instabilities of prismatic thin-walled columns are analysed by implementing the semi-analytical finite strip method (FSM). A scalar damage parameter is implemented in conjunction with a material modelling named rheological-dynamical analogy to address stiffness reduction induced by the fatigue damage.

Findings
Inelastic buckling stresses lag behind the elastic buckling stresses across all modes, which is a consequence of the viscoelastic behaviour of materials. Because of the lag, the same column length does not always correspond to the same mode at the elastic and inelastic critical stress.

Originality/value
This paper presents the influence of mode interactions on the effective stresses and resonance instabilities in thin-walled columns due to the fatigue damage. These mode interactions have a great influence on damage variables because of the fatigue and effective stresses around mode transitions. In its usual semi-analytical form, the FSM cannot be used to solve the mode interaction problem explained in this paper, because this technique ignores the important influence of interaction of the buckling modes when applied only for undamaged state of structure
Behind the scenes
Authors: Liu Yang , Shi Yongjiang 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
Prior studies on product standardization–adaptation in multinational corporations (MNCs) have revealed environmental factors that can influence the choices of MNCs. However, these studies have not shown how these choices are made behind the scenes in new product development (NPD). In many industries, MNCs face the dual pressures for product standardization and adaptation from the environment. This study aims to explore how MNCs facing dual pressures can make choices of product standardization–adaptation in NPD.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study of four high-performing MNCs was conducted. The four MNCs were selected using the theoretical sampling approach. Data were collected, mainly through 74 semi-structured interviews. Coding was conducted and four aggregate dimensions were generated.

Findings
This study reveals that choices of product standardization–adaptation are made through a process in MNCs’ NPD, including four steps – organizing for NPD, organizational diversity, cross-unit integration and combination of design practices. In addition, MNCs adopt different process variants to address different environmental pressures.

Research limitations/implications
This research focuses on high-performing MNCs in manufacturing industries. Future research can explore different types of firms.

Practical implications
Managers in MNCs should focus more on the process of choices for product standardization–adaptation, than on the level of product standardization–adaptation. They should also keep monitoring the environmental pressure and employ experienced engineers.

Originality/value
By focusing on NPD, the authors shift the attention from product standardization–adaptation to product feature standardization–adaptation in MNCs, which is a fresh and refined perspective. The authors show a process in NPD composed of activities and mechanisms that managers might use for handling product standardization–adaptation challenges in MNCs. The authors contribute to the area of cross-unit integration in MNCs’ NPD by revealing mental mechanisms for mitigating tensions in cross-unit interactions.
Entrepreneurial uncertainty in context: an ethnomethodological perspective
Authors: Campbell Betsy 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper seeks to advance research into entrepreneurial uncertainty. Few researchers have attended to the endogenous means by which entrepreneurial teams account for uncertainty in context. This article begins to unpack the concept of uncertainty as an entrepreneurs’ phenomenon by investigating entrepreneurial teams’ situated ways of verbally attending to and accounting for uncertainty in their routine work.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on the ethnomethodological traditions of Conversation Analysis and interaction order to analyze naturally occurring interactions that have been recorded by entrepreneurial teams in context. It considers entrepreneurial uncertainty as a matter that teammates draw upon and orient to in the process of their naturally occurring workplace interactions.FindingsFirst, it suggests that the endogenous means by which entrepreneurs recognize, account for, and respond to uncertainties is identifiable in a team’s naturally occurring conversations. It transforms entrepreneurial uncertainty as a matter of cognition into a matter of practice that is observable in the structure and order of authentic interaction. Second, it reveals the “epistemic engine” that entrepreneurial teams use to demonstrate greater or lesser levels of knowing and to move to closure that is not marked by the full elimination of uncertainties but by the establishment of a shared sense of not knowing.Practical implicationsBy adhering to the detailed interactional focus of Conversation Analysis, this article emphasizes the value that the structure and order of entrepreneurial conversations can offer to research on entrepreneurship as practice. It points to future research on matters of effectuation and expertise that will be relevant to scholars and educators of entrepreneurship. It also helps to bridge the gap between scholarly research and entrepreneurial work as experienced by practitioners.Originality/valueThis article shows the mundane verbal means by which entrepreneurs account for uncertainties in their everyday work. It reframes entrepreneurial uncertainty, transforming it from a matter of cognition to an accomplishment of practice. It suggests that entrepreneurial uncertainty is a practical matter that is recognized by and accounted for in the conversations of entrepreneurial teams in context.
The impact of lean manufacturing practices on operational and financial performance: the mediating role of agile manufacturing
Authors: Khalfallah Meriem , Lakhal Lassaad 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis empirical study aims to explore the link between lean manufacturing practices (total quality management, just-in-time production, just-in-time purchasing, total productive/preventive maintenance), agile manufacturing, and operational and financial performance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 205 Tunisian manufacturing firms, and the results were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that (1) lean manufacturing practices have a direct positive relationship with agile manufacturing except for just-in-time production, (2) agile manufacturing has a positive impact on operational performance and (3) lean manufacturing practices did not seem to contribute directly to operational performance. However, this relationship is significant when it is mediated through agile manufacturing.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper shows practitioners the importance of lean manufacturing practices to support agile manufacturing and the key role of agile manufacturing to ensure operational performance.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative approach since it studies simultaneously the three dimensions of lean manufacturing and their relationship with agile manufacturing and organizational performance.
Modelling frequency of visits to the shopping centres as a part of consumer's preferences: case study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Kunc Josef , Reichel Vlastimil , Novotná Markéta 
Published: April 2020

PurposeEffective management of shopping centres requires a good understanding of the consumers' behaviour and preferences as well as meeting the demand-side needs. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the factors affecting the frequency of shopping centres' visits, providing implications for shopping centre managers from the perspective of a Czech consumer.Design/methodology/approachThe study was carried out in one of the Czech shopping centres in Brno due to its potentially standardisable common characteristics derived from the observation in the scatter plot. The standardized questionnaire survey on consumer shopping behaviour was conducted on a sample of more than 1,000 customers. The linear probability model and the logit model were applied to estimate impacts of included sociodemographic variables on the outcome.FindingsThe findings on the frequency of visits give an overview of the sociodemographic and spatial determinants increasing the visit regularity. From the managerial point of view, the importance of customers' activities and purposes is highlighted.Practical implicationsThe implications can be provided to managers challenging to demand management and considering the investment projects. We come up with certain suggestions in terms of market segmentation, based on sociodemographic characteristics and shopping behaviour.Originality/valueThe paper provides insights into the preferences of the Czech consumers and extends the previous analysis of shopping behaviour by developing the statistical properties and demonstrating the variables and their influence on the frequency of visit.
Analyzing enterprise information system’s feature use: a data-driven perspective
Authors: Jia Yu , Ge Shilun , Wang Nianxin 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a data-driven perspective to analyze enterprise information system (EIS) feature use for understanding what and how the system features are actually used in the organization.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted by analyzing information system (IS) log data collected from a well-known shipbuilding manufacturer in China. The multiple analytical approach employed in this study includes social network analysis, association rules learning and human dynamics.FindingsThis study first classified IS users into 41 core users and 325 general users. Then 24 core modules and 54 general modules were identified by social network analysis, and the correlation between them was analyzed. Finally, we found that the IS use time intervals for different user groups followed a power-law distribution, and IS use displayed strong burstiness and weak memory.Originality/valueThis study proposes a data-driven perspective to investigate how the system features are actually used in the organization. This study contributes to the literature and opens a new avenue for future IS use research. Furthermore, this study informs managers how to diagnose, maintain and optimize the implemented IS in order to maximize IS benefits.
The interplay of management response and individual power in digital service environments from a bystander's perspective
Authors: Huang Ran , Ha Sejin 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study aims to investigate bystanders' perceptions and reactions to management responses to consumer complaints through digital service channels. Specific purposes are to examine how management response (i.e. warmth, competence) and individual differences (i.e. bystander power) work together to influence bystanders' information processing of service recovery.Design/methodology/approachThis research consists of two main studies which employed web-based experiments. Both studies used a 2 (management response: warmth vs competence) × 2 (individual power: low vs high) between-subjects design. A total of 240 participants were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform in Study 1, and 233 participants were recruited from a market research company in Study 2.FindingsStudy 1 suggested that for the high-power group, warmth-related responses increased service perceptions (perceived diagnosticity and perceived fairness), and for low-power group, competence-related responses enhanced service perceptions. Study 2 confirmed the results of Study 1 and further demonstrated bystanders' service perceptions as the underlying mechanisms to connect the interactive effect of management response and individual power on satisfaction with complaint handling and WOM intentions.Practical implicationsThe current research demonstrates how companies can effectively manage customers' experiences (i.e. bystanders' experiences) with service recovery management on digital platforms by demonstrating effective management responses to consumer complaints through digital service channels.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores bystanders' individual characteristics related to the information processing of service recovery through digital service channels.
On the cognitive microfoundations of effectual design: the Situated Function–Behavior–Structure framework
Authors: Emami Amir , Packard Mark D. , Welsh Dianne H.B. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to extend effectuation theory at the front end by building cognitive foundations for the effectual design process.Design/methodology/approachWe adopt an integrative conceptual approach drawing on design cognition theory to explain entrepreneurial cognition.FindingsWe find a significant gap in the entrepreneurial cognition literature with respect to effectuation processes. We thus integrate the Situated Function–Behavior–Structure framework from design theory to elaborate on the cognitive processes of effectuation, specifically with regard to the opportunity development process. This framework describes the cognitive subprocesses by which entrepreneurs means and ends are cyclically (re)formulated over time until a viable “opportunity” emerges, and the venture is formalized, or else, the entrepreneur abandons the venture and exits.”Practical implicationsUnravelling this entrepreneurial design process may facilitate more appropriate and effective design work by entrepreneurs, leading to more successful product designs. It also should facilitate the development of better design techniques and instruction.Originality/valueThis research contributes to new cognitive foundations for effectuation theory and entrepreneurial process research. It better explains how means are transformed into valuable goods over time through an iterative reconsideration of means-ends frameworks. This theoretical elaboration will expectedly facilitate additional research into the iterative cognitive processes of design and enable more formulaic design thinking.
Mortality and complications after emergency laparotomy in patients above 80 years
Authors: Aakre Elin K. , Ulvik Atle , Hufthammer Karl O. , Jammer Ib 
Published: April 2020

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a high‐risk procedure. However, available evidence regarding outcome after emergency surgery in very old patients is limited. The aim of this observational study was to investigate outcome following EL in patients ≥80 years of age.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study was undertaken at Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. Demographic data, pre‐operative risk assessment, surgical procedures, intrahospital logistics, complications, mortality, and discharge data were collected from the medical records. Primary outcome was 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 90‐day mortality, 1‐year mortality, post‐operative complications, and level of care at discharge.ResultsOne hundred and six patients aged 80‐96 years underwent EL between 2015 and 2016. Of these, 58% had cardiopulmonary disease, and 16% lived in a nursing home before surgery. Resection of colon was performed in 26 cases, adhesiolysis was performed in 24, and resection of small intestine in 18. Within 30 days, 28 patients died (26%), 15 during the first post‐operative week. For 82% of the patients, at least one complication occurred, and medical complications were far more frequent than surgical. Post‐operatively, pulmonary morbidity was found in 51 patients (48%) and delirium in 42 (40%). The number of intrahospital deaths was 25 (24%). Among the 81survivors, 53 were discharged to a nursing home (65%). One‐year mortality was 47% (50/106).ConclusionsMortality after EL in octo‐ and nonagenarians is very high. Medical complications are more common than surgical, and functional decline is frequent. Future studies should focus on the effect of a care bundle including geriatric intervention in these patients.
Quantifying the presence of feral cat colonies and Toxoplasma gondii in relation to bird conservation areas on O'ahu, Hawai'i
Authors: Lepczyk Christopher A. , Haman Katherine H. , Sizemore Grant C. , Farmer Chris 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFree‐ranging feral cats (Felis catus) are increasingly found in colonies loosely managed by people. These colonies increase cat densities and, hence, pose threats to wildlife via disease and predation, particularly in insular ecosystems where native species have smaller populations and reduced pathogen exposure compared to continental systems. Given such concerns, our objectives were to: (a) identify feral cat colonies on the island of O'ahu in the vicinity of important native bird sites; and (b) test for Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite‐causing disease (Toxoplasmosis) of concern to native birds, at cat colony sites. We identified 32 important native bird locations and surveyed public lands near these sites to determine presence of cat colonies. Where cat colonies were present, we collected feces and used molecular tools to identify the presence of T. gondii. We identified 25 cat colonies near an important bird area and collected feces at four of these colonies, with three testing positive for T. gondii. The presence of cats near a majority of native bird areas suggests that cats may impose a serious threat to bird species. Our finding of T. gondii at three of the four colonies where cat feces were collected raises serious health concerns for humans, birds, and many other terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Native birds in Hawai'i, including highly endangered species, are susceptible to both predation and T. gondii, and finding its presence in locations relatively near to important native bird areas provides further evidence that reducing free‐ranging feral cat numbers is critical for reducing impacts on birds.