bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol dependence promotes systemic IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice
Authors: Frank Kayla , Abeynaike Shawn , Nikzad Rana , Patel Reesha R. , Roberts Amanda J. , Roberto Marisa , Paust Silke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD is associated with a variety of physiological changes and is a substantial risk factor for numerous diseases. We aimed to characterize systemic alterations in immune responses using a mouse model of chronic intermittent alcohol exposure to induce alcohol dependence. We exposed mice to chronic intermittent ethanol vapor for 4 weeks and used multiparametric flow cytometry to analyze the expression of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 by different immune cells in the blood, spleen and liver of alcohol dependent and non-dependent control mice. We found increases in IFN-γ and IL-17 expression in a cell type- and organ-specific manner. Often, B cells and neutrophils are primary contributors to increased IFN-γ and IL-17 levels while other cell types play a secondary role. We conclude that chronic alcohol exposure promotes systemic pro-inflammatory IFN-γ and IL-17 responses in mice. These responses are likely important in the development of alcohol-related diseases, but further characterization is necessary to understand the initiation and effects of systemic inflammatory responses to chronic alcohol exposure.
SUMO Modifies GβL and Mediates mTOR Signaling
Authors: Park Sophia Louise Lucille , Ramírez-Jarquín Uri Nimrod , Shahani Neelam , Rivera Oscar , Sharma Manish , McManus Francis P , Thibault Pierre , Subramaniam Srinivasa 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTThe mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is influenced by multiple regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications, however, underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we report a novel role of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) in mTOR complex assembly and activity. By investigating the SUMOylation status of core mTOR components, we observed that the regulatory subunit, GβL, is modified by SUMO1, 2, and 3 isoforms. Using mutagenesis and mass spectrometry, we identified that GβL is SUMOylated at lysine sites K86, K215, K245, K261 and K305. We found that SUMO depletion reduces mTOR-Raptor and mTOR-Rictor complex formation and diminishes nutrient-induced mTOR signaling. Furthermore, we found that reconstitution with WT GβL but not SUMOylation defective KR mutant GβL promote mTOR signaling in GβL-depleted cells. Taken together, we report for the very first time that SUMO modifies GβL, influences the assembly of mTOR protein complexes, and regulates mTOR activity.
preciseTAD: A transfer learning framework for 3D domain boundary prediction at base-pair resolution
Authors: Stilianoudakis Spiro C. , Marshall Maggie A. , Dozmorov Mikhail G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractChromosome conformation capture technologies (Hi-C) revealed extensive DNA folding into discrete 3D domains, such as Topologically Associating Domains and chromatin loops. The correct binding of CTCF and cohesin at domain boundaries is integral in maintaining the proper structure and function of these 3D domains. 3D domains have been mapped at the resolutions of 1 kilobase and above. However, it has not been possible to define their boundaries at the resolution of boundary-forming proteins. To predict domain boundaries at base-pair resolution, we developed preciseTAD, an optimized transfer learning framework trained on high-resolution genome annotation data. In contrast to current TAD/loop callers, preciseTAD-predicted boundaries are strongly supported by experimental evidence. Importantly, this approach can accurately delineate boundaries in cells without Hi-C data. preciseTAD provides a powerful framework to improve our understanding of how genomic regulators are shaping the 3D structure of the genome at base-pair resolution.
A highly rifampicin resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrain emerging in Southern Brazil
Authors: Rossetti Maria Lucia , da Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Salvato Richard Steiner , Reis Ana Júlia , Schiefelbein Sun Hee , von Groll Andrea , Barcellos Regina Bones , Maschmann Raquel , Esteves Leonardo , Spies Fernanda , Trespach Rubia Raubach , Costa Elis Regina Dalla , de Amorim Hermes Luís Neubauer 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTHere we described phenotypical, molecular and epidemiological features of a highly rifampicin-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrain emerging in Southern Brazil, that carries an uncommon insertion of 12 nucleotides at the codon 435 in therpoBgene. Employing a whole-genome sequencing-based study on drug-resistantMycobacterium tuberculosisstrains, we identified this emergent strain in 16 (9.19%) from 174 rifampicin-resistant clinical strains included. Nine of these 16 strains were available to minimum inhibitory concentration determination and for all of them was found a high rifampicin-resistance level (≥ to 32 mg/L). This high resistance level could be explained by structural changes into the RIF binding site of RNA polymerase caused by the insertions, and consequent low-affinity interaction with rifampicin complex confirmed through protein modeling and molecular docking simulations. Epidemiological investigation showed that most of the individuals (56.25%) infected by the studied strains were prison inmate individuals or that spent some time in prison. The phylogenomic approach revealed that all strains carrying on the 12 nucleotide insertion belonged to the same genomic cluster, evidencing a communal transmission chain involving inmate individuals and community. We stress the importance of tuberculosis genomic surveillance and the introduction of measures to interrupt theMycobacterium tuberculosistransmission chain in this region.
Serum metabolomic biomarkers of perceptual speed in cognitively normal and mildly impaired subjects with fasting state stratification
Authors: Borkowski Kamil , Taha Ameer Y. , Pedersen Theresa L. , De Jager Philip L. , Bennett David A. , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Newman John W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCognitive decline is associated with both normal aging and early pathologies leading to dementia. Here we used quantitative profiling of metabolites involved in the regulation of inflammation, vascular function, neuronal function and energy metabolism, including oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids, and steroid hormones to identify metabolic biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Serum samples (n =210) were obtained from subjects with or without MCI opportunistically collected with incomplete fasting state information. To maximize power and stratify the analysis of metabolite associations with MCI by the fasting state, we developed an algorithm to predict subject fasting state when unknown (n =71). In non-fasted subjects, linoleic acid and palmitoleoyl ethanolamide levels were positively associated with perceptual speed. In fasted subjects, soluble epoxide hydrolase activity and tauro-alpha-muricholic acid levels were negatively associated with perceptual speed. Other cognitive domains showed associations with bile acid metabolism, but only in the non-fasted state. Importantly, this study shows unique associations between serum metabolites and cognitive function in the fasted and non-fasted states and provides a fasting state prediction algorithm based on measurable metabolites.
Effect of polyethylene glycol on growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α andBacillus subtilisNRS-762
Authors: Ng Wenfa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPolyethylene glycol is commonly used in fermentation as an anti-foam for preventing the rise of foam to the top plate of the bioreactor, which increases contamination risk. However, its potential toxicity to growth of various microorganisms is not well understood at the species and strain level. Hence, the objective of this study was to understand the impact of different concentrations of polyethylene glycol at the 1, 5 and 10 g/L level on the aerobic growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α andBacillus subtilisNRS-762 in LB Lennox medium in shake flasks. Experiment results revealed that polyethylene glycol (PEG) (molecular weight ∼8000 Da), at all concentrations tested, did not affect biomass formation and metabolism inE. coliDH5α at 37 °C. This came about through the observation of similar maximal optical density obtained during growth ofE. coliDH5α under differing concentrations of PEG. Furthermore, the anti-foam did not affect the pH profile. On the other hand, PEG did exhibit some toxicity towards the growth ofB. subtilisNRS-762 in LB Lennox medium. Specifically, maximal optical density obtained decline with higher exposure to PEG in a concentration dependent manner, up to a threshold concentration of 5 g/L. For example, maximal optical density obtained inB. subtilisNRS-762 without addition of PEG was 4.4, but the value obtained with 1 g/L of the anti-foam decreased to 4.1 and a further 3.8 on exposure to 5 g/L and 10 g/L PEG. pH variation in culture broth, however, told a different story, where the profiles for exposure to PEG at all concentrations coincide with each other and was similar to the one without exposure to the anti-foam; thereby, suggesting that metabolic processes inB. subtilisNRS-762 were not significantly affected by exposure to PEG. Collectively, PEG anti-foam exerted species-specific toxicity effect on biomass formation, and possibly metabolism. The latter may not be sufficiently significant to affect the types of metabolites secreted by the bacterium, and thus, be detected by measurement of pH of culture broth.E. coliDH5α was better able to cope with PEG at all concentrations compared toB. subtilisNRS-762, which showed dose-dependent toxicity effect on biomass formation.HighlightsPolyethylene glycol (molecular weight ∼ 8000 Da) did not affect aerobic growth ofEscherichia coliDH5α at 37 °C in LB medium at all concentrations tested: 0, 1, 5, 10 g/L.Growth curves of the bacterium at different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coincided with each other.Similar pH profiles were also obtained forE. coliDH5α growth in LB medium with different PEG concentrations.However, PEG exerted toxicity effect onBacillus subtilisNRS-762 during growth in LB medium at 30 °C, with reduction of biomass formation in a dose dependent manner.Similar to the case forE. coliDH5α. pH profiles ofB. subtilisNRS-762 coincided with each other irrespective of the concentrations of PEG used.
Business continuity management: use and approach’s effectiveness
Authors: Sawalha Ihab Hanna 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThis is an exploratory study that aims to explore the use (practice) of business continuity management (BCM) and the effectiveness of the BCM approach adopted by organizations from a variety of sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of this study consisted of 250 organizations from a variety of sectors: 80 industrial; 15 banking; 25 insurance; 130 services organizations. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.FindingsThe findings indicated that there is an increased awareness about the use of BCM across different sectors including the industrial, service, banking and insurance and that the current use of BCM is irrespective of a number of organizational characteristics.Practical implicationsThis research investigates the current use/practice of BCM across a variety of sectors. It is therefore considered a significant preliminary study that paves the way for further future research studies related to the use of BCM in the Middle East. It also clarifies the current levels of application of BCM which subsequently facilitates and supports the wider adoption of BCM and commitment to adopt the best practices related to it across different sectors.Originality/valueTo the best of author's knowledge, this is one of very few studies which focus on the use/practice of BCM and approach’s effectiveness that have been conducted in the Middle East and in Jordan in particular. It reveals the extent to which BCM is being adopted across the various sectors which in turn reflects the levels of understanding and awareness of the significance of this process for today's organizations and for the continuity of their critical business functions during the occurrence of different sorts of disruptive incidents.
From slavery and colonialism to Black Lives Matter: new mood music or more fundamental change?
Authors: Cornelius Nelarine 
Published: September 2020

Purpose2020 has proved to be a challenging year. In addition to the challenges of COVID-19, yet again, the USA has witnessed police brutality leading to the death of a Black man, George Floyd. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, founded in the US but now an international organisation which challenges white supremacy and deliberates harm against Black people, mobilised hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets across the globe. Increasingly, the protests focus not only on George Floyd's murder but also the continued failure to challenge the celebrity of those involved in the transatlantic slave trade and European imperialism. In this article, the author will contend that many organisations are now reexamining their association with these historical wrongs against Black Africa and its diaspora. Further, the author will contend but that the failure to highlight the role of Black chattel slavery and imperialism in the accumulation of economic, commercial and political benefits reaped by the global north is a source of shame not only for many firms and institutions but also for universities.Design/methodology/approachThe author has reviewed the online media for the latest developments in response to Black Lives Matter's George Floyd campaign in 2020 and reviewed the literature on the link between European global ambition and its impact on the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa.FindingsInternationally, there is a discernible change in outlook towards the importance of the evils of slavery and colonialism on the Black experience today. These small steps will require scholars to embark on a fresh reexamination of race, society and work.Originality/valueFor decades, the slave trade and colonialism were issues rarely raised in government, firms and business schools. This will inevitably change especially in those countries that are the main beneficiaries of Black chattel slavery and colonial exploitation. Much Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practice is fundamentally tokenism. A root and branch reappraisal will be needed to create more effective EDI policy and practice in support of race equality and anti-racism.
Two Englands? Blokishness, masculine habitus and the North-South divide in the advertising industry
Authors: Topić Martina 
Published: September 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the position of women in the advertising industry with the lens of organisational theory and Bourdieuian concept of habitus, to explore whether women are expected to embrace masculine characteristics to succeed and whether advertising industry can be seen as a masculine habitus.

Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 37 women working in the advertising industry in England. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings
Women report masculine expectations as a condition to succeed in their careers and show large internalisation of masculine habitus. While women recognise that the position of men is better, they do not report challenging organisational structures that enforce masculine expectations of them, and they generally report having to communicate and behave like men to succeed. Women in the north show more work satisfaction and report less sexism and career barriers.

Practical implications
Employers wishing to present their brand as inclusive should consider the impact of organisational structure and design internal policies that promote inclusivity.

Social implications
Advertising industry has a mass reach, similar to one of the media, and reshaping organisational structure to foster inclusivity would enable more supportive and less stereotypical campaigns. Class origin and early socialisation influence communication and behaviour in adulthood, which influences career opportunities.

Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study addressing blokishness and masculine habitus in the context of the advertising industry in England. Besides, the study identified a regional divide in work experiences, which are linked to early socialisation.
School engagement as a mediator in students’ social relationships and academic performance: a survey based on CiteSpace
Authors: Li Yin , Qiu Leiju , Sun Baowen 
Published: September 2020

Purpose
In studies related to education, sociology and economics, the relationship between students’ social relationships and their academic performance is one of the most important research topics; a large number of research studies have focused on it. This study aims to analyze the previous studies about social interaction and academic performance and attempts to reveal the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses CiteSpace to analyze 1,843 articles on social relationships and academic performance from 2001 to 2019. According to the co-cited literature network results in CiteSpace, this study proposes an adapted conceptual framework of the relationship between social relationships and academic performance. This paper further examines more studies about the two most-cited articles in the co-cited literature network for better understanding.

Findings
From the results of the co-cited literature network, this study determines that school engagement is an important mediator between social relationships and academic performance. This paper further examines studies on school engagement and determine that, along with the self-determination theory, school engagement is influenced by multiple components of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Originality/value
According to the visual result in CiteSpace, this study examines a research trend in which researchers scholars start to conduct micro and detailed empirical research on the impact of the specific social networks on academic performance because of the progress of information technology. Therefore, based on the previous literature that we have analyzed, this study predicts that the trend of using information technology, such as data mining or data analysis, in this academic field will become a mainstream practice in the future.
Predictors of blended learning deployment in institutions of higher learning: theory of planned behavior perspective
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo , Kamaludin Adzhar , Romli Awanis , Mat Raffei Anis Farihan , A_L Eh Phon Danakorn Nincarean , Abdullah Aziman , Leong Ming Gan , A Shukor Nurbiha , Shukri Nordin Mohd , Baba Suria 
Published: September 2020

PurposeBlended learning (BL) has been increasing in popularity and demand and has developed as a common practice in institutions of higher learning. Therefore, this study develops a model to evaluate the critical predictors that determine students' acceptance and deployment of BL in institutions of higher education based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis entails data collected from 1,811 responses from an online survey questionnaire from students in Malaysian universities, colleges and polytechnics. Partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) was employed for data analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that the attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and self-efficacy were found to influence students' intention to accept BL. Moreover, results suggest that the intention of students to accept BL approach is significantly influenced by actual BL deployment.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected from students in universities, colleges and polytechnics only. Besides, this research is one of the limited studies that explored BL deployment in a Malaysian perspective.Practical implicationsFindings from this research not only add scientific evidence to BL literature but also provide a better understanding of the predictors that may motivate or discourage learners to deploy BL in institutions of higher learning.Social implicationsRespectively, findings from this study aid students to acquire and apply knowledge on how to effectively improve BL initiatives in learning activities.Originality/valueThis study is one of the fewer studies that investigate students' behavioral intentions toward BL deployment in Malaysia. Additionally, this study contributes to the understanding of the predictors that influence students' intention to accept and deploy BL in their respective institutions.
Stuck at a crossroads? The duration of the Italian school-to-work transition
Authors: Pastore Francesco , Quintano Claudio , Rocca Antonella 
Published: September 2020

PurposeThere is a long period from completing studies to finding a permanent or temporary (but at least satisfactory) job in all European countries, especially in Mediterranean countries, including Italy. This paper aims to study the determinants of this duration and measure them, for the first time in a systematic way, in the case of Italy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides several measures of duration, including education level and other criteria. Furthermore, it attempts to identify the main determinants of the long Italian transition, both at a macroeconomic and an individual level. It tests for omitted heterogeneity of those who are stuck at this important crossroads in their life within the context of parametric survival models.FindingsThe average duration of the school-to-work transition for young people aged 18–34 years was 2.88 years (or 34.56 months) in 2017. A shorter duration was found for the highly educated; they found a job on average 46 months earlier than those with compulsory education. At a macroeconomic level, the duration over the years 2004–2017 was inversely related to spending in the labour market policy and in education, gross domestic product growth and the degree of trade union density; however, it was directly related to the proportion of temporary contracts. At the individual level, being a woman, a migrant or living in a densely populated area in the South are the risk factors for remaining stuck in the transition. After correcting for omitted heterogeneity, there is clear evidence of positive duration dependence.Practical implicationsPositive duration dependence suggests that focusing on education and labour policy, rather than labour flexibility, is the best way to smooth the transition.Originality/valueThis study develops our understanding of the Italian school-to-work transition regime by providing new and detailed evidence of its duration and by studying its determinants.