bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does fungal competitive ability explain host specificity or rarity in ectomycorrhizal symbioses?
Authors: Kennedy Peter G. , Gagne Joe , Perez-Pazos Eduardo , Lofgren Lotus A. , Nguyen Nhu H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTwo common ecological assumptions are that host generalist and rare species are poorer competitors relative to host specialist and more abundant counterparts. While these assumptions have received considerable study in both plant and animals, how they apply to ectomycorrhizal fungi remains largely unknown. To investigate how interspecific competition may influence the anomalous host associations of the rare ectomycorrhizal generalist fungus,Suillus subaureus, we conducted a seedling bioassay.Pinus strobusseedlings were inoculated in single- or two-species treatments of threeSuillusspecies:S. subaureus,S. americanus, andS. spraguei. After 4 and 8 months of growth, seedlings were harvested and scored for mycorrhizal colonization as well as dry biomass. At both time points, we found a clear competitive hierarchy among these species:S. americanus>S. subaureus>S. spraguei, with the competitive inferior,S. spraguei, having significantly delayed colonization relative toS. americanusandS. subaureus. In the single-species treatments, we found no significant differences in the dry biomasses of seedlings colonized by eachSuillusspecies, suggesting none of these species was a more effective plant symbiont relative to each other. Taken together, these results indicate that the rarity and anomalous host associations exhibited byS. subaureusin natural settings are not driven by inherently poor competitive ability or host growth promotion, but that the timing of colonization is a key factor determining the outcome of ectomycorrhizal fungal competitive interactions.
Deep sequencing of B cell receptor repertoires from COVID-19 patients reveals strong convergent immune signatures
Authors: Galson Jacob D. , Schaetzle Sebastian , Bashford-Rogers Rachael J. M. , Raybould Matthew I. J. , Kovaltsuk Aleksandr , Kilpatrick Gavin J. , Minter Ralph , Finch Donna K. , Dias Jorge , James Louisa , Thomas Gavin , Lee Wing-Yiu Jason , Betley Jason , Cavlan Olivia , Leech Alex , Deane Charlotte M. , Seoane Joan , Caldas Carlos , Pennington Dan , Pfeffer Paul , Osbourn Jane 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDeep sequencing of B cell receptor (BCR) heavy chains from a cohort of 19 COVID-19 patients from the UK reveals a stereotypical naive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 which is consistent across patients and may be a positive indicator of disease outcome. Clonal expansion of the B cell memory response is also observed and may be the result of memory bystander effects. There was a strong convergent sequence signature across patients, and we identified 777 clonotypes convergent between at least four of the COVID-19 patients, but not present in healthy controls. A subset of the convergent clonotypes were homologous to known SARS and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein neutralising antibodies. Convergence was also demonstrated across wide geographies by comparison of data sets between patients from UK, USA and China, further validating the disease association and consistency of the stereotypical immune response even at the sequence level. These convergent clonotypes provide a resource to identify potential therapeutic and prophylactic antibodies and demonstrate the potential of BCR profiling as a tool to help understand and predict positive patient responses.
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus-induced immune signature of infection revealed by transcriptome analysis of clinical pediatric nasopharyngeal swab samples
Authors: Nicolas De Lamballerie Claire , Pizzorno Andrés , Dubois Julia , Padey Blandine , Julien Thomas , Traversier Aurélien , Carbonneau Julie , Orcel Elody , Lina Bruno , Hamelin Marie-Eve , Roche Magali , Textoris Julien , Boivin Guy , Legras-Lachuer Catherine , Terrier Olivier , Rosa-Calatrava Manuel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHuman Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) constitutes one the main causes of respiratory infection in neonates and infants worldwide. Transcriptome analysis of clinical samples using high-throughput technologies remains an important tool to better understand virus-host complex interactions in the real-life setting but also to identify new diagnosis/prognosis markers or therapeutics targets. A major challenge when exploiting clinical samples such as nasal swabs, washes or bronchoalveolar lavages is the poor quantity and integrity of nucleic acids. In this study, we applied a tailored transcriptomics workflow to exploit nasal wash samples from children who tested positive for HRSV. Our analysis revealed a characteristic immune signature as a direct reflection of HRSV pathogenesis and highlighted putative biomarkers of interest.
Epithelial cell biomarkers are predictive of response to biologic agents in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Osterman Mark T. , VanDussen Kelli L. , Gordon Ilyssa O. , Davis Elisabeth M. , Li Katherine , Simpson Kate , Ciorba Matthew , Glover Sarah C. , Abraham Bincy , Guo Xueyan , Yee Eric U. , Allard Felicia D. , Perrigoue Jacqueline G. , Claggett Brian , Shen Bo , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S. , Liu Julia J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTherapeutic efficacy of biologics has remained at about 50% for 2 decades. In Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, we examined the predictive value of an epithelial cell biomarker, ileal microvillar length (MVL), for clinical response to ustekinumab (UST) and vedolizumab (VDZ), and its relationship to another biomarker, intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) pyroptosis with respect to response to VDZ.DesignIleal biopsies from the UNITI-2 randomized controlled trial were analyzed for MVL as a predictor of clinical response to UST. In a 5-center academic retrospective cohort of CD patients, ileal MVL was analyzed to determine its predictive value for response to VDZ. Correlation between ileal MVL and IEC pyroptosis was determined, and the discriminant ability of the combination of two biomarkers to VDZ was examined.ResultsClinical response in UST was significantly higher than placebo (65% vs. 39%, p=0.03), with patients with normal MVL (>1.7 µm) having the greatest therapeutic effect: 85% vs. 20% (p=0.02). For VDZ, clinical response with MVL of 1.35-1.55 µm was 82% vs. 44% (<1.35 µm) and 40% (>1.55 µm) (p=0.038). There was no correlation between ileal MVL and IEC pyroptosis. The combination criteria of ileal pyroptosis < 14 positive cells/1000 IECs or MVL of 1.35-1.55 µm could identify 84% of responders and 67% of non-responders (p=0.001).ConclusionsIleal MVL was predictive of response to UST and VDZ in prospective and retrospective CD cohorts. It was independent of ileal IEC pyroptosis, combination of the two biomarkers enhanced the discriminate ability of responders from non-responders to VDZ.
Tiger team: a panel of human neutralizing mAbs targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike at multiple epitopes
Authors: Noy-Porat Tal , Makdasi Efi , Alcalay Ron , Mechaly Adva , Levy Yinon , Bercovich-Kinori Adi , Zauberman Ayelet , Tamir Hadas , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Israeli Ma’ayan , Epstein Eyal , Achdout Hagit , Melamed Sharon , Chitlaru Theodor , Weiss Shay , Peretz Eldar , Rosen Osnat , Paran Nir , Yitzhaki Shmuel , Shapira Shmuel C. , Israely Tomer , Mazor Ohad , Rosenfeld Ronit 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe novel highly transmissible human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus far, there is no approved therapeutic drug, specifically targeting this emerging virus. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a panel of human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD). These antibodies were selected from a phage display library constructed using peripheral circulatory lymphocytes collected from patients at the acute phase of the disease. These neutralizing antibodies are shown to recognize distinct epitopes on the viral spike RBD, therefore they represent a promising basis for the design of efficient combined post-exposure therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Kidney and Lung ACE2 expression after an ACE inhibitor or an Ang II receptor blocker: implications for COVID-19
Authors: Wysocki Jan , Lores Enrique , Ye Minghao , Soler Maria Jose , Batlle Daniel 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundThere have been concerns that ACE inhibitors and Ang II receptor blockers may cause an increase in ACE2, the main receptor for SARs-CoV-2.MethodsKidneys from two genetic models of kidney ACE ablation and mice treated with captopril or telmisartan were used to examine ACE2 in isolated kidney and lung membranes.ResultsIn a global ACE KO mice, ACE2 protein abundance in kidney membranes was reduced to 42 % of wild type, p < 0.05. In ACE 8/8 mice that over-expresses cardiac ACE protein but also has no kidney ACE expression, ACE2 protein in kidney membranes was also decreased (38 % of the WT, p<0.01). In kidney membranes from mice that received captopril or telmisartan for 2 weeks there was a reduction in ACE2 protein (37% in captopril treated p<0.01) and 76% in telmisartan treated p <0.05). In lung membranes the expression of ACE2 was very low and not detected by western blotting but no significant differences in terms of ACE2 activity could be detected in mice treated with captopril (118% of control) or telmisartan (93% of control).ConclusionsGenetic kidney ACE protein deficiency, suppressed enzymatic activity by Captopril or blockade of the AT1 receptor with telmisartan are all associated with a decrease in ACE2 in kidney membranes. ACE2 protein in kidney or lungs is decreased or unaffected by RAS blockers indicating that these medications can not pose a risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection related to amplification of ACE2 at these two target sites for viral entry.
Abelson kinase’s intrinsically disordered linker plays important roles in protein function and protein stability
Authors: Rogers Edward M. , Allred S. Colby , Peifer Mark 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe non-receptor tyrosine kinase Abelson (Abl) is a key player in oncogenesis, with kinase inhibitors serving as paradigms of targeted therapy. Abl also is a critical regulator of normal development, playing conserved roles in regulating cell behavior, brain development and morphogenesis. Drosophila offers a superb model for studying Abl’s normal function, because, unlike mammals, there is only a single fly Abl family member. Abl has multiple roles in embryonic morphogenesis, and we and others have begun to take Abl apart as a machine. This revealed many surprises. For instance, kinase activity, while important, is not crucial for all Abl activities, and the C-terminal F-actin binding domain plays a very modest role. This turned our attention to less well-known feature—the long intrinsically-disordered region (IDR) linking Abl’s kinase and F-actin binding domains. The past decade revealed unexpected, important roles for IDRs in diverse cell functions, by mediating multivalent interactions, enabling assembly of biomolecular condensates via phase separation. Previous work deleting conserved regions revealed an important role for a PXXP motif in the IDR, but did not identify any other essential regions. Here we extend this, deleting the entire IDR. This revealed essential roles for the IDR in embryonic and adult viability, and in cell shape changes and cytoskeletal regulation during embryonic morphogenesis. Strikingly, AblΔIDR acts as dominant negative, worsening the phenotype of the null mutant. AblΔIDR accumulates at >10-fold higher levels than wildtype Abl in both Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, suggesting important roles for the IDR in modulating protein stability.
Alk1mutant endothelial cells undergo clonal expansion in mouse brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Shaligram Sonali S. , Zhang Rui , Zhu Wan , Ma Li , Winkler Ethan , Luo Man , Li Qian , Arnold Thomas , Santander Grez NG , McDougall Cameron M. , Wong Julia , Liang Rich , Barbosa Do Prado Leandro , Tang Chaoliang , Su Hua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRationaleMutation in human arteriovenous malformation (AVM) causative genes in a fraction of endothelial cells (ECs) causes AVMs in mice. It is unclear how a small number of mutant ECs can lead to AVM formation.ObjectiveTo understand how a fraction of mutant ECs causes AVM, we tested the following hypotheses: (1) activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1orAcvlr1) mutant brain ECs undergo clonal expansion upon angiogenic stimulation, (2)Alk1mutant ECs display growth advantage, (3) the burden ofAlk1 mutant ECs correlates with AVM severity, and (4)Alk1mutant bone marrow (BM) derived ECs alone is sufficient to cause AVM.Methods and ResultsWe usedPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/f;confetti+/−mice which express an EC-specific tamoxifen (TM)-inducible Cre recombinase, a Cre-regulated confetti transgene, andAlk1floxed alleles. Brain AVMs were induced by direct brain injection of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (AAV-VEGF) followed with intra-peritoneal injection of TM two weeks later. Color-predominance of confetti reporter in AVMs compared to control brain ECs suggested that clonal expansion was associated with AVM development. We treatedPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/fwith different doses of TM to create a mosaic of wild-type (WT) and mutant ECs and found that equal numbers of Alk1+and Alk1−ECs were proliferating. Increase of TM dose increased the number of Alk1−ECs, the abnormal vessels in brain AVMs, the number of arteriovenous shunts in the intestines, and mouse mortality. To test if mutation of Alk1 in BM-derived ECs can cause brain AVM, we transplanted WT mice with BM ofPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/fmice. After AAV-VEGF and TM treatment, these mice developed AVMs in their brains and arteriovenous shunts in their intestines.ConclusionClonal expansion ofAlk1mutant ECs could partly explain why a fraction of mutant ECs causes AVM. Mutation of AVM causal genes in BM-derived ECs is sufficient to cause AVM formation.
Logistic regression modeling of implementation of corporate safety policy in international infrastructures
Authors: Zhang Qing-Wen , Chong Heap-Yih , Liao Pin-Chao , Wan Yao-Lin 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis study aims to determine the influences of explanatory factors on the efficacy of the implementation of corporate safety policy (CSP) in international projects from the perspective of international contractors.Design/methodology/approachFour explanatory factors were identified for the implementation of CSP in international projects based on literature review. A questionnaire survey was then conducted among Chinese organizations that have been involved in international projects. In total, 121 valid responses were received from the questionnaire survey and were modeled using logistic regression to examine the impact of each factor on the observed event of interest.FindingsThe factors related to the effectiveness of implementing CSP, including “attitudes toward safety management measures (ASMM),” “operational mechanism for safety regulations (OM),” “safety knowledge management system (SKMS)” and “systematic safety training scheme (STS),” were selected. The results revealed that OM and SKMS were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the odds of implementation satisfaction of CSP, but ASMM and STS were not. The probability of satisfactory CSP implementation increased as the value of SKMS increased, whereas the probability of unsatisfactory implementation improved as the value of OM increased.Research limitations/implicationsThe questionnaire was distributed to respondents in international contractors headquartered in China. Other types of international organizations can be covered in future research. Furthermore, other factors, such as the local construction environment, should be considered in future studies.Practical implicationsThe results provide new insights on CSP implementation overseas. Effective implementation of CSP contributes to the improvement of the safety performance of contractors. The practical significance of interpreting the influence factors is that the contractors can implement more efficient and targeted approaches and tools in the execution of their CSP. The impact of OM reminds safety managers of the synchronization of CSP as well as its implementation environment and characteristics. The effect of ASMM encourages contractors to adopt Web-based and digital knowledge management systems to improve the implementation efficiency of CSP.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study lies in the selection of factors and their impacts on CSP implementation in international projects. This study has also extended knowledge on normative safety in international projects based on quantitative modeling.
Fabrication and characterization of friction stir processed Al 6061 reinforced with TiB2-Al2O3
Authors: Rao Ch. Mohana , Rao K. Mallikarjuna 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThe objective of the paper is to evaluate the fabrication process and to study the influence of process parameters of friction stir processing of 6061-TiB2-Al2O3 Aluminum alloy surface composite on microhardness tensile strength, and microstructure.Design/methodology/approachFriction stir processing method is used for attaining the desired mechanical properties, and selectively processed reinforcements to fabricate the samples. The Taguchi technique was used to optimize rotational speed, travel speed and volume percentage of reinforcement particles to enhance the mechanical properties of 6061-TiB2-Al2O3 Aluminum alloy composite.FindingsThe fabrication of surface composites through FSP allows new inventions in terms of material with enhanced surface layers without changing the base metal.Practical implicationsTo examine the behavior of the surface of the composites in the different zones, the practical implication consists of the use of different characterization techniques like optical microscopy and scanning microscopy for microstructural behavior and the measurement of hardness and tensile tests for mechanical behavior.Originality/valueThe research work consists of tool design and process parameters, which can affect the final product (microstructural changes), and the performance of the modified surface layer behavior was studied and presented.
Institutional pressures and the extent of cross-channel integration: the moderating effect of enterprise's capabilities
Authors: Zhang Guangling , Liu Chenchen , Wang Hui 
Published: May 2020

PurposeCurrently, the issues of cross-channel integration (CCI) have become the attentive focus. However, little research based on institutional theory details the drivers of and obstacles to adopt CCI strategy. Combined with resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, this thesis studies the effect of institutional pressures on the manufactures' extent of CCI, through exploring the moderating effects of firm's technology competence and relationship governance capabilities on the relationship between institutional pressures and the extent of CCI.Design/methodology/approachThe survey data of 249 valid research samples were obtained from Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Statistical software such as SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 18.0 was used to analyze the data and test the conceptual model and relevant research hypotheses from an empirical perspective.FindingsThe results of empirical study from 249 manufacturers indicate that the mimetic, coercive and normative pressures perceived by enterprises can significantly promote their extent of CCI; relationship governance capabilities attenuate the positive impact of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but strengthen that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI; besides, technology competence can attenuate the positive effect of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but enhance that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI.Originality/valueFew studied the impact of the interaction of internal capabilities and external institutional pressures on CCI of enterprises. This study combines institutional theory and resource-based view to fill the theoretical gap in this regard.
Public perceptions of police crime control in South Korea
Authors: Brown Ben 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine public perceptions of police efforts to control crime in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach
The data were gathered from surveys administered to college students in the Seoul-Gyeonggi Province metropolitan area. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of gender, fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization on diffuse and specific perceptions of police performance.

Findings
The respondents did not view the police favorably. Fewer than half the respondents reported that the police do a good job of controlling drunk driving, approximately a quarter reported that the police do a good job of controlling burglary and investigating homicide and roughly a fifth reported believing that the police effectively control crime. Violent victimization and fear of violent victimization had a significant negative impact on confidence in the police.

Practical implications
The data suggest that informing the public about the low risk of violent victimization and other publicity campaigns designed to reduce fear of violence may foster confidence in the police.

Originality/value
This study identifies subtle similarities and differences in the structure of public perceptions of the police between Eastern and Western nations. Additionally, the data indicate there is a need for greater specificity in measures of public perceptions of the police.
Inclusivity of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial attitude among young community: evidence from India
Authors: Agarwal Sucheta , Ramadani Veland , Gerguri-Rashiti Shqipe , Agrawal Vivek , Dixit Jitendra Kumar 
Published: May 2020

PurposeIn India, many promotional policies and educational institutions have focused on entrepreneurship education (EE) for the development of future entrepreneurs. Through the survey from a region of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, this paper aims to study the young community’s entrepreneurial attitude (EA) towards entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected from a young community of various universities and colleges in different regions of UP, India to find out that “Does the EE help in developing a positive EA among young community towards entrepreneurship”. Firstly, 23 interviews have been conducted to explore about EE and EA. Further data was collected from 341 respondents through a structured questionnaire and undertaken done with the descriptive analysis: exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression method to explore the result of this study.FindingsAfter the analysis, it was found that EE played an important role in developing EA of the young community towards entrepreneurship. All the coefficients in the regression model are positive, which means that all the factors of EE (awareness, enterprise knowledge and practical skills) have a positive impact on EA (affective, cognitive and behavioural).Practical implicationsThis study provides a futuristic direction to various academic institutes and government organizations on how they prepare future entrepreneurs by inculcating EA among them. Creative minds generate innovative products and services, create jobs, alleviate poverty and maintain the GDP of a nation.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the relationship between EE and EA with the help of qualitative and quantitative analyses.