bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses provide insight into colon cancer development by the gut microbiota
Authors: Busi Susheel Bhanu , Lei Zhentian , Sumner Lloyd W. , Amos-Landgraf James 
Published: July 2020

AbstractColon cancer onset and progression is strongly associated with the presence, absence, or differences in relative abundances of certain microbial taxa in the gastrointestinal tract. However, specific mechanisms affecting disease susceptibility related to complex commensal bacterial mixtures are poorly understood. We used a multi-omics approach to determine how differences in the complex gut microbiome (GM) influence the metabolome and host transcriptome and ultimately affect susceptibility to adenoma development in a preclinical rat model of colon cancer. Fecal samples from rats harboring distinct complex GMs were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). We collected samples prior to observable disease onset and identified putative metabolite profiles that predicted future disease severity, independent of GM status. Transcriptome analyses performed after disease onset from normal epithelium and tumor tissues between the high and low tumor GMs suggests that the GM is correlated with altered host gene expression. Integrated pathway (IP) analyses of the metabolome and transcriptome based on putatively identified metabolic features indicate that bile acid biosynthesis was enriched in rats with high tumors (GM:F344) along with increased fatty acid metabolism and mucin biosynthesis. These data emphasize the utility of using untargeted metabolomics to reveal signatures of susceptibility and resistance and integrated analyses to reveal common pathways that are likely to be universal targets for intervention.Statement of significanceFecal metabolites, influenced by the gut microbiota, correlate with colon adenoma risk in a preclinical model of familial colon cancer.
Hierarchized phosphotarget binding by the seven human 14-3-3 isoforms
Authors: Gogl Gergo , Tugaeva Kristina V. , Eberling Pascal , Kostmann Camille , Trave Gilles , Sluchanko Nikolai N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe seven human 14-3-3 isoforms, highly similar yet encoded by distinct genes, are among the top 1% highest-expressed human proteins. 14-3-3 proteins recognize phosphorylated motifs within numerous human or viral proteins. We analyzed by crystallography, fluorescence polarization, mutagenesis and fusicoccin-mediated modulation the structural basis and druggability of 14-3-3 binding to four E6 oncoproteins of tumorigenic HPV. The seven isoforms bound variant and mutated phospho-motifs of E6 and unrelated protein RSK1 with different affinities, albeit following an ordered ranking profile with conserved relative KDratios. Remarkably, 14-3-3 isoforms obey the same hierarchy when binding to most of their established targets, nicely supported by a recent proteome-wide human complexome map. This knowledge allows predicting the proportions of 14-3-3 isoforms engaged with phosphoproteins in various tissues. Notwithstanding their individual functions, cellular concentrations of 14-3-3 may be collectively adjusted to buffer the strongest phosphorylation outbursts, explaining their expression variations in different tissues and tumors.
Molecular Contribution to Embryonic Aneuploidy and Genotypic Complexity During Initial Cleavage Divisions of Mammalian Development
Authors: Brooks Kelsey E. , Daughtry Brittany L. , Davis Brett , Yan Melissa Y. , Fei Suzanne S. , Carbone Lucia , Chavez Shawn L. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTEmbryonic aneuploidy is highly complex, often leading to developmental arrest, implantation failure, or spontaneous miscarriage in both natural and assisted reproduction. Despite our knowledge of mitotic mis-segregation in somatic cells, the molecular pathways regulating chromosome fidelity during the error-prone cleavage-stage of mammalian embryogenesis remain largely undefined. Using bovine embryos and live-cell fluorescent imaging, we observed frequent micro-/multi-nucleation of anaphase lagging or mis-segregated chromosomes in initial mitotic divisions that underwent unilateral inheritance, re-fused with the primary nucleus, or formed a chromatin bridge with neighboring cells. A correlation between a lack of maternal and paternal pronuclei fusion (syngamy), multipolar cytokinesis, and uniparental genome segregation was also revealed and single-cell DNA-seq showed propagation of primarily non-reciprocal mitotic errors in embryonic blastomeres. Depletion of the mitotic checkpoint protein, BUB1B/BUBR1, resulted in micro-/multi-nuclei formation, atypical cytokinesis, chaotic aneuploidy, and disruption of the kinase-substrate network regulating mitotic progression and exit, culminating in embryo arrest prior to genome activation. This demonstrates that embryonic micronuclei sustain multiple fates, provides a mechanism for blastomeres with uniparental origins, and substantiates the contribution of defective checkpoint signaling and/or the inheritance of other maternally-derived factors to the high genotypic complexity afflicting preimplantation development in higher-order mammals.
Corporate reputation through strategic communication of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ajayi Oyindamola Abiola , Mmutle Tsietsi 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how the communication of corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes towards a favourable corporate reputation. It explores the communication strategies and channels organisations deemed reputable by stakeholders use to achieve an effective CSR communication.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this, a qualitative content analysis using the directed approach was conducted on the textual CSR communication materials of ten reputable organisations in South Africa based on the 2018 South Africa Reptrak survey.FindingsResult showed that seven out of ten organisations use both self-serving and society-serving motive in their CSR communication, while the other 3 use only the society serving motive. The informing strategy was also more evident in the CSR communication materials than the interactive strategy. In terms of the communication channels, the study found that organisations mainly utilise controlled channels for CSR communication.Originality/valueThe literature reviewed and the findings of this study reveal a gap between the theory and practice of CSR communication. This drives the need for organisations to research and tailor CSR communication based on stakeholders' unique characteristics and preferences. The paper also contributes to improving the knowledge on the role different CSR communication strategies and channels play in CSR communication.
Emission assessment of alternative dam structure types, a novel approach to consider in new dam projects
Authors: Alvanchi Amin , Bajalan Zahra , Iravani Pooya 
Published: July 2020

PurposeDams require high-volume of construction materials and operations over the life cycle. This paper aims to select a proper type of dam structure that can significantly contribute to the sustainability of dam projects.Design/methodology/approachThis research proposes a complementary fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission assessment method for the alternate dam structure types to assist decision-makers in selecting sustainable choices. Related equations are developed for two common earthen and rock-fill dam structures types in Iran. These equations are then successfully applied to two real dam project cases where the significance of the achieved results are assessed and discussed.FindingsThe achieved results of the case studies demonstrate a high deviation of up to 41.3% in CO2emissions comparing alternate dam structure scenarios of earthen and rock-fill dam structures. This high deviation represents an important potential for CO2emission reduction considering the high volume of the emission in large dam projects.Originality/valueThe life cycle emission assessment of the alternate dam structures, proposed in this research as a novel complementary factor, can be used in the decision-making process of dam projects. The results in this research identify high potential sustainability improvement of dam projects as a result of the proposed method.
Product diversification and large construction firm productivity: the effect of institutional environments in Malaysia
Authors: Azman Mohd Azrai , Hon Carol K.H. , Xia Bo , Lee Boon L. , Skitmore Martin 
Published: July 2020

PurposeMany large construction firms (LCFs) adopt product diversification (PD) to counter downturns and spread risks. However, no detailed information is available concerning the type of PD that improves their performance. In addition, it is still uncertain how much changes in institutional dimensions influence the effectiveness of PD. Therefore, the aim is to resolve this issue by establishing a model that shows the extent of this influence.Design/methodology/approachThe generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator is used to model the PD strategies of 86 LCFs in Malaysia over 14 years (2003–2016) and its impact on productivity and profitability performance.FindingsUnrelated diversification (UD) decreased firm performance in 2003–2016, while related diversification (RD) had a positive impact during the more liberal 2010–2016 phase. The models show that the impact of PD is highly dependent on changes in institutional dimensions.Practical implicationsFirstly, managers may adjust the type of PD and its level of diversification to improve firm performance. Secondly, they may devise PD strategies based on changes in institutional dimensions to maximise their effectiveness.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the literature by determining the optimal amount of PD (including RD and UD) and its impact on performance. Secondly, the study is the first to investigate the moderating relationship of the institutional dimensions of economic and regulatory institutions on PD-firm performance. Thirdly, the study is the first to explore the components of technical-scale-scope economies (movement towards and around the production frontier), this being crucial to the strategy that was only conjectured in previous studies.
Conversion from 3D to 2D pattern algorithm for the 3D-shaped knitwear
Authors: Luo Xuan , Jiang Gaoming , Cong Honglian 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the relationship among the three-dimensional-shaped (3D) knitwear on the flat knitting machine in a three-dimensional (3D) design model and the corresponding knitting in a two-dimensional (2D) pattern.Design/methodology/approachTo do this, map functions are defined to convert the expression of the 3D-shaped knitwear to the horizontal and the vertical knitting. When the inverse functions of the map functions exist, one type is knitting in the 2D pattern can be determined with the aid of the knitwear expression in the 3D design model, when another type of knitting is in the 2D pattern.FindingsThe simulations indicate that the proposed scheme can implement the conversion from the 3D-shaped knitwear in the 3D design model to the corresponding knitting in the 2D pattern. In addition, the generated knitting by the proposed method can meet the technological requirements, which means that the knitting in the 2D pattern, converted by the proposed scheme, can be implemented in reality and the differences between the real knitwear can also be obtained as same as the map functions.Practical implicationsThe generated 2D pattern can facilitate accelerating the design development of the 3D-shaped knitwear. Meanwhile, after accomplishing the 3D design, the relationship between 2D patterns in the two knitting directions is established through map functions.Originality/valueMap functions proposed in this paper can be used in the 3D design model of the 3D-shaped knitwear so as to obtain the relatively accurate 2D paper appropriate for machine-knitting direction, which omits the process of designer's single 2D pattern after accomplishing the 3D design and saves the developing time.
The effect of risk levels on technology adoption decision: the case of online games
Authors: Dahabiyeh Laila , Najjar Mohammad S. , Agrawal Deepti 
Published: July 2020

PurposeInformation technology is associated with psychological and physical risks such as high stress levels and antisocial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to understand why people engage in technology risk behavior, despite the negative consequences that might follow. Focusing on online games, this study identifies factors that affect individuals' intention to play online games and investigate whether the effects of these factors differ across different risk levels.Design/methodology/approachExperimental design was used as the research methodology. Subjects were randomly assigned to a single treatment with two conditions: high and low risk scenarios. A total of 597 responses were analyzed to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe research findings reveal that subjective norms, curiosity and playfulness have a positive effect on the intention to play online games, while critical mass has no effect on the intention decisions. Further, among the three significant constructs, playfulness turned out to be the only factor that is affected by risk levels.Research limitations/implicationsThis study extends prior literature on technology adoption by examining the effect of different risk levels on adoption intention decisions. It further extends prior literature on online games by identifying the factors that drive individuals to play games while accounting for the risks associated with playing these games.Practical implicationsThe research study identifies factors that should be taken into consideration when promoting the adoption of technologies, including online games.Originality/valueThis study offers a new understanding of technology adoption decisions that takes into account the different levels of risk associated with technology use. It shows that an individual's curiosity and the pressure emanating from one's social network are powerful behavior drivers that persist regardless of the level of risk. Further, this research study is among the first to apply categorical least squares methodology combined with a procedure for a moderated structural equation model to test a structural equation model with categorical multiplicative terms in LISREL.
Knowledge-sharing practices in higher educational institutes of Islamabad, Pakistan: an empirical study based on theory of planned behavior
Authors: Raza Irfan , Awang Zainudin 
Published: July 2020

PurposeKnowledge hoarding is an emerging issue among multiracial employees engaged in public sector higher educational institutes (HEIs) of Islamabad, Pakistan. By considering knowledge-sharing barriers, this study aims to examine the knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) of ethnically diverse public sector staff in perspective of well-known theory of planned behavior (TPB).Design/methodology/approachIt is a cross-sectional survey study, and it has used a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. With proportionate stratified random sampling technique, 273 nonacademic employees associated in 15 public sector HEIs of Islamabad have recorded their responses. Structural equation modeling was employed for empirical hypotheses testing.FindingsResults stated significant and positive effect of cultural diversity management, interpersonal trust and knowledge technology on KSB. Moreover, knowledge-sharing attitude (KSA) fully mediated the relationship between cultural diversity management and KSB and between interpersonal trust and KSB; whereas KSA partially mediated the relationship between knowledge technology and KSB. Moreover, proposed model has explained 45% variation in endogenous construct.Research limitations/implicationsCurrent study contributes to the present literature by investigating the antecedents of knowledge-sharing behavior of multicultural nonacademic staff engaged in public sector HEIs of capital city of Pakistan. Enriching the top management thoughts about problems of diverse workforce, the researcher has explored a noticeable lack in elucidation of such connection. Moreover, formation of knowledge-sharing behavior specifically on ethnic-based diverse employees made a significant addition in existing literature.Practical implicationsThe present research aids academic leadership in designing policies and strategies to enhance knowledge sharing among public sector employees and to create a supportive knowledge-sharing culture.Originality/valueThis study fills the empirical gap in literature by exploring the antecedents and their effect on KSB of nonacademic employees of Islamabad, Pakistan. Moreover, assessing the mediation effect of KSA between CDM and KSB on multicultural public sector employees is another novel inclusion in literature.
Spirituality in expatriate experience and coping in mission
Authors: Wilczewski Michał , Wróblewski Zbigniew , Wołońciej Mariusz , Gut Arkadiusz , Wilczewska Ewelina 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the role of spirituality, understood as a personal relationship with God, in missionary intercultural experience.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted narrative interviews with eight Polish consecrated missionaries in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay. We used thematic analysis to establish spirituality in missionary experience and narrative analysis to examine sensemaking processes.FindingsMissionary spirituality was defined by a personal relationship with God as a source of consolation, psychological comfort, strength to cope with distressing experiences, and Grace promoting self-improvement. It compensated for the lack of family and psychological support and enhanced psychological adjustment to the environment perceived as dangerous. Spirituality helped missionaries deal with cultural challenges, traumatic and life-threatening events. Traumatic experiences furthered their understanding of the mission and triggered a spiritual transition that entailed a change in their life, attitudes and behavior.Research limitations/implicationsComparative research into religious vs nonreligious individual spirituality in the experience across various types of expats in various locations could capture the professional and cultural specificity of individual spirituality. Research is also needed to link spirituality with expat failure.Practical implicationsCatholic agencies and institutions that dispatch missionaries to dangerous locations should consider providing professional psychological assistance. Narrative interviewing could be used to enhance missionaries' cultural and professional self-awareness, to better serve the local community. Their stories of intercultural encounters could be incorporated into cross-cultural training and the ethical and spiritual formation of students and future expats.Originality/valueThis study captures a spiritual aspect of intercultural experience of under-researched expats. It offers a model of the involvement of individual spirituality in coping in mission.
“Lean in”: the moderating effect of female ownership on the relationship between human capital and organizational innovation
Authors: Fu Yanli , Liu Ruiming , Yang Jifeng , Jiao Hao , Jin Yuke 
Published: July 2020

PurposeWith the aim of shedding new light on the characteristics of human capital in its relationship with organizational innovation, this paper develops a novel theoretical and empirical exploration of the characteristics of human capital, both executives' experience and employees' average education level, as well as the moderating effect of female ownership, on two different aspects of organizational innovation.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from the World Bank's China private manufacturing enterprise questionnaire survey. The study employs regression analysis of a logistic model using 1,598 samples, because the dependent variable of an organization's innovation index is a binary variable.FindingsUsing World Bank survey data of Chinese private manufacturing enterprises, the authors find that executives' experience has a significantly positive effect on process innovation. Female ownership strengthens the relationship between executives' experience and process innovation. Moreover, the results indicate that employees' average educational level has a significantly positive effect on product innovation. Female ownership strengthens the relationships between employees' average educational level and organizational innovation including product innovation and process innovation. This study highlights the importance of simultaneously testing the effects of human capital and gender heterogeneity on organizational innovation activities.Originality/valueThis study explores the impact of human capital on organizational innovation activities in the context of the Chinese manufacturing industry. Moreover, organizational innovation activities are divided into two aspects: product innovation and process innovation. This study separately discusses the effect of human capital on these two kinds of innovation in detail. Finally, female ownership is selected as a moderating variable, and it is demonstrated that interactions of female owners with executives' experience and employees' average educational level have a positive impact on increasing different kinds of organizational innovation. The authors identify new boundary conditions for the domain of female research that are sorely lacking in the present literature.
How and when spiritual leadership enhances employee innovative behavior
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yang Fu 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between spiritual leadership and employee innovative behavior by testing the mediating role of autonomous motivation and the moderating role of employee power distance orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe author predicted an indirect relationship between spiritual leadership and employee innovative behavior via autonomous motivation. Also, the author predicted the positive effect of spiritual leadership on employee innovative behavior will be stronger when employee power distance orientation is high. Hypotheses are tested with data gathered from 174 participants.FindingsResults showed that spiritual leadership was positively related to employee innovative behavior via autonomous motivation. And, the positive relationship between spiritual leadership and autonomous motivation was stronger when employee power distance orientation was high. Furthermore, the indirect effect of autonomous motivation was stronger when employee power distance orientation was high.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides a new theoretical perspective – self-determination theory – to test how and when spiritual leadership enhances employee innovative behavior by suggesting autonomous motivation as a mediator and employee power distance orientation as a boundary condition.Practical implicationsThe results of this research provide suggestions for leaders to adopt spiritual leadership as well as enhance interactions between them and employees to increase employee innovative behavior.Originality/valueThis study highlights the moderating role of employee power distance orientation and uses self-determination theory to examine how and when spiritual leadership plays a positive role.