bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual Variation in Pain Sensitivity and Implicit Negative Bias Toward Pain
Authors: Ye Qian , Li Xiaoyun , Peng Weiwei 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveAlthough previous studies have shown the linkage between pain sensitivity and pain-related cognitions, this study investigated whether individual variation in pain sensitivity is related to implicit negative bias toward pain.MethodsTwo groups of participants with low (LPS) or high (HPS) pain sensitivity (LPS group:n= 33; HPS group:n= 31) were recruited based on their scores on pain sensitivity questionnaires. This categorization was later confirmed via pain ratings to electrical stimulations. Implicit negative bias toward pain was assessed using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) involving target (pain and nonpain) and attribute (negative and neutral-affect) concept words. Behavioral and event-related potential responses for congruent and incongruent pairings during the IAT were compared between the LPS and HPS groups.ResultsRelative to the LPS group, participants in the HPS group exhibited greater D-score (Cohen’sd= 0.364,p= .004). Event-related potential results showed that, although P3 amplitudes to congruent and incongruent pairings differed significantly for the HPS group (Cohen’sd= 0.757,p< .001), this difference was not observed for the LPS group (Cohen’sd= 0.089,p= .29). Mediation analysis further revealed that the IAT effect on P3 responses accounted for 17.58% of the association between pain sensitivity and D-score (confidence interval = [0.009–0.051]).ConclusionsIndividual variation in pain sensitivity relates to implicit negative bias. This linkage is partially accounted for by the electrophysiological response that has been related to cognitive process of stimulus evaluation and categorization. Pain treatment might benefit from techniques designed to alter implicit bias.
Three-Dimensional Label-Free Imaging and Quantification of Migrating Cells during Wound Healing
Authors: Lee A. J. , Hugonnet H. , Park W.S. , Park Y.K. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe wound healing assay provides essential information about collective cell migration and cell-to-cell interactions. It is a simple, effective, and widely used tool for observing the effect of numerous chemical treatments on wound healing speed. To perform and analyze a wound healing assay, various imaging techniques have been utilized. However, image acquisition and analysis are often limited in two-dimensional space or require the use of exogenous labeling agents. Here, we present a method for imaging large-scale wound healing assays in a label-free and volumetric manner using optical diffraction tomography (ODT). We performed quantitative high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) analysis of cell migration over a long period without difficulties such as photobleaching or phototoxicity. ODT enables the reconstruction of the refractive index (RI) tomogram of unlabeled cells, which provides both structural and biochemical information about the individual cell at subcellular resolution. Stitching multiple RI tomograms enables long-term (24 h) and large field-of-view imaging (> 800 × 400 μm2) with a lateral resolution of 110 nm. We demonstrated the thickness changes of leading cells and studied the effects of cytochalasin D. The 3D RI tomogram also revealed increased RI values in leading cells compared to lagging cells, suggesting the formation of a highly concentrated subcellular structure.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCEThe wound healing assay is a simple but effective tool for studying collective cell migration (CCM) that is widely used in biophysical studies and high-throughput screening. However, conventional imaging and analysis methods only address two-dimensional properties in a wound healing assay, such as gap closure rate. This is unfortunate because biological cells are complex 3D structures, and their dynamics provide significant information about cell physiology. Here, we presented three-dimensional (3D) label-free imaging for wound healing assays and investigated the 3D dynamics of CCM. High-resolution subcellular structures as well as their collective dynamics were imaged and analyzed quantitatively. Our label-free quantitative 3D analysis method provides a unique opportunity to study the behavior of migrating cells during the wound healing process.
Polygenic Risk Scores for Alcohol Involvement Relate to Brain Structure in Substance-Naïve Children: Results from the ABCD Study
Authors: Hatoum Alexander S. , Johnson Emma C. , Baranger David A.A. , Paul Sarah E. , Agrawal Arpana , Bogdan Ryan 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTIn substance naïve children (n=3,013), polygenic risk score (PRS) for problematic alcohol use was associated with lower volume of the frontal pole and greater cortical thickness of the supramarginal gyrus. Several other areas showed nominal significance. These associations suggest that genetic liability to alcohol involvement may manifest as variability in brain structure prior to consumption of the first alcoholic drink and alter brain morphometry during the start of adolescence.
An antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) activity eliminated neutralizing antibody with potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Wang Shuang , Peng Yun , Wang Rongjuan , Jiao Shasha , Wang Min , Huang Weijin , Shan Chao , Jiang Wen , Li Zepeng , Gu Chunying , Chen Ben , Hu Xue , Yao Yanfeng , Min Juan , Zhang Huajun , Chen Ying , Gao Ge , Tang Peipei , Li Gang , Wang An , Wang Lan , Chen Shuo , Gui Xun , Zhang Jinchao , Yuan Zhiming , Liu Datao 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEfficacious interventions are urgently needed for the treatment of COVID-19. Here, we report a monoclonal antibody (mAb), MW05, showing high SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity by disrupting the interaction of receptor binding domain (RBD) with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Crosslinking of Fc with FcγRIIB mediates antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) activity by MW05. This activity was eliminated by introducing the LALA mutation to the Fc region (MW05/LALA). Most importantly, potent prophylactic and therapeutic effects against SARS-CoV-2 were observed in rhesus monkeys. A single dose of MW05/LALA completely blocked the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in a study of its prophylactic effect and totally cleared SARS-CoV-2 in three days in a treatment setting. These results pave the way for the development of MW05/LALA as an effective strategy for combating COVID-19.
Serine-ubiquitination regulates Golgi morphology and the secretory pathway upon Legionella infection
Authors: Liu Yaobin , Mukherjee Rukmini , Bonn Florian , Colby Thomas , Matic Ivan , Glogger Marius , Heilemann Mike , Dikic Ivan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSidE family ofLegionellaeffectors catalyze non-canonical phosphoribosyl-linked ubiquitination (PR-ubiquitination) of host proteins during bacterial infection. SdeA localizes predominantly to ER and partially to the Golgi apparatus, and mediates serine ubiquitination of multiple ER and Golgi proteins. Here we show that SdeA causes disruption of Golgi integrity due to its ubiquitin ligase activity. The Golgi linking proteins GRASP55 and GRASP65 are PR-ubiquitinated on multiple serine residues, thus preventing their ability to cluster and form oligomeric structures. In addition, we found that the functional consequence of Golgi disruption is not linked to the recruitment of Golgi membranes to the growingLegionella-containing vacuoles. Instead, it affects the secretory pathway, including cytokine release in cells. Taken together, our study sheds light on the Golgi manipulation strategy by whichLegionellahijacks the secretory pathway and promotes bacterial infection.
Ebselen Exhibits Antimicrobial Activity AgainstClostridioides difficileBy Disrupting Redox Associated Metabolism
Authors: Marreddy Ravi K.R. , Olaitan Abiola O. , May Jordan N. , Dong Min , Hurdle Julian G. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTHigh recurrence rates and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains necessitate the need for alternative therapeutics forClostridioides difficileinfections (CDIs). Ebselen, a reactive organoselenium compound inhibitsC. difficilevirulence toxins TcdA and TcdB, by covalently binding to their cysteine protease domains. Ebselen is thought to lack antibacterial activity againstC. difficilecells and its anti-toxin action is suggested to be solely responsible for its efficacy. However,C. difficilehas several essential cysteine-containing enzymes that could be potential sites for covalent modification by ebselen; hence, we re-evaluated its anti-C. difficileproperties. In BHI agar, ebselen inhibited almost allC. difficilestrains (MICs of 2-8 µg/ml), with ribotype 078 being intrinsically resistant (MIC>64 µg/ml). Wilkins-Chalgren and Brucella agars are recommended media for anaerobic susceptibility testing. Ebselen was either slightly attenuated by pyruvate found in Wilkins-Chalgren agar or obliterated by blood in Brucella agars. Transcriptome analysis showed ebselen altered redox-associated processes, cysteine metabolism and significantly enhanced the expression of Stickland proline metabolism to likely regenerate NAD+from NADH. Intracellularly cells increased the uptake of cysteines, depleted non-protein thiols and disrupted NAD+/NADH redox ratio. Growth inhibitory concentrations of ebselen also reduced toxin and spore production. Taken together, ebselen has bactericidal activity againstC. difficile, with multiple mechanisms of action that negatively impacts toxin production and sporulation. To harness the polypharmacological properties of ebselen, chemical optimization is warranted, especially to obtain derivatives that could be effective in severe CDI, where intestinal bleeding could occur.
Adoption of principle-based IFRS and intercompany comparability of operating performance
Authors: Ghosh Protap Kumar , Bairagi Ranajit Kumar , Mondal Abinash 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe study aims to investigate whether the adoption of IFRS could ensure ultimate intercompany comparability of operating performance in terms of uniformity in the application of accounting methods and reporting style.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis on 125 annual financial statements of 25 companies from five industries listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange in Bangladesh, this study reports that only the sole adoption and application of principle based IFRS cannot ensure ultimate intercompany comparability of financial reports.FindingsThe findings document that the adoption of IFRS cannot ensure the application of same accounting methods as well as way of presentations which is a precondition of greater comparability of operating performance of competitive firms. The methodological and reporting direction through local regulatory agencies alongside maximum compliance with principle based IFRS can enhance intercompany comparability of financial reports in the same industry.Originality/valueThis study tries to manifest that sole adoption cum implementation of IFRS could not ensure ultimate intercompany comparability of operating performance within the same industry and urges to conduct further research to find out the ways to do so.
Moderation-mediation framework connecting internal branding, affective commitment, employee engagement and job satisfaction: an empirical study of BPO employees in Indian context
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Malhotra Keshav , Sharma Sanjeev K. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTaking an evidence from social exchange theory, this research examines the mediating role of affective commitment in the correlation between internal branding, employee engagement and job satisfaction. The moderating role of work environment on the link between internal branding and affective commitment is also studied in this research.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected by using well-structured research measures from 215 employees working in the BPO sector of India (Punjab and Chandigarh). The hypotheses were developed, and the conceptual model was validated by applying structural equation modeling. The data were analyzed by using two statistical packages, namely SPSS and AMOS.FindingsThe findings suggest that internal branding has a significant positive relationship with employee engagement, job satisfaction and affective commitment. The mediating effect of affective commitment on the relationship between internal branding and employee engagement was full, whereas on the relationship between internal branding and job satisfaction, it was partial. Work environment also moderated the relationship of internal branding with affective commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study offers significant lessons to management thinkers, human resource (HR), organizational branding and marketing manager. However, BPO sector should be aware about the critical role played by internal branding to enhance affective commitment, employee engagement and job satisfaction of the employees. The role of affective commitment is also taken into account to study the effect of internal branding on employee engagement and employee's job satisfaction. For itself, internal branding cannot be considered as in isolation and is doubtful to be efficacious if the work environment is not encouraging to an employee as well as to the brand values.Practical implicationsThis study offers significant lessons to management thinkers, HR, organizational branding and marketing manager. However, BPO sector should be aware about the critical role played by internal branding to enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction and affective commitment of the employees. An important role of affective commitment is also taken into account to study the effect of internal branding on employee engagement and employee's job satisfaction. For itself, internal branding cannot be considered as in isolation and is doubtful to be efficacious if employees are not provided an encouraging work environment.Originality/valueExisting researches on internal branding are theoretical in nature and overlook the empirical impact of internal branding on employee engagement, job satisfaction and affective commitment from the BPO employees' perspective. The study also offers an empirical examination of potential mediator and moderator for internal branding.
Land contributions to the supernormal development of infrastructure in China
Authors: Yang Ge , Cen Shutian 
Published: July 2020

PurposeOver the past 20 years, China's infrastructure has developed at an extraordinary speed. The current literature mainly focuses on the effects of political incentives on the infrastructure. However, this paper indicates that the structural change of China's land regime is an important clue and that the supernormal development of China's infrastructure is an explicable result for that.Design/methodology/approachThis paper theoretically proves that in a politically centralized and economically decentralized economic entity with a public land-ownership regime, the self-financing mechanism formed by local officials through regulation of the land-grant price is the primary factor that influences the optimal supply volume of infrastructure in a region, in addition to political and economic incentives, and whether the self-financing mechanism can be formed or not depends on the structure of a country's land regime, which can help to explain the difference between the development of infrastructure in China and that in other developing countries from a theoretical angle.FindingsThe paper suggests that the mode is facing an important transformation toward land reform and new-type urbanization construction, and the replication and promotion of China's experience in infrastructure construction are of further significance under the Belt and Road Initiative as it provides a method for helping developing countries to eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks.Originality/valueThrough the test of multinational panel data, the paper indicates that the structural change of China's land regime around 1990 had an overall effect on the supernormal development of infrastructure in China. The paper indicates that the “land-based development mode” of China's infrastructure indeed contributed to the supernormal development of infrastructure in China, but there are still some shortcomings in this mode.
South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown dilemma
Authors: Ward Michael 
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes
The case presents a significant amount of information on the outbreak of COVID-19 and the expected impact on the economy. Although the case is necessarily concise, several links are given to the online articles and video material on which the case is based. This allows participants to deepen their knowledge of the virus and their understanding of its likely economic impact. To frame the discussion, several philosophies, ranging from Libertarianism to Marxism, are lightly expounded. Readers will need to consider divergent ideas; the sanctity of human life versus the monetary value of a life; the hysteria evoked by COVID-19 deaths versus the placid acceptance of an annual 66,000 deaths by another disease – TB; and the differential economic impact of the virus across extremes of inequality. Perhaps, the key issue relates to the skewness in the death rate: Should young people’s livelihood be sacrificed for a few old people about to die anyway? The case also illustrates the essence of a dilemma – a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially ones that are equally undesirable.

Case overview/synopsis
In March 2020, South African President Cyril Ramaposa ordered a 21-day national “lockdown” to enable and enforce social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Many other countries had already taken similar steps, but in a country with 43,000 murders annually, South Africa’s response to only 11 COVID-19 deaths and 1,071 cases was both rapid and harsh. Schools, businesses, social areas and parks were closed. Medical emergencies, essential services and weekly grocery shopping were the only permissible activities. Two weeks after lockdown, there were 1,845 cases and 18 deaths, a far cry from the predicted 30,000 cases and 300 deaths, estimated on the basis of the three-day doubling rate at the start of lockdown. Many businesses, pulverised by closure, daily wage earners and those fearful of losing jobs were hopeful that the lockdown would not be extended. In a country with immense inequality, how would the masses under the age of 65 years, already in poverty and now with their lives pulled apart by an imported disease of the wealthy, respond to extended social and economic deprivation followed by bailouts for business?

Complexity academic level
MBA and Executive Education

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS: 11 Strategy.
Eskom’s COVID-19 force majeure
Authors: Ward Michael 
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes
The case describes the fall of Eskom, which in 2001 was named the Financial Times’ Power Company of the Year, but by 2019 was suffering from “systemic corruption, malfeasance, fraud and state capture” that had “compromised the credibility of the organisation and eroded investor confidence”. Eskom’s incompetent management lays the ground for reasonable doubt as to whether the force majeure notice was indeed irresistible. The case suggests several methods available in financial markets to hedge risk – but to what extent are these relevant and appropriate? The main objective of the case, however, is to examine and assess the criteria required to claim force majeure. Two aspects are questionable: Was the virus unforeseeable and was it irresistible? Eskom is “bleeding” R2.5m per month because of significantly reduced electricity demand, and while it clearly benefits Eskom to break their supply contract, the consequences for Exxaro are far more dire. And, if carried to conclusion, how would such actions impact the entire economy?

Case overview/synopsis
In April 2020 South Africa’s stated-owned electricity utility Eskom sent a pre-cautionary force-majeure notification to Exxaro Limited’s Grootegeluk Coal Mine. The notification, citing COVID-19 as an unforeseeable, external and irresistible event, would have disastrous consequences for the mine’s 25 m tonnes pa coal contract to supply Eskom’s Medupi power station. Not only was the legality of the force-majeure questionable, it was unethical, and not in the spirit of President Ramaposa’s call to businesses to continue paying contractors. The case briefly describes Eskom’s troubled history following South Africa’s 1994 democratic election. It examines the force majeure clause common in contracts, and questions whether COVID-19 meets the criteria of an “unforeseeable, external and irresistible” event.

Complexity academic level
MBA and Executive Education

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 7: Management Science.
Uber Sub-Saharan Africa: contextual leadership for sustainable business model innovation during COVID-19
Authors: Scheepers Caren Brenda , Bogie Jill 
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes are as follows: to gain insight into the importance of location, in terms of spatial and temporal context and the capability of leadership to tune into and strategically adapt to context; to understand and explain the sharing economy and explain how the Uber business model fits into this new way of doing business; to evaluate how Uber South Africa has adapted its business model in the period of the COVID-19 crisis and discuss the nature of the business model innovations that is has made; and to understand business model for sustainability and how it differs from the general understanding of business models.

Case overview/synopsis
On 15 May 2020, Alon Lits, General Manager of Uber Africa was considering his dilemma of adapting their business model to the demands of COVID-19, without losing their core business model as a multi-sided technology platform business. Uber was asking their riders to stay home to ensure social distancing during the lockdown, rather than booking a ride with Uber. The question was how they could support their driver partners, while they were discouraging riders to make use of Uber. Uber had taken initiatives to create additional revenue streams for drivers. The case highlights how Alon Lits and his executive team prioritised the health and well-being of their Uber community and quickly adapted their technology to meet the evolving needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They customised their offerings to the different needs in the seven Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries in which they operated. Uber supported businesses by using the Uber-X sedan vehicles to deliver necessities like food, medicine and parcels to the frontline and poor communities. Uber globally offered their drivers in quarantine 14 days of financial assistance. Serving communities also involved offering free rides to women and children who were victims of domestic violence to get them to a safe space. The multi-sided platform technology business had to consciously adapt, to the “next normal” as the COVID-19 era evolved.

Complexity academic level
The case is most suitable for Post-Graduate Master’s level courses, MBA, MPhil in Corporate Strategy.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS: 11 Strategy.