bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reovirus σ3 protein limits interferon expression and cell death induction
Authors: Roebke Katherine E , Guo Yingying , Parker John S. L. , Danthi Pranav 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTInduction of necroptosis by mammalian reovirus requires both type I interferon (IFN)-signaling and viral replication events that lead to production of progeny genomic dsRNA. The reovirus outer capsid protein µ1 negatively regulates reovirus-induced necroptosis by limiting RNA synthesis. To determine if the outer capsid protein σ3, which interacts with µ1, also functions in regulating cell death, we used siRNA-mediated knockdown. Similar to that observed by diminishment of µ1 expression, knockdown of newly synthesized σ3 enhances necroptosis. σ3 knockdown does not impact reovirus RNA synthesis. Instead, this increase in necroptosis following σ3 knockdown is accompanied by an increase in IFN production. Furthermore, ectopic expression of σ3 is sufficient to block IFN expression following infection. Surprisingly, the capacity of σ3 protein to bind dsRNA does not impact its capacity to diminish production of IFN. Consistent with this, infection with a virus harboring a mutation in the dsRNA binding domain of σ3 does not result in enhanced production of IFN or cell death. Together, these data suggest that σ3 limits the production of IFN to control innate immune signaling and cell death following infection through a mechanism that is independent of its dsRNA binding capacity.IMPORTANCEWe use mammalian reovirus as a model to study how virus infection modulates innate immune signaling and cell death induction. Here we sought to determine how viral factors regulate these processes. Our work highlights a previously unknown role for the reovirus outer capsid protein σ3 in limiting the induction of a necrotic form of cell death called necroptosis. Induction of cell death by necroptosis requires production of interferon. σ3 limits the induction of necroptosis by preventing excessive production of interferon following infection.
The isolateCaproiciproducenssp. 7D4C2 producesn-caproate at mildly acidic conditions from hexoses: genome and rBOX comparison with related strains and chain-elongating bacteria
Authors: Esquivel-Elizondo Sofia , Bağcı Caner , Temovska Monika , Jeon Byoung Seung , Bessarab Irina , Williams Rohan B. H. , Huson Daniel H. , Angenent Largus T. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundBulk production of medium-chain carboxylates (MCCs) with 6-12 carbon atoms is of great interest to biotechnology. Open cultures (e.g., reactor microbiomes) have been utilized to generate MCCs in bioreactors. When in-line MCC extraction and prevention of product inhibition is required, the bioreactors have been operated at mildly acidic pH (5.0-5.5). However, model chain-elongating bacteria grow optimally at neutral pH values. Here, we isolated a chain-elongating bacterium (strain 7D4C2) that thrives at mildly acidic pH. We studied its metabolism and compared its whole genome and the reverse β-oxidation (rBOX) genes to other bacteria.ResultsStrain 7D4C2 produces lactate, acetate,n-butyrate,n-caproate, biomass, and H2/CO2from hexoses. With only fructose as substrate (pH 5.5), the maximumn-caproate specificity (i.e., productsperother carboxylates produced) was 60.9 ± 1.5%. However, this was considerably higher at 83.1 ± 0.44% when both fructose andn-butyrate (electron acceptor) were combined as a substrate. A comparison of serum bottles with fructose andn-butyrate with an increasing pH value from 4.5 to 9.0 showed a decreasingn-caproate specificity from ∼92% at mildly acidic pH (pH 4.5-5.0) to ∼24% at alkaline pH (pH 9.0). Moreover, when carboxylates were extracted from the broth (undissociatedn-caproic acid was ∼0.3 mM), then-caproate selectivity (i.e., productpersubstrate fed) was 42.6 ± 19.0% higher compared to serum bottles without extraction. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain 7D4C2 is most closely related to the isolatesCaproicibacter fermentans(99.5%) andCaproiciproducens galactitolivorans(94.7%), which are chain-elongating bacteria that are also capable of lactate production. Whole-genome analyses indicate that strain 7D4C2,C. fermentans, andC. galactitolivoransbelong to the same genus ofCaproiciproducens. Their rBOX genes are conserved and located next to each other, forming a gene cluster, which is different than for other chain-elongating bacteria such asMegasphaeraspp.ConclusionsCaproiciproducensspp., comprising strain 7D4C2,C. fermentans, C. galactitolivorans, and several unclassified strains, are chain-elongating bacteria that encode a highly conserved rBOX gene cluster.Caproiciproducenssp. 7D4C2 (DSM 110548) was studied here to understandn-caproate production better at mildly acidic pH within microbiomes and has the additional potential as a pure-culture production strain to convert sugars inton-caproate.
Epigenetic conflict on a degenerating Y chromosome increases mutational burden in Drosophila males
Authors: Wei Kevin H.-C. , Gibilisco Lauren , Bachtrog Doris 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLarge portions of eukaryotic genomes consist of transposable elements (TEs), and the establishment of transcription-repressing heterochromatin during early development safeguards genome integrity in Drosophila. Repeat-rich Y chromosomes can act as reservoirs for TEs (‘toxic’ Y effect), and incomplete epigenomic defenses during early development can lead to deleterious TE mobilization. Here, we contrast the dynamics of early TE activation in two Drosophila species with vastly different Y chromosomes of different age. Zygotic TE expression is elevated in male embryos relative to females in both species, mostly due to expression of Y-linked TEs. Interestingly, male-biased TE misexpression diminishes across development inD. pseudoobscura, but remains elevated inD. miranda, the species with the younger and larger Y chromosome. The repeat-rich Y ofD. mirandastill contains many actively transcribed genes, which compromise the formation of silencing heterochromatin. Elevated TE expression results in morede novoinsertions of repeats in males compared to females. This lends support to the idea that the ‘toxic’ Y chromosome can create a mutational burden in males when genome-wide defense mechanisms are compromised, and suggests a previously unappreciated epigenetic conflict on evolving Y chromosomes between transcription of essential genes and silencing of selfish DNA.
Piezo1 Mediates Keratinocyte Mechanotransduction
Authors: Moehring Francie , Mikesell Alexander R. , Sadler Katelyn E. , Menzel Anthony D. , Stucky Cheryl L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEpidermal keratinocytes mediate touch sensation by detecting and encoding tactile information to sensory neurons. However, the specific mechanotransducers that enable keratinocytes to respond to mechanical stimulation are unknown. Here, we found that the mechanically-gated ion channel Piezo1 is the major keratinocyte mechanotransducer. Keratinocyte expression of Piezo1 is critical for normal sensory afferent firing and behavioral responses to mechanical stimuli.
Multistep changes in amyloid structure that are induced by cross-seeding on a rugged energy landscape
Authors: Yuzu Keisuke , Yamamoto Naoki , Noji Masahiro , So Masatomo , Goto Yuji , Iwasaki Tetsushi , Tsubaki Motonari , Chatani Eri 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTAmyloid fibrils are aberrant protein aggregates associated with various amyloidoses and neurodegenerative diseases. It is recently indicated that structural diversity of amyloid fibrils often results in different pathological phenotypes including cytotoxicity and infectivity. The diverse structures are predicted to propagate by seed-dependent growth, which is one of the characteristic properties of amyloid fibrils. However, much remains unknown regarding how exactly the amyloid structures are inherited to subsequent generations by seeding reaction. Here, we investigated the behaviors of self- and cross-seeding of amyloid fibrils of human and bovine insulin in terms of thioflavin T fluorescence, morphology, secondary structure, and iodine staining. Insulin amyloid fibrils exhibited different structures depending on species, and each of which replicated in self-seeding. In contrast, gradual structural changes were observed in cross-seeding, and a new-type amyloid structure with distinct morphology and cytotoxicity was formed when human insulin was seeded with bovine insulin fibrils. Remarkably, iodine staining tracked changes in amyloid structure sensitively, and singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis of the UV-Vis absorption spectra of the fibril-bound iodine has revealed the presence of one or more intermediate metastable states during the structural changes. From these findings, we propose a propagation scheme with multistep structural changes in cross-seeding between two heterologous proteins, which is accounted for as a consequence of the rugged energy landscape of amyloid formation.
What shapes students' perceptions of group work: personality or past experience?
Authors: Elmassah Suzanna , Mostafa Bacheer Shereen , James Reynold 
Published: July 2020

PurposeGroup work (GW) as a collaborative learning method for university students is a much-researched topic in the literature. However, a fairly neglected area is that of students' perceptions of the same. This study purports to bridge this gap in the extant literature via identifying the determinants of these perceptions.Design/methodology/approachUsing primary data gathered from a sample of 443 university students, the study applies the structural equation modeling (SEM) to estimate the impact of both personal traits and past experiences on the students' perceptions.FindingsThe SEM results reveal that students' perceptions of GW are determined by their relevant past experiences not by their personalities. This position is contradictory to other relevant studies undertaken thus far.Practical implicationsAccordingly, the study stresses the need for educators to create positive group experiences among students and to convert their past negative experiences into positive ones.Originality/valueWhilst group work holds significant learning benefits for students, negative perceptions about this rich method could eventuate in students refraining from participating in the same. By isolating the determinants associated with students' negative perceptions of GW, this study provides educationists with a strong case for developing suitable interventions aimed at enhancing students' positive perceptions of GW, and resultantly further maximizing its potential benefits.
The merger of Baltimore Hebrew University with Towson University: three leadership models converge
Authors: Bor Hana , Shargel Rebecca 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe study aims to learn how a small private university dedicated to Judaic studies successfully merged with a large public university? Our study investigates how Baltimore Hebrew University (BHU) successfully integrated into the much larger Towson University (TU), while maintaining its unique Jewish identity.Design/methodology/approachHow did leadership facilitate a successful merging of a small private university with a large public university? Our case study investigates how BHU successfully integrated into the much larger TU. Given that past research has focused primarily on the financial aspects, the purpose of the present study is to analyze how leaders successfully navigated the complex processes of integrating the two institutions through envisioning, communicating and planning effectively. This research uniquely investigates the role of leadership as the driving force in moving the merger forward and facilitating the process. The authors analyzed the circumstances that facilitated the merger and discovered that leadership pushed this merger forward, particularly the confluence of three approaches—visionary, transformational and servant leadership. This research has implications for guiding future mergers of smaller colleges with larger universities. This case study is particularly timely, during this uncertain age of COVID-19, when many universities are considering creative solutions, including potential mergers with other institutions, in the face of increasing financial difficulties.FindingsImplications of this research can help illuminate future mergers of smaller colleges with larger universities in cases where the smaller institution desires to retain its strong cultural or historical identity. The authors found that the “right leadership on the ground” is a crucial component needed for a successful merger, particularly in a higher education setting.Research limitations/implicationsOur research provides a concrete example that can be used help campus administrators assess whether they have the leadership structure in place to successfully navigate a merger as a path forward.Originality/valueThis case study is particularly timely, during this uncertain age of COVID-19, when many universities are considering creative solutions, including potential mergers with other institutions, in the face of increasing financial difficulties.
Lean Production implementation, Cloud-Supported Logistics and Supply Chain Integration: interrelationships and effects on business performance
Authors: Novais Luciano , Maqueira Marín Juan Manuel , Moyano-Fuentes José 
Published: July 2020

PurposeWith support from the dynamic capabilities theory, this paper examines the role of Cloud Computing technology use in logistics (Cloud-Supported Logistics) and its effect on business results in Lean manufacturing management (Lean Production implementation) and Supply Chain Integration contexts.Design/methodology/approachUsing the survey method, a random sample of 260 companies in intermediate positions in their supply chains was gathered from a population of 1,717 Spanish companies and used to test five hypotheses. The data were collected by telephone survey using a computerised system with a response rate of 15.6% (260 valid questionnaires). Structural equation modelling was used to test the five proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings indicate that Cloud-Supported Logistics use plays an important role in achieving better business results in Lean Production environments. Lean Production has been found to have both a direct effect and an even more powerful indirect effect on performance through the Cloud-Supported Logistics and Supply Chain Integration that these technologies produce. Supply Chain Integration is also found to have a mediating effect in the Cloud-Supported Logistics–performance relationship.Originality/valueThis study is valuable for academics and practitioners as it provides evidence of the relevant role played by Cloud-Supported Logistics in Lean Production implementation contexts. Cloud-Supported Logistics and Lean Production are strategically and operationally linked and their joint use results in Supply Chain Integration and better business performance.
Proactively and reactively managing risks through sales & operations planning
Authors: Dittfeld Hendryk , Scholten Kirstin , Van Donk Dirk Pieter 
Published: July 2020

PurposeRisks can easily disrupt the demand–supply match targeted by sales and operations planning (S&OP). As surprisingly little is known of how organizations identify, assess, treat and monitor risks through tactical planning processes, this paper zooms in on the S&OP set-up and process parameters to explore how risks are managed through S&OP.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study analyzes the S&OP processes of seven organizations in the process industry, drawing on 17 in-depth interviews with high-ranking representatives, internal and external documents, and a group meeting with participating organizations.FindingsThe study finds that organizations proactively design their S&OP based on their main risk focus stemming from the planning environment. In turn, such designs proactively support organizations' risk identification, assessment, treatment and monitoring through their S&OP execution. Reactively, a crisis S&OP meeting – making use of the structure of S&OP – can be used as a risk-treatment tool, and S&OP design can be temporarily adapted to deal with emerging risks.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to empirically elucidate risk management through S&OP. S&OP design, execution and adaption are identified as three interconnected strategies that allow organizations to manage risks. The design enables risk management activities in the monthly execution of S&OP. The reactive role of S&OP in risk management is particularly novel.
High-performance work systems and open innovation: moderating role of IT capability
Authors: Zheng Jia , Liu Hefu , Zhou Jingmei 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on open innovation and the moderating role of information technology (IT) capability on the relationship between HPWS and open innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a questionnaire survey in the industrial parks of the Yangzi River Delta in China and obtained 108 useful responses.FindingsHPWS positively impacts open innovation. IT exploration capability strengthens the relationship between HPWS and open innovation, whereas IT exploitation capability and ambidexterity do not strengthen such relationship.Research limitations/implicationsFirms should use HPWS to improve employees' motivation of external learning and searching for enhancing innovation openness. They should acknowledge the enabling role of IT exploration capability in facilitating employees' learning and searching toward open innovation and discreetly develop IT exploitation capability and ambidexterity during external knowledge searching, which may not achieve the desired facilitation purpose.Originality/valueThis study contributes to human resource management (HRM) by suggesting that a new antecedent, which is HPWS in our case, should be taken into account when considering the influence of HRM in the process of open innovation. This study has important implications for HPWS, IT capability and open innovation; open innovation can be improved by using HPWS and IT capability. This study also expands IT ambidexterity to HRM and innovation studies.
Future temporal focus in resilience research: when leader resilience provides a role model
Authors: Lin Tzu-Ting , Liao Yuanhsi 
Published: July 2020

PurposeDespite more and more researchers recommend that time-related issues should be considered into the resilience research, temporal issue is still largely neglected in empirical domain. The purpose of this study is to introduce the concept of future temporal focus, while investigating whether and when leader resilience contributes to subordinates' level of conveyed resilience.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses from a two-source field study involving 222 supervisor–subordinate dyads were collected. Regression-based moderation and bootstrapping analyses were adapted to analyze data and test hypotheses by using the PROCESS syntax in SPSS software.FindingsResults showed that there is no significant effect of leader resilience on subordinate resilience. However, consistent with hypotheses, leader's future temporal focus and resilience had a significant interactive effect on subordinate's resilience. That is, when leaders had higher level of future temporal focus, their resilience would be positively correlated with subordinate resilience.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study provide important practical insights into developing relevant training and intervention programs in organizations to cultivate employee resilience. These can also be strengthened by encouraging leaders' future-oriented cognition on work-related domains and leader–member exchange relationship.Originality/valueOverall, this study introduced temporal focus into resilience theory by providing evidence of its impacts on employee behaviors, and emphasized the important role of future temporal focus of leader.
Should companies invest in human resource development practices? The role of intellectual capital and organizational performance improvements
Authors: Chen Mavis Yi-Ching , Lam Long W. , Zhu Julie N.Y. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeIn this study, the authors employ an intellectual-capital based view of the firm to examine the relationship between three bundles of human resource development (HRD) practices (i.e. developmental, constructive and collaborative HRD practices), three dimensions of intellectual capital (i.e. human capital, organizational capital and social capital), and organizational performance improvements. Specifically, the authors investigate the mediating role of intellectual capital in the relationship between HRD practices and changes in organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors randomly distributed questionnaires to 1,000 HR executives of Taiwanese firms to assess the firms' HRD practices and intellectual capital. Firm performance data in terms of return on assets (ROA) were obtained from the Taiwan Economic Journal (TEJ). To test the model, the authors used the longitudinal data over three years from 213 firms in Taiwan.FindingsThe results show that human capital and social capital mediate the relationship between HRD practices (i.e. developmental and collaborative HRD practices) and organizational performance improvements in terms of return-on-assets growth.Originality/valueThis study adds to the empirical evidence regarding whether or not investment in HRD practices can lead to positive changes in financial performance.
Examining the impact of justice perceptions on workplace bullying: a moderated mediational model of PCV and PDO
Authors: Rai Arpana , Agarwal Upasna A. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between justice perceptions (distributive, procedural and interactional) and workplace bullying and to test the mediating role of psychological contract violation (PCV) in this relationship and the extent to which the mediation is moderated by power distance orientation (PDO).Design/methodology/approachThe study draws upon quantitative data collected via self-reported survey questionnaires from 422 full-time Indian managerial employees working across different service sector–based Indian organizations.FindingsThe results revealed that justice perceptions (distributive, procedural and interactional) negatively correlated with workplace bullying. The hypothesized moderated mediation condition was supported as the results suggest that the PCV mediated the justice-bullying relationship and the PDO moderated this mediating pathway, i.e. indirect effects of justice (procedural and interactional) perceptions on workplace bullying via PCV were weaker for employees with a high PDO.Research limitations/implicationsA cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported questionnaire data in the sample are few limitations of the study.Practical implicationsThis study contributes toward a better understanding of the relationships between justice, PCV and workplace bullying. It also highlights the role played by individual cultural dispositions in influencing their perceptions of workplace bullying. Given the perceptual and subjective elements of workplace bullying, understanding how justice and workplace bullying are related in not only important theoretically but also critical from a practical standpoint.Originality/valueTo the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study that links justice, PCV, workplace bullying and PDO in one study. This study is also important in terms of its context.