bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Re-introduction of endogenous pathways for propionyl-CoA, 1-propanol and propionate formation in Escherichia coli
Authors: Le Thai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn a previous study, we found that 2-ketobutyrate (2-KB) was seriously degraded in Escherichia coli. In the present investigation, we tried to clarify the products of that degradation process, and intriguingly reconfirmed that 2-KB is chopped up to form propionyl-CoA, 1-propanol and propionate. This short commentary re-introduces efficient endogenous pathways for production of value-added odd-chain compounds such as propionyl-CoA-derived chemicals.
Investigation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K (ERVK) Expression and Function in Normal Placentation and Preterm Pregnancy
Authors: Rosenkrantz Jimi L. , Martinez Michael , Mahankali Adithi , Carbone Lucia , Chavez Shawn L. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a growing body of evidence indicating the importance of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) derived proteins during early development and reproduction in mammals. Recently, a protein derived from the youngest ERV in humans, ERVK (HML2), was shown to be expressed during human placentation. Since a number of highly similar ERVK proviral loci exist across the human genome, locus-specific analysis of ERVK transcription and identification of the coding sequence expressed in the human placenta is difficult. Thus, despite its activity in early human development, the native expression and function of ERVK in the human placenta remains largely uncharacterized.ResultsIn this study, we comprehensively examined locus-specific ERVK transcription across several human placental tissues and cell types. Through a combination of RNA-seq and siRNA knock-down analyses, we identified the expression of a single ERVK locus, ERVK11q23.3, as (1) being significantly upregulated in preterm compared to term placenta, (2) predominantly expressed by mononuclear trophoblasts, (3) capable of encoding a truncated viral-like envelope protein, and (4) contributing to the expression cytokines involved in both antiviral and anti-inflammatory innate immune responses in human placental trophoblasts and BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, respectively.ConclusionsCollectively, the results of this study highlight the utility of studying locus-specific ERVK expression, provide a thorough characterization of locus-specific ERVK transcription from human placental tissues, and indicate that altered expression of placental ERVK11q23.3 influences interferon antiviral response, which may contribute to preterm birth and other pregnancy complications.
Lasting effects of low-calorie sweeteners on glucose regulation, sugar intake, and memory
Authors: Tsan Linda , Chometton Sandrine , Zuo Yanning , Sun Shan , Hayes Anna M. R. , Bridi Lana , Lan Rae , Fodor Anthony A. , Noble Emily E. , Yang Xia , Kanoski Scott E. , Schier Lindsey A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLow-calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption in children has increased due to widespread LCS presence in the food environment and efforts to mitigate obesity through sugar replacement. However, mechanistic studies on the impact of early-life LCS consumption are lacking. Therefore, we developed a rodent model to evaluate the effects of daily LCS consumption (acesulfame potassium, saccharin, or stevia) during adolescence on adult metabolic, gut microbiome, neural, and behavioral outcomes. Results reveal that habitual early-life LCS consumption disrupts post-oral glucose tolerance and impairs hippocampal-dependent memory in the absence of weight gain. Furthermore, LCS consumption reduces lingual sweet taste receptor expression and alters sugar-motivated appetitive and consummatory responses. RNA sequencing analyses reveal that LCS also impacts collagen- and synaptic signaling-related gene pathways in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens, respectively, in a sex-dependent manner. Collectively, these results suggest that regular early-life LCS consumption yields long-lasting impairments in metabolism, sugar-motivated behavior, and hippocampal-dependent memory.
Systematic assessment of the accuracy of subunit counting in biomolecular complexes using automated single molecule brightness analysis
Authors: Danial John S H , Quintana Yuri , Ros Uris , Shalaby Raed , Margheritis Eleonora G , Ramirez Sabrina Chumpen , Ungermann Christian , Garcia-Saez Ana J , Cosentino Katia 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTAnalysis of single molecule brightness allows subunit counting of high-order oligomeric biomolecular complexes. Although the theory behind the method has been extensively assessed, systematic analysis of the experimental conditions required to accurately quantify the stoichiometry of biological complexes remains challenging. In this work, we develop a high-throughput, automated computational pipeline for single molecule brightness analysis that requires minimal human input. We use this strategy to systematically quantify the accuracy of counting under a wide range of experimental conditions in simulated ground-truth data and then validate its use on experimentally obtained data. Our approach defines a set of conditions under which subunit counting by brightness analysis is designed to work optimally and helps establishing the experimental limits in quantifying the number of subunits in a complex of interest. Finally, we combine these features into a powerful, yet simple, software that can be easily used for the stoichiometry analysis of such complexes.
Cooperative binding of TCR and CD4 to pMHC enhances TCR sensitivity
Authors: Rushdi Muaz Nik , Pan Victor , Li Kaitao , Choi Hyun-Kyu , Travaglino Stefano , Hong Jinsung , Griffitts Fletcher , Agnihotri Pragati , Mariuzza Roy A. , Ke Yonggang , Zhu Cheng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntigen recognition of CD4+ T cells by the T cell receptor (TCR) can be greatly enhanced by the coreceptor CD41–7. Yet, understanding of the molecular mechanism is hindered by the ultra-low affinity of CD4 binding to class-II peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHC)1,7–10. Using two-dimensional (2D) mechanical-based assays, we determined a CD4–pMHC interaction to have 3-4 logs lower affinity than cognate TCR–pMHC interactions8, and to be susceptible to increased dissociation by forces (slip bond)5,8,11. In contrast, CD4 binds TCR-prebound pMHC at 3-6 logs higher affinity, forming TCR–pMHC–CD4 trimolecular bonds that are prolonged by force (catch bond)5,8,11 and modulated by protein mobility on the cell membrane, indicating profound TCR-CD4 cooperativity. Consistent with a tri-crystal structure12, using DNA origami as a molecular ruler to titrate spacing between TCR and CD4 indicates that 7-nm proximity optimizes trimolecular bond formation with pMHC. Our results reveal how CD4 augments TCR antigen recognition.
The Mutational Dynamics of Short Tandem Repeats in Large, Multigenerational Families
Authors: Steely Cody J. , Watkins W. Scott , Baird Lisa , Jorde Lynn B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractShort tandem repeats (STRs) are tandemly repeated sequences of 1-6 bp motifs. STRs compose approximately 3% of the genome, and mutations at STR loci have been linked to dozens of human diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Friedreich ataxia, Huntington disease, and fragile X syndrome. Improving our understanding of these mutations would increase our knowledge of the mutational dynamics of the genome and may uncover additional loci that contribute to disease. Here, to estimate the genome-wide pattern of mutations at STR loci, we analyzed blood-derived whole-genome sequencing data for 544 individuals from 29 three-generation CEPH pedigrees. These pedigrees contain both sets of grandparents, the parents, and an average of 9 grandchildren per family. Using HipSTR we identified de novo STR mutations in the 2nd generation of these pedigrees. Analyzing ~1.6 million STR loci, we estimate the empircal de novo STR mutation rate to be 5.24*10−5 mutations per locus per generation. We find that perfect repeats mutate ~2x more often than imperfect repeats. De novo STRs are significantly enriched in Alu elements (p < 2.2e-16). Approximately 30% of STR mutations occur within Alu elements, which compose only ~11% of the genome, and ~10% are found in LINE-1 insertions, which compose ~17% of the genome. Phasing these de novo mutations to the parent of origin shows that parental transmission biases vary among families. We estimate the average number of de novo genome-wide STR mutations per individual to be ~85, which is similar to the average number of observed de novo single nucleotide variants.
Moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between financial soundness and financial performance
Authors: Kirimi Peter Njagi , Kariuki Samuel Nduati , Ocharo Kennedy Nyabuto 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis study analyzed the moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between financial soundness and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed data from 39 commercial banks for ten years from 2009 to 2018. Panel data regression model was used to analyze data.FindingsThe study results established a negative moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between commercial banks' financial soundness and net interest margin (NIM) and return on assets (ROA) with the results indicating a correlation coefficient of −0.1699 and −0.218, respectively. However, an absence of moderating effect was established when return on equity (ROE) was used as a measure of financial performance.Practical implicationsThe paper finding recommends that banks' management and other policy makers should consider the effect of bank size while devising financial soundness policies to ensure optimal level of banks' financial soundness aimed at improving banks' financial performance. In addition, bankers associations should come up with policies to standardize asset quality management practices to ensure continuous positive performance of the banking sector.Originality/valueThe study shows the contribution and applicability of the theory of production in the banking sector.
Empower me or not? Influence of societal culture
Authors: Ljubica Jasenko , Littrell Romie Frederick , Warner-Søderholm Gillian , Minelgaite Inga 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the relationships between societal culture value dimensions and employee preferences for empowerment behaviors by managerial leaders across societal cultures. To do this, the authors synthesize the extant literature to underpin this study and to set the research agenda for future empirical work.Design/methodology/approachUsing field survey research method, the authors obtain and analyze data from ten samples in eight geographically and culturally diverse societies from a global longitudinal study of preferred managerial leader behavior.FindingsCultural value dimension predictor variables affect employee preferences for leader empowerment behaviors in the societies studied. Some significant effects of gender and organizational factors on these relationships were found.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should expand upon variations in the meaning of employee empowerment across cultures, consider other cultural models and theories, and a more extensive set of personal, organizational and relational factors.Practical implicationsEmployee preferences for leader empowerment behaviors are more likely the result of the interplay, exchange and trade-offs between cultural, personal and organizational values. The effectiveness of employee empowerment is contingent upon well-designed training programs aligning management and worker values, goals and tasks.Originality/valueThe authors offer more realistic, objective and evidence-based insights into the cultural influences on the effectiveness of empowerment and employee cognitions towards it than the extant, conceptually and methodologically compromised, strategic cross-cultural studies.
Internet of things-assisted integrated framework for electronic market application
Authors: You Tao , S. Balamurugan 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe widespread use of the internet and the rapid development of the internet of things in information technology have increased the need for network-enabled marketing. It is important to service a broad class involving logistics, buyer, seller and end-users. During various phases of the sales, purchases and marketing process, IoT will influence decision-making. Electronic commerce is a new form of trade under the development of modern information technology.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the integrated neutrosophic framework based on the internet of things (INF-IoT) has been proposed to support marketers and companies to make a powerful marketing strategy using identified data from IoT devices.FindingsThe experimental results show that the proposed method has high performance and very efficient.Originality/valueThis approach may reduce business activity to its core components, which include, in the simplest case, a value proposal, distribution channels and customers, and explain how a network of multi-actors generates a product and services, distributes and uses the value in production. Furthermore, an efficient interface is provided by the logistic module to maintain an order list.
The effects of importing activities on technological and non-technological innovation: evidence from Chilean firms
Authors: Montégu José Pablo , Pertuze Julio A. , Calvo Carolina 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe authors analyzed the effects of importing activities on both technological and non-technological innovation in Chile. They contribute to the literature by hypothesizing and testing the idea that importing activities can foster the introduction of product, process, marketing and organizational innovations in emerging market firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a combination of two economic surveys that included 1,347 Chilean companies. To test their hypotheses, they applied a variant of the Crépon-Duguet-Mairesse (CDM) model (Créponet al., 1998) accounting for technological and non-technological innovation outputs. Specifically, four alternative innovation output indicators were used to measure the introduction of product, process, marketing and organizational innovations.FindingsThe results revealed that importing activities had positive effects on technological and non-technological innovation. Importers showed a significant advantage in the introduction of product, marketing and organizational innovations. Firms that both import and export (i.e. two-way traders) had an even greater advantage in the introduction of new or significantly improved products.Originality/valueThe authors demonstrated a relationship between importing activities and both technological and non-technological innovation that is novel and relevant, particularly at a historical moment when COVID-19 poses huge economic challenges to emerging market firms. As trade disruptions caused by the pandemic have predisposed some governments to favor protectionist policies, the authors warn that erecting barriers against imports can hamper the innovative success of local businesses.
A simple cornea model for the tribological performance assessment of the lubricating eye drops
Authors: Göcerler Hakan , Medina Simon , Adler Michael , Brenner Josef , Tadler Andreas , Nagl Michael , Hohenadl Christine 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons for eye-related discomfort which, without treatment, in some cases may even lead to corneal damage. Blinking, baseline and reflex lachrymation and drainage compromise the topical application of therapeutics demanding repeated, often hourly applications of common lubricants. In contrast, topically administered chitosan-N-acetylcysteine-based eye drops were reported to sustain on the ocular surface for more than 24 h. The thiolated biopolymer can interact with the corneal mucin layer thereby forming covalent disulphide bridges, which may contribute to extended residence times.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the tribological characteristics of four different lubricants including hyaluronic acid and chitosan-N-acetylcysteine containing commercially available eye drops were investigated. For this purpose, a representative test setup was developed, which mimics the contact between the cornea and the eyelid wiper. Gels with different elastic properties coated with a mucin layer were used as a substrate to mimic the corneal surface. Tests were conducted with a micro-tribometer, and friction values were recorded. Contact zones were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate wear and thiol bonding on the surface.

Findings
Results revealed the lowest average coefficient of friction values for chitosan-N-acetylcysteine-based eye drops and substrate dependence of the test setup.

Originality/value
In this study, the authors introduced an in vitro system to test different types of eye drops so that chemical interaction with the mucin layer can be observed. These interactions change the tribological performance significantly and must be considered to have results relevant to the actual application.
Study on the application of big data techniques for the third-party logistics using novel support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Sun Feifei , Shi Guohong 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to effectively explore the application effect of big data techniques based on an α-support vector machine-stochastic gradient descent (SVMSGD) algorithm in third-party logistics, obtain the valuable information hidden in the logistics big data and promote the logistics enterprises to make more reasonable planning schemes.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the forgetting factor is introduced without changing the algorithm's complexity and proposed an algorithm based on the forgetting factor called the α-SVMSGD algorithm. The algorithm selectively deletes or retains the historical data, which improves the adaptability of the classifier to the real-time new logistics data. The simulation results verify the application effect of the algorithm.FindingsWith the increase of training times, the test error percentages of gradient descent (GD) algorithm, gradient descent support (SGD) algorithm and the α-SVMSGD algorithm decrease gradually; in the process of logistics big data processing, the α-SVMSGD algorithm has the efficiency of SGD algorithm while ensuring that the GD direction approaches the optimal solution direction and can use a small amount of data to obtain more accurate results and enhance the convergence accuracy.Research limitations/implicationsThe threshold setting of the forgetting factor still needs to be improved. Setting thresholds for different data types in self-learning has become a research direction. The number of forgotten data can be effectively controlled through big data processing technology to improve data support for the normal operation of third-party logistics.Practical implicationsIt can effectively reduce the time-consuming of data mining, realize the rapid and accurate convergence of sample data without increasing the complexity of samples, improve the efficiency of logistics big data mining, reduce the redundancy of historical data, and has a certain reference value in promoting the development of logistics industry.Originality/valueThe classification algorithm proposed in this paper has feasibility and high convergence in third-party logistics big data mining. The α-SVMSGD algorithm proposed in this paper has a certain application value in real-time logistics data mining, but the design of the forgetting factor threshold needs to be improved. In the future, the authors will continue to study how to set different data type thresholds in self-learning.
Unpacking the framework of unsolicited proposal for public private partnership projects – the Indian case
Authors: Mallisetti Varaprasad , Dolla Tharun , Laishram Boeing 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
The most recent advent of the unsolicited proposal in the public private partnership mode of infrastructure procurement has changed the duties and roles of private and public sector agencies. Also, they have increased the practitioners' difficulties to work out strategic mechanisms and methods to manage these unsolicited proposals (USP) effectively. So, this study aims to understand how well equipped are the Indian USP guidelines for managing procurement.

Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis with coding procedures was carried to understand the regulations of USP frameworks of India over the four stages of USP procurement.

Findings
The findings show that there are severe flaws in various states' frameworks. The states have flaws in their policies in implementation features across the stages of USP such as defined objectives, the absence of fees and review timeframes in the submission, time frame and guidance on benchmarking and market testing in evaluation and development, time frame for bidding and access to information in procurement stages.

Originality/value
The USP implementation framework developed as part of this study can direct the policymakers and practitioners to improve public procurement regulations and the necessary changes for the successful implementation of USPs. In doing this, the private sector is enabled to develop more competitive and innovative proposals.
Exploring infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups
Authors: Fourie Mariska , Steenkamp Philip , McIntyre-Louw Jacqui-Lyn , Oellermann Clinton 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a holistic view of infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups (OCGs), with a specific focus on the methods used to access the legal market, including factors that drive an organised crime group to pursue infiltration. The act of infiltration is examined as a business decision; therefore, factors such as the surrounding community, the availability of criminal opportunities and broader implications, are considered.Design/methodology/approachInitially, the concept of an organised crime group is explored by, where possible, identifying trends in behaviour and structure. The act of infiltration is dissected, including the infiltration behaviour of OCGs and their related decision-making processes.FindingsInfiltration actions are complex; therefore, any countervailing combatting and preventative actions will need to follow suit. OCGs pursue infiltration only when deemed feasible and to their benefit in furthering their illicit actions. Criminal opportunities are pursued across the entire economic sector. When these groups participate in a legal market, their criminality infects the healthy market and leaves it ill and contagious to the rest of the licit economy.Originality/valueInfiltration is organic, as it indicates growth or adjustment to changing market conditions. Criminal opportunities are widespread, and their creation is often unintentional–the legal economy casts a shadow. Combatting organised crime, entrenched in the lawful community, requires that the focus should be on the susceptibility of potential infiltration targets through the possible infiltration methods. Furthermore, a broader perspective is needed when considering the underlying motivation for infiltration–it may not only be to generate profit.