bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNHG16 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis via regulation of the miR-1303p/STARD9 axis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Tao , Shuang Weibing , Ye Dawen , Zhang Wenzhi , Yang Zhao , Fang Wenge , Xu Haibin , Gu Mingli , Xu Weiqiang , Guan Chao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a fatal malignant tumor with high morbidity. Numerous medical studies have suggested that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert their biological function on various cancerous progresses. Herein, functions of lncRNA SNHG16 in RCC cells and the mechanism medicated by SNHG16 were investigated.MethodsThe expression levels of SNHG16 and its downstream genes in RCC cells and tissues were examined utilizing reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Cell counting kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays were carried out to evaluate the proliferation of RCC cells, and flow cytometry analyses were employed to determine the apoptosis of RCC cells. Western blot analysis was applied to examine protein levels associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. The combination between SNHG16 and miRNA as well as miRNA and its target gene were explored by luciferase reporter, RNA pull down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays.ResultsThe significant upregulation of SNHG16 was observed in RCC tissues and cells. SNHG16 downregulation inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of RCC cells. In addition, SNHG16 served as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-1301-3p, and STARD9 was a target gene of miR-1301-3p in RCC cells. SNHG16 upregulated STARD9 expression by binding with miR-1301-3p in RCC cells. Rescue assays validated that SNHG16 promoted RCC cell promotion and induced RCC cell apoptosis by upregulating STARD9 expression.ConclusionsSNHG16 promotes RCC cell proliferation and suppresses RCC cell apoptosis via interaction with miR-1301-3p to upregulate STARD9 expression in RCC cells.
Cell-type-specific chromatin occupancy by the pioneer factor Zelda drives key developmental transitions inDrosophila
Authors: Larson Elizabeth D. , Komori Hideyuki , Gibson Tyler J. , Ostgaard Cyrina M. , Hamm Danielle C. , Schnell Jack M. , Lee Cheng-Yu , Harrison Melissa M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDuringDrosophilaembryogenesis, the essential pioneer factor Zelda defines hundreds ofcis-regulatory regions and in doing so reprograms the zygotic transcriptome. While Zelda is essential later in development, it is unclear how the ability of Zelda to definecis-regulatory regions is shaped by cell-type-specific chromatin architecture. Asymmetric division of neural stem cells (neuroblasts) in the fly brain provide an excellent paradigm for investigating the cell-type-specific functions of this pioneer factor. We show that Zelda synergistically functions with Notch to maintain neuroblasts in an undifferentiated state. Zelda misexpression reprograms progenitor cells to neuroblasts, but this capacity is limited by transcriptional repressors critical for progenitor commitment. Zelda genomic occupancy in neuroblasts is reorganized as compared to the embryo, and this reorganization is driven by differences in chromatin accessibility and cofactor availability. We propose that Zelda regulates essential transitions in the neuroblasts and embryo through a shared gene-regulatory network by defining cell-type-specific enhancers.
The NOTCH3 Downstream Target HEYL Regulates Human Airway Epithelial Club Cell Differentiation
Authors: Bodas Manish , Subramaniyan Bharathiraja , Moore Andrew R. , Metcalf Jordan P. , Ocañas Sarah R. , Freeman Willard M. , Georgescu Constantin , Wren Jonathan D. , Walters Matthew S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBasal cells (BC) are the resident stem/progenitor cells of the adult pseudostratified airway epithelium, whose differentiation program is orchestrated by the NOTCH signaling pathway. NOTCH3 receptor mediated signaling regulates BC to club cell differentiation; however, the downstream responses that regulate this process are largely unknown. In the present study we used anin vitroair-liquid interface model of the human pseudostratified airway epithelium to identify the NOTCH3-dependent downstream genes/pathways that regulate human BC to club cell differentiation. Activation of NOTCH3 signaling in BC via lentivirus-mediated over-expression of the active NOTCH3 intracellular domain (NICD3) promoted club cell differentiation. Bulk RNA-seq analysis of controlvsNICD3-transduced cells, identified 692 NICD3 responsive genes enriched for pathways linked to airway epithelial biology and differentiation including Wnt/β-catenin Signaling. Expression of the classical NOTCH target HEYL increased in response to NOTCH3 activation and positively correlated with expression of the club cell marker SCGB1A1. Further, using single-cell RNA-seq, we report that HEYL+cells primarily clustered with SCGB1A1+and NOTCH3+cells. Moreover, HEYL protein co-localized with SCGB1A1 in ALI culturesin vitroand in the human and mouse airway epitheliumin vivo.siRNA-mediated knockdown of HEYL in BC led to changes in epithelial structure including altered morphology and significant reductions in transepithelial electrical resistance and expression of tight junction related genes. Finally, HEYL knockdown significantly reduced the number of SCGB1A1+club cells, along with a corresponding increase in KRT8+BC-intermediate cells. Overall, our data identifies NOTCH3-HEYL signaling as a key regulator of BC to club cell differentiation.
Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are detectable in saliva
Authors: Ketas Thomas J. , Chaturbhuj Devidas , Cruz-Portillo Victor M , Francomano Erik , Golden Encouse , Chandrasekhar Sharanya , Debnath Gargi , Diaz-Tapia Randy , Yasmeen Anila , Leconet Wilhem , Zhao Zhen , Brouwer Philip J.M. , Cushing Melissa M. , Sanders Rogier W. , Cupo Albert , Klasse P. J. , Formenti Silvia C. , Moore John P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVaccines are critical for curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic (1, 2). In the USA, two highly protective mRNA vaccines are available: BNT162b2 from Pfizer/BioNTech and mRNA-1273 from Moderna (3, 4). These vaccines induce antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein, including neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) predominantly directed against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) (1-4). Serum NAbs are induced at modest levels within ∼1 week of the first dose, but their titers are strongly boosted by a second dose at 3 (BNT162b2) or 4 weeks (mRNA-1273) (3, 4). SARS-CoV-2 is most commonly transmitted nasally or orally and infects cells in the mucosae of the respiratory and to some extent also the gastrointestinal tract (5). Although serum NAbs may be a correlate of protection against COVID-19, mucosal antibodies might directly prevent or limit virus acquisition by the nasal, oral and conjunctival routes (5). Whether the mRNA vaccines induce mucosal immunity has not been studied. Here, we report that antibodies to the S-protein and its RBD are present in saliva samples from mRNA-vaccinated healthcare workers (HCW). Within 1-2 weeks after their second dose, 37/37 and 8/8 recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, respectively, had S-protein IgG antibodies in their saliva, while IgA was detected in a substantial proportion. These observations may be relevant to vaccine-mediated protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease.
Retaining and supporting employees with mental illness through inclusive organizations: lessons from five Canadian case studies
Authors: Gewurtz Rebecca E. , Harlos Karen , Tompa Emile , Oldfield Margaret , Lysaght Rosemary , Moll Sandra , Kirsh Bonnie , Sultan-Taïeb Hélène , Cook Katie , Rueda Sergio 
Published: March 2021

PurposeAlthough awareness is growing of the importance of employee mental health and the value of inclusive work practices, less is known about how to support employees with mental illness (MI). We aimed to explore organizational strategies and work practices that promote retention and support of employees living with MI in relation to past theory-driven research by building and extending current theory.Design/methodology/approachWe adopted a qualitative case-study approach focussed on organizations that have taken steps towards promoting workplace inclusion for employees with MI. Five diverse Canadian organizations were recruited based on their efforts to build psychologically safe and healthy workplaces, and actively support employees with MI. Data collection in each organization consisted of onsite observation and interviews with workplace stakeholders, including employees with MI, their co-workers, supervisors/managers and human resource professionals. Thirty interviews were conducted from across the five organizations. Data analysis was informed by interpretive description to identify challenges and opportunities.FindingsTwo key themes were noted in depictions of supportive workplaces: (1) relationship-focussed workplaces and (2) flexible, inclusive work practices.Originality/valueThese practices highlight how organizations support employees with MI. Despite our focus on organizations working towards inclusion, the stigma associated with MI and the rigidity of some workplace processes continue to limit support and retention. Our findings suggest that organizations should focus on communication processes, support mechanisms, how they reinforce flexibility, inclusion and oversight of employees with MI.
High-performance work practices do much, but H.E.R.O does more: an empirical investigation of employees' innovative behavior from the hospitality industry
Authors: Farrukh Muhammad , Ansari Nabeel Yunus , Raza Ali , Meng Fanchen , Wang Hong 
Published: March 2021

PurposeDrawing motivation from Lawrence Bossidy's quote and leaning on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, in this study, the authors aim to investigate the role of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) and psychological capital (H.E.R.O) in employee innovative work behavior (EIB).Design/methodology/approachThe study is banked on a hypothetico-deductive approach. The relationships were measured by gathering data from 375 frontline service employees through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study results indicate a positive impact of HPWPs on EIB. Moreover, the association between HPWPs-EIB is mediated by psychological capital (PsyCap).Research limitations/implicationsThe current study contributed to the innovation research stream by determining driving forces that encourage employees to exhibit innovative work behaviors.Originality/valueEmployee innovative behavior has become imperative for organizational survival and success in an ever-changing global business environment. Owing to this organizational significance, employee innovative behavior continues to gain burgeoning research attention. Despite the rising scholarly interest in studying employee innovative behavior, there is a dearth of knowledge about how innovation can be fostered at the individual level, particularly among frontline service employees. Hence, to bridge this research gap, the present study intends to analyze the influence of high-performance work practices on employee innovative work behavior, mediated by psychological capital.
The influence of mobile QR code payment on payment pleasure: evidence from China
Authors: Liu Rong , Wu Jifei , Yu-Buck Grace Fang 
Published: March 2021

PurposeDrawing on self-determination theory, this paper compares the effects of QR code payment method (autonomous vs dependent payment) on payment pleasure, its mechanism and the boundary condition in the mobile payment setting.Design/methodology/approachFour studies were conducted to examine the effect of QR code payment method on payment pleasure. In study 1, 108 undergraduate students were asked to recall a recent experience when they made either autonomous payment or dependent payment. Study 2 assigned 74 undergraduate students to either the autonomous or dependent payment. Study 3 replicated study 2, but recruited 75 customers in the field. For study 4, a total of 134 undergraduate students participated in a 2 (payment method: autonomous payment vs dependent payment) × 2 (product involvement: high vs low) between-subjects design.FindingsThe results of these four studies demonstrate that (1) customers derive more payment pleasure from autonomous payment, compared with dependent payments (study 1); (2) the sense of control mediates the effect of the payment method on payment pleasure (study 2 and study 3); and (3) product involvement moderates the mediating effect of the sense of control (study 4).Originality/valueThese findings contribute to the literature on mobile payment and payment experience. These findings also provide insight to merchants when they select an appropriate payment method and manage the customer payment experience.
Worst Expected Best method for assessment of probabilistic network expected value at risk: application in supply chain risk management
Authors: Qazi Abroon , Simsekler Mecit Can Emre 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and operationalize a process for prioritizing supply chain risks that is capable of capturing the value at risk (VaR), the maximum loss expected at a given confidence level for a specified timeframe associated with risks within a network setting.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed “Worst Expected Best” method is theoretically grounded in the framework of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs), which is considered an effective technique for modeling interdependency across uncertain variables. An algorithm is developed to operationalize the proposed method, which is demonstrated using a simulation model.FindingsPoint estimate-based methods used for aggregating the network expected loss for a given supply chain risk network are unable to project the realistic risk exposure associated with a supply chain. The proposed method helps in establishing the expected network-wide loss for a given confidence level. The vulnerability and resilience-based risk prioritization schemes for the model considered in this paper have a very weak correlation.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a new “Worst Expected Best” method to the literature on supply chain risk management that helps in assessing the probabilistic network expected VaR for a given supply chain risk network. Further, new risk metrics are proposed to prioritize risks relative to a specific VaR that reflects the decision-maker's risk appetite.
Land‐use legacies influence tree water‐use efficiency and nitrogen availability in recently established European forests
Authors: Guerrieri Rossella , Correia Marta , Martín‐Forés Irene , Alfaro‐Sánchez Raquel , Pino Joan , Hampe Arndt , Valladares Fernando , Espelta Josep Maria 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Forest regrowth following farmland (agriculture and pasture) abandonment has been positively associated with a number of processes including the regulation of hydrological cycling, the enhancement of soil functioning and an increase in forest productivity and carbon (C) sequestration. Although these changes in ecosystem functioning post‐farmland abandonment have been observed in multiple locations and studies, the ecophysiological basis underpinning these patterns remains unclear. Here, we examine whether increased forest expansion following pastureland abandonment is associated with greater water‐use efficiency (WUE) and legacies from previous land use in terms of nitrogen (N) availability.

We thus explored differences in leaf traits and N availability between recently established (post‐1950) beech Fagus sylvatica (L.) forests on former pastureland and long‐established beech forests (pre‐1950). The investigated leaf traits were SLA, leaf N concentration (%N) and intrinsic WUE (iWUE, i.e. the ratio between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance); as well, leaf and soil stable N isotope composition (δ15N) and total %N were used to assess changes in N availability. Finally, we compared the correlation strength between the above‐mentioned parameters and those associated with tree productivity (wood density and basal area increment, BAI) and the richness of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) in these two forest types.

Recent forests had greater iWUE than long‐established forests, which was associated more with lower SLA than leaf %N. Leaf and soil δ15N were more robust proxies than %N for detecting differences in N availability. Less negative leaf and soil δ15N values in recent versus long‐established forests suggest, on the one hand, greater N availability, probably due to higher historical N input originating from animal excreta on these former pasturelands, and, on the other hand, an increase in N loss pathways.

Our results point to greater correlations between leaf δ15N, tree iWUE and productivity in recent forests than in long‐established forests, thereby suggesting a close link between C and N cycles. Our findings also highlight different N dynamics between the two forest types, with recent forests showing ‘leaky’ N cycling wherever lower N retention by trees and associated ECM fungi occurs as a legacy of previous land use.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Resource allocation to a structural biomaterial: Induced production of byssal threads decreases growth of a marine mussel
Authors: Roberts Emily A. , Newcomb Laura A. , McCartha Michelle M. , Harrington Katie J. , LaFramboise Sam A. , Carrington Emily , Sebens Kenneth P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

The biomechanics of specialized mechanical structures produced by organisms provides crucial fitness advantages. The energetic cost associated with producing these structural materials and the resulting energetic trade‐off with growth, however, is rarely quantified. We integrate resource allocation to structural material production with an energetic framework by combining an experimental manipulation with an energetic model.

Mytilid bivalves produce byssus, a network of collagen‐like threads that tethers individuals to hard substrate. We hypothesized that a manipulation that induces the production of more byssal threads would result in increased energetic cost and decreased growth of the species Mytilus trossulus.

In month‐long field experiments in spring and autumn, we severed byssal threads across a range of frequencies (never, weekly, daily), and measured shell and tissue growth. We then quantified the costs associated with the production of byssal threads using a Scope for Growth model.

We found that byssal thread removal increased byssal thread production and decreased growth. The cost calculated per byssal thread was similar in the spring and autumn (~1 J/thread), but energy budget calculations differed by season, and depended on thread quantity and seasonal differences in assumptions of metabolic costs.

This work demonstrates that the cost of producing a structural material has a substantial effect on mussel energetic state. The energetic cost of producing byssal threads was 2%–8% percent of the energy budget in control groups that had low byssal thread production, and increased six to 11‐fold (up to 47%) in mussels induced to produce threads daily.

We propose that characterizing the trade‐off between the cost of biomaterial production and growth has implications for understanding the role of trade‐offs in adaptive evolution, and improved natural resource management and conservation practices.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Caching territoriality and site preferences by a scatter‐hoarder drive the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and affect seedling emergence
Authors: Martínez‐Baroja Loreto , Pérez‐Camacho Lorenzo , Villar‐Salvador Pedro , Rebollo Salvador , Leverkus Alexandro B. , Pesendorfer Mario B. , Molina‐Morales Mercedes , Castro Jorge , Rey‐Benayas José María 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

For plants with seeds dispersed by scatter‐hoarders, decision‐making by animals when caching determines the spatial pattern of seed dispersal and lays the initial template for recruitment, driving the regeneration of many plant species. However, the mechanism by which animal behaviour shapes seed distributions in spatially complex landscapes is not well understood. We investigated caching territoriality and site preferences to determine the spatial pattern of seed caching at different scales and whether scatter‐hoarding behaviour drives the spatial distribution of seedling emergence.

We used radio‐tracking and automatic wildlife cameras to monitor holm oak (Quercus ilex) acorn caching by Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), who are effective scatter‐hoarders in agroforestry systems. We assessed the effect of caching territories, distance to seed source, habitat, sub‐habitat, microsites and caching material in the spatial pattern of acorn dispersal by magpies. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the density of cached acorns and of emerged seedlings in different habitats.

Breeding magpies cached the acorns inside their caching territories, where they preferred tilled areas over oak plantations and mostly avoided old fields. These differences in habitat preference were maximized at relatively short to medium dispersal distances, where most acorns were cached, and decreased or disappeared at long distances. Within tree plantations, magpies preferred high plant‐productivity sites over low productivity ones. At the finest spatial scale, magpies preferred structures built by animals, such as rabbit grit mounds and latrines and ant litter mounds, to cache the acorns. In many sites, magpies selected uncommon materials such as stones and litter to cover caches. In the subsequent spring, seedling emergence was positively correlated with acorn cache density.

Synthesis. Scatter‐hoarding is a hierarchical process in which caching sites are selected using different criteria at different spatial scales driven by territoriality and site preferences. Territoriality constrained dispersal distance and the habitats available for acorn caching. Magpie territoriality therefore indirectly drives oak seedling emergence and can determine oak recruitment and forest regeneration.
Destroying one Public Service Bargain Without Making Another: A Comment on Lowe and Pemberton, The Official History of the British Civil Service, Volume II: 1982–1997
Authors: Diamond Patrick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article responds to Lowe and Pemberton's second volume on the history of the civil service and analyses fundamental shifts in British governance at the centre that occurred during the 1980s and 1990s. The traditional ‘public service bargain’ (PSB) that underpinned the relationship between ministers and officials has been repeatedly undermined. The article examines how far prior civil service reforms relate to the changes of the contemporary era instigated by Conservative‐led governments since 2010. As Lowe and Pemberton's work illustrates, the impulse to reform the state and the managerial reforms it unleashed were long in the making. Their legacy can be traced to the emergence of Thatcherism after 1979. The core argument of the article is that the more recent efforts of the Johnson administration to transform the state and undermine the PBS were scarcely original. Rather, they consolidated and drew upon earlier initiatives.