bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ADAP1 promotes latent HIV-1 reactivation by selectively tuning a T cell signaling-transcriptional axis
Authors: Ramirez Nora-Guadalupe P. , Lee Jeon , Zheng Yue , Li Lianbo , Dennis Bryce , Chen Didi , Challa Ashwini , Planelles Vicente , Westover Kenneth D. , Alto Neal M. , D’Orso Iván 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImmune stimulation fuels cell signaling-transcriptional programs inducing biological responses to eliminate virus-infected cells. Yet, retroviruses that integrate into host cell chromatin, such as HIV-1, co-opt these programs to switch between latent and reactivated states; however, the regulatory mechanisms are still unfolding. Here, we implemented a functional screen leveraging HIV-1’s dependence on CD4+ T cell signaling-transcriptional programs and discovered ADAP1 is an undescribed modulator of HIV-1 proviral fate. Specifically, we report ADAP1 (ArfGAP with dual PH domain-containing protein 1), a previously thought neuronal-restricted factor, is an amplifier of select T cell signaling programs. Using complementary biochemical and cellular assays, we demonstrate ADAP1 inducibly interacts with the immune signalosome to directly stimulate KRAS GTPase activity thereby augmenting T cell signaling through targeted activation of the ERK–AP-1 axis. Single cell transcriptomics analysis revealed loss of ADAP1 function blunts gene programs upon T cell stimulation consequently dampening latent HIV-1 reactivation. Our combined experimental approach defines ADAP1 as an unexpected tuner of T cell programs co-opted by HIV-1 for latency escape.
Better null models for assessing predictive accuracy of disease models
Authors: Keyel Alexander C. , Kilpatrick A. Marm 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNull models provide a critical baseline for the evaluation of predictive disease models. Many studies consider only the grand mean null model (i.e. R2) when evaluating the predictive ability of a model, which is often misleading in conveying the predictive power of a model. We evaluated ten null models for human cases of West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease introduced to the United States in 1999. The Negative Binomial, Historical (i.e. using previous cases to predict future cases) and Always Absent null models were the strongest overall, and the majority of null models significantly outperformed the grand mean. Somewhat surprisingly, the length of the training timeseries did not strongly affect the performance of most null models. We argue that a combination of null models is needed to evaluate the forecasting performance of predictive models and the grand mean is the lowest bar.
Divining Deamidation and Isomerization in Therapeutic Proteins: Effect of Neighboring Residue
Authors: Irudayanathan Flaviyan Jerome , Zarzar Jonathan , Lin Jasper , Izadi Saeed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDeamidation of asparagine (ASN) and isomerization of aspartic acid (ASP) residues are among the most commonly observed spontaneous post-translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins. Understanding and predicting a protein sequence’s propensity for such PTMs can help expedite protein therapeutic discovery and development. In this study, we utilized proton-affinity calculations with semi-empirical quantum mechanics (QM) and µs long equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate mechanistic roles of structure and chemical environment in dictating spontaneous degradation of asparagine and aspartic acid residues in 131 clinical-stage therapeutic antibodies. Backbone secondary structure, side-chain rotamer conformation and solvent accessibility were found as three key molecular indicators of ASP isomerization and ASN deamidation. Comparative analysis of backbone dihedral angles along with N-H proton affinity calculations provides a mechanistic explanation for the strong influence of the identity of the n+1 residue on the rate of ASP/ASN degradation. With these findings, we propose a minimalistic physics-based classification model that can be leveraged to predict deamidation and isomerization propensity of therapeutic proteins.
Anaerobic biodegradation of chloroform and dichloromethane with aDehalobacterenrichment culture
Authors: Wang Hao , Yu Rong , Webb Jennifer , Dollar Peter , Freedman David L. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTChloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are among the more commonly identified chlorinated aliphatic compounds found in contaminated soil and groundwater. Complete dechlorination of CF has been reported under anaerobic conditions by microbes that respire CF to DCM and others that biodegrade DCM. The objectives of this study were to ascertain if a commercially available bioaugmentation enrichment culture (KB-1®Plus) uses an oxidative or fermentative pathway for biodegradation of DCM; and to determine if the products from DCM biodegradation can support organohalide respiration of CF to DCM in the absence of an exogenous electron donor. In various treatments with the KB-1®Plus culture to which14C-CF was added, the predominant product was14CO2, indicating that oxidation is the predominant pathway for DCM. Recovery of14C-DCM when biodegradation was still in progress confirmed that CF first undergoes reductive dechlorination to DCM.14C-labeled organic acids, including acetate and propionate, were also recovered, suggesting that synthesis of organic acids provides a sink for the electron equivalents from oxidation of DCM. When the culture was washed to remove organic acids from prior additions of exogenous electron donor and only CF and DCM were added, the culture completely dechlorinated CF. The total amount of DCM added was not sufficient to provide the electron equivalents needed to reduce CF to DCM. Thus, the additional reducing power came via the DCM generated from CF reduction. Nevertheless, the rate of CF consumption was considerably slower in comparison to treatments that received an exogenous electron donor.IMPORTANCEChloroform (CF) and dichloromethane (DCM) are among the more commonly identified chlorinated aliphatic compounds found in contaminated soil and groundwater. One way to address this problem is to add microbes to the subsurface that can biodegrade these compounds. While microbes are known that can accomplish this task, less is known about the pathways used under anaerobic conditions. Some use an oxidative pathway, resulting mainly in carbon dioxide. Others use a fermentative pathway, resulting in formation of organic acids. In this study, a commercially available bioaugmentation enrichment culture (KB-1®Plus) was evaluated using carbon-14 labelled chloroform. The main product formed was carbon dioxide, indicating the use of an oxidative pathway. The reducing power gained from oxidation was shown to support reductive dechlorination of CF to DCM. The results demonstrate the potential to achieve full dechlorination of CF and DCM to nonhazardous products that are difficult to identify in the field.
A Partition-Based Group Testing Algorithm for Estimating the Number of Infected Individuals
Authors: Beigel Richard , Webber Max J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe dangers of COVID-19 remain ever-present worldwide. The asymptomatic nature of COVID-19 obfuscates the signs policy makers look for when deciding to reopen public areas or further quarantine. In much of the world, testing resources are often scarce, creating a need for testing potentially infected individuals that prioritizes efficiency. This report presents an advancement to Beigel and Kasif’s Approximate Counting Algorithm (ACA). ACA estimates the infection rate with a number of tests that is logarithmic in the population size. Our newer version of the algorithm provides an extra level of efficiency: each subject is tested exactly once. A simulation of the algorithm, created for and presented as part of this paper, can be used to find a linear regression of the results with R2 > 0.999. This allows stakeholders and members of the biomedical community to estimate infection rates for varying population sizes and ranges of infection rates.
Deducing an emergent South Korean behavioural taxonomy of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness
Authors: Hamlin Robert G. , Kang Hye-Seung , Chai Dae Seok , Kim Sewon 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aims to identify people’s perceptions of what behaviourally differentiates effective managers from ineffective managers within a South Korean (SK) public sector organization, and the extent to which the findings are similar or different to those of an equivalent previous study in the SK private sector.Design/methodology/approachAdopting the “pragmatic approach” and assuming a post-positivist ontology and constructivist–interpretivist epistemology, examples of “effective” and “ineffective” managerial behaviour were collected from managers and non-managerial employees in an SK central government Ministry using the critical incident technique. The collected critical incidents were coded, classified and reduced to a smaller number of behavioural categories. These were then compared against equivalent findings from a previous SK private sector replication study using open, axial and selective coding to identify generic behavioural criteria (GBCs)FindingsHigh degrees of convergence point towards the emergence of a “two-factor” SK behavioural taxonomy of perceived managerial and leadership effectiveness comprised of positive (n= 11) and negative (n= 4) GBCs of effective and ineffective managerial behaviour.Practical implicationsThe GBCs constituting the deduced SK behavioural taxonomy could be used by HRD practitioners to critically evaluate the efficacy of extant management and leadership development (MLD) programmes, or to inform/shape the creation of new MLD programmes. Additionally, they could be used by other HR professionals to critically evaluate the relevance and efficacy of the assessment criteria used for existing management selection, 360-degree feedback and formal performance appraisal systems.Originality/valueThe emergence of an SK behavioural taxonomy through Type 3 (emic-as-emic) and Type 4 (emic-and-etic) indigenous research is a rare example of Eastern mid-range theory development.
Let’s get acquainted: an empirical study on takaful customer-service provider relationships from Saudi Arabian perspectives
Authors: Osman Ismah , Abdur Rehman Mohsin , Mohy Ul Din Sajid , Shams Ghazal , Aziz Khurram 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine a proposed model based on a combination of relationship marketing and service quality dimensions as a significant predictor of corporate image. More importantly, it attempts to identify whether corporate reputation mediates the relationship between and customer loyalty and corporate image in the takāful (Islamic insurance) context, from the viewpoint of Saudi Arabian customers.

Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted through an adopted questionnaire from 362 family takāful policyholders from Saudi Arabia. Also, structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed model on the direct relationships of the related constructs, as well as the establishment of corporate reputation as a mediator concerning its relationship between corporate image and customer loyalty.

Findings
This study discovered that only two dimensions of service quality (i.e. reliability and assurance) and three aspects of relationship marketing (i.e. Islamic ethical behaviour, financial and structural bonds) have a significant impact on the corporate image of the takāful providers. This study further concluded that corporate reputation mediates the relationship between corporate image and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications
This study has presented and tested the perceived service quality using the PAKSERV model in the takāful (Islamic insurance) industry, particularly in the Saudi Arabian context. This research identified the dimensions of PAKSERV (i.e. reliability and assurance) that influence the corporate image and simultaneously, the aspects of relationship marketing (i.e. Islamic ethical behaviour, financial and structural bonds) are also connected to the corporate image. Corporate reputation acts as a mediator between the relationship of corporate image and customer loyalty. This study, nevertheless, only focused in the takāful industry alone, and these findings could also be tested for its validity to different services in other potential studies because of the diversity of the service industry.

Originality/value
The findings of this study highlight the specific components of PAKSERV measures in influencing the corporate image. Furthermore, relationship marketing addressing Islamic ethical behaviour, as well as the three facets of bonding – structural, financial and social bonds are also incorporated and connected to corporate image. Hence, this study will increase the understanding of the impact of service quality concerning the PAKSERV model and relationship marketing on corporate image, reputation and customer loyalty of the takāful operators in Saudi Arabia.
Hong Kong SFC releases new FAQs on external electronic data storage
Authors: Hayden Rolfe , Fok Helen 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
To explain the Securities anld Futures Commission of Hong Kong’s new FAQs on external electronic data storage.

Design/methodology/approach
The article analyses the existing legal and regulatory requirements relating to the keeping of records as well as the circular and FAQs on the use of external electronic data storage. It also discusses the practical implications of the newly added FAQs.

Findings
The SFC has relaxed the requirement as regards the appointment of two Managers-In-Charge in Hong Kong for the purposes of the circular on the use of external electronic data storage. The SFC has offered more flexibility with respect to the undertaking by electronic data storage providers in the FAQs. The FAQs have also provided more certainty with respect to the approval requirements pursuant to section 130 of the SFO where non-Hong Kong affiliates are concerned.

Practical implications
The additional guidance from the SFC regarding external electronic data storage in the form of the new FAQs shows a helpful clarification in the SFC’s approach on the practical implementation of the relevant requirements under the circular on the use of external electronic data storage.

Originality/value
The article offers practical guidance in respect of the implications of the newly added FAQs on the external electronic data storage regime from experienced financial services and asset management lawyers.
Tracking the development of audit committees in Singapore listed companies
Authors: Chu Mui Kim , Ho Yew Kee , Yeap Lay Huay 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis study aims to show how best practices and baseline surveys influence the development of the audit committees (ACs) in Singapore Listed Companies over the period from 2008 to 2019.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive study of the evolution of the composition and attributes of ACs through data collected from the annual reports of listed companies in Singapore for the period from 2008 to 2019. It analyzes the development of the ACs arising from the best practices in the market and disclosures on ACs over this period.FindingsThe results show positive developments in the composition and attributes of ACs as advocated by best practices in the market which are derived from the Singapore Code of Corporate Governance and various studies on the roles and functions of effective ACs. The study also shows that disclosing the extent of compliance of the ACs to best practices helps them to progress. It clearly shows that progressive ACs are influenced by both best practices in the market and disclosure requirements.Practical implicationsThis study is important for regulation and policy promulgation on ACs to support a well-functioning capital market. This paper strongly encourages capital markets to embark on such baseline surveys to allow them to have a better understanding of the state of the ACs of their listed companies.Originality/valueThis is an original descriptive study that provides evidence on the development of ACs over time to converge toward market best practices on ACs. Disclosure of the state of compliance to best practices is a powerful force for progression.
Do short sellers exacerbate volatility?
Authors: Ho Glenn Kit Foong , Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Padungsaksawasdi Chaiyuth 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThis paper examines whether short sellers aggravate volatility in the Australian stock market by using five different realized volatility (RV) measures during a more stable period.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop a measure to capture the abnormal level of short selling for each stock and examine the bivariate and trivariate dynamic relationships between abnormal short selling and five volatility measures: the RV, continuous and jump components of RV, upside and downside volatilities.FindingsOverall, the findings indicate a weak association between abnormal short selling and volatility. Where the relationships are significant, the authors generally find that lagged abnormal short selling is negatively associated with both upside and downside volatilities. In general, short selling does not drive or amplify the decline in stock prices.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to existing literature in various aspects. First, the authors offer evidence on the relationship between abnormal short selling and volatility in a general market condition while existing studies often found mixed results of the effects of short selling on volatility around extreme events. Second, the authors add to the literature on the volume-volatility relation by introducing abnormal short selling. Although abnormal short volume does not supplant the number of trades in the volume-volatility relation, it has some incremental, albeit negative, effect on volatility. Finally, the study provides further evidence for the debate on the desirability of short sellers in financial markets.
Stressed assets, off-balance sheet business activities and performance of Indian banking sector: a DEA double bootstrap approach
Authors: Zaman Mohammad Shahid , Bhandari Anup Kumar 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper examines the technical efficiency (TE) of Indian commercial banks during 1998–2015.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses mathematical programming-based data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology to measure technical efficiency of Indian banks. Further, Simar and Wilson (2007) double bootstrap procedure is applied to examine the determinants of efficiency of the Indian banks, by examining the effects of various bank specific and other contextual variables.

Findings
The results indicate substantial upward bias in the conventional efficiency estimates of the Indian commercial banks. Needless to note, such upward bias is consistent with the theoretical postulates. The bootstrapped regression results show that increasing capital adequacy ratio is positively associated with bank efficiency. The popular belief that non-performing assets have a dampening effect on performance of banks is validated. Among others, ownership category is observed to be an important determining factor of bank efficiency. Specifically, state-owned banks (SOBs) are relatively lagging behind the foreign banks. Moreover, larger banks are observed to have a significantly higher level of efficiency, therefore, recent official policy initiatives toward consolidation of SOBs are validated.

Originality/value
As this study uses Simar and Wilson (2007) bootstrap approach, it enables the authors to have an estimate of the extent of bias in the traditional DEA TE scores. It also helps us drawing consistent inferences by rectifying the problem of serial correlation in the conventional second stage regression in this regard.
Health-care information systems adoption – a review of management practices
Authors: Crisan Emil Lucian , Mihaila Alin 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide practitioners and researchers a more condensed and structured perspective on the adoption of information management systems by the health-care industry, given the spread and the increased amount of research concerning the topic.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a literature review. A Technology (What?) – Context and before adoption Analysis (When and Why?) – Implementation (How?) – Outcomes (What for?) framework is used to present the trends concerning information technology adoption in an accessible manner.

Findings
The main finding is that small or large health-care organizations should no longer focus on information systems’ adoption but should adopt a digital transformation paradigm. By considering this paradigm, management practices related to information technologies’ adoption projects should be complemented by practices related to the continuous organizational changes and readaptation of the organizational strategy, to benefit the advantages information systems can offer.

Practical implications
The main recommendation for health-care industry managers is to adopt specific practices to manage the digital transformation process of their organizations, as they should understand that it is no longer about adopting information technologies, but about managing the associated organizational change.

Originality/value
Instead of focusing on specific information systems’ adoption as other papers do, this paper provides a holistic understanding of the information technologies and management practices which are used in the field.
Internet skills as an influencer for adoption of digital innovations in a technologically emerging nation: India
Authors: Dutta Dorothy , Sarma M.K. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
The advent of technology has enabled frequent innovations in the digital modes of doing business. While some users are reluctant to adopt one, others have made it their way of life. The purpose of this study is to find out the approximate time frame of a digital user in an emerging economy like India to adopt their favorite digital application. The importance of an individual’s level of internet skills is explored in the aspect of adopting digital innovations.

Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a quantitative approach where data collected from both primary and secondary sources are analyzed to arrive at the results. In total, 837 responses collected with the help of a structured questionnaire are entered and analyzed using SPSS. Multinomial logistic regression is the statistical tool used in the research.

Findings
Five sets of adopter categories based on Rogers (1983) are created using an adoption score and are represented in a Time Horizon to understand better. The Unaffected adopter category is used as the reference point to compare the set of internet skills against each of the other five categories. The five sets of categories comprising the internet skills depict interesting results in the case of all the four comparisons made. Social skills are not seen to have any influence on a user being an Innovator or Early Adopter as compared to an Unaffected user. It is also established that Operational and Creative skills play important role in users’ probability of being an innovator, early adopter and early majority compared to being unaffected.

Originality/value
The study analyzes the role of internet skills in the process of adopting digital innovations. The role of internet skill although is associated with every aspect of the digital revolution taking place all over, its application including the direct score of a digital user’s level of internet skills is not found in the literature.