bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant pathogenesis and host response in Syrian hamsters
Authors: Sreelekshmy Mohandas , Dhruv Yadav Pragya , Anita Shete , Dimpal Nyayanit , Gajanan Sapkal , Kavita Lole , Nivedita Gupta 
Published: July 2021

AbstractB.1.617 lineage is becoming a dominant SARS-CoV-2 lineage worldwide and was the dominant lineage reported in second COVID-19 wave in India, which necessitated studying the properties of the variant. We evaluated the pathogenicity and virus shedding of B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.617.3 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and compared with that of B.1, an early virus isolate with D614G mutation in Syrian hamster model. Viral load, antibody response and lung disease were studied. No significant difference in the virus shedding pattern was observed among these variants studied. A significantly high SARS-CoV-2 sub genomic RNA could be detected in the respiratory tract of hamsters infected with Delta variant for 14 days. Delta variant induced lung disease of moderate severity in 40% of infected animals. The neutralizing capability of the B.1, Delta and B.1.617.3 variant infected animals were found significantly lower with the B.1.351 (Beta variant). The findings of the study support the attributed disease severity and the increased transmission potential of the Delta variant.
Safety and efficacy of COVID-19 hyperimmune globulin (HIG) solution in the treatment of active COVID-19 infection- Findings from a Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Multi-Centric Trial
Authors: Parikh Devang , Chaturvedi Alok , Shah Naman , Patel Piyush , Patel Ronak , Ray Suma 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 hyper-immune globulin (HIG) solution is a human plasma-derived, highly-purified, concentrated, virus-inactivated preparation of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against COVID-19.MethodsThis was a randomized, two-arm, controlled, multi-center trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 HIG in patients who were hospitalized with moderate-severe COVID-19 infection.ResultsA total of 60 patients were randomized (30 in each arm). Overall, COVID-19 HIG was well-tolerated without any serious treatment-emergent adverse event or tolerability issue. The mean change in ordinal scale by day 8 was 1.7±1.61 in the test arm vs. 2.0±1.68 in the control arm (mITT; p=0.367). Early and high NAbs were observed in the test arm compared to the control arm.More patients had negative RT-PCR by day 3 for the test arm vs. the control arm (mITT: 46.67% in test vs. 37.93% in control). The median time to be RT-PCR negative was 5.5 days for the test arm vs. 8.0 days for the control arm for PP population. Patients receiving COVID-19 HIG showed early improvement (reduction) in the biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, and D-dimer).ConclusionCOVID-19 HIG was found to be safe and well-tolerated. Early and high NAbs were achieved in COVID-19 HIG recipients qualifying the product as a suitable treatment option, particularly in an immunocompromised state. It should be given early in infection to mitigate progression to severe disease. It should be evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis as well as for prevention (where a vaccine is not suitable or effective). It should be evaluated in the pediatric population as well.
Untangling Microbiota Diversity and Assembly Patterns in the World’s Largest Water Diversion Canal
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yin Wei , Wang Chao , Zhang Aijing , Zhang Hong , Zhang Tong , Ju Feng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLarge water diversion projects are important constructions for reallocation of human-essential water resources. Deciphering microbiota dynamics and assembly mechanisms underlying canal water ecosystem services especially during long-distance diversion is the prerequisite for water quality monitoring, biohazard warning and sustainable management. Using a 1432-km canal of the South-to-North Water Diversion Projects as a model system, we answer three central questions: how bacterial and micro-eukaryotic communities spatio-temporally develop, how much ecological stochasticity contributes to microbiota assembly, and which immigrating populations better survive and navigate across the canal. We applied quantitative ribosomal RNA gene sequence analyses to investigate canal water microbial communities sampled over a year, as well as null model- and neutral model-based approaches to disentangle the microbiota assembly processes. Our results showed clear microbiota dynamics in community composition driven by seasonality more than geographic location, and seasonally dependent influence of environmental parameters. Overall, bacterial community was largely shaped by deterministic processes, whereas stochasticity dominated micro-eukaryotic community assembly. We defined a local growth factor (LGF) and demonstrated its innovative use to quantitatively infer microbial proliferation, unraveling taxonomically dependent population response to local environmental selection across canal sections. Using LGF as a quantitative indicator of immigrating capacities, we also found that most micro-eukaryotic populations (82%) from the source lake water sustained growth in the canal and better acclimated to the hydrodynamical water environment than bacteria (67%). Taxa inferred to largely propagate includeLimnohabitanssp. andCryptophyceae, potentially contributing to water auto-purification. Combined, our work poses first and unique insights into the microbiota assembly patterns and dynamics in the world’s largest water diversion canal, providing important ecological knowledge for long-term sustainable water quality maintenance in such a giant engineered system.
Bmmp influences wing shape by regulating anterior-posterior and proximal-distal axis development
Authors: Zou Yunlong , Ding Xin , Zhang Li , Xu Lifeng , Liang Shubo , Hu Hai , Dai Fangyin , Tong Xiaoling 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInsect wings are subject to strong selective pressure, resulting in the evolution of remarkably diverse wing shapes that largely determine flight capacity. However, the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying wing shape development are not well understood. The silkworm Bombyx mori micropterous (mp) mutant exhibits shortened wing length and enlarged vein spacings, albeit without changes in total wing area. Thus, the mp mutant comprises a valuable genetic resource for studying wing shape development. In this study, we used molecular mapping to identify the gene responsible for the mp phenotype and designated it Bmmp. Phenotype-causing mutations were identified as indels and single nucleotide polymorphisms in non-coding regions. These mutations resulted in decreased Bmmp mRNA levels and changes in transcript isoform composition. Bmmp null mutants were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and exhibited significantly smaller wings. By examining the expression of genes critical to wing development in wildtype and Bmmp null mutants, we found that Bmmp exerts its function by coordinately modulating anterior-posterior and proximal-distal axis development. We also studied a Drosophila mp mutant and found that Bmmp is functionally conserved in Drosophila. The Drosophila mp mutant strain exhibits curly wings of reduced size and a complete loss of flight capacity. Our results increase our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning insect wing development and reveal potential targets for pest control.
The generation of a Bcl11a lineage tracing mouse model
Authors: Pensa Sara , Liu Pentao , Khaled Walid T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukaemia 11A (BCL11A) has essential functions in physiological processes as well as haematological and solid malignancies, however, its contribution to tissue development and tumour progression is poorly understood. Here we show the generation of aBcl11alineage tracing mouse model to allow forin vivotracking ofBcl11a-expressing cells and their progeny. We validate the model in the mammary gland by using flow cytometry and whole-tissue 3D imaging to locate labelled cells after induction of tracing in early development. We show thatBcl11ais predominantly expressed in long-lived luminal progenitors which populate mammary alveoli upon pregnancy, confirmingbona fidelabelling ofBcl11acells. TheBcl11alineage tracing mouse model therefore provides a powerful resource to studyBcl11acells in development, homeostasis, and cancer.
Precise in vivo functional analysis of DNA variants with base editing using ACEofBASEs target prediction
Authors: Cornean Alex , Gierten Jakob , Welz Bettina , Mateo Juan L. , Thumberger Thomas , Wittbrodt Joachim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSingle nucleotide variants (SNVs) are prevalent genetic factors shaping individual trait profiles and disease susceptibility. The recent development and optimizations of base editors, rubber and pencil genome editing tools now promise to enable direct functional assessment of SNVs in model organisms. However, the lack of bioinformatic tools aiding target prediction limits the application of base editing in vivo. Here, we provide a framework for adenine and cytosine base editing in medaka (Oryzias latipes) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), ideal for scalable validation studies. We developed an online base editing tool ACEofBASEs (a careful evaluation of base-edits), to facilitate decision-making by streamlining sgRNA design and performing off-target evaluation. We used state-of-the-art adenine (ABE) and cytosine base editors (CBE) in medaka and zebrafish to edit eye pigmentation genes and transgenic GFP function with high efficiencies. Base editing in the genes encoding troponin T and the potassium channel ERG faithfully recreated known cardiac phenotypes. We finally validated missense mutations in novel candidate genes of congenital heart disease (CHD) dapk3, ube2b, usp44, and ptpn11 and present the resulting heart specific phenotypes. This base editing framework applies to a wide range of SNV-susceptible traits accessible in fish, facilitating straight-forward candidate validation and prioritization for detailed mechanistic downstream studies.
A SUMO-dependent regulatory switch connects the piRNA pathway to the heterochromatin machinery in Drosophila
Authors: Andreev Veselin I. , Yu Changwei , Wang Juncheng , Schnabl Jakob , Tirian Laszlo , Gehre Maja , Handler Dominik , Duchek Peter , Novatchkova Maria , Baumgartner Lisa , Meixner Katharina , Sienski Grzegorz , Patel Dinshaw J. , Brennecke Julius 
Published: July 2021

SUMMARYNuclear Argonaute proteins, guided by small RNAs, mediate sequence-specific heterochromatin formation. The molecular principles that link Argonaute-small RNA complexes to cellular heterochromatin effectors upon binding to nascent target RNAs are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the mechanism by which the PIWI interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway connects to the heterochromatin machinery in Drosophila. Piwi-mediated stabilization of the corepressor complex SFiNX on chromatin leads to SUMOylation of its subunit Panoramix. SUMOylation, together with an amphipathic LxxLL motif in Panoramix’s intrinsically disordered repressor domain, are necessary and sufficient to recruit small ovary (Sov), a multi-zinc finger protein essential for general heterochromatin formation and viability. Structure-guided mutations that abrogate the Panoramix–Sov interaction or that prevent SUMOylation of Panoramix uncouple Sov from the piRNA pathway, resulting in viable but sterile flies in which Piwi-targeted transposons are derepressed. Thus, by coupling recruitment of a corepressor to nascent transcripts with its SUMOylation, Piwi engages the heterochromatin machinery specifically at transposon loci.
The case against zoning
Authors: Block Walter , Huddell Sarah 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the case against land use zoning.

Design/methodology/approach
We approach this analysis from the perspective of economics, health and geography.

Findings
The findings of this paper suggest that the case against zoning is overwhelming.

Research limitations/implications
This result applies only to public zoning, not the private variety thereof.

Practical implications
Public zoning should be repealed.

Originality/value
This paper approaches this from three perspectives: economics, health and geography; this has not been done before.
India-based versus UK-based SME owners’ perspectives on inter-firm collaboration
Authors: Unhale Manish , Slowak André 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to inquire about pre-requisites and benefits of collaboration in the UK and India, testing for significance of country context.

Design/methodology/approach
The survey data set includes 118 UK-based and 175 India-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper applies a grounded theory research design, given that to date, no sufficient SME sector-specific, quantitative frameworks have been published.

Findings
India-based SMEs are more inclined towards frequent collaboration. Soft variables such as perceived trustworthiness or past commitment, appear to be significant when explaining whether or not SMEs in India enter into a collaboration. Operations-driven motives play the most significant role for them, whereas for UK-based SMEs, product design-related collaboration motives are of more importance.

Research limitations/implications
The developed cross-country and country-specific collaboration variables will facilitate SME studies under a consistent and complete framework.

Practical implications
Business associations and SME owners in the UK can use the research to gain an Indian perspective and vice versa. This study concludes a stylised framework for SME owners and managers to classify collaboration patterns in a country.

Originality/value
While previous research established concepts and practices of SME collaboration, this is the first paper that quantitatively addresses the attitudes and experiences that SME owners hold when initialising inter-firm collaboration.
The moderating role of cultural similarity in developing commitment in the industrial importer-supplier relationship
Authors: Andaleeb Syed Saad , Saleh Md. Abu , Ali Md. Yunus 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to examine whether and how cultural (dis) similarity between business entities enhances or impairs the development of commitment in the trust building process in industrial importer-foreign supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on theoretical lenses of transaction cost economics, resource-based view and dynamic capability view, this study investigates how cultural (dis)similarity moderates the effects of opportunism, transaction-specific investment (TSI), the relative advantage of importing and communication on commitment, leading to building trust in business relationships. Using structural equation modeling and moderated regression analysis, the study tested several predicted effects using a sample of 154 industrial importers drawn from a developing country in Asia.

Findings
A key finding of the study suggests that supplier opportunism comes into play and is negatively associated with industrial importer commitment as cultural dissimilarity increases. For culturally similar countries, opportunism does not affect commitment. Conversely, TSI has a positive effect on commitment for culturally similar countries; for dissimilar countries, TSI has no effect. The study also corroborates several additional hypotheses prevalent in the literature.

Research limitations/implications
Cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data, single country rather than multi-country perspectives and data from the importer’s side rather than from both importer and exporter may affect generalizability. Future research ought to address these issues to provide further insights.

Originality/value
The paper enriches the literature and extends the nomological network for international business theory by introducing the moderating effect of business cultural similarity in building commitment. Managerial perspectives are also gleaned from the findings.
Post-epidemic factors influencing customer's booking intent for a hotel or leisure spot: an empirical study
Authors: Srivastava Praveen Ranjan , Sengupta Kinshuk , Kumar Ajay , Biswas Baidyanath , Ishizaka Alessio 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe new coronavirus is a highly infectious disease with mutating variants leading to pervasive risk around geographies and public health system. The economy has been suffering due to the strategic lockdown adopted by the local administrative bodies, and in most of the countries, it is further leading to a major wave of unemployment with millions of job and business losses affecting the hotels, travel and tourism industry widely. To attain a sustainable business in the post-pandemic situations, the industry now must think of information system approaches to convince tourists to feel safe with the most hygienic hospitality and services to be offered in any property. The key aspect of the study is to provide the impact of new-age AI-driven technology solutions that will dominate the future direction of the modernized hospitality industry promising robust health-safety measures in a hotel, and further help create sustainable business and leisure travel facilities to cope with post-epidemic scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThe study emphasizes to provide a robust technology-oriented framework based on a mixed research method that would help hotels to adopt and implement new-age AI-driven solution within the hotel premise to serve customers with at most hygiene, contactless service and thereafter, aiming for faster recovery of businesses and regaining customer trust to fuel booking intent in the post-epidemic scenario.FindingsThe paper provides a technology-focused solution that would impact hotel industries' post-pandemic scenario. The study contributes to helping boost the tourism industry using information management solutions such as biosensors, robotic room services and contactless hosting. The findings show the adoption of robots/RPA solutions and Biosensors by the industry will be a disruptive paradigm shift.Originality/valueThe study expands the scope of research in information technology and management with a focus on the hospitality industry while contributing to new factors impacting customer buying behavior in the industry.
Determinants of sovereign debt ratings in clusters of European countries – effects of the crisis
Authors: Proença Catarina , Neves Maria , Dias José Carlos , Martins Pedro 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to study the determinants of the sovereign debt ratings provided by the 3 main rating agencies for 32 European countries. It verifies the clusters of countries existing for each of the agencies, considering regional bias, and then analyzes whether the determinants were different before and after the global financial crisis. It also aims to explain how the determinants are taken into account for rich and developing countries, using a sample for the period between 2001 and 2008 and the period between 2009 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach
To this purpose, this paper performs panel data estimation using an ordered Probit approach.

Findings
This method shows that for developing countries after the crisis, the relevant explanatory variables are the unemployment rate and the presence in the Eurozone. For rich countries, the inflation rate is pivotal after the crisis period.

Originality/value
This paper is the first to use a clustering methodology within sovereign debt rating literature, grouping the countries into cohesive clusters according to their sovereign debt ratings along with the proposed time frame. Moreover, it explains, which countries belong to strong or weak groups, according to the rating agencies under discussion; and, in these groups, it identifies the sovereign rating determinants.
The future of maternity wear: Generation Z's expectations of dressing for pregnancy
Authors: Weigle Elizabeth Anne , McAndrews Laura 
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate Generation Z's physical expectations of being pregnant and their outlook for maternity wear shopping.Design/methodology/approachFemales in this cohort (n = 207) participated in an online survey that included questions about perceptions of pregnancy, physical self-concept and forecasted shopping behaviors.FindingsResults indicated that this group is concerned with physical changes of pregnancy and expect to treat each area of the body in a different way. Women's expected physical concerns of pregnancy predict how much they anticipate accentuating their pregnant body. Gen Z anticipates wearing loose maternity garments and they envision a thoughtful, in-store shopping experience for styles that are equally fashionable and comfortable, such as dresses.Research limitations/implicationsThis study should be extended to future generational cohorts like Generation Alpha, along with Gen Z outside of the United States and women in the United States who are non-white. Further studies should take a longitudinal approach to gauge changes in this cohort's expectations as they progress through pregnancy.Practical implicationsThis paper provides maternity wear retail brands and designers a foundation for product development and marketing geared toward this large cohort.Originality/valueThe study is the first to inquire about Gen Z's outlook on pregnancy, specifically their envisioned changes to each body area and the role of maternity garments to fulfill needs and concerns.
Enhancing Islamic financial literacy through community-based workshops: a transtheoretical model
Authors: Dewi Miranti Kartika , Ferdian Ilham Reza 
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study aims to propose a comprehensive education model to enhance Islamic financial literacy to elevate the prominence of Islamic finance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study conceptualized a framework of Islamic finance education using Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model (TTM) of change aided by a review of the essential literature on Islamic financial literacy. The study also includes critical reflection based on the real firsthand experiences of delivering 16 voluntary non-formal community-based Islamic finance workshops for Indonesian diaspora in the UK and the Republic of Ireland from December 2014 to July 2016.

Findings
This study provides an inclusive conceptualization of an Islamic finance education approach to creating awareness in communities of applying Islamic financial principles in daily life. It also elaborates stage-appropriate strategies that cover the pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance stages that vary by upon individuals based on their readiness to adopt Islamic finance principles.

Research limitations/implications
This study is not merely based on a conceptual examination of literature but also incorporates critical reflection on a series of community-based Islamic finance workshops conducted by the authors. It therefore offers the potential to present an under-researched model used to enhance Islamic finance literacy as one of the pillars in supporting the development of the Islamic economic and financial sector.

Practical implications
This study provides guidelines and various practical ideas that scholars and any concerned parties can use to offer community-based Islamic finance educational activities aimed at supporting the future organic growth of Islamic finance.

Originality/value
The study expands the use of Prochaska and DiClemente’s TTM (which has been widely cited in health-related behavioral research) and brings a unique theoretical lens, notably within the Islamic finance literature. The use of the TTM was established in psychology and health-related behavioral science, particularly in relation to elucidating how people cease unhealthy behaviors (e.g. alcohol and smoking addictions) and how they develop healthy behaviors. This paper brings the TTM into another context on how to stimulate individuals, particularly Muslims, to shift from “riba addiction” and develop sharia-compliant financial behaviors.