bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein unlikely to bind to integrins via the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif of the Receptor Binding Domain: evidence from structural analysis and microscale accelerated molecular dynamics
Authors: Othman Houcemeddine , Messaoud Haifa Ben , Khamessi Oussema , Mabrouk Hazem Ben , Ghedira Kais , Bharuthram Avani , Treurnicht Florette , Achilonu Ikechukwu , Sayed Yasien , Srairi-Abid Najet 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 virus harbors a sequence of Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide named RGD motif, which has also been identified in extracellular matrix proteins that bind integrins as well as other disintegrins and viruses. Accordingly, integrins have been proposed as host receptors for SARS-CoV-2. The hypothesis was supported by sequence and structural analysis. However, given that the microenvironment of the RGD motif imposes structural hindrance to the protein-protein association, the validity of this hypothesis is still uncertain. Here, we used normal mode analysis, accelerated molecular dynamics microscale simulation, and protein-protein docking to investigate the putative role of RGD motif of SARS-CoV-2 RBD for interacting with integrins. We found, by molecular dynamics, that neither RGD motif nore its microenvironment show any significant conformational shift in the RBD structure. Highly populated clusters were used to run a protein-protein docking against three RGD-binding integrin types, showing no capability of the RBD domain to interact with the RGD binding site. Moreover, the free energy landscape revealed that the RGD conformation within RBD could not acquire an optimal geometry to allow the interaction with integrins. Our results highlighted different structural features of the RGD motif that may prevent its involvement in the interaction with integrins. We, therefore, suggest, in the case where integrins are confirmed to be the direct host receptors for SARS-CoV-2, a possible involvement of other residues to stabilize the interaction.
Role of molecular polymorphism in defining tau filament structures in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Xiang Xinyu , Arakhamia Tamta , Carlomagno Yari , Dhingra Shikhar , Thierry Manon , DeTure Michael , Cook Casey N. , Dickson Dennis W. , Petrucelli Leonard , Fitzpatrick Anthony W. P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMisfolding and aggregation of tau protein is implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases that are typified by the presence of large, filamentous tau inclusions. The aggregation of tau in human brain is disease-specific with characteristic filaments defining the neuropathology. An understanding of how identical tau isoforms aggregate into disparate filament morphologies in phenotypically distinct tau-related diseases remains elusive. Here, we determine the structure of a brain-derived twisted tau filament in progressive supranuclear palsy and compare it to a dissimilar tau fold found in corticobasal degeneration. While the tau filament core in both diseases is comprised of residues 274 to 380, molecular-level polymorphism exists. Potential origins of the molecular polymorphism, such as noncovalent cofactor binding, are identified and predicted to modulate tau filament structures in the brain.
The Nicotiana tabacum Mediator subunit MED25 regulates nicotine biosynthesis through interacting with the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor NtMYC2s
Authors: Bai Ge , Li Yong , Yang Da-Hai , Pang Tao , Fan Zhi-Yong , Shu Jia-En , Fei Mingliang , Xiao Bingguang , Wang Zhen-Yu , Xie He 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNicotine is one of the most important secondary metabolites in tobacco, and its biosynthesis can be induced by topping and jasmonic acid treatment. NtMYC2s play pivotal roles in the regulation of nicotine. The mediator server as a bridge betwen the transcription factors and RNA polymerase in order to facilitates transcription and functions in plants. However, the role of mediator in the regulation of nicotine biosynthesis remains unknown. In this study, we firstly identify the NtMED25 through homologous analysis. NtMED25 interacts with NtMYC2s through the MD region. Interestingly, the nicotine content is decreased in the the knock-down transgenic lines of NtMED25, and the expression levels of two nicotine biosynthesis genes, NtQPT2 and NtPMT2, are also reduced when compared with that in the wild-type plants. Furthermore, NtMED25 enhances the binding of NtMYC2a/ NtMYC2b to the promoter of NtPMT2 and NtQPT2, and then facilitates the nicotine biosynthesis. Therefore, our study revealed the function of mediator in the regulation of nicotine, and provide the insight role on the transcriptional regulation of plant secondary metabolites.
Controllable drug release of pH-sensitive liposomes encapsulating artificial cytosol system
Authors: Zong Wei , Shao Xiaotong , Chai Yunhe , Wang Xiuwen , Han Shuang , Chu Hongtao , Zhu Chuntao , Zhang Xunan 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe fabrication of cell model containing artificial cytosol is challenging. Herein we constructed an artificial cytosol contained cell model by electroformation method. Agarose was selected as the main component of the artificial cytosol. Sucrose was added into agarose to regulate the sol viscosity and phase transition temperature (Tm). The viscosity of the sol with the mass ratio (agarose-sucrose) 1:9 was closest to the natural cytosolic. DSPC/20 mol% Chol was used to form large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) as cell model compartment. The rhodamine release experiment confirmed that the release of rhodamine from LUVs containing artificial cytosol took more time than that from LUVs containing pure water. The unique release profile makes agarose-sucrose@LUVs suitable as a drug carrier. Doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded in the agarose-sucrose@LUVs, and their half maximum inhibition concentration on HeLa cells is 0.015 μmol L−1, which means 31.7 times increase in inhibition efficiency over free DOX.
Scelestial: fast and accurate single-cell lineage tree inference based on a Steiner tree approximation algorithm
Authors: Foroughmand-Araabi M.-H. , Goliaei S. , McHardy A. C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSingle-cell genome sequencing provides a highly granular view of biological systems but is affected by high error rates, allelic amplification bias, and uneven genome coverage. This creates a need for data-specific computational methods, for purposes such as for cell lineage tree inference. The objective of cell lineage tree reconstruction is to infer the evolutionary process that generated a set of observed cell genomes. Lineage trees may enable a better understanding of tumor formation and growth, as well as of organ development for healthy body cells. We describe a method, Scelestial, for lineage tree reconstruction from single-cell data, which is based on an approximation algorithm for the Steiner tree problem and is a generalization of the neighbor-joining method. We adapt the algorithm to efficiently select a limited subset of potential sequences as internal nodes, in the presence of missing values, and to minimize cost by lineage tree-based missing value imputation. In a comparison against seven state-of-the-art single-cell lineage tree reconstruction algorithms - BitPhylogeny, OncoNEM, SCITE, SiFit, SASC, SCIPhI, and SiCloneFit - on simulated and real single-cell tumor samples, Scelestial performed best at reconstructing trees in terms of accuracy and run time. Scelestial has been implemented in C++. It is also available as an R package named RScelestial.
Quantifying the Inhibitory Impact of Soluble Phenolics on Carbon Mineralization fromSphagnum-rich Peatlands
Authors: Cory Alexandra B. , Chanton Jeffrey P. , Spencer Robert G.M. , Rich Virginia I. , McCalley Carmody K. ,   IsoGenie Project Coordinators, Wilson Rachel M. ,   Scott R. Saleska, Patrick M. Crill, Gene W. Tyson, Ruth K. Varner, Matthew B. Sullivan, Steven Frolk
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe mechanisms controlling the extraordinarily slow carbon (C) mineralization rates characteristic ofSphagnum-rich peatlands (“bogs”) remain somewhat elusive, despite decades of research on this topic. Soluble phenolic compounds have been invoked as potentially significant contributors to bog peat recalcitrance due to their affinity to slow microbial metabolism and cell growth. Despite this potentially significant role, the effects of soluble phenolic compounds on bog peat C mineralization remain unclear.We analyzed this effect by manipulating the concentration of free soluble phenolics in anaerobic bog peat incubations using water-soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a compound that binds with and inactivates phenolics, preventing phenolic-enzyme interactions. CO2and CH4production rates (end-products of C mineralization) correlated positively with PVP concentration following Michaelis-Menten (M.M.) saturation functions. Using M.M. parameters, we determined that soluble phenolics inhibit, at minimum, 57 ± 16% of total C (CO2+CH4) mineralization in the anaerobic incubation conditions studied. These findings are consistent with other studies that have indicated that soluble phenolics play a significant role in regulating bog peat stability in the face of decomposition.
Efficient Hydrophilic Small Molecule Delivery To Retinal Cell Lines Using Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Containing Gel Core
Authors: Huang Li , Himawan Erico , Belhadj Soumaya , Pérez García Raúl Oswaldo , Durand François Paquet , Schipper Nicolaas , Buzgo Matej , Simaite Aiva , Marigo Valeria 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we developed a novel solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulation for drug delivery of small hydrophilic cargo to the retina. The new formulation, based on a gel core and composite shell, allowed up to two times increase in the encapsulation efficiency. The type of hydrophobic polyester used in the composite shell mixture affects the particle surface charge, colloidal stability, and cell internalization profile. We validated the SLN capability as a drug delivery system by performing encapsulation of a hydrophilic neuroprotective cyclic guanosine monophosphate analogue, previously demonstrated to hold retinoprotective properties, and the best formulation resulted in particles with size of ± 250nm, anionic charge > -20 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency value of ±60%, criteria that are suitable for retinal delivery. In vitro studies using ARPE-19 and 661W retinal cell lines revealed a relatively low SLN toxicity, even when high particle concentration was used. More importantly, SLN could be uptaken by the cells and the release of the hydrophilic cargo in the cytoplasm was visually demonstrated. These findings suggest that the newly developed SLN with a gel core and composite polymer/lipid shell holds all characteristics suitable for drug delivery of small hydrophilic active molecules into retinal cell.
Interactions between TULP3 tubby domain cargo site and ARL13B amphipathic helix promote lipidated protein transport to cilia
Authors: Palicharla Vivek Reddy , Hwang Sun-Hee , Somatilaka Bandarigoda N. , Badgandi Hemant B. , Legué Emilie , Tran Vanna M. , Woodruff Jeffrey B. , Liem Karel F. , Mukhopadhyay Saikat 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe tubby family protein–TULP3 coordinates with the intraflagellar transport complex-A (IFT-A) in trafficking certain transmembrane proteins to cilia. These transmembrane cargoes have short motifs that are necessary and sufficient for TULP3-mediated trafficking. However, whether TULP3 regulates trafficking of membrane-associated proteins is not well understood. Here we show that TULP3 is required for transport of the atypical GTPase ARL13B into cilia, and for ciliary enrichment of ARL13B-dependent farnesylated and myristoylated proteins. ARL13B transport requires TULP3 binding to IFT-A core but not to phosphoinositides, unlike transmembrane cargo transport that requires binding to both by TULP3. A conserved lysine in TULP3’s tubby domain mediates direct ARL13B binding and trafficking of lipidated and transmembrane cargoes. An N-terminal amphipathic helix in ARL13B flanking the palmitoylation site mediates binding to TULP3 and directs trafficking to cilia even in absence of palmitoylation and RVxP sorting motif. Therefore, TULP3 transports transmembrane proteins and ARL13B into cilia by capture of short sequences through a shared tubby domain site.
Do high-quality standards ensure higher accounting quality? A study in India
Authors: Bansal Manish , Garg Ashish 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The study aims to investigate the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)-converged standards (Indian Accounting Standards (INAS)) on the accounting quality of Indian firms. The phased manner approach of implementing INAS provides us a unique setting to investigate the issue in India.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used difference-in-difference (DiD) methodology, where the accounting quality is compared between test firms and benchmark firms during the pre-and post-INAS adoption period. Accounting quality is operationalized through four different constructs, namely, earnings smoothing, discretionary accruals, earnings timeliness and value relevance of earnings.

Findings
The findings deduced from the empirical results demonstrate that accounting quality has been significantly reduced after the adoption of INAS. In particular, results show that the degree of earnings smoothing, and the magnitude of discretionary accruals have been increased among test firms in the post-adoption year. Besides, findings provide evidence that timely recognition of losses and value relevance of earnings has been reduced for test firms relative to benchmark firms after the adoption of INAS.

Practical implications
The results suggest that the mere adoption of high-quality standards does not ensure higher accounting quality in countries with a weaker enforcement mechanism. Hence, stringent enforcement mechanisms are needed to ensure full compliance with accounting standards. This study serves as a case study for other emerging countries that are in the process of IFRS convergence and make them aware of the unintended consequences of IFRS adoption.

Originality/value
Indian authorities implemented INAS in a phased manner that provides a unique setting to use DiD methodology. DiD helps to control the impact of concurrent economic shocks, while examining the impact of the particular regulatory shock. Besides, this is the first attempt to investigate the impact of INAS on the accounting quality of Indian firms.
Why do you treat me in such ways? An attachment examination on supervisors’ early family environment and subordinates’ responses
Authors: Li Daiheng , Zhang Yihua , Zhang Mingyu , Wu Wen , Wu Wenbing , Liu Pan 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill important gaps by using the attachment theory and examining the effects of supervisors’ early family environment on their behaviors toward subordinates and subordinates’ responses.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used samples of 334 supervisor–subordinate pairs from a manufacturing company.FindingsThe study finds that supervisors’ harmonious family environment has a positive influence on subordinates’ responses (job satisfaction, work-to-family enrichment and task performance) through the effect of supervisors’ positive working model and caregiving behavior. On the contrast, supervisors’ conflicting family environment has a negative influence on subordinates’ responses through the effect of supervisors’ negative working model and aggressive behavior.Originality/valueExisting studies mainly explore the influence of organizational environment on supervisors’ treatment of their subordinates. However, few have examined the relationship between supervisors’ early family environment and their treatment of their subordinates.
Do perceptions of organizational politics influence turnover intentions? Organizational cynicism as a potential mediator
Authors: Singh Sabia , Randhawa Gurpreet 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of perceptions of organizational politics on turnover intentions with a focus on the role of organizational cynicism as a potential mediator.

Design/methodology/approach
Using purposive sampling technique and standardized questionnaires, data were collected from 252 Indian bank employees. To analyze the data, statistical techniques such as multiple regression analysis along with PROCESS macro were used.

Findings
Findings indicate that perceptions of organizational politics have a significant positive effect on turnover intentions. Further, organizational cynicism is found to be the significant partial mediator in the relationship between the aforementioned constructs.

Research limitations/implications
This study covers the banking sector only. Therefore, the results may vary in the context of other industrial settings. Also, the cross-sectional research design adopted in this study may create difficulties in drawing any causal inferences.

Practical implications
To curtail turnover intentions of bank employees, extensive power-seeking activities need to be regulated by the management. Besides, participative decision-making activities must be encouraged to curb the formation of cynical attitudes among employees.

Originality/value
This study is one of the scarce empirical research works that have substantiated the direct and the indirect effect of perceptions of organizational politics (through organizational cynicism) on turnover intentions among bank employees.
Teaching marketing to non-marketing majors: tools to enhance their engagement and academic performance
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave 
Published: May 2021

PurposeWhile there has been a significant amount of work involving marketing education, it is unclear how faculty members can increase the engagement and achievement of non-subject specialists. Accordingly, guided by Bloom's Taxonomy, this current study examines the ways that academics can teach marketing to non-marketing undergraduate majors, with a focus on enhancing their engagement and academic performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses (and related archival information) were collected from 181 non-marketing majors in the United Kingdom (studying marketing modules as part of their undergraduate degrees). Such data passed a series of key robustness checks. The hypothesized and control paths were tested via covariance-based structural equation modeling. In addition, 20 semi-structured interviews were used to explore the underlying issues behind the statistical results.FindingsTwo variables were positive drivers of engaging non-marketing students, namely, discussion-oriented interactions and relating marketing to non-marketing subjects. However, integrating theory with practice produced a negative, but non-significant relationship with engaging non-marketing students. In turn, engaging non-marketing students yielded a positive and significant association with academic performance. The follow-up interviews suggested that to best-engage non-marketing majors, educators should consider hosting guest speakers (e.g. owner-managers) to demonstrate how their university-level studies are applicable to “real-world” subject contexts, like sports management and engineering when they graduate.Originality/valueThis current article strengthens the extant literature by identifying some actionable tools that can be employed to enhance the engagement and academic performance of non-subject specialists. This is important, since faculty members are under increased pressure to become effective teachers and facilitate student satisfaction (alongside their other duties, including research and administration). Hence, this paper assists such individuals to cope with the rapidly changing landscape of the higher education sector. In fact, Bloom's Taxonomy was a relevant pedagogical theory for unpacking how educators can teach marketing to non-marketing majors.
The nexus of transactional leadership, knowledge sharing behavior and organizational creativity: empirical evidence from construction workers in Jakarta
Authors: Baskoro Bimmo Dwi 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis research aims to examine the role of knowledge sharing (KS) as mediation in the relationship between transactional leadership (TSL) and organizational creativity (OC) among construction workers in Jakarta.Design/methodology/approachThe population in this research was the construction workers working in Jakarta. The sample used in this research consisted of 210 respondents. The validity of the hypothesis model was analyzed using the structural equation modeling–partial least squares (SEM-PLS) approach with the help of SmartPLS 3.2.8.FindingsTSL affects KS and OC. Another most important thing is that KS acts as a partial mediator for the relationship of TSL to OC.Originality/valueOriginality in this research is the use of variable KS to mediate the relationship between TSL and OC in the research conducted in the scope of construction in Jakarta. Other theoretical implications for TSL are added by this research. This research has never been conducted in the construction sector in Jakarta, Indonesia.
International management challenges of professional service firms: a synthesis of the literature
Authors: O’Higgins Ciara , Andreeva Tatiana , Aramburu Goya Nekane 
Published: May 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to identify what international management challenges professional service firms (PSFs) face and why they face them.Design/methodology/approachThis study carries a focussed thematic literature review of 102 empirical articles. This paper uses content analysis to extract and aggregate challenges identified by researchers in their fieldwork and then analysed this data using qualitative and quantitative methods.FindingsThis study identifies 10 international management challenges that PSFs face and a number of causes for these challenges. The analysis also suggests that the distinctive characteristics of PSFs generate some of the international management challenges for PSFs.Practical implicationsThis study helps PSF managers understand the international management challenges they may face depending on the specifics of their company, thus helping them better prepare their internationalisation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to providing a greater understanding of what is holding PSFs back in their internationalisation and why. It demonstrates that distinctive characteristics of PSFs may predict the challenges that PSFs will face, thus paving the way for further research on international management in PSFs and for the development of the diagnostic tool for practitioners that could help them to identify which challenges they should prepare for most.