bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated soybean transcriptomics, metabolomics, and chemical genomics reveal the importance of the phenylpropanoid pathway and antifungal activity in resistance to the broad host range pathogenSclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Ranjan Ashish , Westrick Nathaniel M. , Jain Sachin , Piotrowski Jeff S. , Ranjan Manish , Kessens Ryan , Stiegman Logan , Grau Craig R. , Smith Damon L. , Kabbage Mehdi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSclerotinia sclerotiorum, a predominately necrotrophic fungal pathogen with a broad host range, causes a significant yield limiting disease of soybean called Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR). Resistance mechanisms against SSR are poorly understood, thus hindering the commercial deployment of SSR resistant varieties. We used a multiomic approach utilizing RNA-sequencing, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and chemical genomics in yeast to decipher the molecular mechanisms governing resistance toS.sclerotiorumin soybean. Transcripts and metabolites of two soybean recombinant inbred lines, one resistant, and one susceptible toS.sclerotiorumwere analyzed in a time course experiment. The combined results show that resistance toS.sclerotiorumin soybean is associated in part with an early accumulation of JA-Ile ((+)-7-iso-Jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine), a bioactive jasmonate, increased ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), and importantly, a reprogramming of the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to increased antifungal activities. Indeed, we noted that phenylpropanoid pathway intermediates such as, 4-hydroxybenzoate, ferulic acid and caffeic acid were highly accumulated in the resistant line.In vitroassays show that these metabolites and total stem extracts from the resistant line clearly affectS.sclerotiorumgrowth and development. Using chemical genomics in yeast, we further show that this antifungal activity targets ergosterol biosynthesis in the fungus, by disrupting enzymes involved in lipid and sterol biosynthesis. Overall, our results are consistent with a model where resistance toS.sclerotiorumin soybean coincides with an early recognition of the pathogen, leading to the modulation of the redox capacity of the host and the production of antifungal metabolites.Author SummaryResistance to plant fungal pathogens with predominately necrotrophic lifestyles is poorly understood. In this study, we useSclerotinia sclerotiorumand soybean as a model system to identify key resistance components in this crop plant. We employed a variety of omics approaches in combination with functional studies to identify plant processes associated with resistance toS.sclerotiorum. Our results suggest that resistance to this pathogen is associated in part with an earlier induction of jasmonate signaling, increased ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, and importantly, a reprogramming of the phenylpropanoid pathway resulting in increased antifungal activities. These findings provide specific plant targets that can exploited to confer resistance toS.sclerotiorumand potentially other pathogens with similar lifestyle.
Compound heterozygousZP1mutations cause empty follicle syndrome in infertile sisters
Authors: Sun Ling , Fang Xiang , Chen Zhi-Heng , Zhang Han-Wang , Peng Xiao-Fang , Deng Yu , Xue Ting , Yin Min-Na , Zhu Qian-Ying , Liu Chun-Lin , Li Na 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPurposeEmpty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition in which no oocyte is retrieved from mature follicles after proper ovarian stimulation in anin vitrofertilization (IVF) procedure. Genetic evidence accumulates for the etiology of recurrent EFS even with improved medical treatment which had avoided the pharmacological or iatrogenic problems. Here, this study investigated the genetic cause of recurrent EFS in a family with two infertile sisters.MethodsIn this work, we present two infertile sisters in a family with recurrent EFS after three cycles of standard ovarian stimulation with hCG and/or GnRHa therapy. We performed whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing in the core members of this family, and further bioinformatics analysis to identify pathogenesis of gene.ResultsWe identified compound heterozygous variants, c.161_165del (p.54fs) and c.1166_1173del (p.389fs), on zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 (ZP1) gene, which were shared with two infertile sisters. Cosegregation tests on the affected and unaffected members of this family confirmed that the allelic mutants were transmitted from either parent.ConclusionsThis EFS phenotype was distinct from the previously reported disruption of zona pellucida due to homozygousZP1defects. We thus propose that the specific mutations inZP1gene may render a causality for the recurrent EFS.
Glucocerebrosidase rescues alpha-synuclein from amyloid formation
Authors: Barber M.S. , Muller H.M. , Gilbert R.G. , Baldwin A.J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAggregation of the proteinα-synuclein (αSyn) Into amyloid fibrils is associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a process accelerated by lipids. Recently, the lysosomal protein glucocerebrosidase (GCase) has been identified as a major risk factor in both genetic and sporadic PD. Here, we use solution state NMR to reveal that GCase directly inhibits lipid inducedαSyn amyloidogenesis. Structurally, we show that the mechanism for this requires competition between lipids and GCase forαSyn, binding the N and C termini respectively. The affinity of GCase for the C-terminus ofαSyn is such that not only does it inhibit lipid induced amyloid formation, but also it destabilizes matureαSyn amyloid fibrils. These results reveal a competitive molecular “tug-of-war” forαSyn termini by GCase and lipid, providing a mechanistic link between the clinically observed links between changes in GCase abundance and Parkinsons disease.
Learning cellular morphology with neural networks
Authors: Schubert Philipp J , Dorkenwald Sven , Januszewski Michał , Jain Viren , Kornfeld Joergen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractReconstruction and annotation of volume electron microscopy data sets of brain tissue is challenging, but can reveal invaluable information about neuronal circuits. Significant progress has recently been made in automated neuron reconstruction, as well as automated detection of synapses. However, methods for automating the morphological analysis of nanometer-resolution reconstructions are less established, despite their diverse application possibilities. Here, we introduce cellular morphology neural networks (CMNs), based on multi-view projections sampled from automatically reconstructed cellular fragments of arbitrary size and shape. Using unsupervised training we inferred morphology embeddings (“Neuron2vec”) of neuron reconstructions and trained CMNs to identify glia cells in a supervised classification paradigm which was then used to resolve neuron reconstruction errors. Finally, we demonstrate that CMNs can be used to identify subcellular compartments and the cell types of neuron reconstructions.
Soft Substrate Maintains Proliferative and Adipogenic Differentiation Potential of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Long Term Expansion by Delaying Senescence
Authors: Kureel Sanjay K. , Mogha Pankaj , Khadpekar Akshada , Kumar Vardhman , Joshi Rohit , Das Siddhartha , Bellare Jayesh , Majumder Abhijit 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHuman mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), when cultured on tissue culture plate (TCP) for in vitro expansion, they spontaneously lose their proliferative capacity and multi-lineage differentiation potential. They also lose their distinct spindle morphology and become large and flat. After a certain number of population doubling, they enter into permanent cell cycle arrest, called senescence. This is a major roadblock for clinical use of hMSCs which demands large number of cells. A cell culture system is needed which can maintain the stemness of hMSCs over long term passages yet simple to use. In this study, we explore the role of substrate rigidity in maintaining stemness. hMSCs were serially passaged on TCP and 5 kPa poly-acrylamide gel for 20 population doubling. It was found that while on TCP, cell growth reached a plateau at cumulative population doubling (CPD) = 12.5, on 5 kPa gel, they continue to proliferate linearly till we monitored (CPD = 20). We also found that while on TCP, late passage MSCs lost their adipogenic potential, the same was maintained on soft gel. Cell surface markers related to MSCs were also unaltered. We demonstrated that this maintenance of stemness was correlated with delay in onset of senescence, which was confirmed by β-gal assay and by differential expression of vimentin, Lamin A and Lamin B. As preparation of poly-acrylamide gel is a simple, well established, and well standardized protocol, we believe that this system of cell expansion will be useful in therapeutic and research applications of hMSCs.One Sentence SummaryhMSCs retain their stemness when expanded in vitro on soft polyacrylamide gel coated with collagen by delaying senescence.Significance StatementFor clinical applications, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are required in large numbers. As MSCs are available only in scarcity in vivo, to fulfill the need, extensive in vitro expansion is unavoidable. However, on expansion, they lose their replicative and multi-lineage differentiation potential and become senescent. A culture system that can maintain MSC stemness on long-term expansion, without compromising the stemness, is need of the hour. In this paper, we identified polyacrylamide (PAA) hydrogel of optimum stiffness that can be used to maintain stemness of MSCs during in vitro long term culture. Large quantity of MSCs thus grown can be used in regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and in treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Computer-extended series solution for laminar flow between a fixed impermeable disk and a porous rotating disk
Authors: Awati Vishwanath B. , Makinde Oluwole Daniel , Jyoti Manjunath 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the laminar boundary layer flow between a stationary nonporous disk and a porous rotating disk, both being immersed in large amount of fluid.

Design/methodology/approach
The governing nonlinear momentum equations in cylindrical polar coordinates together with relevant boundary conditions are reduced to a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NODEs) using similarity transformations. The resulting coupled NODEs are solved using computer-extended series solution and homotopy analysis method.

Findings
The analytical solutions are explicitly expressed in terms of recurrence relation for determining the universal coefficients. The nature and location of singularity which restricts the convergence of series is analyzed by using Domb–Sykes plot. Reversion of series is used for the improvement of series. The region of validity of series is extended for much larger values of Reynolds number (R), i.e. R = 6 to 15.

Originality/value
The resulting solutions are compared with earlier works in the literature and are found to be in good agreement.
Cooling enhancement by nanofluid mixed convection inside a horizontal vented cavity submitted to sinusoidal heating
Authors: Arroub Ismail , Bahlaoui Ahmed , Raji Abdelghani , Hasnaoui Mohammed , Naïmi Mohamed 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate numerically mixed convection of Al2O3-water nanofluids flowing through a horizontal ventilated cavity heated from below by a temperature varying sinusoidally along its lower wall. The simulations focus on the effects of different key parameters, such as Reynolds number (200 ≤ Re ≤ 5,000), nanoparticles’ concentration (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.1) and phase shift of the heating temperature (0 ≤ γ ≤ π), on flow and thermal patterns and heat transfer performances.

Design/methodology/approach
The Navier–Stokes equations describing the nanofluid flow were discretized using a finite difference technique. The vorticity and energy equations were solved by the alternating direction implicit method. Values of the stream function were obtained by using the point successive over-relaxation method.

Findings
The simulations were performed for two modes of imposed external flow (injection and suction). The main findings are that the dynamical and thermal fields are affected by the parameters Re, ϕ, γ and the applied ventilation mode; the addition of nanoparticles leads to an improvement of heat transfer rate and an increase of mean temperature inside the enclosure; the heat exchange performance and the better cooling are more pronounced in suction mode; the phase shift of the heating temperature may lead to periodic solutions for weaker values of Re and contributes to an increase or a decrease of heat transfer depending on the value of ϕ and the convection regime.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the problem of mixed convection of a nanofluid inside a vented cavity using the injection or suction technics and submitted to non-uniform heating conditions has not been treated so far.
Introducing Lean Six Sigma to a German municipality: an action research report
Authors: Kregel Ingo , Coners André 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to expand the knowledge about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation in the public sector. By analyzing an LSS improvement initiative in a German municipality, examples of success, barriers and challenges are discussed. A comparison with literature regarding the production and service sectors unfolds similarities and differences.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper applies the action research method. Especially for the broad field of project management, methods focusing on actual experience from practice have been recommended by many researchers.

Findings
Implementations of LSS in the public sector seem to be particularly challenging and lengthy. Change and communication management have proved to be the most important aspects to successful acceptance, cooperation and improvement sustainability. In the analyzed cases, the needed volume of data could often not be procured. The applied Six Sigma methodology primarily included the DMAIC project phases as well as selected standard instruments. In contrast, the lean elements of LSS achieved more results and were appreciated by project team members.

Originality/value
The LSS application in this paper provides insights into practical implementation experience in a municipality, as well as lessons learned. Until now, most research addressed the single application of lean, continuous improvement or Six Sigma. This paper represents the first academic report of a LSS program in a German municipality and underlines the need for scientific support of those initiatives in further municipalities worldwide.
Revealing research trends and themes in Lean Six Sigma: from 2000 to 2016
Authors: Raval Shruti J. , Kant Ravi , Shankar Ravi 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine and introduce comprehensive insights into the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) by reviewing the existing literature and identifying the research gap. The state of LSS research is assessed by critically examining the field, along with a number of dimensions, including time horizon, year, journal and publisher, university, country, author, geographic analysis, research design, research affairs, research methods, tools/techniques used, focus industries, major research area, benefits gained by LSS, critical success factors and barriers of LSS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a systematic literature review of 190 articles containing the word LSS in their title, which are published in a well-known database, such as Elsevier ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis, Emerald Full Text, Springer Link, Wiley InterScience and Inderscience from January 2000 to September 2016.

Findings
This analysis reveals 15 significant dimensions to identify the state of LSS research. Authors find a noticeable rise in the attention of LSS research in the available literature. Major findings show that, the empirical research holds greater credibility. Statistics prove that the case study method scores the highest among all the research methods used in the discipline. The largest number of studies have investigated research issues related to implementation and process of LSS. The LSS uses a wide range of tools/techniques/methodologies: the choice of tools is situation-specific. Manufacturing and health-care sectors have been the focus of LSS research, but LSS has also been adopted by other types of industries. The organizations following LSS have improved bottom-line results, improved company profitability and growth and enhanced customer satisfaction. In general the research is more interpretive in nature; there is still a lack of standard in the LSS implementation framework.

Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to reviewing those articles which contain the word LSS appeared in the title.

Originality/value
This study will help understand the current state of research on LSS, various trends in the field, its applicability and future prospects of investigation in the field.
Exploring the role of human factors in lean management
Authors: Gaiardelli Paolo , Resta Barbara , Dotti Stefano 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Although lean popularity is rapidly growing, its implementation is far from problem-free and companies may experience difficulties in sustaining long-term success. On this premises, the purpose of this paper is to understand to what extent human factors, affected by the implementation of both hard (defined as technical and analytical tools) and soft (concerning people and relations) lean practices, play a key role in achieving long-term superior performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis of the relationships between lean practices implementation, human factors and operational performance is carried out in a single exploratory case study. A retrospective approach is adopted to trace the changes of human and operational performance before, during and after the introduction of lean management (LM) implementation. In particular, a mixed method concurrent design merging results of a qualitative analysis with data collected from a survey is selected to provide a more realistic benefit in the exploration of the proposed research questions.

Findings
The results show a short-term direct relationship between the implementation of lean practices (hard and soft) and physical work environment and job characteristics, directly connected to operational outcome. In the long term, operational performance is influenced by employee behaviour outcome and conditioned by physical work environment and job characteristics with the mediating effect of individual characteristics.

Practical implications
The proposed model supports the building of a roadmap for LM implementation, taking into account the role of the human factors to achieve superior operational performance. Moreover, it helps managers to implement a monitoring system to check how social and technical components of a LM system evolve over time. Finally, it supports the definition of specific training programs, tailored for specific workers’ types.

Originality/value
This paper extends theory in LM, highlighting how hard and soft lean practices have to interact to enable a successful LM implementation.
Continually harvesting the crowds
Authors: Roedenbeck Marc R.H. , Lieb Manfred 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how a small business is able to continually use entrepreneurial financial sources (i.e. crowdfunding) within and after a successful transformation from an entrepreneur. It additionally investigates how a market incumbent is able to successfully join the market of entrepreneurial financial resources.

Design/methodology/approach
Therefore, a comparative case study using qualitative and quantitative data as well as triangulation technique is conducted within the international board game (or tabletop) market at the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The US company CMON, which has developed from an entrepreneur to a small business and beyond, is compared with the German incumbent Pegasus. Based on an analysis of a set of key performance indicators suggested in the literature, qualitative and quantitative variables are deductively derived to measure their impact on the financial goal achievement, thereby showing their impact on the goal achievement. During the analysis, additional variables are identified inductively.

Findings
As a result, several qualitative components are found to be crucial, including oral storytelling and computer animated videos/images, a perfect multilingual product language, prototyped components, an active community and a depth and regularity in campaign updates. In quantitative terms, important components include having more product images than longer project descriptions, more optional buys than different but fixed project rewards, a big social network (on Twitter and Facebook), and the number of updates.

Research limitations/implications
Based upon the data and findings, this study invites for more research, especially in conducting a larger scale quantitative analysis using the developed framework to compare more cases within a branch, cases across branches and cases with different background stories.

Practical implications
But to successfully run a crowdfunding campaign, entrepreneurs and incumbents can use the provided measures as a first design- and decision-roadmap, as well as copying the new business strategy of continually practicing crowdfunding for new products.

Originality/value
Despite its limits, this paper offers the first in-depth qualitative and quantitative crowdfunding case study showing on the one hand a new business strategy about crowdfunding as well as providing a structured measure to compare crowdfunding project performance.
Acquired, transferred and integrated knowledge: a study of M&A knowledge performance
Authors: Calipha Rachel , Brock David M. , Rosenfeld Ahron , Dvir Dov 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe acquisition of knowledge through mergers and acquisition (M&A) may not create value—usually because the knowledge may not be transferred, or transferred but not integrated. The purpose of this paper to develop and test a theoretical model of knowledge and performance in the M&A process.Design/methodology/approachTheory, model and case analysis.FindingsThe literature review led us to distinguish between three main categories of knowledge along the different stages of the M&A process: acquired knowledge in the pre-merger stage; and transferred knowledge and integrated knowledge in the post-merger stage. The application of the model is illustrated in a case study of technology M&A, which includes data collected from annual reports before and after the merger.Research limitations/implicationsThe model recommends acknowledging the differences between the acquired knowledge, transferred knowledge and integrated knowledge when examining the relationship between knowledge and performance in M&As. In addition, the model suggests considering several factors that influence future knowledge integration in the pre-merger stage. Ignoring the three categories and the factors may be the reason for the reports of previous studied stating that the acquisition of knowledge-based resources is associated with negative announcement returns to the acquiring firm.Originality/valueThe paper presents new procedures to measure knowledge, collecting data on R&D employees by using annual reports. In addition, the paper suggests adding “in-process R&D” as an “Acquired Knowledge” measure.