bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shift of lung macrophage composition is associated with COVID-19 disease severity and recovery
Authors: Chen Steven T. , Park Matthew D. , Del Valle Diane Marie , Buckup Mark , Tabachnikova Alexandra , Simons Nicole W. , Mouskas Konstantinos , Lee Brian , Geanon Daniel , D’Souza Darwin , Dawson Travis , Marvin Robert , Nie Kai , Thompson Ryan C. , Zhao Zhen , LeBerichel Jessica , Chang Christie , Jamal Hajra , Chaddha Udit , Mathews Kusum , Acquah Samuel , Brown Stacey-Ann , Reiss Michelle , Harkin Timothy , Feldmann Marc , Powell Charles A. , Hook Jaime L. , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Rahman Adeeb H. , Brown Brian D. ,   The Mount Sinai COVID-19 Biobank Team, Beckmann Noam D. , Gnjatic Sacha , Kenigsberg Ephraim , Charney Alexander W. , Merad Miriam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThough it has been 2 years since the start of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, COVID-19 continues to be a worldwide health crisis. Despite the development of preventive vaccines, very little progress has been made to identify curative therapies to treat COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases which remain a major unmet need in medicine. Our study sought to identify drivers of disease severity and death to develop tailored immunotherapy strategies to halt disease progression. Here we assembled the Mount Sinai COVID-19 Biobank which was comprised of ~600 hospitalized patients followed longitudinally during the peak of the pandemic. Moderate disease and survival were associated with a stronger antigen (Ag) presentation and effector T cell signature, while severe disease and death were associated with an altered Ag presentation signature, increased numbers of circulating inflammatory, immature myeloid cells, and extrafollicular activated B cells associated with autoantibody formation. Strikingly, we found that in severe COVID-19 patients, lung tissue resident alveolar macrophages (AM) were not only severely depleted, but also had an altered Ag presentation signature, and were replaced by inflammatory monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMΦ). Notably, the size of the AM pool correlated with recovery or death, while AM loss and functionality were restored in patients that recovered. These data therefore suggest that local and systemic myeloid cell dysregulation is a driver of COVID-19 severity and that modulation of AM numbers and functionality in the lung may be a viable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of critical lung inflammatory illnesses.
Competing interactions give rise to two-state behavior and switch-like transitions in charge-rich intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Zeng Xiangze , Ruff Kiersten M. , Pappu Rohit V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe most commonly occurring intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are polyampholytes, which are defined by the duality of low net charge per residue and high fractions of charged residues. Recent experiments have uncovered nuances regarding sequence-ensemble relationships of model polyampholytic IDPs. These include differences in conformational preferences for sequences with lysine vs. arginine, and the suggestion that well-mixed sequences form a range of conformations, including globules, conformations with ensemble averages that are reminiscent of ideal chains, or self-avoiding walks. Here, we explain these observations by analyzing results from atomistic simulations. We find that polyampholytic IDPs generally sample two distinct stable states, namely globules and self-avoiding walks. Globules are favored by electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged residues, whereas self-avoiding walks are favored by favorable free energies of hydration of charged residues. We find sequence-specific temperatures of bistability at which globules and self-avoiding walks can coexist. At these temperatures, ensemble averages over coexisting states give rise to statistics that resemble ideal chains without there being an actual counterbalancing of intra-chain and chain-solvent interactions. At equivalent temperatures, arginine-rich sequences tilt the preference toward globular conformations whereas lysine-rich sequences tilt the preference toward self-avoiding walks. We also identify differences between aspartate and glutamate containing sequences, whereby the shorter aspartate sidechain engenders preferences for metastable, necklace-like conformations. Finally, although segregation of oppositely charged residues within the linear sequence maintains the overall two-state behavior, compact states are highly favored by such systems.Significance StatementIntrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins, when tethered to folded domains, function either as flexible tails or as linkers between domains. Most IDRs are polyampholytes that comprise a mixture of oppositely charged residues. Recent measurements of tethered polyampholytes showed that tendency of arginine- and lysine-rich sequences to behave very differently from one another. Using computer simulations, we show that these differences are determined by differences in free energies of hydration, steric volumes, and other considerations. Further, the interplay between electrostatic attractions and favorable free energies of hydration creates distinct stable states for polyampholytic IDRs. These findings have implications for switch-like transitions and the regulation of effective concentrations of interaction motifs by IDRs.
Abscisic Acid Increases Hydrogen Peroxide in Mitochondria to Facilitate Stomatal Closure
Authors: Postiglione Anthony E. , Muday Gloria K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) drives stomatal closure to minimize water loss due to transpiration in response to drought. We examined the subcellular location of ABA increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in guard cells that drive stomatal closure. ABA-dependent increases in fluorescence of the generic ROS sensor, dichlorofluorescein (DCF), were observed in mitochondria, chloroplasts, cytosol, and nuclei. The ABA response in all these locations were lost in an ABA-insensitive quintuple receptor mutant. The ABA-increased fluorescence in mitochondria of both DCF and an H2O2-selective probe, Peroxy Orange 1 (PO1), colocalized with Mitotracker Red. ABA treatment of guard cells transformed with the genetically-encoded H2O2reporter targeted to the cytoplasm (roGFP2-Orp1), or mitochondria (mt-roGFP2-Orp1), revealed H2O2increases. Consistent with mitochondrial ROS changes functioning in stomatal closure, we found that guard cells of a mutant with mitochondrial defects,abo6, have elevated ABA-induced ROS in mitochondria and enhanced stomatal closure. These effects were phenocopied with rotenone, which increased mitochondrial ROS. In contrast, the mitochondrially targeted antioxidant, MitoQ, dampened ABA effects on mitochondrial ROS accumulation and stomatal closure in Col-0 and reversed the guard cell closure phenotype of theabo6mutant. ABA-induced ROS accumulation in guard cell mitochondria was lost in mutants in genes encoding Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog (RBOH) enzymes and reduced by treatment with the RBOH inhibitor VAS2870, consistent with RBOH machinery acting in ABA-increased ROS in guard cell mitochondria. These results demonstrate that ABA elevates H2O2accumulation in guard cell mitochondria to promote stomatal closure.One sentence summaryGenetically encoded biosensors and chemical probes revealed ABA-dependent increases in hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species with signaling activity, in guard cell cytoplasm and mitochondria.
An analysis of LysM domain function in LytE when fulfilling the D,L-endopeptidase requirement for viability in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Uelze Laura 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe D,L-endopeptidase requirement states that Bacillus subtilis requires either the activity of the LytE or the CwlO enzyme for viability, therefore proving that these two enzymes can complement for each other despite their very different N-terminal domains. Here, we show that another D,L-endopeptidase, LytF, can also fulfill the D,L-endopeptidase requirement for viability, when expressed from the cwlO promoter. Both LytE and LytF contain N-terminally located LysM domains, three and five respectively. However, cells expressing another very similar D,L-endopeptidase CwlS, with four LysM domains were not viable. This led us to investigate whether a LytE protein with any one of its three LysM domains permuted can fulfill the D,L-endopeptidase requirement for viability. We found that the three LysM domains are not functionally equivalent and that the N-terminally located LysM domain plays a greater role for functioning of the LytE enzyme than the subsequent domains. Based on an investigation of orthologous enzymes in 19 B. subtilis species we propose an evolutionary model describing the development of the LytE-, CwlS- and LytF-type D,L-endopeptidases and their LysM domain repeats. In summary, these results show that the LytE enzyme has been optimized to fulfill the D,L-endopeptidase requirement for cell viability of B. subtilis with regard to the number and properties of LysM domains that mediate peptidoglycan-binding.
The impact of market orientation on small firm performance: a configurational approach
Authors: Chaudhary Sanjay , Sangroya Deepak , Arrigo Elisa , Cappiello Giuseppe 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn this study, the authors examine the influence of market orientation on small firms' performance. The authors theorize that the association between market orientation and small firm performance provides an incomplete picture in a competitive environment. The application of configuration approach which involves simultaneous consideration of market orientation, strategic flexibility and competition intensity is crucial to examine driver of firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the research study consists of 272 small firms from an emerging economy, India. Ordinary least squares regression has been used to investigate the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe authors noted that the three-way interaction between market orientation, strategic flexibility and competition intensity elucidates variance in small firm performance over and above a contingency model and a direct relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings contribute to the existing literature by exhibiting the effect of market orientation on firm performance. The configuration model suggests that small firms can outperform competitors in a lower competitive environment if they have high market orientation and high strategic flexibility investment. To leverage market opportunities and achieve better firm performance, small firms’ owners should analyze the usefulness of current capabilities in a changing competitive environment concurrently and align market orientation to those conditions.Originality/valueThe strategic management and marketing literature suggests that relationship between market orientation and performance is ambiguous. The findings offer insights to managers regarding the appropriate use of strategic flexibility in leveraging the benefits of market orientation in a highly competitive environment. Furthermore, by collecting data from the context of an emerging economy, India, the authors attempt to strengthen the applicability of market orientation in different contexts.
Can trust moderate the relationship between supplier–buyer relationship and supply chain sustainability?
Authors: Mallet Mary-Ann , Owusu Kwateng Kwame , Nuertey Dorcas 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study aims to assess the effect of supplier–buyer association on supply chain sustainability using the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a quantitative research approach. The study design was a cross-sectional survey design. The unit of analysis for the study was top-level managers of pharmaceutical companies in Ghana. By the use of the purposive and convenience sampling techniques, 90 respondents from pharmaceutical firms in Ghana were included. The study used descriptive statistics, t-test and regression tools in the data analysis.

Findings
It was discovered that trust mediates positively the relationship between supplier–buyer relationship and supply chain sustainability. Moreover, the study found that supplier–buyer relationship (SBR) has a significant and positive impact on supply chain sustainability.

Practical implications
The study concluded that SBR is the foundation upon which effective supply chain and supply chain sustainability are established.

Originality/value
This paper provides researchers with a contemporary perspective toward understanding the relationship between SBR and supply chain sustainability and the mediating role of trust.
Impact of cryptos on the inflation volatility in India: an application of bivariate BEKK-GARCH models
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Kanoujiya Jagjeevan 
Published: January 2022

Purpose The main aim of the study is to explore the volatility spillover effect of cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin) on inflation volatility in India.Design/methodology/approach A popular tool, the Bivariate GARCH model (BEKK-GARCH), to study the volatility spillover effect, is applied in the study. Monthly data of cryptocurrencies and inflation (WPI and CPI indices) are gathered from 2015 to 2021.Findings Significant short-term responsiveness of volatility of cryptocurrencies on the inflation volatility is found. In addition to this, the significant volatility spillover effect from the cryptocurrencies to the inflation volatility is found.Practical implications The findings of the current paper can be of use for inflation management, target inflation policies and policies to contain the volatility of cryptocurrencies. The significance of the current paper is relevant as governments worldwide are officially recognizing cryptocurrencies and starting the process of launching their official virtual currency.Originality/value No other study is observed on the topic. Hence, the contribution and novelty of the findings of the current paper are very high and add value to the nonexistent literature on the topic. Lack of the number of inflation observations (data of CPI and WPI are available only in monthly frequency) crimps the model estimation. As the cryptocurrencies become old, more data points will be available by design, and such problems can be resolved, and better model estimation may be possible.
The status of electronic teaching within South African LIS Education
Authors: Majanja Mabel K. 
Published: January 2022

PurposeTo determine the perceived self-efficacy of South African LIS academics in e-teaching as a co-requisite to imparting relevant ICT knowledge and skills to LIS students.Design/methodology/approachThe study was underpinned by the pragmatic world view, which allows a researcher to choose a combination of methods, techniques and procedures that best meets the needs and purposes of the study. Based on the purpose and objectives of the study, and the type of data needed, a quantitative approach, employing the descriptive survey design was used. An online questionnaire with both structured and unstructured questions was distributed to 79 LIS academics in 8 universities and attracted a 68.4% response rate. Structured responses were computed directly as quantitative data, while the unstructured answers were aggregated under themes and analysed quantitatively.FindingsThe findings show that LIS academics in South Africa have not been left behind in the trends regarding e-teaching, and most of them feel quite confident about their self-efficacy in e-teaching. A variety of Learning Management Systems and e-tools are in use and relevant policies and technical support available. Most LIS academics, to re-/up-skill themselves, employ diverse heutagogical strategies. However, the e-teaching support in terms of resources and technical support are inadequate because some universities are deficient in their provision of ICTs and e-learning guidelines.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study is that this was a time-bound study that focused merely on the basic level investigation A further in-depth probing of the real (as opposed to self) levels of e-teaching efficacy and how heutagogy can be explored or advocated is necessary.Practical implicationsThe implications of the results are that (1) South African LIS academics are well fairly well prepares to face the impact of COVID-19, which has forced universities to turn to virtual/online education (2) Heutagogical approach should be explored as a method of further improving the capabilities of e-teachers, in order to (3) pass forward a positive impact on LIS graduates by preparing them to be agile for a modern work environment. (4) universities have to provide sufficient resources to support academics in their endeavour to continually improve their teaching.Social implicationsTopical in the face of the novel coronavirus.Originality/valueOptimal
Earnings management and investor protection during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from G-12 countries
Authors: Ali Heba , Amin Hala M.G. , Mostafa Diana , Mohamed Ehab K.A. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the inter-relations among the strength of investor protection institutions, earnings management (EM) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
As a proxy for EM, the authors use discretionary accruals measure, estimated using the modified Jones model (1991). As a proxy for the strength of investor protection institutions, the study uses the Investor Protection Index, extracted from the Global Competitiveness Reports. The sample consists of 5,519 firms listed in the Group of Twelve countries during 2015–2020.

Findings
The study shows that firms tend to engage less in EM during the pandemic period. The authors also find a significantly negative relation between the strength of investor protection institutions and EM practices, and interestingly, this negative relation was found to be more pronounced during the pandemic period.

Research limitations/implications
For investors and practitioners, the findings help get insights into the behavior of firms in response of the pandemic shock in countries with solid institutional and legal protection. For policymakers, the findings reaffirm the critical role that institutional incentives and reforms can play, in influencing firms to exert more efforts to promote their financial reporting quality.

Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, the study is one of the first attempts to examine the link between EM practices and investor protection during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings extend both the literature on the role of institutional factors in promoting the earnings quality and the literature on COVID-19’s effect on firm performance and practices.
Developing a robust measurement instrument for the influence of national culture on lean production systems
Authors: Macias de Anda Enrique , Sawhney Rupy , Tortorella Guilherme Luz 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a robust model to bridge the influence of national culture (NC) on lean production (LP), identifying relationships among their elements and investigating the degree of influence.

Design/methodology/approach
The culturally sensitive lean production model (CSLPM) is used as a framework to develop a survey questionnaire that captures the information to analyze using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). A case study to validate the model is presented from a subsidiary with operations in Mexico (MX) and the USA.

Findings
The CSLPM provides a robust framework for the measurement of the interaction between LP and NC. Multi-group analysis facilitated the comparison among the different groups (MX and USA), highlighting the differences of culture and the corresponding LP implementation within the same company.

Research limitations/implications
The instrument was validated only within two countries and one organization. A higher sample of respondents, countries and organizations could validate the relationships established and the replication of the model.

Practical implications
The CSLPM can be used for assessment of the evolution of organizations, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of a particular culture when implementing LP, providing focal points for research and training efforts.

Originality/value
The CSLPM is a robust instrument to measure expectations for LP practices according to their company’s geographical context. The incorporation of higher order variables and mixed directionality within the variables presented a novel approach to PLS-SEM.
Posthuman co-production: becoming response-able with what matters
Authors: Renold EJ , Ivinson Gabrielle 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThis paper introduces the concept of posthuman co-production. It explores how processual and relational onto-epistemologies inform an artful, response-able (Barad 2007) feminist new materialist praxis that decentres the human and re-centres matter.Design/methodology/approachPosthuman co-production gives prominence to crafting “dartaphacts” (Renold, 2018); creative research artefacts, carrying “what matters” and enacting change that can be mapped across time and multiple “problem spaces” (Lury, 2020), as an expansive, post-qualitative praxis of slow, co-production.FindingsThe paper stories this praxis across three “fugal figurations” providing glimpses into the post-qualitative journeys of assembled dartaphacts in the policy and practice field of relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in Wales. Each fugue hints at the polytical, resourceful and living potential of dartaphacts in the making and their mattering over a period of six years. Collectively, they chart a rhizomatic journey that re-configures co-production as a response-able, becoming-with what matters.Originality/valueAs more-than-human forces for change, dartaphacts continue to surface “the cries of what matters” (Stengers 2019) for children and young people well beyond the periods of funded research and engagement, giving new meaning to the sustainability and material legacies of research impact.