A growing number of studies have examined the "sharedness" of leadership processes in teams (i.e., shared leadership, collective leadership, and distributed leadership). We meta-analytically ...cumulated 42 independent samples of shared leadership and examined its relationship to team effectiveness. Our findings reveal an overall positive relationship (ρ = .34). But perhaps more important, what is actually shared among members appears to matter with regard to team effectiveness. That is, shared traditional forms of leadership (e.g., initiating structure and consideration) show a lower relationship (ρ = .18) than either shared new-genre leadership (e.g., charismatic and transformational leadership; ρ = .34) or cumulative, overall shared leadership (ρ = .35). In addition, shared leadership tends to be more strongly related to team attitudinal outcomes and behavioral processes and emergent team states, compared with team performance. Moreover, the effects of shared leadership are stronger when the work of team members is more complex. Our findings further suggest that the referent used in measuring shared leadership does not influence its relationship with team effectiveness and that compared with vertical leadership, shared leadership shows unique effects in relation to team performance. In total, our study not only cumulates extant research on shared leadership but also provides directions for future research to move forward in the study of plural forms of leadership.
Authentic leadership has received considerable attention and research support over the past decade. Now the time has come to refine and better understand how it impacts performance. This study ...investigates the moderating role followers’ positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and the mediating role that leader–member exchange (LMX) may play in influencing the relationship between authentic leadership and followers’ performance. Specifically, we tested this mediated moderation model with matched data from 794 followers and their immediate leaders. We found that authentic leadership is positively related to LMX and consequently followers’ performance, and to a larger degree, among followers who have low rather than high levels of PsyCap. Our discussion highlights the benefits of understanding the roles of relational processes and followers’ positive psychological resources involved in the effectiveness of authentic leadership and how they can be practically implemented.
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•A sensitive plasmonic colorimetric sensor was constructed for detecting telomerase.•Au NBPs as plasmonic substrate for telomerase assay led to multiply vivid colors.•Liposomes were ...employed to encapsulate HRP for cascaded signal amplification.•The LODs were 1 HeLa cell for LSPR measure and 20 HeLa cells for visual inspection.
Telomerase aberrant activation is a critical feature in the vast majority of cancers. To visualize telomerase expression level in tumor cells, we developed a plasmonic colorimetric sensor for highly sensitive detection of telomerase activity by integrating an excellent etching substrate Au nanobipyramids (Au NBPs) with a liposome-based signal amplification strategy. Upon telomerase-triggered extension, the telomerase activity was converted into the amount of the attached horseradish peroxidase-encapsulated liposomes (HRP-Ls) on the surfaces of magnetic beads. Afterwards, HRP was liberated from the liposomes following the addition of H2O2-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine sulfate (TMB) substrate, and then the oxidation reaction between H2O2 and TMB was initiated to form TMB2+. The morphological evolution of Au NBPs relied on the TMB2+-mediated etching reaction, which gave rise to tremendous localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) responses and concomitant tonality transitions. Benefiting from cascaded signal amplification capacity of HRP-Ls and the intriguing optical properties of Au NBPs, an impressive sensitivity toward telomerase was obtained with detection limits equivalent to 1 HeLa cell for LSPR peak measurement and a visual detection limit of 20 HeLa cells. Furthermore, a facile and portable kit was fabricated for visual evaluation of telomerase activity in different cell lines.
Background/Aims: Microarray screening had found BRAF-activated non-coding RNA (BANCR) was significantly upregulated in type 1 endometrial cancer (EC). This study aimed to assess the potential role of ...long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) BANCR in the pathogenesis and progression of type 1 EC. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to confirm the expression of BANCR in type 1 EC tissue, and analyze its clinical significance. In vitro, RNA interference (siRNA) was used to investigate the biological role of BANCR in type 1 EC. Results: qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of lncRNA BANCR was higher in type 1 EC (P<0.01). BANCR expression was significantly correlated with FIGO stage, pathological grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis. The expression of BANCR was significantly correlated with that of MMP2/MMP1. In vitro, knockdown of BANCR significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of Ishikawa and HEC-1A cells, and significantly inhibited the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway that decreased MMP2 and MMP1 expression. Conclusion: BANCR is highly expressed in type 1 EC tissue and promotes EC-cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by activating ERK/MAPK signaling pathway that regulates MMP2/MMP1 expression. BANCR is expected to become a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in type 1 EC.
Telomerase is a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, as well as anticancer-drug screening. In this review, we focus on the general sensing mechanisms behind the advanced ...methods for telomerase activity detection. In terms of the unique properties of telomerase-extended primers, these sensing mechanisms are predominantly classified into three categories: i) mechanism based on hybridization reaction between DNA probes and extended primers, ii) mechanism based on guanine-rich tail of extended primers, iii) mechanism based on electronegativity of extended primers. Advanced telomerase assays corresponding to each sensing mechanism are then critically reviewed. Finally, we discuss current limitations of each sensing strategy and briefly illustrate our perspectives on future research directions in the field of telomerase activity analysis.
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•Insights for mechanisms of advanced telomerase assays were provided.•Telomerase assays were classified according to the sensing mechanisms.•Advantages and current limitations of the sensing strategies were elucidated.•Perspectives on the future research directions were briefly illustrated.
•Air-borne ultrasonic treatment was combined with microwave vacuum drying (USMVD).•USMVD affected the structure of Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs).•USMVD-TFPs at 0.42 W/mL retained high ...levels of total and reducing sugar and uronic acid.•TFP samples from USMVD and US + MVD had reduced molecular weight to a certain extent.•USMVD-TFPs at 0.42 W/mL produced better viscosities and shear thinning ability in TFPs.
This study analyzes the effects of ultrasonic waves on the drying kinetics of Tremella fuciformis during microwave vacuum drying. The physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of T. fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPs) were studied by drying tremella samples using hot air drying (HAD), microwave vacuum drying, ultrasonic pretreatments with microwave vacuum drying (US + MVD), and air-borne ultrasonic pretreatments combined with microwave vacuum drying (USMVD) under acoustic energy densities of 0.14, 0.28, and 0.42 W/mL. The results showed that USMVD and US + MVD accelerated the mass transfer process of T. fuciformis. Compared with HAD treatment, TFP samples obtained by USMVD and US + MVD had a reduced molecular weight to a certain extent, and they had stronger shear thinning ability. In addition, USMVD-TFPs at 0.42 W/mL retained higher total sugar, reducing sugar, and uronic acid, and the degree of reduction in the monosaccharide component content was small.
X-chromosome inactivation triggers fusion of A/B compartments to inactive X (Xi)-specific structures known as S1 and S2 compartments. SMCHD1 then merges S1/S2s to form the Xi super-structure. Here, ...we ask how S1/S2 compartments form and reveal that Xist RNA drives their formation via recruitment of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Ablating Smchd1 in post-XCI cells unveils S1/S2 structures. Loss of SMCHD1 leads to trapping Xist in the S1 compartment, impairing RNA spreading into S2. On the other hand, depleting Xist, PRC1, or HNRNPK precludes re-emergence of S1/S2 structures, and loss of S1/S2 compartments paradoxically strengthens the partition between Xi megadomains. Finally, Xi-reactivation in post-XCI cells can be enhanced by depleting both SMCHD1 and DNA methylation. We conclude that Xist, PRC1, and SMCHD1 collaborate in an obligatory, sequential manner to partition, fuse, and direct self-association of Xi compartments required for proper spreading of Xist RNA.
Coptisine is one of the main components of isoquinoline alkaloids in the coptidis rhizome. The effect of coptisine on allergic rhinitis has not been investigated. In this study, we report the effects ...and mechanisms of coptisine using monoclonal anti-2,4,6-dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin (Ig) E/human serum albumin (DNP-IgE/HSA)-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3 cells) in vitro and an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice. The results showed that coptisine markedly decreased the levels of β-hexosaminidase, histamine, interleukin (IL)-4, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Coptisine also prevented morphological changes, such as restoring an elongated shape, inhibiting granule release on toluidine blue staining, and reorganizing inhibited filamentous actins (F-actin). Additionally, coptisine blocked the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (as known as protein kinase B(PKB)) in RBL-2H3 cell. Furthermore, the results showed that coptisine suppressed OVA-induced allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as nasal rubbing and OVA-specific IgE, and histamine, IL-4 and TNF-
levels in the serum of AR mice. These data suggested that coptisine should have inhibitory effects on the inflammatory responses of mast cells, and may be beneficial for the development of coptisine as a potential anti-allergic drug.
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a global silencing mechanism by which XX and XY mammals equalize X-linked gene dosages. XCI begins with an establishment phase during which Xist RNA spreads and ...induces de novo heterochromatinization across a female X chromosome and is followed by a maintenance phase when multiple epigenetic pathways lock down the inactive X (Xi) state. Involvement of Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2 in XCI has been intensively studied but with conflicting conclusions regarding their recruitment and role in Xi silencing. Here, we reveal that establishment of XCI has two phases and reconcile the roles that Xist repeats A and B play in gene silencing and Polycomb recruitment. Repeat A initiates both processes, whereas repeat B bolsters or stabilizes them thereafter. Once established, XCI no longer requires repeat A during maintenance. These findings integrate disparate studies and present a unified view of Xist’s role in Polycomb-mediated silencing.
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•X inactivation establishment is a biphasic process requiring Xist repeats A and B•Polycomb complexes can initially be recruited without repeat B•Repeat A initiates Polycomb recruitment and X silencing, whereas B stabilizes them•Frequency of X chromosome loss (XO state) is heightened by deleting repeat A
Colognori et al. show that X inactivation establishment is a biphasic process with distinct genetic requirements. Repeat A initiates Polycomb recruitment and gene silencing, whereas repeat B stabilizes them. Surprisingly, X inactivation can initiate without repeat B. Without repeat A, however, differentiating female cells lose one X chromosome to overcome loss of silencing.
Metacognition as the capacity of monitoring one's own cognition operates across domains. Here, we addressed whether metacognition in different cognitive domains rely on common or distinct neural ...substrates with combined diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques. After acquiring DTI and resting-state fMRI data, we asked participants to perform a temporal-order memory task and a perceptual discrimination task, followed by trial-specific confidence judgments. DTI analysis revealed that the structural integrity (indexed by fractional anisotropy) in the anterior portion of right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) was associated with both perceptual and mnemonic metacognitive abilities. Using perturbed mnemonic metacognitive scores produced by inhibiting the precuneus using TMS, the mnemonic metacognition scores did not correlate with individuals' SLF structural integrity anymore, revealing the relevance of this tract in memory metacognition. To further verify the involvement of several cortical regions connected by SLF, we took the TMS-targeted precuneus region as a seed in a functional connectivity analysis and found the functional connectivity between precuneus and two SLF-connected regions (inferior parietal cortex and precentral gyrus) mediated mnemonic metacognition performance. These results illustrate the importance of SLF and a putative white-matter grey-matter circuitry that supports human metacognition.
•Superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) integrity associated with metacognition.•Metamemory and SLF integrity correlation reduced by transient precuneus lesion.•Metamemory increases with precuneal-frontal-IPL functional connectivity.
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