bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apparent size and morphology of bacterial microcompartments varies with technique
Authors: Kennedy Nolan W. , Hershewe Jasmine M. , Nichols Taylor M. , Roth Eric W. , Wilke Charlene D. , Jewett Michael C. , Tullman-Ercek Danielle
Published: December 2019

Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are protein-based organelles which encapsulate metabolic pathways. Metabolic engineers have recently sought to repurpose MCPs to encapsulate heterologous pathways to increase flux through pathways of interest. As MCP engineering becomes more common, standardized methods for analyzing changes to MCPs and interpreting results across studies will become increasingly important. In this study, we demonstrate that different imaging techniques yield variations in the apparent size of purified MCPs fromSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium LT2, likely due to variations in sample preparation methods. We provide guidelines for preparing samples for MCP imaging and outline expected variations in apparent size and morphology between methods. With this report we aim to establish an aid for comparing results across studies.
Local axonal conduction delays underlie precise timing of a neural sequence
Authors: Egger Robert , Tupikov Yevhen , Katlowitz Kalman A. , Benezra Sam E. , Picardo Michel A. , Moll Felix , Kornfeld Jörgen , Jin Dezhe Z. , Long Michael A.
Published: December 2019

Sequential activation of neurons has been observed during various behavioral and cognitive processes and is thought to play a critical role in their generation. Here, we studied a circuit in the songbird forebrain that drives the performance of adult courtship song. In this region, known as HVC, neurons are sequentially active with millisecond precision in relation to behavior. Using large-scale network models, we found that HVC sequences could only be accurately produced if sequentially active neurons were linked with long and heterogeneous axonal conduction delays. Although such latencies are often thought to be negligible in local microcircuits, we empirically determined that HVC interconnections were surprisingly slow, generating delays up to 22 ms. An analysis of anatomical reconstructions suggests that similar processes may also occur in rat neocortex, supporting the notion that axonal conduction delays can sculpt the dynamical repertoire of a range of local circuits.
Genomic Analysis of Powdery Mildew Resistance in a Hop (Humulus lupulusL.) Bi-parental Population Segregating for “R6-locus”
Authors: Padgitt-Cobb Lillian K. , Kingan Sarah B. , Henning John A.
Published: December 2019

Genetic response in hop to fungal pathogen infection has been evaluated at the chromosomal level through QTL analyses but very little information exists on the expression of genes during infection periods. Raw GBS reads and phenotypic data from a previously published QTL analysis along with a newly assembled PacBio-derived hop reference genome were used to re-evaluate resistance to races v4/v6 of powdery mildew (PM;Podosphaera humuli). QTL analyses revealed two tightly linked regions of association on a single linkage group. The three SNP markers most tightly linked to PM resistance (found on contig 000559F) were observed downstream from a putative R-gene locus for powdery mildew resistance. This 230 kb region contained a series of seven putative R-genes surrounded by seven putative peroxidase-3 genes downstream and seven putative glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase upstream and an expressed F-box domain protein. RNAseq data showed all putative R-genes along with all putative glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase genes were expressed under diseased conditions, while none of the peroxidase genes were expressed. The second region contained three SNPs found on contig 002916F next to two putative R-genes. RNAseq data showed complex expression of exons contained in putative isoforms of R-genes. This preliminary information will prove valuable information for development of precise markers located either within or next to genes responsible for race v4/v6 PM resistance.
Reduced axonal caliber and white matter changes in a rat model of Fragile X syndrome with a deletion of a K Homology domain of Fmr1
Authors: Golden Carla E. M. , Yee Yohan , Wang Victoria X. , Harony-Nicolas Hala , Hof Patrick R. , Lerch Jason P. , Buxbaum Joseph D.
Published: December 2019

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene that are known to cause neuroanatomical alterations. The morphological underpinnings of these alterations have not been elucidated. Furthermore, while alterations have been identified in both male and female individuals, neuroanatomy in female rodent models has not been assessed. We identified structural differences in regions that are also altered in FXS in male and female rat models, including the splenium of the corpus callosum. Interestingly, different sets of regions were disrupted in male and female rat models and, remarkably, male rats had higher brain-wide diffusion than female rats overall. We found reduced axonal caliber in the splenium, offering a mechanism for its structural changes. Our results provide insight into which brain regions are vulnerable to a loss of Fmr1 expression and suggest a potential mechanism for how its loss causes white matter dysfunction in FXS.
Metagenomic shotgun analyses reveal complex patterns of intra- and interspecific variation in the intestinal microbiomes of codfishes
Authors: Riiser Even Sannes , Haverkamp Thomas H.A. , Varadharajan Srinidhi , Borgan Ørnulf , Jakobsen Kjetill S. , Jentoft Sissel , Star Bastiaan
Published: December 2019

The relative importance of host-specific selection or environmental factors in determining the composition of the intestinal microbiome in wild vertebrates remains poorly understood. Here, we use metagenomic shotgun sequencing of individual specimens to compare the intra- and interspecific variation of intestinal microbiome communities in two ecotypes (NEAC and NCC) of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) – that have distinct behavior and habitats– and threeGadidaespecies that occupy a range of ecological niches. Interestingly, we find significantly diverged microbiomes amongst the two Atlantic cod ecotypes. Interspecific patterns of variation are more variable, with significantly diverged communities for most species’ comparisons, apart from the comparison between coastal cod (NCC) and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii), whose community compositions are not significantly diverged. The absence of consistent species-specific microbiomes suggests that external environmental factors, such as temperature, diet or a combination there-off comprise major drivers of the intestinal community composition of codfishes.

Importance

The composition of the intestinal microbial community associated with teleost fish is influenced by a diversity of factors, ranging from internal factors (such as host-specific selection) to external factors (such as niche occupation). These factors are often difficult to separate, as differences in niche occupation (e.g. diet, temperature or salinity) may correlate with distinct evolutionary trajectories. Here, we investigate four gadoid species with contrasting levels of evolutionary separation and niche occupation. Using metagenomic shotgun sequencing, we observe distinct microbiomes amongst two Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) ecotypes (NEAC and NCC) with distinct behavior and habitats. In contrast, interspecific patterns of variation are more variable. For instance, we do not observe interspecific differentiation between the microbiomes of coastal cod (NCC) and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii) whose lineages have evolutionary separated over 20 million years ago. The observed pattern of microbiome variation in these gadoid species is therefore most parsimoniously explained by differences in niche occupation.
N-acetyltransferase 2 genotypes amongst Zulu Speaking South Africans and isoniazid /N-acetyl-isoniazid pharmacokinetics during anti-tuberculosis treatment
Authors: Mthiyane Thuli , Millard James , Adamson John , Balakrishna Yusentha , Connolly Cathy , Owen Andrew , Rustomjee Roxana , Dheda Keertan , McIlleron Helen , Pym Alexander S.
Published: December 2019

Background

Distribution ofN-acetyltransferase2(NAT2) polymorphisms varies considerably among different ethnic groups. Information onNAT2single-nucleotide polymorphisms in South African population is limited. We investigatedNAT2polymorphisms and their effect on isoniazid pharmacokinetics in Zulu black HIV-infected South Africans in Durban, South Africa. Methods: HIV-infected participants with culture-confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) were enrolled from two unrelated studies. Culture-confirmed participants were genotyped forNAT2polymorphisms 282C>T, 341T>C, 481C>T, 857G>A, 590G>A and 803A>G using Life Technologies pre-validated Taqman assays (Life Technologies, Paisley, UK). Participants underwent sampling for determination of plasma isoniazid andN-acetylisoniazid concentrations.

Results

Amongst the 120 patients, 63/120 (52.5%) were slow metabolisers (NAT2*5/*5), 43/120 (35.8%) had intermediate (NAT2*5/12), and 12/120 (11.7%) had rapid genotype (NAT2*4/*11, NAT2*11/12andNAT2*12/12). NAT2 alleles in this study were *4, *5C, *5D, *5E, *5J, *5K, *5KA, *5T, *11A, *12A/12C and *12M. NAT2*5 was the most frequent allele (70.4%) followed byNAT2*12 (27.9%). 34/40 had both PK results andNAT2genotyping results. The median area under the concentration-time-curve to infinity (AUC0-∞) interquartile range (IQR) was 7.81 (5.87 – 16.83) μg/ml/hr and maximum concentration (Cmax) 3.14 μg/ml (2.42 – 4.36) μg/mL. Individual polymorphisms were not equally distributed, with some represented in small numbers. Genotype did not correlate with phenotype, rapid genotype showing higher AUC0-∞than slow but not significant, p=0.43.

Conclusion

There was high prevalence of slow followed by intermediate then rapid acetylator genotypes. The poor concordance between genotype and phenotype suggests that other factors or genetic loci influence INH metabolism, and warrants further investigation in this population.
Bacterial Genome wide association studies (bGWAS) and transcriptomics identifies cryptic antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Roe Chandler , Williamson Charles H.D. , Vazquez Adam J. , Kyger Kristen , Valentine Michael , Bowers Jolene R. , Phillips Paul D. , Harrison Veronica , Driebe Elizabeth , Engelthaler David M. , Sahl Jason W.
Published: December 2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the nosocomial pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii, is becoming a serious public health threat. While some mechanisms of AMR have been reported, understanding novel mechanisms of resistance is critical for identifying emerging resistance. One of the first steps in identifying novel AMR mechanisms is performing genotype/phenotype association studies. However, performing genotype/phenotype association studies is complicated by the plastic nature of the A. baumannii pan-genome. In this study, we compared the antibiograms of 12 antimicrobials associated with multiple drug families for 84 A. baumannii isolates, many isolated in Arizona, USA. in silico screening of these genomes for known AMR mechanisms failed to identify clear correlations for most drugs. We then performed a genome wide association study (GWAS) looking for associations between all possible 21-mers; this approach generally failed to identify mechanisms that explained the resistance phenotype. In order to decrease the genomic noise associated with population stratification, we compared four phylogenetically-related pairs of isolates with differing susceptibility profiles. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on paired isolates and differentially expressed genes were identified. In these isolate pairs, we identified four different potential mechanisms, highlighting the difficulty of broad AMR surveillance in this species. To verify and validate differential expression, amplicon sequencing was performed. These results suggest that a diagnostic platform based on gene expression rather than genomics alone may be beneficial in certain surveillance efforts. The implementation of such advanced diagnostics coupled with increased AMR surveillance will potentially improve A. baumannii infection treatment and patient outcomes.
Accurate Prediction of Kinase-Substrate Networks Using Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Nováček Vít , McGauran Gavin , Matallanas David , Blanco Adrián Vallejo , Conca Piero , Muñoz Emir , Costabello Luca , Kanakaraj Kamalesh , Nawaz Zeeshan , Mohamed Sameh K. , Vandenbussche Pierre-Yves , Ryan Colm , Kolch Walter , Fey Dirk
Published: December 2019

Phosphorylation of specific substrates by protein kinases is a key control mechanism for vital cell-fate decisions and other cellular processes. However, discovering specific kinase-substrate relationships is timeconsuming and often rather serendipitous. Computational predictions alleviate these challenges, but the current approaches suffer from limitations like restricted kinome coverage and inaccuracy. They also typically utilise only local features without reflecting broader interaction context. To address these limitations, we have developed an alternative predictive model. It uses statistical relational learning on top of phosphorylation networks interpreted as knowledge graphs, a simple yet robust model for representing networked knowledge. Compared to a representative selection of six existing systems, our model has the highest kinome coverage and produces biologically valid high-confidence predictions not possible with the other tools. Specifically, we have experimentally validated predictions of previously unknown phosphorylations by the LATS1, AKT1, PKA and MST2 kinases in human. Thus, our tool is useful for focusing phosphoproteomic experiments, and facilitates the discovery of new phosphorylation reactions. Our model can be accessed publicly via an easy-to-use web interface (LinkPhinder).

Author Summary

LinkPhinder is a new approach to prediction of protein signalling networks based on kinase-substrate relationships that outperforms existing approaches. Phosphorylation networks govern virtually all fundamental biochemical processes in cells, and thus have moved into the centre of interest in biology, medicine and drug development. Fundamentally different from current approaches, LinkPhinder is inherently network-based and makes use of the most recent AI de-velopments. We represent existing phosphorylation data as knowledge graphs, a format for large-scale and robust knowledge representation. Training a link prediction model on such a structure leads to novel, biologically valid phosphorylation network predictions that cannot be made with competing tools. Thus our new conceptual approach can lead to establishing a new niche of AI applications in computational biology.
Systems biology informed deep learning for inferring parameters and hidden dynamics
Authors: Yazdani Alireza , Lu Lu , Raissi Maziar , Karniadakis George Em
Published: December 2019

Mathematical models of biological reactions at the system-level lead to a set of ordinary differential equations with many unknown parameters that need to be inferred using relatively few experimental measurements. Having a reliable and robust algorithm for parameter inference and prediction of the hidden dynamics has been one of the core subjects in systems biology, and is the focus of this study. We have developed a new systems-biology-informed deep learning algorithm that incorporates the system of ordinary differential equations into the neural networks. Enforcing these equations effectively adds constraints to the optimization procedure that manifests itself as an imposed structure on the observational data. Using few scattered and noisy measurements, we are able to infer the dynamics of unobserved species, external forcing, and the unknown model parameters. We have successfully tested the algorithm for three different benchmark problems.

Author summary

The dynamics of systems biological processes are usually modeled using ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which introduce various unknown parameters that need to be estimated efficiently from noisy measurements of concentration for a few species only. In this work, we present a new “systems-informed neural network” to infer the dynamics of experimentally unobserved species as well as the unknown parameters in the system of equations. By incorporating the system of ODEs into the neural networks, we effectively add constraints to the optimization algorithm, which makes the method robust to noisy and sparse measurements.
Role of nitric oxide in improving seed germination and alleviation of copper-induced photosynthetic inhibition in Indian mustard
Authors: Rather Bilal A. , Mir Iqbal R. , Masood Asim , Anjum Naser A. , Khan Nafees A.
Published: December 2019

Heavy metal stress limits crop production through its effects on seed germination and photosynthesis. Nitric oxide (NO), a versatile signaling molecule, plays a significant role in heavy metal stress tolerance. In the present investigation, the efficacy of NO application in the alleviation of copper (Cu) induced adverse impact on seed germination and photosynthesis of mustard plant (Brassica juncea L.) was evaluated. Pretreatment with NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), significantly improved seed germination and alleviated Cu-accrued oxidative stress inB. junceaseeds. However, in the absence of NO, Cu showed a higher reduction in seed germination rate. Further, NO modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes and sustained the lower level of lipid peroxidation by reducing H2O2,and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), thereby elevated the antioxidative capacity in Cu-exposed seeds. Seeds pretreated with NO also retained higher amylase activities for the proper seed germination when compared with control. NO mitigated Cu toxicity through an improved antioxidant system, and reducing Cu-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduction in lipid peroxidation improving photosynthetic efficiency and growth of the mustard plant. It may concluded that NO improved amylase activity, modulated activity of antioxidant enzymes, and enhanced the germination rate seeds under Cu stress, thereby improved photosynthesis and growth.
Understanding the genetic risks of complex diseases using the additive epistatic interaction model: a simulation study
Authors: Wang Yupeng
Published: December 2019

Thousands of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have been carried out to pinpoint genetic variants associated with complex diseases. However, the proportion of phenotypic variance which can be explained by the identified genetic variants is relatively low, leading to the “missing heritability” problem. This problem may be partly caused by the inadequate understanding of the genetic mechanisms of complex diseases. Here, we propose the additive epistatic interaction model, consisting of widespread pure epistatic interactions whose effects are additive and can be summarized by a genetic risk score. Based on a simulated genotype dataset, the additive epistatic interaction model well depicted genetic risks and hereditary patterns of complex diseases. Based on the 1000 Genomes Project data, the additive epistatic interaction model accurately classified human populations. Moreover, the model’s genetic risk score can be replaced by a deep learning model which is more resistant to noises. We suggest that the additive epistatic interaction model may help to understand the genetic mechanisms and risks of complex diseases.
Modulation of the combinatorial code of odorant receptor response patterns in odorant mixtures
Authors: de March Claire A. , Titlow William B. , Sengoku Tomoko , Breheny Patrick , Matsunami Hiroaki , McClintock Timothy S.
Published: December 2019

The perception of odors relies on combinatorial codes consisting of odorant receptor (OR) response patterns to encode odor identity. The modulation of these patterns by odorant interactions at ORs potentially explains several olfactory phenomena: mixture suppression, unpredictable sensory outcomes, and the perception of odorant mixtures as unique objects. We determined OR response patterns to 4 odorants and 3 binary mixtures in vivo in mice, identifying 30 responsive ORs. These patterns typically had a few strongly responsive ORs and a greater number of weakly responsive ORs. The ORs responsive to an odorant were often unrelated sequences distributed across several OR subfamilies. Mixture responses predicted pharmacological interactions between odorants, which were tested in vitro by heterologous expression of ORs in cultured cells. These tests provided independent evidence confirming odorant agonists for 13 ORs and identified both suppressive and additive effects of mixing odorants. This included 11 instances of antagonism of ORs by an odorant, 1 instance of additive responses to a binary mixture, 1 instance of suppression of a strong agonist by a weak agonist, and the discovery of an inverse agonist for an OR. These findings demonstrate that interactions between odorants at ORs are common.
Optogenetic control of PRC1 reveals that bridging fibers promote chromosome alignment by overlap length-dependent forces
Authors: Jagrić Mihaela , Risteski Patrik , Martinčić Jelena , Milas Ana , Tolić Iva M.
Published: December 2019

During metaphase, chromosome position at the spindle equator is regulated by the forces exerted by kinetochore microtubules and polar ejection forces. However, the role of forces arising from mechanical coupling of sister kinetochore fibers with bridging fibers in chromosome alignment is unknown. Here we develop an optogenetic approach for acute removal of PRC1 to disassemble bridging fibers, and show that they promote chromosome alignment. Tracking of the plus-end protein EB3 revealed longer antiparallel overlaps of bridging microtubules upon PRC1 removal, which was accompanied by misaligned and lagging kinetochores. Kif4A/kinesin-4 and Kif18A/kinesin-8 were found within the bridging fiber and lost upon PRC1 removal, suggesting that these proteins regulate the overlap length of bridging microtubules. We propose that PRC1-mediated crosslinking of bridging microtubules and recruitment of kinesins to the bridging fiber promotes chromosome alignment by overlap length-dependent forces transmitted to the associated kinetochores fibers.
Nanometric axial localization of single fluorescent molecules with modulated excitation
Authors: Jouchet Pierre , Cabriel Clément , Bourg Nicolas , Bardou Marion , Poüs Christian , Fort Emmanuel , Lévêque-Fort Sandrine
Published: December 2019

Strategies have been developed in LIDAR to perform distance measurements for non-coherent emission in sparse samples based on excitation modulation. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is also striving to perform axial localization but through entirely different approaches. Here we revisit the amplitude modulated LIDAR approach to reach nanometric localization precision and we successfully adapt it to bring distinct advantages to super-resolution microscopy. The excitation pattern is performed by interference enabling the decoupling between spatial and time modulation. The localization of a single emitter is performed by measuring the relative phase of its linear fluorescent response to the known shifting excitation field. Taking advantage of a tilted interfering configuration, we obtain a typical axial localization precision of 7.5 nm over the entire field of view and the axial capture range, without compromising on the acquisition time, the emitter density or the lateral localization precision. The interfering pattern being robust to optical aberrations, this modulated localization (ModLoc) strategy is particularly well suited for observations deep in the samples. Images performed on various biological samples show that the localization precision remains nearly constant up to several micrometers.
A unified allosteric/torpedo mechanism for transcriptional termination on human protein-coding genes
Authors: Eaton Joshua D. , Francis Laura , Davidson Lee , West Steven
Published: December 2019

The allosteric and torpedo models have been used for 30 yr to explain how transcription terminates on protein-coding genes. The former invokes termination via conformational changes in the transcription complex and the latter proposes that degradation of the downstream product of poly(A) signal (PAS) processing is important. Here, we describe a single mechanism incorporating features of both models. We show that termination is completely abolished by rapid elimination of CPSF73, which causes very extensive transcriptional readthrough genome-wide. This is because CPSF73 functions upstream of modifications to the elongation complex and provides an entry site for the XRN2 torpedo. Rapid depletion of XRN2 enriches these events that we show are underpinned by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) activity, the inhibition of which extends readthrough in the absence of XRN2. Our results suggest a combined allosteric/torpedo mechanism, in which PP1-dependent slowing down of polymerases over termination regions facilitates their pursuit/capture by XRN2 following PAS processing.
A framework of online-merge-offline (OMO) classroom for open education
Authors: Xiao Jun , Sun-Lin Hong-Zheng , Cheng Hsu-Chen
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a design of online-merge-offline (OMO) classroom for open education with design principles related to practical issues of teachers’ teaching, students’ learning and schools’ management.

Design/methodology/approach

Three stages were covered: drafted an OMO classroom framework, built a sample classroom and explored end-users’ experience. First, authors searched for and reviewed previous studies and related cases to draft an OMO framework. Second, a classroom, consisted of wireless devices, cloud-based services, Internet of Things terminals, ergonomics furniture, and comprehensive data management and analysis services, was built in Shanghai Open University. Third, invited 11 students’, 18 teachers’ and 9 school managers’ perspectives were collected and analysed by surveys and interviews.

Findings

All student participants responded positively in terms of learning experience in the classroom. They not only engaged in classroom activities such, but also accessed needed learning materials and interacted with teachers and peers anytime anywhere via mobile devices. Similarly, most teachers (90 per cent) made positive responses because of flexibility of teaching strategies and learning activities and expressed willingness to use the classroom in the future (94.4 per cent). In addition, more than 78 per cent of managers positively commented on the design of classroom, interaction effects and effective management. Visualised data allowed them to timely monitor status of facilities, comprehensively understand users’ behaviour and issues, make necessary decision with scientific evidence.

Research limitations/implications

The framework and classroom not only provide teachers, students, school managers and researcher with a better understanding of innovative open education, but also indicate the key role of objective-oriented and data-driven issues for further work.

Originality/value

To meet needs of teachers, students, managers and researchers in today’s open education, an OMO classroom was built in Shanghai Open University based on the proposed Objective-Oriented Pedagogy-Space-Technology (OPST) framework. The framework provides readers (especially teachers and administrators of open-education institutes, staff of information centres and ed-tech researchers) with a better understanding of innovative instruction and effective management, and the originally designed classroom can be a practical and illuminating example.
L&D professionals in organisations: much ambition, unfilled promise
Authors: Garavan Thomas N. , Heneghan Sinead , O’Brien Fergal , Gubbins Claire , Lai Yanqing , Carbery Ronan , Duggan James , Lannon Ronnie , Sheehan Maura , Grant Kirsteen
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This monograph reports on the strategic and operational roles of learning and development (L&D) professionals in Irish, UK European and US organisations including multinational corporations, small to medium enterprises, the public sector and not for profit organisations. This paper aims to investigate the contextual factors influencing L&D roles in organisations, the strategic and operational roles that L&D professionals play in organisations, the competencies and career trajectories of L&D professionals, the perceptions of multiple internal stakeholders of the effectiveness of L&D roles and the relationships between context, L&D roles, competencies/expertise and perceived organisational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study findings are based on the use of multiple methods. The authors gathered data from executives, senior managers, line managers, employee and L&D professionals using multiple methods: a survey (n= 440), Delphi study (n= 125) and semi-structured interviews (n= 30).

Findings

The analysis revealed that L&D professionals increasingly respond to a multiplicity of external and internal contextual influences and internal stakeholders perceived the effectiveness of L&D professionals differently with significant gaps in perceptions of what L&D contributes to organisational effectiveness. L&D professionals perform both strategic and operational roles in organisations and they progress through four career levels. Each L&D role and career level requires a distinct and unique set of foundational competencies and L&D expertise. The authors found that different contextual predictors were important in explaining the perceived effectiveness of L&D roles and the importance attached to different foundational competencies and areas of L&D expertise.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies to have investigated the L&D professional role in organisations from the perspective of multiple stakeholders using multiple research methods.
Investigating the view of quality management success factors amongst future early career operations leaders
Authors: Shokri Alireza
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the gap between the current vision and knowledge of future early career operations leaders (OL) and common strategic total quality management (TQM) frameworks such as Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Awards and competing value framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was developed for different groups of participants as current higher education students to identify the gap and analyse the significance of these groups on the factors in TQM framework. The Kruskal–Wallis test as the non-parametric quantitative analysis technique was adopted for this study.

Findings

A new set of TQM factors with necessity of more knowledge and understanding of future generation was identified, followed by highlighting clear differences amongst different groups of this generation in terms of their demographic measures, perceived leadership style and organisational culture.

Research limitations/implications

This research study contributed significantly to the existing study about common QM models and their integration with theories relevant to organisational culture and leadership. The data collection can be extended further in the higher education sector or beyond that.

Practical implications

A sustainable operations leadership practice needs managers and leaders with a sustainable knowledge development of quality management; and as a result of this study, the current vision of future young OL would not echo this.

Originality/value

This study has a systematic, non-parametric approach towards currently fragmented QM analysis, and is integrated with human resource and visionary elements of future young OL and universal QM models and theories.
A conceptual cooperative model designed for processes, digitalisation and innovation
Authors: Sehlin Daniel , Truedsson Maja , Cronemyr Peter
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Digital transformations are changing society, and they force industries to react to the market more frequently. Managers are aware of new technical demands, which increase the pressure of meeting those demands. To meet technical demands, radical innovations are one way to stay competitive. However, it is more complex to make them a part of the business. The purpose of this study was to create a framework for small and medium-sized enterprises to become more efficient by starting to digitalise their business processes with the expertise of an external innovation partner.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was performed at a case company with an abductive approach where both deduction and induction were used to study the empirical findings and formulate new theories in relation to recognised theory. Qualitative methods have been used in the empirical study due to their flexibility and the fact that the focus of the information gathering was to create a context.

Findings

The analysis indicates that a certain level of process maturity can be put in relation to a certain innovation level and a certain level of digital change. According to a process maturity model, an adaptable process could respond to changes in customer demands better, which can be related to changes in the business domain and the society. The research resulted in a conceptual cooperative model based on the three domains of the study. The model has been validated using design reviews with the case company, a consultancy firm and together with an innovation partner.

Practical implications

The model will be a practical template for Small and Medium Enterprises to follow when digitalising business processes and how to prioritise them.

Originality/value

The proposed framework of how to digitalise at different innovation levels coupled to process maturity levels is a novel idea that could be used for further research.
Earnings management and corporate investment efficiency: does the board of directors matter?
Authors: Bzeouich Bilel , Lakhal Faten , Dammak Neila
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between earnings management and the efficiency of French firms’ investments. It also investigates the moderating effect of board of directors’ features on this relation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of French listed companies from 2011 to 2015, i.e. 435 firm-year observations. The authors use the instrumental variable method based on 2SLS models.

Findings

The authors show that there is a negative relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency. This finding supports the theoretical perspective of the agency theory, as the propensity of firms to engage in earnings management practices is associated with high managerial opportunistic behavior and asymmetric information issues, leading to the problem of under and overinvestment. The findings also show that board size, independence and gender diversity are positively associated with investment efficiency. These board features moderate the relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency suggesting that earnings quality plays a more prominent role in guiding managers to choose the right investments when the corporate governance environment is strong.

Research limitations/implications

The negative relationship between earnings management and investment efficiency suggests that firms with lower earnings quality are exposed to high information asymmetries. They are then more likely to deviate from their expected level of investments. In addition, the results highlight the importance of corporate financial transparency and board monitoring to reduce agency costs and ensure the efficiency of corporate investments, particularly in a setting where investors’ interests are poorly protected.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to the best of the authors’ knowledge to examine the effect of earnings management, a metric for earnings quality, on the corporate investment efficiency in France. Besides, they extend previous literature by investigating how board features are able to monitor managerial actions and decisions and therefore to moderate the effect of earnings management on investment efficiency.
Sustainability reporting and integrated reporting perspectives of Thai-listed companies
Authors: Petcharat Neungruthai , Zaman Mahbub
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the reporting on sustainability and the level of compliance with international best practice, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), aimed at improving communicative value to users.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, comprising interviews with senior managers and analysis of disclosures in annual reports of Thai-listed companies, this paper contributes to the literature by providing evidence from an emerging market setting.

Findings

This study finds that sustainability reporting and integrated reporting perspectives of sampling companies are aiming to satisfy information needs to stakeholders and value creation to external users. Sustainability disclosures are related to some aspect of integrated reporting (IR) principles but not all.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are based on the results from interviews and annual reports of five business sectors, and may therefore, not reflect the sustainability reporting practices and/or annual reports of other Thai-listed companies. Also, there is limited reporting on future outlook.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that while sustainability and IR is being adopted very widely, in many countries, there is much variation in reporting practice especially in our emerging country context adopting a “comply or explain” approach.

Social implications

For the Thai-listed companies, IR systems could be in their early stages and still have long way to go. The results can greatly encourage Thai-listed firms to incorporate integrated information in annual reports based on international standards thus building trust in capital markets and wider society.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on sustainability reporting and on the level of compliance with international best practice such as GRI by providing empirical analysis of non-financial disclosures within publicly available reporting in Thailand.
Evaluating a screening and support system for early intervention in Wales
Authors: Fawcett Angela J. , Jones Nichola
Published: December 2019

The concept of early screening and response to intervention has been recognised as key to success in literacy. In this article, an implementation model, which combined a published screening test with a free open access short‐term intervention, was piloted and evaluated over several years. Significant improvements in risk levels for literacy difficulties were identified following a series of 12‐week interventions for 1 hour weekly, split into three small group sessions. In phase 1a, 54% of 224 children were no longer ‘at risk’, and in Phase 1b, 51% of 151 children were no longer ‘at risk’, with evidence for transfer to reading over time. In phase 2a, the approach included whole class screening, (670 children, 25% risk at pre‐test reduced to ‘no‐risk’ in 17.4%). In Phase 2b, targeted support was provided for 306 children in reception, year 1 and year 2. After the intervention, 57% of these children were no longer ‘at‐risk’, with reception children making greatest progress. The model has successfully impacted on greater awareness of ALN and approaches to intervention in the teachers involved. Interviews with users indicated a high level of satisfaction and the approach has been recommended for wider application, following further research.
Cannabinoids and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Emerging Effects of Cannabidiol and Potential Applications to Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: Karoly Hollis C. , Mueller Raeghan L. , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: December 2019

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged in recent years as a potential treatment target for alcohol use disorders (AUD). In particular, the nonpsychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) has shown preclinical promise in ameliorating numerous clinical symptoms of AUD. There are several proposed mechanism(s) through which cannabinoids (and CBD in particular) may confer beneficial effects in the context of AUD. First, CBD may directly impact specific brain mechanisms underlying AUD to influence alcohol consumption and the clinical features of AUD. Second, CBD may influence AUD symptoms through its actions across the digestive, immune, and central nervous systems, collectively known as the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA). Notably, emerging work suggests that alcohol and cannabinoids exert opposing effects on the MGBA. Alcohol is linked to immune dysfunction (e.g., chronic systemic inflammation in the brain and periphery) as well as disturbances in gut microbial species (microbiota) and increased intestinal permeability. These MGBA disruptions have been associated with AUD symptoms such as craving and impaired cognitive control. Conversely, existing preclinical data suggest that cannabinoids may confer beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal and immune system, such as reducing intestinal permeability, regulating gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation. Thus, cannabinoids may exert AUD harm‐reduction effects, at least in part, through their beneficial actions across the MGBA. This review will provide a brief introduction to the ECS and the MGBA, discuss the effects of cannabinoids (particularly CBD) and alcohol in the brain, gut, and immune system (i.e., across the MGBA), and put forth a theoretical framework to inform future research questions.
Association of missense variants in GDF9 with litter size in Entlebucher Mountain dogs
Authors: Torrecilha R. B. P. , Milanesi M. , Gallana M. , Falbo A.‐K. , Reichler I. M. , Hug P. , Jagannathan V. , Trigo B. B. , Paulan S. C. , Bruno D. B. , Garcia S. D. , Scaramele N. F. , Lopes F. L. , Dolf G. , Leeb T. , Sölkner J. , Garcia J. F. , Pieńkowska‐Schelling A. , Schelling C. , Utsunomiya Y. T.
Published: December 2019

In the past two decades, average litter size (ALS) in Entlebucher Mountain dogs decreased by approximately 0.8 puppies. We conducted a GWAS for ALS using the single‐step methodology to take advantage of 1632 pedigree records, 892 phenotypes and 372 genotypes (173 662 markers) for which only 12% of the dogs had both phenotypes and genotypes available. Our analysis revealed associations towards the growth differentiation factor 9 gene (GDF9), which is known to regulate oocyte maturation. The trait heritability was estimated at 43.1%, from which approximately 15% was accountable by the GDF9 locus alone. Therefore, markers flanking GDF9 explained approximately 6.5% of the variance in ALS. Analysis of WGSs revealed two missense substitutions in GDF9, one of which (g.11:21147009G>A) affected a highly conserved nucleotide in vertebrates. The derived allele A was validated in 111 dogs and shown to be associated with decreased ALS (−0.75 ± 0.22 puppies per litter). The variant was further predicted to cause a proline to serine substitution. The affected residue was immediately followed by a six‐residue deletion that is fixed in the canine species but absent in non‐canids. We further confirmed that the deletion is prevalent in the Canidae family by sequencing three species of wild canids. Since canids uniquely ovulate oocytes at the prophase stage of the first meiotic division, requiring maturation in the oviduct, we conjecture that the amino acid substitution and the six‐residue deletion of GDF9 may serve as a model for insights into the dynamics of oocyte maturation in canids.
A comparison of clinical staging using the Lugano versus Ann Arbor classifications in Japanese patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Makita Shinichi , Maruyama Dai , Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Yuda Sayako , Toyoda Kosuke , Yamauchi Nobuhiko , Fukuhara Suguru , Munakata Wataru , Kobayashi Yukio , Kurihara Hiroaki , Izutsu Koji , Tobinai Kensei
Published: December 2019

Aims

The Lugano classification is a novel staging system for lymphomas established in 2014. In this staging system, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) was formally incorporated into standard staging for FDG‐avid lymphomas, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We retrospectively analyzed patients with HL who were newly diagnosed and treated at our institution to evaluate the utility of the Lugano classification compared to the Ann Arbor classification in Japanese patients with this type of lymphoma.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with HL between 2005 and 2011 were identified through our departmental database. Data from neck‐chest‐abdomen‐pelvis CT scans, BM examinations, and FDG‐PET/CT that were routinely performed for staging at our clinical practice were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

Fifty‐four patients with a median age of 35.5 years (range: 15‐78 years) were investigated in this retrospective study. The Lugano stage matched the Ann Arbor stage in 46 patients (85%). Six patients (11%) were upstaged while two (4%) were downstaged per the Lugano classification. Four patients (7%) were converted from early stage to advanced stage, but none was converted in the reverse. Among 11 patients (20%) with PET‐positive bone/bone marrow lesions, only one (2%) exhibited biopsy‐proven bone marrow involvement of HL cells.

Conclusion

Our data revealed a high concordance rate between the Lugano and Ann Arbor staging system in Japanese patients with HL. Because of its low diagnostic value, routine bone marrow examination might be unnecessary for staging when FDG‐PET/CT is used as a substitute.
Profilin is a marker of severity in allergic respiratory diseases
Authors: Ruiz‐Hornillos Javier , López‐Matas M. Angeles , Berges Jimeno Pilar , Henríquez Aythamy , Blanco Sandra , Seoane‐Rodríguez Marta , Mahíllo Ignacio , Carnés Jerónimo
Published: December 2019

Background

The capacity of profilin to induce allergic symptoms in patients with respiratory allergy has been questioned. In this sense, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between profilin exposure and induction of symptoms in a prospective case‐control study.

Methods

The concentration of profilin as well as pollen levels in the air was measured. A diary score of symptoms was collected from allergic patients. Seventy‐nine individuals were included in the study; fifty cases and 28 controls were positive or negative to profilin, respectively. Conjunctival and bronchial provocation tests were performed with purified profilin (Pho d 2) in a subgroup of cases and controls.

Results

Profilin was detected in the environment on 133 days (maximum peak of 0.56 ng/m3). A positive correlation between profilin and pollen count of Olea and Poaceae was observed (ρ = 0.24; P < .001). Intensity of total, nasal and ocular symptoms was statistically higher in cases than in controls (P < .001). The risk of suffering symptoms, measured by the percentage of patients who presented any of the symptoms each day, was also higher in cases than in controls. The provocation test was positive in 95% of bronchial and 90% of conjunctival challenges in cases, and negative in all controls.

Conclusions

Profilin was detected in the environment and had the ability to induce a specific allergen response. Patients sensitized to this panallergen showed more symptoms and were more likely to have symptoms. Therefore, sensitization to profilin seems to be a marker of severity in patients with rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma mediated by pollen.