bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shift in worker physiology and gene expression pattern from reproductive to diapause-like with colony age in the bumble beeBombus impatiens
Authors: Treanore Erin D. , Kiner Jacklyn M. , Kerner Mackenzie E. , Amsalem Etya
Published: September 2019

Insects maximize their fitness by exhibiting predictable and adaptive seasonal patterns in response to changing environmental conditions. These seasonal patterns are often expressed even when insects are kept in captivity, suggesting they are functionally and evolutionary important.

In this study we examined whether workers of the eusocial bumble beeBombus impatiensmaintained a seasonal signature when kept in captivity. We used an integrative approach and compared worker egg-laying, ovarian activation, body size and mass, lipid content in the fat body, cold tolerance and expression of genes related to cold tolerance, metabolism, and stress throughout colony development.

We found that bumble bee worker physiology and gene expression patterns shift from reproductive-like to diapause-like as the colony ages. Workers eclosing early in the colony cycle had increased egg-laying and ovarian activation, and reduced cold tolerance, body size, mass, and lipid content in the fat body, in line with a reproductive-like profile, while late-eclosing workers exhibited the opposite characteristics. Furthermore, expression patterns of genes associated with reproduction and diapause differed between early- and late-eclosing workers, partially following the physiological patterns.

We suggest that a seasonal signature, innate to individual workers, the queen or the colony is used by workers as a social cue determining the phenology of the colony and discuss possible implications for understanding reproductive division of labor in bumble bee colonies and the evolutionary divergence of female castes in the genusBombus.
Example Based Hebbian Learning may be sufficient to support Human Intelligence
Authors: Wong Eric C.
Published: September 2019

In this hypothesis paper we argue that when driven by example behavior, a simple Hebbian learning mechanism can form the core of a computational theory of learning that can support both low level learning and the development of human level intelligence. We show that when driven by example behavior Hebbian learning rules can support semantic, episodic and procedural memory. For humans, we hypothesize that the abilities to manipulate an off-line world model and to abstract using language allow for the generation and communication of rich example behavior, and thereby support human learning and a gradual increase of collective human intelligence across generations. We also compare the properties of Example Based Hebbian (EBH) learning with those of backpropagation-based learning and argue that the EBH mechanism is more consistent with observed characteristics of human learning.
Lineage-specific control of convergent differentiation by a Forkhead repressor
Authors: Mizeracka Karolina , Rogers Julia M. , Rumley Jonathan D. , Shaham Shai , Bulyk Martha L. , Murray John I. , Heiman Maxwell G.
Published: September 2019

During convergent differentiation, multiple developmental lineages produce a highly similar or identical cell type. However, few molecular players that drive convergent differentiation are known. Here, we show that the C. elegans Forkhead transcription factor UNC-130 is required in only one of three convergent lineages that produce the same glial cell type. UNC-130 acts transiently as a repressor in progenitors and newly-born terminal cells to allow the proper specification of cells related by lineage rather than by cell type or function. Specification defects correlate with UNC-130:DNA binding, and UNC-130 can be functionally replaced by its human homolog, the neural crest lineage determinant FoxD3. We propose that, in contrast to terminal selectors that activate cell-type specific transcriptional programs in terminally differentiating cells, UNC-130 acts early and specifically in one convergent lineage to produce a cell type that also arises from molecularly distinct progenitors in other lineages.
Adaptation Within Embryonic and Neonatal Heart Environment Reveals Alternative Fates for Adult c-Kit+Cardiac Interstitial Cells
Authors: Wang Bingyan J. , Alvarez Roberto , Muliono Alvin , Sengphanith Sharon , Monsanto Megan M. , Weeks Joi , Sacripanti Roberto , Sussman Mark A.
Published: September 2019

Cardiac interstitial cells (CIC) perform essential roles in myocardial biology through preservation of homeostasis as well as response to injury or stress. Studies of murine CIC biology reveal remarkable plasticity in terms of transcriptional reprogramming and ploidy state with important implications for function. Despite over a decade of characterization andin vivoutilization of adult c-Kit+CIC (cCIC), adaptability and functional responses upon delivery to adult mammalian hearts remain poorly understood. Limitations of characterizing cCIC biology followingin vitroexpansion and adoptive transfer into the adult heart were circumvented by delivery of the donated cells into early cardiogenic environments of embryonic, fetal, and early postnatal developing hearts. These three developmental stages were permissive for retention and persistence, enabling phenotypic evaluation ofin vitroexpanded cCICs after delivery as well as tissue response following introduction to the host environment. Embryonic blastocyst environment prompted cCIC integration into trophectoderm as well as persistence in amniochorionic membrane. Delivery to fetal myocardium yielded cCIC perivascular localization with fibroblast-like phenotype, similar to cCICs introduced to postnatal P3 heart with persistent cell cycle activity for up to 4 weeks. Fibroblast-like phenotype of exogenously transferred cCICs in fetal and postnatal cardiogenic environments is consistent with inability to contribute directly toward cardiogenesis and lack of functional integration with host myocardium. In contrast, cCICs incorporation into extra-embryonic membranes is consistent with fate of polyploid cells in blastocysts. These findings provide insight into cCIC biology, their inherent predisposition toward fibroblast fates in cardiogenic environments, and remarkable participation in extra-embryonic tissue formation.
Data-based RNA-seq Simulations by Binomial Thinning
Authors: Gerard David
Published: September 2019

With the explosion in the number of methods designed to analyze bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data, there is a growing need for approaches that assess and compare these methods. The usual technique is to compare methods on data simulated according to some theoretical model. However, as real data often exhibit violations from theoretical models, this can result in un-substantiated claims of a method’s performance. Rather than generate data from a theoretical model, in this paper we develop methods to add signal to real RNA-seq datasets. Since the resulting simulated data are not generated from an unrealistic theoretical model, they exhibit realistic (annoying) attributes of real data. This lets RNA-seq methods developers assess their procedures in non-ideal (model-violating) scenarios. Our procedures may be applied to both single-cell and bulk RNA-seq. We show that our simulation method results in more realistic datasets and can alter the conclusions of a differential expression analysis study. We also demonstrate our approach by comparing various factor analysis techniques on RNA-seq datasets. Our tools are available in theseqgendiffR package on the Comprehensive R Archive Net-work:https://cran.r-project.org/package=seqgendiff.
A metabolic pathway for bile acid dehydroxylation by the gut microbiome
Authors: Funabashi Masanori , Grove Tyler L. , Pascal Victoria , Varma Yug , McFadden Molly E. , Brown Laura C. , Guo Chunjun , Medema Marnix H. , Almo Steven C. , Fischbach Michael A.
Published: September 2019

The gut microbiota synthesize hundreds of molecules, many of which are known to impact host physiology. Among the most abundant metabolites are the secondary bile acids deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA), which accumulate at ~500 μM and are known to blockC. difficilegrowth1, promote hepatocellular carcinoma2, and modulate host metabolism via the GPCR TGR53. More broadly, DCA, LCA and their derivatives are a major component of the recirculating bile acid pool4; the size and composition of this pool are a target of therapies for primary biliary cholangitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Despite the clear impact of DCA and LCA on host physiology, incomplete knowledge of their biosynthetic genes and a lack of genetic tools in their native producer limit our ability to modulate secondary bile acid levels in the host. Here, we complete the pathway to DCA/LCA by assigning and characterizing enzymes for each of the steps in its reductive arm, revealing a strategy in which the A-B rings of the steroid core are transiently converted into an electron acceptor for two reductive steps carried out by Fe-S flavoenzymes. Using anaerobic in vitro reconstitution, we establish that a set of six enzymes is necessary and sufficient for the 8-step conversion of cholic acid to DCA. We then engineer the pathway intoClostridium sporogenes, conferring production of DCA and LCA on a non-producing commensal and demonstrating that a microbiome-derived pathway can be expressed and controlled heterologously. These data establish a complete pathway to two central components of the bile acid pool, and provide a road map for deorphaning and engineering pathways from the microbiome as a critical step toward controlling the metabolic output of the gut microbiota.
The CRY1 tail controls circadian timing by regulating its association with CLOCK:BMAL1
Authors: Parico Gian Carlo G. , Perez Ivette , Fribourgh Jennifer L. , Hernandez Britney N. , Lee Hsiau-Wei , Partch Carrie L.
Published: September 2019

Circadian rhythms are generated by a transcription-translation feedback loop that establishes cell-autonomous biological timing of ~24-hours. A prevalent human variation in the core clock gene cryptochrome 1, Cry1Δ11, lengthens circadian period to cause Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD). CRY1 has a 55 kDa photolyase homology region (PHR) followed by a ~100 residue tail that is intrinsically disordered; the Δ11 variant lacks a short segment encoded by Exon 11 within its tail. We show here that the disordered tail of CRY1 interacts directly with its PHR, and that Exon 11 is necessary and sufficient to disrupt the interaction between CRY1 and CLOCK, a subunit of the primary circadian transcription factor. Competition between PER2 and the tail for the CRY1 PHR suggests a regulatory role for the tail in the early morning, when CRY1 binds to CLOCK:BMAL1 on DNA independently of PER2. Discovery of this autoregulatory role for mammalian CRY1 highlights functional conservation with plant and insect cryptochromes, which also utilize PHR-tail interactions to reversibly control their activity.

One Sentence Summary

The disordered tail of the CRY1 protein regulates interactions between CRY1 and other core circadian rhythm proteins.
C17orf53 defines a novel pathway involved in inter-strand crosslink repair
Authors: Wang Chao , Chen Zhen , Su Dan , Tang Mengfan , Nie Litong , Zhang Huimin , Feng Xu , Wang Rui , Shen Xi , Srivastava Mrinal , McLaughlin Megan E. , Hart Glen Traver , Li Lei , Chen Junjie
Published: September 2019

ATR kinase is a master regulator of genome maintenance and participates in DNA replication and various DNA repair pathways. In a genome-wide screening for ATR-dependent fitness genes, we identified a previously uncharacterized gene, C17orf53, whose loss led to hypersensitivity to ATR inhibition. C17orf53 is conserved in vertebrate and is required for efficient cell proliferation. Loss of C17orf53 slowed down DNA replication and led to pronounced ICL repair defect. Further genetic analyses revealed that C17orf53 functions downstream in ICL repair pathway, probably by affecting the loading of repair factors such as RAD54. In addition, we showed that C17orf53 is a ssDNA- and RPA-binding protein, both of which are important for its functions in the cell. Taken together, C17orf53 is a novel component involved in ICL repair pathway.
Structural Pathway for Allosteric Activation of the Autophagic PI 3-Kinase Complex I
Authors: Young Lindsey N. , Goerdeler Felix , Hurley James H.
Published: September 2019

Autophagy induction by starvation and stress involves the enzymatic activation of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex I (PI3KC3-C1). The inactive basal state of PI3KC3-C1 is maintained by inhibitory contacts between the VPS15 protein kinase and VPS34 lipid kinase domains that restrict the conformation of the VPS34 activation loop. Here, the pro-autophagic MIT domain-containing protein NRBF2 was used to map the structural changes leading to activation. Cryo-EM was used to visualize stepwise PI3KC3-C1 activating effects of binding the NRFB2 MIT domains. Binding of a single NRBF2 MIT domain to bends the helical solenoid of the VPS15 scaffold, displaces the protein kinase domain of VPS15, and releases the VPS34 kinase domain from the inhibited conformation. Binding of a second MIT stabilizes the VPS34 lipid kinase domain in an active conformation that has an unrestricted activation loop and is poised for access to membranes.
An integrated Asian human SNV and indel benchmark combining multiple sequencing methods
Authors: Huang Chuanfeng , Shao Libin , Qu Shoufang , Rao Junhua , Cheng Tao , Cao Zhisheng , Liu Sanyang , Hu Jie , Liang Xinming , Shang Ling , Chen Yangyi , Liang Zhikun , Zhang Jiezhong , Chen Peipei , Luo Donghong , Zhu Anna , Yu Ting , Zhang Wenxin , Fan Guangyi , Chen Fang , Huang Jie
Published: September 2019

Precision medicine of human requires an accurate and complete reference variant benchmark for different populations. A human standard cell line of NA12878 provides a good reference for part of the human populations, but it is still lack of a fine reference standard sample and variant benchmark for the Asians. Here, we constructed a stabilized cell line of a Chinese Han volunteer. We received about 4.16T clean data of the sample using eight sequencing strategies in different laboratories, including two BGI regular NGS platforms, three Illumina regular NGS platforms, two linked-read libraries, and PacBio CCS model. The sequencing depth and reference coverage of eight sequencing strategies have reached the saturation. We detected small variants of SNPs and Indels using the eight data sets and obtained eight variant sets by performing a series of strictly quality control. Finally, we got 3.35M SNPs and 349K indels supported by all of sequencing data, which could be considered as a high confidence standard small variant sets for the studies. Besides, we also detected 5,913 high quality SNPs located in the high homologous regions supported by both linked-reads and CCS data benefited by their long-range information, while these regions are recalcitrant to regular NGS data due to the limited mappability and read length. We compared the later SNPs against the public databases and 969 sites of them were novel SNPs, indicating these SNPs provide a vital complement for the variant database. Moreover, we also phased more than 99% heterozygous SNPs also supported by linked-reads and CCS data. This work provided an integrated Asians SNV and indel benchmark for the further basic studies and precision medicine.
The impact of pH onClostridioides difficilesporulation and physiology
Authors: Wetzel Daniela , McBride Shonna M.
Published: September 2019

Clostridioides difficileis a pathogenic bacterium that infects the human colon to cause diarrheal disease. Growth of the bacterium is known to be dependent on certain bile acids, oxygen levels and nutrient availability in the intestine, but how the environmental pH can influenceC. difficileis mostly unknown. Previous studies indicated thatC. difficilemodulates the intestinal pH, and prospective cohort studies have found a strong association between a more alkaline fecal pH andC. difficileinfection. Based on these data we hypothesized thatC. difficilephysiology can be affected by various pH conditions. In this study, we investigated the impact of a range of pH conditions onC. difficileto assess potential effects on growth, sporulation, motility and toxin production in the strains 630∆ermand R20291. We observed pH-dependent differences in sporulation rate, spore morphology and viability. Sporulation frequency was lowest under acidic conditions, and differences in cell morphology were apparent at low pH. In alkaline environments,C. difficilesporulation was greater for strain 630∆erm, whereas R20291 produced relatively high levels of spores in a broad range of pH conditions. Rapid changes in pH during exponential growth impacted sporulation similarly among the strains. Furthermore, we observed an increase inC. difficilemotility with increases in pH, and strain-dependent differences in toxin formation under acidic conditions. The data demonstrate that pH is an important parameter that affectsC. difficilephysiology and may reveal relevant insights into the growth and dissemination of this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridioides difficileis an anaerobic bacterium that causes gastrointestinal disease.C. difficileforms dormant spores, which can survive harsh environmental conditions, allowing their spread to new hosts. In this study, we determine how intestinally relevant pH conditions impactC. difficilephysiology in the two divergent strains, 630∆erm and R20291. Our data demonstrate that low pH conditions reduceC. difficilegrowth, sporulation, and motility. However, toxin formation and spore morphology are differentially impacted in the strains at low pH. In addition, we observed that alkaline environments reducedC. difficilegrowth, but increased cell motility. When pH was adjusted rapidly during growth, we observed similar impacts on both strains. This study provides new insights into the phenotypic diversity ofC. difficilegrown under the diverse pH conditions present in the intestinal tract, and demonstrates similarities and differences in the pH responses of differentC. difficileisolates.
USP21 deubiquitinase promotes pancreas cancer cell stemness via Wnt pathway activation
Authors: Hou Pingping , Ma Xingdi , Zhang Qiang , Wu Chang-Jiun , Liao Wenting , Li Jun , Wang Huamin , Zhao Jun , Zhou Xin , Guan Carolyn , Ackroyd Jeffery , Jiang Shan , Zhang Jianhua , Spring Denise J. , Wang Y. Alan , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: September 2019

The ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family is the largest group of cysteine proteases. Cancer genomic analysis identified frequent amplification of USP21 (22%) in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). USP21 overexpression correlates with human PDAC progression, and enforced expression of USP21 accelerates murine PDAC tumor growth and drives PanIN to PDAC progression in immortalized human pancreatic ductal cells. Conversely, depletion of USP21 impairs PDAC tumor growth. Mechanistically, USP21 deubiquitinates and stabilizes the TCF/LEF transcription factor TCF7, which promotes cancer cell stemness. Our work identifies and validates USP21 as a PDAC oncogene, providing a potential druggable target for this intractable disease.
A genetic algorithm approach for balancing two-sided assembly lines with setups
Authors: Delice Yilmaz
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the sequence-dependent forward setup time (FST) and backward setup time (BST) consideration for the first time in two-sided assembly lines. Sequence-dependent FST and BST values must be considered to compute all of the operational times of each station. Thus, more realistic results can be obtained for real-life situations with this new two-sided assembly line balancing (ALB) problem with setups consideration. The goal is to obtain the most suitable solution with the least number of mated stations and total stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The complex structure it possesses has led to the use of certain assumptions in most of the studies in the ALB literature. In many of them, setup times have been neglected or considered superficially. In the real-life assembly process, potential setup configurations may exist between each successive task and between each successive cycle. When two tasks are in the same cycle, the setup time required (forward setup) may be different from the setup time required if the same two tasks are in consecutive cycles (backward setup).

Findings

Algorithm steps have been studied in detail on a sample solution. Using the proposed algorithm, the literature test problems are solved and the algorithm efficiency is revealed. The results of the experiments revealed that the proposed approach finds promising results.

Originality/value

The sequence-dependent FST and BST consideration is applied in a two-sided assembly line approach for the first time. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based algorithm with ten different heuristic rules was used in this proposed model.
The strategic and operational landscape of emergency services in the UK
Authors: Murphy Peter , Wankhade Paresh , Lakoma Katarzyna
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The organisational and service delivery landscape of the emergency services in the UK has been rapidly changing and is facing further change in the foreseeable future. The purpose of this paper is to examine recent and ongoing organisational changes in the policy development, service delivery and regulatory landscape of the emergency services, in order to capture the overall picture and potential opportunities for improvement or further investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

This general review utilises the characteristics of the three domains of a national framework, namely, policy development, service delivery and public assurance, and uses these characteristics as lenses to examine the three main blue light emergency services of police, fire and ambulances.

Findings

What emerges in the organisational landscape and conceptual maps for the police and even more so for the Fire and Rescue Service, is the immaturity of many of the organisations in the policy and the public assurance domains while the service delivery organisations have remained relatively stable. In the relatively neglected ambulance services, we find the NHS’s recent Ambulance Response Programme has considerable potential to improve parts of all three domains.

Research limitations/implications

The review is limited to the UK and primarily focussed on England.

Practical implications

The review identifies opportunities for improvement, potential improvement and further research.

Originality/value

Although the National Audit Office has attempted in the past to provide organisational landscape reviews of individual emergency services, this contemporary comparative review of all three services using a common model is unique. It provides considerable new insights for policy makers, service delivers and regulators.
Lean management and operational performance in health care
Authors: Alkhaldi Rasha Zuhair , Abdallah Ayman Bahjat
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of lean management (LM) on operational performance (OP) in the context of health care in Jordanian private hospitals. LM is measured using four bundles: total quality management (TQM), human resource management (HRM), just-in-time system (JIT) and total productive maintenance (TPM). The study also investigates the effects of OP dimensions on hospitals’ business performance (BP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data collected from 260 respondents from 25 private hospitals in Jordan. Validity and reliability analyses were performed using SPSS and Amos, and the study hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study found that the TQM bundle affects quality performance positively, but does not affect efficiency and accessibility performances, while the HRM bundle positively affects all OP dimensions. Furthermore, the JIT bundle positively contributes to both efficiency and accessibility performances, while the TPM bundle positively influences quality and accessibility performances. Moreover, the results have demonstrated that OP dimensions of quality and accessibility significantly and positively affect hospitals’ BP.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to adapt the four lean bundles popularized in the manufacturing sector and apply them in a health-care context. It examines the effects of the four lean bundles on hospitals’ OP in terms of efficiency, quality and accessibility. In addition, the study demonstrates the role of OP dimensions in improving private hospitals’ BP.
Development and validation of employee wellbeing scale – a formative measurement model
Authors: Khatri Puja , Gupta Pragya
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a suitable measure for the employee wellbeing construct and validate this tool in Indian workplace settings, especially with reference to IT/ITes and BFSI sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The literature was first reviewed to identify the underlying probable dimensions of employee wellbeing and its corresponding items. These items were then subjected to elaborate discussions with experts from industry as well as academia. The index, thus, developed was administered to collect primary data from employees working in IT/ITeS and BFSI sectors based in Delhi-NCR. PLS SEM 3 was applied as employee wellbeing was construed as a first-order reflective second-order formative construct. Thereafter, it was subjected to suitable assessments of reliability and convergent validity.

Findings

The findings reveal that employee wellbeing can be conceptualized as a construct having four dimensions namely, purpose in life (PIL), work–life balance (WLB), job wellness (JW) and physical wellness (PW). It was also revealed that all the dimensions identified in the study capture different facets of the employee wellbeing and collectively define the construct; omission of any items may lead to change in the nature of the construct. This investigation is unique as it frames the index of employee wellbeing with specifications of a formative measurement model. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no published study so far has measured EWB as a formative construct.

Originality/value

Many earlier studies have incorporated a unidimensional approach to individual wellbeing and lacked a crucial outlook of having multi-dimensional understanding of the employee wellbeing construct in the social and work context. Furthermore, this paper contributes not only to the existing body of knowledge in employee wellbeing, but also brings forth an important aspect of measurement model specification, i.e. formative measurement model by bringing the specific reasons for taking employee wellbeing as a formative concept.
Unraveling the underlying mechanisms of new product development in high-technology emerging-market multinationals
Authors: Xiao Shufeng (Simon) , Oh Kum-Sik
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Although extant research has provided vast knowledge on the determinants of new product development (NPD) success, prior work is generally bounded to the framework of developed economies. Thus, research dealing with NPD, specifically in the emerging-market context, is still in its infancy. The purpose of this paper is to advance our current understanding on the determinants of NPD performance of emerging-market multinationals (EMMs) by exploring how international knowledge exploration plays a part in the international NPD performance of these firms. Furthermore, it examines how such contribution is contingent on EMMs’ international networking effectiveness and environmental dynamism that draws on the “fit” concept.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the theoretical model, the authors draw on a sample of 179 high-technology firms from China, which is the world’s largest emerging market.

Findings

Results strongly support the hypothesis that international knowledge exploration positively affects international NPD performance. The analyses of moderating effects indicate that EMMs that are more effective in networking with global network partners and experience a low level of environmental dynamism are likely to achieve better financial performance in NPD.

Originality/value

This study advances our understanding on how and under what conditions EMMs can overcome their knowledge-disadvantaged position and achieve NPD success in global markets by highlighting the important role of international knowledge exploration and possible contingencies. Thus, it contributes to the literature on EMM and innovation.
Storytelling, business analytics and big data interpretation
Authors: Boldosova Valeriia , Luoto Severi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of storytelling in data interpretation, decision-making and individual-level adoption of business analytics (BA).

Design/methodology/approach

Existing theory is extended by introducing the concept of BA data-driven storytelling and by synthesizing insights from BA, storytelling, behavioral research, linguistics, psychology and neuroscience. Using theory-building methodology, a model with propositions is introduced to demonstrate the relationship between storytelling, data interpretation quality, decision-making quality, intention to use BA and actual BA use.

Findings

BA data-driven storytelling is a narrative sensemaking heuristic positively influencing human behavior towards BA use. Organizations deliberately disseminating BA data-driven stories can improve the quality of individual data interpretation and decision-making, resulting in increased individual utilization of BA on a daily basis.

Research limitations/implications

To acquire a deeper understanding of BA data-driven storytelling in behavioral operational research (BOR), future studies should test the theoretical model of this study and focus on exploring the complexity and diversity in individual attitudes toward BA.

Practical implications

This study provides practical guidance for business practitioners who struggle with interpreting vast amounts of complex data, making data-driven decisions and incorporating BA into daily operations.

Originality/value

This cross-disciplinary study develops existing BOR, storytelling and BA literature by showing how a novel BA data-driven storytelling approach can facilitate BA adoption in organizations.
Leaf decomposition in a cool‐temperate broad‐leaved forest established on serpentine soil on Mount Oe, Japan
Authors: Sato Kai , Nakamura Ryosuke , Kajino Hirofumi , Kawai Kiyosada , Nakai Wataru , Saito Haruka , Okada Naoki
Published: September 2019

Serpentine ecosystems are characterized by soil with high heavy metal and low nutrient content, both of which are likely to influence the rate of leaf decomposition. Here, we report how leaf chemistry and the microbial community influence the leaf decomposition rate in a serpentine ecosystem. Fresh Clethra barbinervis and Quercus serrata leaves collected from serpentine and non‐serpentine sites in cool‐temperate forests were placed at both sites for several months, after which changes in leaf mass were determined. The N concentration in the initial Q. serrata leaves from the serpentine site was lower than in those from the non‐serpentine site. The Ni concentration in the initial C. barbinervis leaves from the serpentine site was higher than in those from the non‐serpentine site. The leaves from the serpentine site decomposed slower than those from non‐serpentine sites for both species. Although we expected that serpentine soil would have a negative influence on microbial decomposers, the Q. serrata leaves placed in the serpentine site decomposed faster than those placed in the non‐serpentine site, suggesting that the serpentine soil had no adverse effect on microbial decomposers. However, microbial respiration and biomass in an in vitro experiment were not high in the leaves decomposed on serpentine soil. Future work should reveal the mechanism behind this contradiction. Our results suggest that the change of leaf quality is key to understanding the leaf decomposition rate in a serpentine ecosystem.
Human resource management–well‐being–performance research revisited: Past, present, and future
Authors: Peccei Riccardo , Van De Voorde Karina
Published: September 2019

The authors provide an up‐to‐date theoretically based qualitative review of research dealing with the relationship between HRM, employee well‐being, and individual/organisational performance (HRM‐WB‐IOP research). The review is based on a systematic critical analysis of all HRM‐WB‐IOP studies (N = 46) published in 13 core HRM and management journals in the 2000 to 2018 period. The authors first identify different theoretical models of the HRM‐WB‐IOP relationship, which they then use to map research in the area. The results show that mutual gains conceptualisations play a dominant role in extant HRM‐WB‐IOP research, at the expense of alternative conflicting outcomes and mutual losses models, which are also shown to receive very limited empirical support across the 46 studies. As part of this mapping exercise, the authors identify important knowledge gaps in the area and conclude by setting out a number of key recommendations for future research to address these gaps.
Museum specimens provide reliable SNP data for population genomic analysis of a widely distributed but threatened cockatoo species
Authors: Ewart Kyle M. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Ogden Rob , Joseph Leo , Frankham Greta J. , Lo Nathan
Published: September 2019

Natural history museums harbour a plethora of biological specimens which are of potential use in population and conservation genetic studies. Although technical advancements in museum genomics have enabled genome‐wide markers to be generated from aged museum specimens, the suitability of these data for robust biological inference is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to test the utility of museum specimens in population and conservation genomics by assessing the biological and technical validity of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data derived from such samples. To achieve this, we generated thousands of SNPs from 47 red‐tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhychus banksii) traditional museum samples (i.e. samples that were not collected with the primary intent of DNA analysis) and 113 fresh tissue samples (cryopreserved liver/muscle) using a restriction site‐associated DNA marker approach (DArTseq™). Thousands of SNPs were successfully generated from most of the traditional museum samples (with a mean age of 44 years, ranging from 5 to 123 years), although 38% did not provide useful data. These SNPs exhibited higher error rates and contained significantly more missing data compared with SNPs from fresh tissue samples, likely due to considerable DNA fragmentation. However, based on simulation results, the level of genotyping error had a negligible effect on inference of population structure in this species. We did identify a bias towards low diversity SNPs in older samples that appears to compromise temporal inferences of genetic diversity. This study demonstrates the utility of a RADseq‐based method to produce reliable genome‐wide SNP data from traditional museum specimens.
RADseq as a valuable tool for plants with large genomes—A case study in cycads
Authors: Clugston James A. R. , Kenicer Gregory J. , Milne Richard , Overcast Isaac , Wilson Trevor C. , Nagalingum Nathalie S.
Published: September 2019

Full genome sequencing of organisms with large and complex genomes is intractable and cost ineffective under most research budgets. Cycads (Cycadales) represent one of the oldest lineages of the extant seed plants and, partly due to their age, have incredibly large genomes up to ~60 Gbp. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) offers an approach to find genome‐wide informative markers and has proven to be effective with both model and nonmodel organisms. We tested the application of RADseq using ezRAD across all 10 genera of the Cycadales including an example data set of Cycas calcicola representing 72 samples from natural populations. Using previously available plastid and mitochondrial genomes as references, reads were mapped recovering plastid and mitochondrial genome regions and nuclear markers for all of the genera. De novo assembly generated up to 138,407 high‐depth clusters and up to 1,705 phylogenetically informative loci for the genera, and 4,421 loci for the example assembly of C. calcicola. The number of loci recovered by de novo assembly was lower than previous RADseq studies, yet still sufficient for downstream analysis. However, the number of markers could be increased by relaxing our assembly parameters, especially for the C. calcicola data set. Our results demonstrate the successful application of RADseq across the Cycadales to generate a large number of markers for all genomic compartments, despite the large number of plastids present in a typical plant cell. Our modified protocol was adapted to be applied to cycads and other organisms with large genomes to yield many informative genome‐wide markers.
Non‐destructive DNA extractions from fly larvae (Diptera: Muscidae) enable molecular identification of species and enhance morphological features
Authors: Martoni Francesco , Valenzuela Isabel , Blacket Mark J
Published: September 2019

Insects preserved as reference specimens are important in a wide range of fields, including health, pest management and forensics. The aim of the present study was to test a non‐destructive DNA extraction method on samples of soft‐bodied insects, fly larvae, which are otherwise hard to identify morphologically. This not only provides DNA enabling molecular identification but also retains morphological reference specimens for samples belonging to collections and museums that cannot be destroyed. In this work, fly larvae identified as belonging to the family Muscidae were non‐destructively processed. DNA barcoding molecular identification allowed most of these specimens to be assigned to species. Furthermore, the visibility of seven important larval morphological characters – anterior and posterior spiracles, mouth hooks, cephalopharyngeal skeleton, locomotory welts, segmentation and colour – was assessed pre‐ and post‐DNA extraction. It was found that the morphology generally did not deteriorate post‐DNA extraction but actually improved through increased visibility of internal features. Therefore, this non‐destructive DNA extraction method not only allowed COI barcode sequences to be obtained, but also enabled a better morphological identification of the fly larvae retaining physical reference voucher specimens and avoiding the need for dissections.
Integrative analysis of genome‐wide association study and expression quantitative trait loci datasets identified various immune cell‐related pathways for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Xi , Guo Xiong , Wen Yan , Liu Li , Liang Xiao , Du Yanan , Wu Cuiyan , Wang Sen , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic disorder manifesting as warm, swollen, and painful joints. Multiple immune cells are implicated in the development of RA. Previous studies demonstrated that integrating the genetic information of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) is capable of identifying new disease‐risk loci and providing novel insights into the etiology of complex human disease. In this study, we conducted an integrative pathway association analysis of RA by using GWAS summary data and five immune cell types related to eQTL datasets of RA. After combining the cell‐specific eQTLs and GWAS summary of RA and performing a pathway‐enrichment analysis, we detected a group of RA‐associated pathways with common or cell‐specific enriched in the five immune cell types. 41 pathways for B cells, 33 pathways for CD4+ T cells, 27 pathways for CD8+ T cells, 39 pathways for monocyte, and 25 pathways for natural killer cells are significant in RA, among which 48% are common pathways and 32% are cell‐specific pathways. We detected a group of RA‐associated eQTL pathways related to five different immune cell types. Our findings may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of RA.
Risk of rebleeding, vascular events and death after gastrointestinal bleeding in anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet users
Authors: Sostres Carlos , Marcén Beatriz , Laredo Viviana , Alfaro Enrique , Ruiz Lara , Camo Patricia , Carrera‐Lasfuentes Patricia , Lanas Ángel
Published: September 2019

Background

Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding during anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy represent a clinical challenge.

Aim

To determine the risk/rates of rebleeding, vascular events and death in patients treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents who developed major gastrointestinal bleeding

Methods

This was an observational cohort study of patients who developed gastrointestinal bleeding while on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. Drug use information was collected prospectively during bleeding events. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate rebleeding, vascular events and death.

Results

Among 871 patients (mean age 78.9 ± 8.6 years), 38.9% used an anticoagulant, 52.5% used an antiplatelet and 8.6% used both; 93.1% interrupted treatment after gastrointestinal bleeding and 80.5% restarted therapy within 7.6 ± 36.4 days; 38.7% had upper gastrointestinal bleeds, 46.7% lower gastrointestinal bleeds and 14.6% gastrointestinal bleeds of unknown origin. Median follow‐up was 24.9 months (IQR: 7.0‐38.0). Resumption of both therapies was associated with a higher risk of rebleeding, lower risk of ischaemic events or death and a similar risk for upper and lower gastrointestinal events. Resumption of therapy ≤ 7 days after bleeding showed a similar pattern with no differences in death. Rebleeding rates were higher in anticoagulant vs antiplatelet patients (138.0 vs 99.0 events per 1000 patient‐years), and the bleeding location was identical in 61.8% of cases.

Conclusions

Resumption of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy after a gastrointestinal bleeding event was associated with a lower risk of vascular events and death and a higher rebleeding risk. The benefits of early reinstitution of anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy outweigh the gastrointestinal‐related risks.
Spit it out: Monkeys disperse the unorthodox and toxic seeds of Clivia miniata (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Kiepiel Ian , Johnson Steven D.
Published: September 2019

Seeds of many Amaryllidaceae are unorthodox (recalcitrant) and toxic, and cannot survive ingestion, yet are packaged in brightly colored fruits suggestive of zoochory. Seed dispersal and germination of the understory amaryllid, Clivia miniata, were investigated in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Motion‐activated cameras revealed that samango monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis labiatus) are the primary disperser of C. miniata seeds. They eat the mesocarp and, to a lesser extent, the exocarp, and spit the large (13 mm diameter) seeds whole and cleaned onto the forest floor. Most seeds were dispersed farther than 1 m from the parent. Experimental removal of the fruit pulp had a small positive effect on the rate of seed germination, but did not affect subsequent seedling growth rates. The main advantages of monkey dispersal of Clivia seeds appear to be short‐distance dispersal away from the dense foliage of clumped parent plants and occasional long‐distance dispersal through cheek‐pouching behavior.
Meat subtypes and colorectal cancer risk: A pooled analysis of 6 cohort studies in Japan
Authors: Islam Zobida , Akter Shamima , Kashino Ikuko , Mizoue Tetsuya , Sawada Norie , Mori Nagisa , Yamagiwa Yoko , Tsugane Shoichiro , Naito Mariko , Tamakoshi Akiko , Wada Keiko , Nagata Chisato , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro , Matsuo Keitaro , Ito Hidemi , Lin Yingsong , Kitamura Yuri , Sadakane Atsuko , Tanaka Keitaro , Shimazu Taichi , Inoue Manami ,   for the Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan
Published: September 2019

Red meat and processed meat have been suggested to increase risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially colon cancer. However, it remains unclear whether these associations differ according to meat subtypes or colon subsites. The present study addressed this issue by undertaking a pooled analysis of large population‐based cohort studies in Japan: 5 studies comprising 232 403 participants (5694 CRC cases) for analysis based on frequency of meat intake, and 2 studies comprising 123 635 participants (3550 CRC cases) for analysis based on intake quantity. Study‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model and then pooled using the random effect model. Comparing the highest vs lowest quartile, beef intake was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in women (pooled HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.44) and distal colon cancer (DCC) risk in men (pooled HR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.61). Frequent intake of pork was associated with an increased risk of distal colon cancer in women (pooled HR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.87) for “3 times/wk or more” vs “less than 1 time/wk”. Frequent intake of processed red meat was associated with an increased risk of colon cancer in women (pooled HR 1.39; 95% CI, 0.97‐2.00; P trend = .04) for “almost every day” vs “less than 1 time/wk”. No association was observed for chicken consumption. The present findings support that intake of beef, pork (women only), and processed red meat (women only) might be associated with a higher risk of colon (distal colon) cancer in Japanese.
Nicotine vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among pharmacy customers in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Erku Daniel A. , Gartner Coral E. , Tengphakwaen Unchanok , Morphett Kylie , Steadman Kathryn J.
Published: September 2019

Introduction and Aims

Despite regulatory barriers for accessing nicotine liquid, use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) has increased rapidly in Australia. Legal use of NVPs to aid smoking cessation requires a prescription, and pharmacies report receiving enquiries about the use of and access to NVPs. In this study, we assessed vaping product use, harm perception and policy support among community pharmacy customers.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among customers (n = 470) from a large community pharmacy chain in Brisbane, Australia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine perception of NVPs as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and regulatory recommendations in relation to demographics, smoking status and NVP use.

Results

Almost one‐third of the sample (31%) had either tried NVPs in the past (16%) or were current vapers (15%), the majority of them being current smokers (67%) who are trying to quit (31%) or substitute smoking (41%). Vapers primarily depended on family/friends as a source of information (76%). Current smokers and vapers were more likely to perceive NVPs as less harmful than cigarettes than non‐smokers and non‐vapers. Perceiving NVPs as safer than cigarettes was correlated with a recommendation to regulate as a tobacco product.

Discussion and Conclusions

There was widespread misperception about relative risk of nicotine‐containing products, with 37% of respondents perceiving nicotine‐containing NVPs to be as harmful as combustible cigarettes. Community pharmacies represent an ideal setting for educating smokers about smoking and vaping. Thus, pharmacy staff needs educational support to ensure that they are equipped to provide current evidence‐based information to customers.