bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistically correcting dynamical electron scattering improves refinement of protein nanocrystals, including charge refinement of coordinated metals
Authors: Blum Thorsten B. , Housset Dominique , Clabbers Max T.B. , van Genderen Eric , Bacia-Verloop Maria , Zander Ulrich , McCarthy Andrew A. , Schoehn Guy , Li Ling Wai , Abrahams Jan Pieter
Published: July 2020

Electron diffraction allows protein structure determination when only nanosized crystals are available. Nevertheless, multiple elastic (or dynamical) scattering, prominent in electron diffraction, is a concern. Current methods for modeling dynamical scattering by multi-slice or Bloch wave approaches are not suitable for protein crystals because they are not designed to cope with large molecules. Here, we limited dynamical scattering of nanocrystals of insulin, thermolysin, and thaumatin by collecting data from thin crystals. To accurately measure the weak diffraction signal from the few unit cells in the thin crystals, we used a low-noise hybrid-pixel Timepix electron counting detector. The remaining dynamical component was further reduced in refinement using a likelihood-based correction, which we introduced previously for analyzing electron diffraction data of small molecule nanocrystals and adapted here for protein crystals. We show that the procedure notably improved the structural refinement, allowing in one case the location of solvent molecules. It also allowed the refinement of the charge state of bound metal atoms, an important element in protein functions, through B-factor analysis of the metal atoms and their ligands. Our results clearly increase the value of macromolecular electron crystallography as a complementary structural biology technique.
HIF1α is an essential regulator of steroidogenesis in the adrenal gland
Authors: Watts Deepika , Stein Johanna , Meneses Ana , Bechmann Nicole , Neuwirth Ales , Kaden Denise , Krüger Anja , Sinha Anupam , Alexaki Vasileia Ismini , Perez-Rivas Luis Gustavo , Kircher Stefan , Martinez Antoine , Theodoropoulou Marily , Eisenhofer Graeme , Peitzsch Mirko , El-Armouche Ali , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Wielockx Ben
Published: July 2020

Endogenous steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, are essential for life regulating numerous physiological and pathological processes. These hormones derive from the adrenal cortex, and drastic or sustained changes in their circulatory levels affect multiple organ systems. Although a role for hypoxia pathway proteins (HPP) in steroidogenesis has been suggested, knowledge on the true impact of the HIFs (Hypoxia Inducible Factors) and oxygen sensors (HIF-prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes; PHDs) in the adrenocortical cells of vertebrates is scant. By creating a unique set of transgenic mouse lines, we reveal a prominent role for HIF1α in the synthesis of virtually all steroids under steady state conditions. Specifically, mice deficient in HIF1α in a part of the adrenocortical cells displayed enhanced levels of enzymes responsible for steroidogenesis and a cognate increase in circulatory steroid levels. These changes resulted in cytokine alterations and changes in the profile of circulatory mature hematopoietic cells. Conversely, HIF1α overexpression due to combined PHD2 and PHD3 deficiency in the adrenal cortex resulted in the opposite phenotype of insufficient steroid production due to impaired transcription of necessary enzymes. Based on these results, we propose HIF1α to be a central and vital regulator of steroidogenesis as its modulation in adrenocortical cells dramatically impacts hormone synthesis with systemic consequences. Additionally, these mice can have potential clinical significances as they may serve as essential tools to understand the pathophysiology of hormone modulations in a number of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, auto-immunity or even cancer.
Chromatin Accessibility Reveals Potential Prognostic Value of the Peak Set Associated with Smoking History in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Han , Deng Jianlian , Luo Tian , Luo Huijuan , Wu Xuan , Ye Yiwang , Wang Shubin , Li Fuqiang , Wu Kui , Lin Cong
Published: July 2020

Considerable differences in molecular characteristics have been defined between non-smoker and smokers in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), yet study of open chromatin patterns associated with LUAD progression caused by smoking is still lacking. Here, we constructed a novel network based on correlations between each ATAC-seq peak from TCGA data using our previously developed algorithm. Subsequently, principal component analysis was performed on LUAD samples with retained peaks filtered by the correlation network and pathway analysis was conducted for potential pathways identification. Results were verified in an independent dataset from primary LUAD samples. We identified a set of peaks that clearly differentiated long-term from short-term smokers in LUAD patients and also significantly associated with overall survival of these patients. We then investigated the gene set related to those peaks and found that the comprising genes are strongly associated with LUAD development, such asB3GNT3, ACTN4andCLDN3. They are consistent with the important roles for the associated pathways in LUAD oncogenesis induced by smoking, including glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and tight junction pathways.

In summary, our study may provide valuable insights on exploration of ATAC-seq peaks and on smoking-related LUAD carcinogenesis from a perspective of open chromatin changes.
Characterizing microRNA-mediated modulation of gene expression noise and its effect on synthetic gene circuits
Authors: Wei Lei , Li Shuailin , Hu Tao , Zhang Michael Q. , Xie Zhen , Wang Xiaowo
Published: July 2020

Gene expression noise plays an important role in many biological processes, such as cell differentiation and reprogramming. It can also dramatically influence the behavior of synthetic gene circuits. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to reduce the noise of lowly expressed genes and increase the noise of highly expressed genes, but less is known about how miRNAs with different properties may regulate gene expression noise differently. Here, by quantifying gene expression noise using mathematical modeling and experimental measurements, we showed that competing RNAs and the composition of miRNA response elements (MREs) play important roles in modulating gene expression noise. We found that genes targeted by miRNAs with weak competing RNAs show lower noise than those targeted by miRNAs with strong competing RNAs. In addition, in comparison with a single MRE, repetitive MREs targeted by the same miRNA suppress the noise of lowly expressed genes but increase the noise of highly expressed genes. Additionally, MREs composed of different miRNA targets could cause similar repression levels but lower noise compared with repetitive MREs. We further observed the influence of miRNA-mediated noise modulation in synthetic gene circuits which could be applied to classify cell types using miRNAs as sensors. We found that miRNA sensors that introduce higher noise could lead to better classification performance. Our results provide a systematic and quantitative understanding of the function of miRNAs in controlling gene expression noise and how we can utilize miRNAs to modulate the behavior of synthetic gene circuits.
Gain-of-function CRISPR screens identify tumor-promoting genes conferring melanoma cell plasticity and therapy-resistance
Authors: Gautron Arthur , Bachelot Laura , Quéméner Anaïs M. , Corre Sébastien , Aubry Marc , Rambow Florian , Paris Anaïs , Tardif Nina , Leclair Héloïse M. , Coulouarn Cédric , Marine Jean-Christophe , Galibert Marie-Dominique , Gilot David
Published: July 2020

Most genetic alterations that drive melanoma development and resistance to targeted therapy have been uncovered. In contrast, and despite their increasingly recognized contribution, little is known about the non-genetic mechanisms that drive these processes. Here, we performedin vivogain-of-function CRISPR screens and identifiedSMAD3,BIRC3andSLC9A5as key actors of BRAFi-resistance and these genes promote the tumor growth capability of persister cells. We show that their expression levels increase during acquisition of BRAFi-resistance, and remain high in persister cells and during relapse. The upregulation of the SMAD3 transcriptional activity (SMAD3-signature) promotes a mesenchymal-like phenotype and BRAFi-resistance by acting as an upstream transcriptional regulator of potent BRAFi-resistance genes such as EGFR and AXL. This SMAD3-signature predicts resistance to both current melanoma therapies in different cohorts. Critically, chemical inhibition of SMAD3 may constitute amenable target for melanoma since it efficiently abrogates persister cells survival. Interestingly, decrease of SMAD3 activity can also be reached by inhibiting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), another druggable transcription factor governing SMAD3 expression level. Our work expands our understanding of the biology of persister cells and highlight novel drug vulnerabilities that can be exploited to develop long-lasting antimelanoma therapies.
Honeybees optimize their foraging behaviour in relation to spatio-temporal changes in nectar and pollen availability
Authors: Kreider Jan J. , Nehrkorn Anna , Bänsch Svenja , Kirsch Carmen , Westphal Catrin
Published: July 2020

Intensified agriculture increasingly threatens wild and managed bees by promoting landscape uniformity and reducing floral resource availability whereas urban areas can provide continuous floral resources within green spaces and private gardens. Mass-flowering events of crops and trees, such as lime trees (Tiliaspp.), can provide ample floral resources but only for short time periods. Using waggle dance decoding, pollen analysis and bee abundance recordings, we investigated the temporal shift in honeybee foraging behaviour in response to lime tree mass-flowering. Honeybees in urban areas extended their foraging range during lime tree flowering. Foraging behaviour of honeybees in rural areas did not change to such an extent and honeybees foraged in sown flower strips. Our results suggest that honeybees optimize their foraging behaviour to exploit highly rewarding resources instead of extending foraging ranges in times of floral resource scarcity.
Crystallization and structure of ebselen bound to cysteine 141 of human inositol monophosphatase (IMPase)
Authors: Fenn Gareth D. , Waller-Evans Helen , Atack John R. , Bax Benjamin D.
Published: July 2020

Inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) is inhibited by lithium, the most efficacious treatment for bipolar disorder. Several therapies have been approved, or are going through clinical trials, aimed at the replacement of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder. One candidate small molecule is ebselen, a selenium-containing antioxidant, which has been demonstrated to produce lithium-like effects, both in a murine model and in clinical trials.

Here we present the crystallization and first structure of human IMPase covalently complexed with ebselen, a 1.47Å crystal structure (PDB entry 6ZK0). In the human-IMPase-complex ebselen, in a ring opened conformation, is covalently attached to Cys141, a residue located away from the active site.

IMPase is a dimeric enzyme and, in the crystal structure, two adjacent dimers share four ebselen molecules, creating a tetramer with ∼222 symmetry. In the crystal structure presented in this publication, the active site in the tetramer is still accessible, suggesting that ebselen may function as an allosteric inhibitor, or may block the binding of partner proteins.

Synopsis

Here we present a 1.47Å crystal structure of human inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) bound to the inhibitor ebselen (PDB entry 6ZK0). In the structure, ebselen forms a seleno-sulfide bond with cysteine 141 and ebselen-mediated contacts between two dimers give a ∼222 tetramer.
Sensing and seeing associated with overlapping occipitoparietal activation in simultaneous EEG-fMRI
Authors: Scrivener Catriona L. , Malik Asad , Lindner Michael , Roesch Etienne B.
Published: July 2020

The presence of a change in a visual scene can influence brain activity and behaviour, even in the absence of full conscious report. It may be possible for us to sense that such a change has occurred, even if we cannot specify exactly where or what it was. Despite existing evidence from electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking data, it is still unclear how this partial level of awareness relates to fMRI BOLD activation. Using EEG, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and a change blindness paradigm, we found multi-modal evidence to suggest that sensing a change is distinguishable from being blind to it. Specifically, trials during which participants could detect the presence of a colour change but not identify the location of the change (sense trials), were compared to those where participants could both detect and localise the change (localise or see trials), as well as change blind trials. In EEG, late parietal positivity and N2 amplitudes were larger for localised changes only, when compared to change blindness. However, ERP-informed fMRI analysis found no voxels with activation that significantly co-varied with fluctuations in single-trial late positivity amplitudes. In fMRI, a range of visual (BA17,18), parietal (BA7,40), and midbrain (anterior cingulate, BA24) areas showed increased fMRI BOLD activation when a change was sensed, compared to change blindness. These visual and parietal areas are commonly implicated as the storage sites of visual working memory, and we therefore argue that sensing may not be explained by a lack of stored representation of the visual display. Both seeing and sensing a change were associated with an overlapping occipitoparietal network of activation when compared to blind trials, suggesting that the quality of the visual representation, rather than the lack of one, may result in partial awareness during the change blindness paradigm.
Optogenetic investigation into the role of the subthalamic nucleus in motor control
Authors: Guillaumin Adriane , Serra Gian Pietro , Georges François , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa
Published: July 2020

The subthalamic nucleus is important achieve intended movements. Loss of its normal function is strongly associated with several movement disorders. Classical basal ganglia models postulate that two parallel pathways, the direct and indirect pathways, exert opposing control over movement, with the subthalamic nucleus part of the indirect pathway through which competing motor programs are prevented. The subthalamic nucleus is regulated by both inhibitory and excitatory projections but experimental evidence for its role in motor control has remained sparse. The objective here was to tease out the selective impact of the subthalamic nucleus on several motor parameters required to achieve intended movement, including locomotion, balance and motor coordination. Optogenetic excitation and inhibition using both bilateral and unilateral stimulations of the subthalamic nucleus were implemented in freely-moving mice. The results demonstrate that selective optogenetic inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus enhances locomotion while its excitation reduces locomotion. These findings lend experimental support to basal ganglia models in terms of locomotion. However, further analysis of subthalamic nucleus excitation revealed grooming and disturbed gait. Selective excitation also caused reduced motor coordination, independent of grooming, in advanced motor tasks. This study contributes experimental evidence for a regulatory role of the subthalamic nucleus in motor control.

Highlights

Bilateral optogenetic excitation of the subthalamic nucleus in freely-moving mice reduces forward locomotion while optogenetic inhibition leads to its increase.

Unilateral optogenetic excitation and inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus cause opposite rotational behavior.

Bilateral optogenetic excitation, but not inhibition, of the subthalamic nucleus induces jumping and self-grooming behavior.

Engaged in advanced motor tasks, bilateral optogenetic excitation causes mice to lose motor coordination.

The results provide experimental support for predictions by the basal ganglia motor model on the role of the subthalamic nucleus in locomotion, and identifies a causal role for the subthalamic nucleus in self-grooming.
Identification of the unwinding region in theClostridioides difficilechromosomal origin of replication
Authors: Oliveira Paiva Ana M. , van Eijk Erika , Friggen Annemieke H. , Weigel Christoph , Smits Wiep Klaas
Published: July 2020

Faithful DNA replication is crucial for viability of cells across all kingdoms of life. Targeting DNA replication is a viable strategy for inhibition of bacterial pathogens.Clostridioides difficileis an important enteropathogen that causes potentially fatal intestinal inflammation. Knowledge about DNA replication in this organism is limited and no data is available on the very first steps of DNA replication. Here, we use a combination ofin silicopredictions andin vitroexperiments to demonstrate thatC. difficileemploys a bipartite origin of replication that shows DnaA-dependent melting atoriC2,located in thednaA-dnaNintergenic region. Analysis of putative origins of replication in different clostridia suggests that the main features of the origin architecture are conserved. This study is the first to characterize aspects of the origin region ofC. difficileand contributes to our understanding of the initiation of DNA replication in clostridia.
Dual Functions of SPOP and ERG Dictate Androgen Therapy Responses in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bernasocchi Tiziano , El Tekle Geniver , Bolis Marco , Mutti Azzurra , Vallerga Arianna , Brandt Laura P. , Spriano Filippo , Svinkina Tanya , Zoma Marita , Ceserani Valentina , Rinaldi Anna , Janouskova Hana , Bossi Daniela , Cavalli Manuela , Mosole Simone , Geiger Roger , Dong Ze , Yang Cai-Guang , Albino Domenico , Rinaldi Andrea , Schraml Peter , Linder Simon , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Alimonti Andrea , Bertoni Francesco , Moch Holger , Carr Steven A. , Zwart Wilbert , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna , Rubin Mark A. , Udeshi Namrata D. , Theurillat Jean-Philippe P.
Published: July 2020

Driver genes with a mutually exclusive mutation pattern across tumor genomes are thought to have overlapping roles in tumorigenesis. In contrast, we show here that mutually-exclusive prostate cancer driver alterations involving theERGtranscription factor and the ubiquitin ligase adaptorSPOPare synthetic sick. At the molecular level, the incompatible cancer pathways are driven by opposing functions in SPOP. ERG up-regulates wild type SPOP to dampen androgen receptor (AR) signaling and sustain ERG activity through degradation of the bromodomain histone reader ZMYND11. Conversely, SPOP-mutant tumors stabilize ZMYND11 to repress ERG-function and enable oncogenic androgen receptor signaling. This dichotomy regulates the response to therapeutic interventions in the AR pathway. While mutant SPOP renders tumor cells susceptible to androgen deprivation therapies, ERG promotes sensitivity to high-dose androgen therapy and pharmacological inhibition of wild type SPOP. More generally, these results define a distinct class of antagonistic cancer drivers and a blueprint toward their therapeutic exploitation.
Extracellular vesicles containing ACE2 efficiently prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-containing virus
Authors: Cocozza Federico , Piovesana Ester , Névo Nathalie , Lahaye Xavier , Buchrieser Julian , Schwartz Olivier , Manel Nicolas , Tkach Mercedes , Théry Clotilde , Martin-Jaular Lorena
Published: July 2020

SARS-CoV-2 entry is mediated by binding of the spike protein (S) to the surface receptor ACE2 and subsequent priming by TMPRRS2 allowing membrane fusion. Here, we produced extracellular vesicles (EVs) exposing ACE2 and demonstrate that ACE2-EVs are efficient decoys for SARS-CoV-2 S protein-containing lentivirus. Reduction of infectivity positively correlates with the level of ACE2, is 500 to 1500 times more efficient than with soluble ACE2 and further enhanced by the inclusion of TMPRSS2.
Examining gender imbalance in chemistry authorship
Authors: Cotton Adam D. , Seiple Ian B.
Published: July 2020

The gender gap in chemistry has been the topic of much debate, with many perspectives stating that the field has improved, and outdated sexist views are behind us. While these views are common, we wanted to assess the accuracy of these comments from a data-driven perspective. In this study, we use PubMed to obtain the names of first and last authors for every paper published since 2005 across 15 journals. Each name was cross-referenced with a name-based gender API to give a predicted binary gender and a confidence score based on population data. We show that historically there has been an extensive overrepresentation of men in both first and corresponding authorship, and that there is no strong trend towards parity since 2005. We demonstrate that papers with female corresponding authors have more equitable gender representation of first authors. Finally, we find that there is significant variability among journals in the gender make-up of their editorial boards. We hope this analysis spurs creative discussions on how we can improve equitable gender representation in chemistry publications.
Robust bidirectional communication between electronics and an engineered multi-functional microbial community
Authors: Terrell Jessica L. , Tschirhart Tanya , Jahnke Justin P. , Stephens Kristina , Liu Yi , Dong Hong , Hurley Margaret M. , Pozo Maria , McKay Ryan , Tsao Chen Yu , Wu Hsuan-Chen , Vora Gary , Payne Gregory F. , Stratis-Cullum Dimitra N. , Bentley William E.
Published: July 2020

We developed a bidirectional bioelectronic communication system that is enabled by a redox signal transduction modality to exchange information between a living cell-embedded bioelectronics interface and an engineered microbial network. A naturally communicating three-member microbial network is “plugged into” an external electronic system that interrogates and controls biological function in real time. First, electrode-generated redox molecules are programmed to activate gene expression in an engineered population of electrode-attached bacterial cells. These cells interpret and translate electronic signals and then transmit this information biologically by producing quorum sensing molecules that are, in turn, interpreted by a planktonic co-culture. The propagated molecular communication drives expression and secretion of a therapeutic peptide from one strain and, simultaneously, enables direct electronic feedback from the second strain thus enabling real time electronic verification of biological signal propagation. Overall, we show how this multi-functional bioelectronic platform, termed BioLAN, reliably facilitates on-demand bioelectronic communication and concurrently performs programmed tasks.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Polysaccharide-Degrading Rumen BacteriumPseudobutyrivibrio xylanivoransMA3014
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Maclean Paul H. , Kelly William J. , Leahy Sinead C. , Rakonjac Jasna , Attwood Graeme T.
Published: July 2020

Ruminants are essential for maintaining the global population and managing greenhouse gas emissions. In the rumen, bacterial species belonging to the genera rumenButyrivibrioandPseudobutyrivibrioconstitute the core bacterial rumen microbiome and are important degraders of plant-derived complex polysaccharides.Pseudobutyrivibrio xylanivoransMA3014 was selected for genome sequencing in order to examine its ability to breakdown and utilize plant polysaccharides. The complete genome sequence of MA3014 is 3.58 Mb, consists of three replicons (a chromosome, chromid and plasmid), has an overall G+C content of 39.6% and encodes 3,265 putative protein-coding genes (PCGs). Comparative pan-genomics of all cultivated and currently availableP. xylanivoransgenomes has revealed highly open genomes and a strong correlation of orthologous genes within this species of rumen bacteria. MA3014 is metabolically versatile and capable of utilizing a range of simple mono-or oligosaccharides to complex plant polysaccharides such as pectins, mannans, starch and hemicelluloses for growth, with lactate, butyrate and formate as the principal fermentation end-products. The genes encoding these metabolic pathways have been identified and MA3014 is predicted to encode an extensive repertoire of Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZymes) with 80 Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs), 28 Carbohydrate Esterases (CEs) and 51 Glycosyl Transferases (GTs), that suggest its role as an initiator of primary solubilization of plant matter in the rumen.
High levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells with restricted functionality in patients with severe course of COVID-19
Authors: Schub David , Klemis Verena , Schneitler Sophie , Mihm Janine , Lepper Philipp M. , Wilkens Heinrike , Bals Robert , Eichler Hermann , Gärtner Barbara C. , Becker Sören L. , Sester Urban , Sester Martina , Schmidt Tina
Published: July 2020

Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 differ in the severity of disease. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells and antibodies were characterized in patients with different COVID-19 related disease severity. Despite severe lymphopenia affecting all major lymphocyte subpopulations, patients with severe disease mounted significantly higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells as compared to convalescent individuals. SARS-CoV-2 specific CD4 T-cells dominated over CD8 T-cells and closely correlated with the number of plasmablasts and SARS-CoV-2 specific IgA- and IgG-levels. Unlike in convalescents, SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cells in patients with severe disease showed marked alterations in phenotypical and functional properties, which also extended to CD4 and CD8 T-cells in general. Given the strong induction of specific immunity to control viral replication in patients with severe disease, the functionally altered phenotype may result from the need for contraction of specific and general immunity to counteract excessive immunopathology in the lung.
New insights into the structural properties of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Ag2(CN)3spin liquid
Authors: Foury-Leylekian Pascale , Ilakovac Vita , Fertey Pierre , Baledent Victor , Milat Ognjen , Miyagawa Kazuya , Kanoda Kazushi , Hiramatsu Takaaki , Yoshida Yukihiro , Saito Gunzi , Alemany Pere , Canadell Enric , Tomic Silvia , Pouget Jean-Paul
Published: July 2020

Here, the first accurate study is presented of the room-temperature and 100 K structures of one of the first organic spin liquids, κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Ag2(CN)3. It is shown that the monoclinic structure determined previously is only the average one. It is shown that the exact structure presents triclinic symmetry with two non-equivalent dimers in the unit cell. But surprisingly this does not lead to a sizeable charge disproportionation between dimers. The difference from the analogue compound κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3which also presents a spin liquid phase is discussed in detail. The data provided here show the importance of the anionic layer and in particular the transition metal position in the process of symmetry breaking. The possible impact of the symmetry breaking, albeit weak, on the spin-liquid mechanism and the influence of various disorders on the physical properties of this system is also discussed.
Crystal and molecular structure of [Ni{2-H2NC(=O)C5H4N}2(H2O)2][Ni{2,6-(O2C)2C5H3N}2]·4.67H2O; DFT studies on hydrogen bonding energies in the crystal
Authors: Chahkandi Mohammad , Keivanloo Shahrestanaki Abolfazl , Mirzaei Masoud , Nawaz Tahir Muhammad , Mague Joel T.
Published: July 2020

[Ni{2-H2NC(=O)C5H4N}2(H2O)2][Ni{2,6-(O2C)2C5H3N}2]·4.67H2O, a new complex salt containing a bis(2,6-dicarboxypyridine)nickel(II) anion and a bis(2-amidopyridine)diaquanickel(II) cation, was synthesized and characterized. The crystal is stabilized by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. Alternate layers of anions and cations/water molecules parallel to (010) can be distinguished. Computational studies of the network packing of the title compound by high-level DFT-D/B3LYP calculations indicate stabilization of the networks with conventional and non-conventional intermolecular O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds along with π-stacking contacts. Due to the presence of water molecules and the importance of forming hydrogen bonds with the involvement of water clusters to the stability of the crystal packing, the importance and role of these water clusters, and the quantitative stability resulting from the formation of hydrogen bonds and possibly other noncovalent bonds such as π-stacking are examined. The binding energies obtained by DFT-D calculations for these contacts indicate that hydrogen bonds, especially O—H...O and N—H...O, control the construction of the crystalline packing. Additionally, the results of Bader's theory of AIM for these interactions agree reasonably well with the calculated energies.
Regulative distance, international connectivity and innovation systems: Turkey’s links to the EU
Authors: Onuklu Atilla , Darendeli Izzet , Mudambi Ram
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of institutional distance on national innovation systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses social network analysis to analyze the connectivity between national systems of innovation. A regulative distance index is constructed by coding the European Commission progress reports and using weights to account for relevance to research and innovation.

Findings

Reductions in institutional distance (proxied by regulative distance) increase international innovation connectivity between national systems of innovation. More importantly, it leads to increase in both the complexity and resilience of innovation connectivity between countries.

Originality/value

This study provides fresh evidence on the pathways through which institutions affect international business systems. Policy harmonization has strong effects on firm-level corporate strategy.
Determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among the smallholder farmers in Adama District, Ethiopia
Authors: Hirpha Hurgesa Hundera , Mpandeli Sylvester , Bantider Amare
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The Ethiopian economy is mainly based on the rain-fed agriculture practiced by smallholder farmers. The sector is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. This study aims to examine the determinants of adaptation strategies to climate change among the smallholder farmers in Adama District, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect quantitative data using questionnaire with 351 randomly selected smallholder farmers. To collect qualitative data focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations were also used. Triangulated with thematic analysis, descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used for the analysis.

Findings

The result indicated that the majority of the smallholder farmers use at least one climate change adaptation strategy in their local areas though the strategy is generally weak. In this regard, some of the dominant climate change adaptation activities identified in the study area are using improved crop varieties, planting trees, watershed management, adjusting planting date and terracing. The result from binary logistic regression model showed that age and sex of household head, as well as their education, family size, access to agricultural extension services and training on climate change significantly influence the practices of adaptation measures.

Originality/value

This study would help the practitioners to modify the existing weak adaptation activities by introducing advanced and technological-based adaptation strategies to the rural farming communities.
Knowledge-oriented leadership, knowledge management behaviour and innovation performance in project-based SMEs. The moderating role of goal orientations
Authors: Zia Najam Ul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL), knowledge management (KM) behaviour and innovation performance in project-based small and medium-sized enterprises. It investigates the moderation of goal-orientation in the relationship of KOL with knowledge-acquisition, transfer, documentation and application.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 215 employees in 32 small project-based software firms in Pakistan. Partial least square is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

KOL is positively associated with KM behaviour and innovation performance. KM mediates the relationship of KOL and innovation performance. Furthermore, goal orientations play a moderating role in the relationship of KOL with knowledge acquisition, transfer and application activities.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, by examining the relationship of KOL, KM behaviour and project-based innovation performance. Investigating the moderation of goal-orientation in the relationship of KOL with KM behaviour is also an original contribution.
People analytics effectiveness: developing a framework
Authors: Peeters Tina , Paauwe Jaap , Van De Voorde Karina
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the key ingredients that people analytics teams require to contribute to organizational performance. As the information that is currently available is fragmented, it is difficult for organizations to understand what it takes to execute people analytics successfully.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the key ingredients, a narrative literature review was conducted using both traditional people analytics and broader business intelligence literature. The findings were summarized in the People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel.

Findings

The People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel identifies four categories of ingredients that a people analytics team requires to be effective. These are enabling resources, products, stakeholder management and governance structure. Under each category, multiple sub-themes are discussed, such as data and infrastructure; senior management support; and knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAOs) (enablers).

Practical implications

Many organizations are still trying to set up their people analytics teams, and many others are struggling to improve decision-making by using people analytics. For these companies, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature and describes what it takes to contribute to organizational performance using people analytics.

Originality/value

This paper is designed to provide organizations and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to execute people analytics successfully. By using the People Analytics Effectiveness Wheel as a guideline, scholars are now better equipped to research the processes that are required for the ingredients to be truly effective.
Property futures—the art and science of strategic foresight
Authors: Ratcliffe John
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The study aims to discuss the role of strategic foresight in determining and mapping possible property futures. In particular, the briefing will explore the importance of determining alternative futures and creating scenarios to help determine a flexible and adaptable strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This education briefing is an overview of property futures and strategic foresight.

Findings

This is an education briefing of existing knowledge.

Practical implications

Strategic foresight provides a framework and structure by identifying a focal point that looks at alternative futures and a preferred future that feed into the implementation of a strategic plan.

Originality/value

This is a review of existing models.
A relational approach to walking: Methodology, metalanguage, and power relations
Authors: Stratford Elaine , Waitt Gordon , Harada Theresa
Published: July 2020

To better understand walking practices and the power relations informing them, Mattias Kärrholm and colleagues argue for a relational methodology and metalanguage. In the process, they propose a threefold approach: (a) identify different walking assemblages; (b) investigate how diverse types of walking assemblage relate in series; and (c) study how certain objects can gather or bind series together and act as boundary objects. In this article, we explore the worth of that approach, drawing on research interviews held over 2015–16 with residents from Wollongong, Australia, during a period when their municipal government was implementing a walkable city strategy. Here, we analyse participants' conversations with us for what they reveal about walking types, walking assemblages, interseriality, objects of passage, and boundary objects—five terms used by Kärrholm et al. to interrogate urban walking. Our work suggests that participants are adept at gauging the constant transformations that characterise their walks. This narrative evaluative capacity is, perhaps paradoxically, both compelling and mundane and suggests that participants make sense of a range of meanings from complex social and spatial dynamics and do so in ways that highlight privilege and disadvantage in the city. These findings have wider relevance for those interested in walking and mobilities studies and methodologies.
Leader humility, team job crafting and team creativity: The moderating role of leader–leader exchange
Authors: Chen Chao , Feng Jie , Liu Xinmei , Yao Jin
Published: July 2020

Despite an increasing number of studies on leader humility, the relationship between leader humility and team creativity needs further exploration. Using the connectionist network model, we propose that leader–leader exchange (LLX), the upward exchange relationship of a team's direct supervisor, moderates the effect of leader humility on team job crafting, and this in turn affects team creativity. We test our hypotheses using a sample of 286 employees in 59 teams with a multiple‐source, time‐lagged research design. Our conclusions are as follows: (a) for team leaders with high LLX, leader humility is positively related to team job crafting, whereas for team leaders with low LLX, the relationship between leader humility and team job crafting is negative; (b) team job crafting is positively related to team creativity and (c) team job crafting mediates the effect of the interaction between leader humility and LLX on team creativity.
On a class of bivariate mixed Sarmanov distributions
Authors: Vernic Raluca
Published: July 2020

Multivariate distributions are more and more used to model the dependence encountered in many fields. However, classical multivariate distributions can be restrictive by their nature, while Sarmanov's multivariate distribution, by joining different marginals in a flexible and tractable dependence structure, often provides a valuable alternative. In this paper, we introduce some bivariate mixed Sarmanov distributions with the purpose to extend the class of bivariate Sarmanov distributions and to obtain new dependency structures. Special attention is paid to the bivariate mixed Sarmanov distribution with Poisson marginals and, in particular, to the resulting bivariate Sarmanov distributions with negative binomial and with Poisson‐inverse Gaussian marginals; these particular types of mixed distributions have possible applications in, for example modelling bivariate count data. The extension to higher dimensions is also discussed. Moreover, concerning the dependency structure, we also present some correlation formulas.
Histological survey for oxalate nephrosis in Victorian koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Speight N , Bacci B , Stent A , Whiteley P
Published: July 2020

The Mount Lofty Ranges koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population in South Australia has a high prevalence of the renal disease oxalate nephrosis, for which an underlying genetic cause is suspected. South Australian koalas primarily originate from those in French Island, Victoria; however, oxalate nephrosis has not previously been reported in Victorian koalas. Examination of kidney tissue sections from 63 koalas across Victoria found that nine koalas were affected by oxalate nephrosis (14.3%). These included 2/5 koalas from French Island (40%), 4/14 koalas from the western regions (29%), 2/11 Raymond Island koalas (18%), and 1/13 Cape Otway koalas (8%). There were no cases of oxalate nephrosis identified in the Strzelecki koalas (n = 12). These findings suggest that oxalate nephrosis occurs in koalas from French Island and populations that have received significant influx of koalas from French Island, but not in the Strzelecki region, which has little to no French Island input. This lends support to the theory that an inherited abnormality of oxalate metabolism could underlie the high prevalence of oxalate nephrosis in the Mount Lofty Ranges koala population, and molecular investigations are currently underway to investigate a genetic cause.
Post‐harvest physiological deterioration in several cassava genotypes over sequential harvests and effect of pruning prior to harvest
Authors: Luna Jorge , Dufour Dominique , Tran Thierry , Pizarro Mónica , Calle Fernando , García Domínguez Moralba , Hurtado Iván M. , Sánchez Teresa , Ceballos Hernán
Published: July 2020

Consumers, traders and processors consider post‐harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) an important constraint. In Experiment 1, PPD was assessed three consecutive years in roots from five genotypes through seven storage days. PPD, scopoletin and dry matter content (DMC) was recorded during storage. Year, genotype, duration of storage and their interactions were significant. PPD was associated with duration of storage period, DMC and scopoletin contents. Ambient moisture and temperature during storage influenced PPD. In Experiment 2, roots from seven clones were harvested 10 months after planting from 30 consecutive biweekly plantings. PPD was assessed 0, 2 and 7 days after harvest. In 13 harvests, roots from plants pruned six days earlier were also evaluated. Results indicated large seasonal variation across genotypes. Pruning reduced PPD and DMC. Complex and contrasting relationships among the variables analysed were found. There is no uniform model explaining the relationship between PPD and the independent variables considered.
East Asian origin of the widespread alpine snow‐bed herb, Primula cuneifolia (Primulaceae), in the northern Pacific region
Authors: Ikeda Hajime , Yakubov Valentin , Barkalov Vyacheslav , Sato Kazuhiro , Fujii Noriyuki
Published: July 2020

Aim

The evolutionary importance of southern mountain ranges has been noted for alpine as well as arctic–alpine plants. However, it remains unclear whether these isolated marginal populations of cold‐adapted species have contributed to the establishment of their current widespread distribution. We aim to explore the molecular evidence for the recent northward migration of alpine snow‐bed species in the northern Pacific region.

Location

Japanese Archipelago, Kamchatka Peninsula, Alaska.

Taxon

Primula cuneifolia Ledeb., the wedgeleaf primrose, distributed in high mountains across the northern Pacific region and its sister species, Primula nipponica Yatabe, which is endemic to northern Japan.

Methods

The phylogenetic relationships and genetic structure of P. cuneifolia and its sister species were estimated using multiple loci from genotyping by random amplicon sequencing‐direct (GRAS‐Di) analyses. The temporal framework of genetic divergence was estimated using the isolation‐with‐migration model. The post‐glacial range shift was inferred using approximate Bayesian computation and ecological niche modelling.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. cuneifolia diverged into four clades, among which the southernmost clade in Japan diverged earlier than the northern clades. The Japanese clade likely diverged during the last glacial period, followed by further post‐glacial divergence of clades in the Kamchatka Peninsula and Alaska.

Main conclusion

Our study demonstrated that P. cuneifolia originated in Japan and spread northward into the northern Pacific region during and after the last glacial period. This finding provides the first evidence suggesting that population persistence and genetic divergence as well as speciation in the less glaciated mountains in Japan play important roles in the diversity and distribution of alpine plants in the northern Pacific region.
Reflections on welfare and political economy aspects of a central bank digital currency
Authors: Cukierman Alex
Published: July 2020

The point of departure of this short paper is that, in order to preserve the effectiveness of monetary policy in a world increasingly flooded by private digital currencies, central banks (CBs) will eventually have to issue their own digital currencies. The paper presents two proposals for the implementation of such a currency: A moderate proposal in which only the banking sector continues to have access to deposits at the CB and a radical one in which the entire private sector is allowed to hold digital currency deposits at the CB. The paper contrasts the implications of those two polar paths to a CBDC for the funding of banks, the allocation of credit to the economy, for welfare and for political feasibility. One section of the paper shows that the radical implementation may pave the way toward a narrow banking system and dramatically reduce the need for deposit insurance in the long run. The paper evaluates the relative merits of issuing a currency on a blockchain using a permissionless distributed ledger technology in comparison to a centralized (permissioned) blockchain ledger operated by the CB and concludes that the latter dominates the former in more than one dimension.
Type VI secretion systems of plant‐pathogenic Burkholderia glumae BGR1 play a functionally distinct role in interspecies interactions and virulence
Authors: Kim Namgyu , Kim Jin Ju , Kim Inyoung , Mannaa Mohamed , Park Jungwook , Kim Juyun , Lee Hyun‐Hee , Lee Sais‐Beul , Park Dong‐Soo , Sul Woo Jun , Seo Young‐Su
Published: July 2020

In the environment, bacteria show close association, such as interspecies interaction, with other bacteria as well as host organisms. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) in gram‐negative bacteria is involved in bacterial competition or virulence. The plant pathogen Burkholderia glumae BGR1, causing bacterial panicle blight in rice, has four T6SS gene clusters. The presence of at least one T6SS gene cluster in an organism indicates its distinct role, like in the bacterial and eukaryotic cell targeting system. In this study, deletion mutants targeting four tssD genes, which encode the main component of T6SS needle formation, were constructed to functionally dissect the four T6SSs in B. glumae BGR1. We found that both T6SS group_4 and group_5, belonging to the eukaryotic targeting system, act independently as bacterial virulence factors toward host plants. In contrast, T6SS group_1 is involved in bacterial competition by exerting antibacterial effects. The ΔtssD1 mutant lost the antibacterial effect of T6SS group_1. The ΔtssD1 mutant showed similar virulence as the wild‐type BGR1 in rice because the ΔtssD1 mutant, like the wild‐type BGR1, still has key virulence factors such as toxin production towards rice. However, metagenomic analysis showed different bacterial communities in rice infected with the ΔtssD1 mutant compared to wild‐type BGR1. In particular, the T6SS group_1 controls endophytic plant‐associated bacteria such as Luteibacter and Dyella in rice plants and may have an advantage in competing with endophytic plant‐associated bacteria for settlement inside rice plants in the environment. Thus, B. glumae BGR1 causes disease using T6SSs with functionally distinct roles.