bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daphniid zooplankton assemblage shifts in response to eutrophication and metal contamination during the Anthropocene
Authors: Rogalski Mary Alta , Leavitt Peter R. , Skelly David K.
Published: July 2017

Human activities during the Anthropocene result in habitat degradation that has been associated with biodiversity loss and taxonomic homogenization of ecological communities. Here we estimated effects of eutrophication and heavy metal contamination, separately and in combination, in explaining zooplankton species composition during the past 125–145 years using analysis of daphniid diapausing egg banks from four lakes in the northeastern USA. We then examined how these community shifts influenced patterns of diversity and homogenization. Analysis of past lake production (via subfossil pigments) and metal contamination (via sedimentary metals) demonstrated that eutrophication alone (19–39%) and in combination with metal pollution (17–54%) explained 36–79% of historical variation in daphniid species relative abundances in heavily fertilized lakes. In contrast, metal pollution alone explained the majority (72%) of historical variation in daphniid assemblages at the oligotrophic site. Several species colonization events in eutrophying lakes resulted in increased species richness and gamma diversity through time. At the same time, daphniid assemblages in three eutrophied lakes became more similar to each other (homogenized), but this pattern was only seen when accounting for species presence/absence. We did not observe consistent patterns of divergence between the assemblages in the eutrophying lakes and the low-nutrient reference site. Given the pervasive nature of fertilization and metal pollution, and the sensitivity of cladocerans to these factors, we suggest that many inhabited lake districts may already exhibit similar patterns of daphniid assemblage shifts.
Humans recognize emotional arousal in vocalizations across all classes of terrestrial vertebrates: evidence for acoustic universals
Authors: Filippi Piera , Congdon Jenna V. , Hoang John , Bowling Daniel L. , Reber Stephan A. , Pašukonis Andrius , Hoeschele Marisa , Ocklenburg Sebastian , de Boer Bart , Sturdy Christopher B. , Newen Albert , Güntürkün Onur
Published: July 2017

Writing over a century ago, Darwin hypothesized that vocal expression of emotion dates back to our earliest terrestrial ancestors. If this hypothesis is true, we should expect to find cross-species acoustic universals in emotional vocalizations. Studies suggest that acoustic attributes of aroused vocalizations are shared across many mammalian species, and that humans can use these attributes to infer emotional content. But do these acoustic attributes extend to non-mammalian vertebrates? In this study, we asked human participants to judge the emotional content of vocalizations of nine vertebrate species representing three different biological classes—Amphibia, Reptilia (non-aves and aves) and Mammalia. We found that humans are able to identify higher levels of arousal in vocalizations across all species. This result was consistent across different language groups (English, German and Mandarin native speakers), suggesting that this ability is biologically rooted in humans. Our findings indicate that humans use multiple acoustic parameters to infer relative arousal in vocalizations for each species, but mainly rely on fundamental frequency and spectral centre of gravity to identify higher arousal vocalizations across species. These results suggest that fundamental mechanisms of vocal emotional expression are shared among vertebrates and could represent a homologous signalling system.
A nutrient mediates intraspecific competition between rodent malaria parasitesin vivo
Authors: Wale Nina , Sim Derek G. , Read Andrew F.
Published: July 2017

Hosts are often infected with multiple strains of a single parasite species. Within-host competition between parasite strains can be intense and has implications for the evolution of traits that impact patient health, such as drug resistance and virulence. Yet the mechanistic basis of within-host competition is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that a parasite nutrient, para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA), mediates competition between a drug resistant and drug susceptible strain of the malaria parasite,Plasmodium chabaudi. We further show that increasing pABA supply to hosts infected with the resistant strain worsens disease and changes the relationship between parasite burden and pathology. Our experiments demonstrate that, even when there is profound top-down regulation (immunity), bottom-up regulation of pathogen populations can occur and that its importance may vary during an infection. The identification of resources that can be experimentally controlled opens up the opportunity to manipulate competitive interactions between parasites and hence their evolution.
Effects of age and reproductive status on individual foraging site fidelity in a long-lived marine predator
Authors: Votier Stephen C. , Fayet Annette L. , Bearhop Stuart , Bodey Thomas W. , Clark Bethany L. , Grecian James , Guilford Tim , Hamer Keith C. , Jeglinski Jana W. E. , Morgan Greg , Wakefield Ewan , Patrick Samantha C.
Published: July 2017

Individual foraging specializations, where individuals use a small component of the population niche width, are widespread in nature with important ecological and evolutionary implications. In long-lived animals, foraging ability develops with age, but we know little about the ontogeny of individuality in foraging. Here we use precision global positioning system (GPS) loggers to examine how individual foraging site fidelity (IFSF), a common component of foraging specialization, varies between breeders, failed breeders and immatures in a long-lived marine predator—the northern gannetMorus bassanus. Breeders (aged 5+) showed strong IFSF: they had similar routes and were faithful to distal points during successive trips. However, centrally placed immatures (aged 2–3) were far more exploratory and lacked route or foraging site fidelity. Failed breeders were intermediate: some with strong fidelity, others being more exploratory. Individual foraging specializations were previously thought to arise as a function of heritable phenotypic differences or via social transmission. Our results instead suggest a third alternative—in long-lived species foraging sites are learned during exploratory behaviours early in life, which become canalized with age and experience, and refined where possible—the exploration-refinement foraging hypothesis. We speculate similar patterns may be present in other long-lived species and moreover that long periods of immaturity may be a consequence of such memory-based individual foraging strategies.
Langevin Dynamics Simulation of AKAP-PKA Complex: Re-Envisioning the Local Concentration Mechanism for Directing PKA Phosphorylation
Authors: Rigatti Marc , Michalski Paul J. , Dodge-Kafka Kimberly L. , Moraru Ion I.
Published: July 2017

The second messenger cAMP and its effector cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) constitute a ubiquitous cell signaling system. In its inactive state PKA is composed of two regulatory subunits that dimerize, and two catalytic subunits that are inhibited by the regulatory subunits. Activation of the catalytic subunits occurs upon binding of two molecules of cAMP to each regulatory subunit. Although many receptor types existing within the same cell may use this signaling system, compartmentation of signaling is thought to occur due to A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs), which act to co-localize PKA with specific substrates. However, the molecular mechanism allowing AKAPs to direct PKA phosphorylation to a particular substrate remained elusive, as prior evidence suggested that the catalytic subunit, which is highly diffusible, is released after cAMP binding to the regulatory subunit. Recent evidence from Smith et al. suggests that in the cell, the catalytic subunit may in fact not be released from the AKAP complex [1, 2]. They further demonstrated that alterations in the structure of the PKA regulatory subunit tether affect substrate phosphorylation. We use a novel computational software based on Langevin dynamics, SpringSaLaD, to simulate the AKAP-PKA complex in order to determine a molecular mechanism for the changes in phosphorylation seen with alteration in tether length and flexibility, and to demonstrate whether or not AKAPs can effectively direct PKA phosphorylation to a particular substrate upon release of the catalytic subunit from the complex. We find that short and flexible tethers contribute to a decrease in the average characteristic time of binding, allowing the catalytic subunit to spend more time in a bound state with the substrate, which yields faster characteristic times of phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that release of the catalytic subunit from the AKAP complex abrogates the effect of tethering, with characteristic times of phosphorylation similar to non-AKAP bound PKA. The data demonstrates that AKAPs likely do not release the catalytic subunit in directing PKA phosphorylation to AKAP bound substrates. In combination with the changes in characteristic time of phosphorylation which are driven by tether structure, this work indicates that the purpose of AKAPs may be to increase the efficiency of phosphorylation of particular AKAP substrates.
Cytosine methylation within marine sediment microbial communities: potential epigenetic adaptation to the environment
Authors: Rambo Ian M. , Marsh Adam , Biddle Jennifer F.
Published: July 2017

Marine sediments harbor a vast amount of Earth’s microbial biomass, yet little is understood regarding how cells subsist in this low-energy, presumably slow-growth environment. Cells in marine sediments may require additional methods for genetic regulation, such as epigenetic modification via DNA methylation. We investigated this potential phenomenon within a shallow estuary sediment core spanning 100 years of age across its depth. Here we provide evidence of dynamic community m5-cytosine methylation within estuarine sediment metagenomes using a methylation-sensitive Illumina assay. The methylation states of individual CpG sites were reconstructed and quantified across three depths within the sediment core. A total of 6254 CpG sites were aligned for direct comparison of methylation states between samples, with 4235 sites mapped to taxa and genes. Our results demonstrate the presence of differential methylation within environmental CpG sites across an age/depth gradient of sediment. We show that epigenetic modification can be detected within complex environmental communities. The change in methylation state of environmentally relevant genes across depths may indicate a dynamic role of DNA methylation in biogeochemical processes.
Repositioning the Sm-binding site inS. cerevisiaetelomerase RNA reveals RNP organizational flexibility and Sm-directed 3′-end formation
Authors: Hass Evan P. , Zappulla David C.
Published: July 2017

Telomerase RNA contains a template for synthesizing telomeric DNA by reverse transcription and has been proposed to act as a flexible scaffold for holoenzyme protein subunits in the RNP. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, the telomerase subunits Est1 and Ku bind to the telomerase RNA, TLC1, and it has been shown that these proteins still function when their binding sites are repositioned within the RNA. TLC1 is also bound by the Sm7protein complex, which is required for stabilization of the predominant, non-polyadenylated (poly(A)–) TLC1 isoform. Here, we first show that Sm7can perform this function even when its binding site is repositioned via circular permutation to several different positions within TLC1, further supporting the conclusion that the telomerase holoenzyme is organizationally flexible. Next, we tested the hypothesis that the location of the Sm7-binding site relative to the 3′ end is contrastingly important. When we moved the Sm site to locations 5′ of its native position, we observed that this stabilized shorter forms of poly(A)– TLC1 in a manner precisely corresponding to how far upstream the Sm site was moved. This provides strong evidence that the location of Sm7binding to TLC1 controls where the mature poly(A)– 3′ end is formed. In summary, our results show that Sm7and the 3′ end of yeast telomerase RNA comprise an organizationally flexible module within the telomerase RNP and provide insights into the mechanistic role of Sm7in telomerase RNA biogenesis.
Sonic Kayaks: Environmental monitoring and experimental music by citizens
Authors: Griffiths Amber GF , Kemp Kirsty M , Matthews Kaffe , Garrett Joanne K , Griffiths David J
Published: July 2017

The Sonic Kayak is a musical instrument with which to investigate nature, developed during open hacklab events. Kayaks rigged with underwater environmental sensors allow paddlers to hear real-time water temperature sonifications and underwater sounds, generating live music from the marine world. Sensor data is also logged every second with GPS, time and date, allowing fine scale mapping of water temperatures and underwater noise that was previously unattainable using standard research equipment. The system provides the paddler with an extra dimension of senses with which to explore the underwater climate, while enabling citizens to gather data for scientific research. The system can be used as a citizen-science data-collection device, research equipment for professional scientists, or a sound-art installation in its own right, and has been implemented in a public setting at the British Science Festival 2016, demonstrating the considerable advantages of adopting transdisciplinary approaches during project development. Here we present instructions for building the open-hardware and open-source software, tests of the sensors used, and preliminary data demonstrating applications for the Sonic Kayak in marine climate and noise-pollution research.
A Biomaterial Screening Approach Reveals Microenvironmental Mechanisms of Drug Resistance
Authors: Schwartz Alyssa D. , Barney Lauren E. , Jansen Lauren E. , Nguyen Thuy V. , Hall Christopher L. , Meyer Aaron S. , Peyton Shelly R.
Published: July 2017

TOC Figure

Drug response screening, gene expression, and kinome signaling were combined across biomaterial platforms to combat adaptive resistance to sorafenib.

Insight Box

We combined biomaterial platforms, drug screening, and systems biology to identify mechanisms of extracellular matrix-mediated adaptive resistance to RTK-targeted cancer therapies. Drug response was significantly varied across biomaterials with altered stiffness, dimensionality, and cell-cell contacts, and kinome reprogramming was responsible for these differences in drug sensitivity. Screening across many platforms and applying a systems biology analysis were necessary to identify MEK phosphorylation as the key factor associated with variation in drug response. This method uncovered the combination therapy of sorafenib with a MEK inhibitor, which decreased viability on and within biomaterialsin vitro, but was not captured by screening on tissue culture plastic alone. This combination therapy also reduced tumor burdenin vivo,and revealed a promising approach for combating adaptive drug resistance.

Traditional drug screening methods lack features of the tumor microenvironment that contribute to resistance. Most studies examine cell response in a single biomaterial platform in depth, leaving a gap in understanding how extracellular signals such as stiffness, dimensionality, and cell-cell contacts act independently or are integrated within a cell to affect either drug sensitivity or resistance. This is critically important, as adaptive resistance is mediated, at least in part, by the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor microenvironment. We developed an approach to screen drug responses in cells cultured on 2D and in 3D biomaterial environments to explore how key features of ECM mediate drug response. This approach uncovered that cells on 2D hydrogels and spheroids encapsulated in 3D hydrogels were less responsive to receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-targeting drugs sorafenib and lapatinib, but not cytotoxic drugs, compared to single cells in hydrogels and cells on plastic. We found that transcriptomic differences between thesein vitromodels and tumor xenografts did not reveal mechanisms of ECM-mediated resistance to sorafenib. However, a systems biology analysis of phospho-kinome data uncovered that variation in MEK phosphorylation was associated with RTK-targeted drug resistance. Using sorafenib as a model drug, we found that co-administration with a MEK inhibitor decreased ECM-mediated resistancein vitroand reducedin vivotumor burden compared to sorafenib alone. In sum, we provide a novel strategy for identifying and overcoming ECM-mediated resistance mechanisms by performing drug screening, phospho-kinome analysis, and systems biology across multiple biomaterial environments.
A large kinome in a large cell:Stentor coeruleuspossesses highly expanded kinase families and novel domain architectures
Authors: Reiff Sarah B. , Marshall Wallace F.
Published: July 2017

Background

Stentor coeruleusis a large ciliated protist, about 1mm in length, with the extraordinary ability to fully regenerate each fragment after being cut into pieces, perfectly restoring cell polarity and morphology. Single-cell regeneration inStentorremains one of the greatest long-standing mysteries of biology, but the recently publishedStentorgenome now enables studies on this organism at the molecular and genetic levels. Here we characterize the complete complement of kinases, or kinome, ofStentor, in order to begin to understand the signaling capacities that underlieStentor’s unique biology.

Results

The genome ofS. coeruleuscontains over 2000 kinases, representing 6% of the predicted proteome. Classification of the kinase genes reveals large expansions in several kinase families, particularly in the CDPKs, the DYRKs, and in several mitotic kinase families including the PLKs, NEKs, and Auroras. The large expansion of the CDPK and DYRK kinase families is an unusual feature of theStentorkinome compared to other ciliates with sequenced genomes. The DYRK family inStentor, notably, contains only a single pseudokinase which may suggest an important role inStentorgrowth and survival, while the smaller PEK family contains a novel pseudokinase subfamily. TheStentorkinome also has examples of new domain architectures that have not been previously observed in other organisms.

Conclusion

Our analysis provides the first gene-level view into the signaling capabilities ofStentorand will lay the foundation for unraveling how this organism can coordinate processes as complex as regeneration throughout a giant cell.
Flexible, multi-use, PCR-based nucleic acid integrity assays based on the ubiquitin C gene
Authors: Van Poucke Mario , Peelman Luc J.
Published: July 2017

Nucleic acid integrity assessment is an important aspect of quality control for many applications in molecular biology. A number of methods exist (electrophoresis- or PCR-based), but they are not universally applicable. Some of them need huge amounts of input, process certain amount of samples, require expensive equipment, only work specifically on (c)DNA, (m)RNA, certain species or certain tissues, or produce fragments covering a small length range. We investigated if the ubiquitin C gene (UBC) could be used to develop flexible, multi-use PCR-based (deoxy)ribonucleic acid integrity assays. UBC gene analysis (in human, mouse, pig, cow, horse, sheep, dog and cat) shows that UBC is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed gene (reference gene in RT-qPCR), that encodes a polyubiquitin precursor (containing tandem repeats of at least 5 ubiquitin monomers of 228 bp) in a single exon. On average, ubiquitin monomers show a nucleic acid sequence identity of 96% at intraspecies level and 93% at interspecies level. Based on a multiple alignment of all monomer ubiquitin sequences of all investigated species, we could design a single degenerated primer pair generating PCR amplicons of 137, 365, 593 and 821 bp on low amounts of high quality DNA of all investigated species (down to 10 pg) and on cDNA reverse transcribed from high quality RNA from different tissues (e.g. heart, liver, brain, kidney). Increasing levels of nucleic acid degradation resulted in a decrease of amplification products starting with the longer amplicons. We conclude that UBC is suited to develop a single, cheap, universal assay to estimate the presence, integrity and amplificability of native mammalian nucleic acids. In addition, we used the same strategy to design a similar assay to check the quality of bisulfite treated mammalian DNA.
Convergent evolution as an indicator for selection during acute HIV-1 infection
Authors: Bertels Frederic , Metzner Karin J. , Regoes Roland
Published: July 2017

Convergent evolution describes the process of different populations acquiring similar phenotypes or genotypes. Complex organisms with large genomes only rarely and only under very strong selection converge to the same genotype. In contrast, independent virus populations with very small genomes often acquire identical mutations. Here we test the hypothesis of whether convergence in early HIV-1 infection is common enough to serve as an indicator for selection. To this end, we measure the number of convergent mutations in a well-studied dataset of full-length HIV-1envgenes sampled from HIV-1 infected individuals during early infection. We compare this data to a neutral model and find an excess of convergent mutations. Convergent mutations are not evenly distributed across the env gene, but more likely to occur in gp41, which suggests that convergent mutations provide a selective advantage and hence are positively selected. In contrast, mutations that are only found in an HIV-1 population of a single individual are significantly affected by purifying selection. Our analysis suggests that comparisons between convergent and private mutations with neutral models allow us to identify positive and negative selection in small viral genomes. Our results also show that selection significantly shapes HIV-1 populations even before the onset of the adaptive immune system.
Remodeling of ER-exit sites initiates a membrane supply pathway for autophagosome biogenesis
Authors: Ge Liang , Zhang Min , Kenny Samuel J , Liu Dawei , Maeda Miharu , Saito Kota , Mathur Anandita , Xu Ke , Schekman Randy
Published: July 2017

Autophagosomes are double-membrane vesicles generated during autophagy. Biogenesis of the autophagosome requires membrane acquisition from intracellular compartments, the mechanisms of which are unclear. We previously found that a relocation of COPII machinery to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) generates ERGIC-derived COPII vesicles which serve as a membrane precursor for the lipidation of LC3, a key membrane component of the autophagosome. Here we employed super-resolution microscopy to show that starvation induces the enlargement of ER-exit sites (ERES) positive for the COPII activator, SEC12, and the remodeled ERES patches along the ERGIC. A SEC12 binding protein, CTAGE5, is required for the enlargement of ERES, SEC12 relocation to the ERGIC, and modulates autophagosome biogenesis. Moreover, FIP200, a subunit of the ULK protein kinase complex, facilitates the starvation-induced enlargement of ERES independent of the other subunits of this complex and associates via its C-terminal domain with SEC12. Our data indicate a pathway wherein FIP200 and CTAGE5 facilitate starvation-induced remodeling of the ERES, a prerequisite for the production of COPII vesicles budded from the ERGIC that contribute to autophagosome formation.
High-resolution structure of a Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor from the dengue vectorAedes aegypti
Authors: Torquato Ricardo J. S. , Lu Stephen , Martins Nadia Helena , Tanaka Aparecida S. , Pereira Pedro José Barbosa
Published: July 2017

Blood-feeding exoparasites are rich sources of protease inhibitors, and the mosquitoAedes aegypti, which is a vector ofDengue virus,Yellow fever virus,Chikungunya virusandZika virus, is no exception. AaTI is a single-domain, noncanonical Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitor fromA. aegyptithat recognizes both digestive trypsin-like serine proteinases and the central protease in blood clotting, thrombin, albeit with an affinity that is three orders of magnitude lower. Here, the 1.4 Å resolution crystal structure of AaTI is reported from extremely tightly packed crystals (∼22% solvent content), revealing the structural determinants for the observed inhibitory profile of this molecule.
Crystal structure of the putative cytoplasmic protein STM0279 (Hcp2) from Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Lin Qing-Peng , Gao Zeng-Qiang , Geng Zhi , Zhang Heng , Dong Yu-Hui
Published: July 2017

STM0279 is a putative cytoplasmic protein from Salmonella typhimurium and was recently renamed haemolysin co-regulated protein 2 (Hcp2), with the neighbouring STM0276 being Hcp1. Both of them are encoded by the type VI secretion system (T6SS) of the Salmonella pathogenicity island 6 (SPI-6) locus and have high sequence identity. The Hcp proteins may function as a vital component of the T6SS nanotube and as a transporter and chaperone of diverse effectors from the bacterial T6SS. In this study, the crystal structure and the oligomeric state in solution of Hcp2 from S. typhimurium (StHcp2) were investigated. The crystal structure refined to 3.0 Å resolution showed that the protein is composed of a β-barrel domain with extended loops and can form hexameric rings as observed in known Hcp homologues. Mutation of the extended loop was found to partly destabilize the hexameric conformation into monomers or cause the production of inclusion bodies, suggesting it has an important role in hexameric ring formation.
Filament-like DREP4 CIDE domain: characterization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies
Authors: Park Hyun Ho
Published: July 2017

DREP4 is a nuclease from fruit fly that is involved in apoptotic DNA fragmentation. DREP4 contains a conserved CIDE domain that acts as a protein-interaction module and is critical for its function. In this study, it was found that DREP4 CIDE domains form filament-like structures in solution. The length of the highly ordered filament-like structure is dependent on the salt concentration. By adjusting the salt concentration the DREP4 CIDE domain could be crystallized, and X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.9 Å. The crystals were found to belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 53.08, b = 76.58, c = 174.59 Å.
Corrosion behavior of carbon steel in chloride contaminated simulated concrete pore solution with carboxylate of benzoic acid and dimethylethanolamine
Authors: Liu J.Z. , Cai Jing Shun , Shi L. , Zhao D. , Chen C.C. , Jiang Q. , Sha J.F.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibition efficiency and mechanism of a specific carboxylate corrosion inhibitor which consists of benzoic acid and dimethylethanolamine on steel surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The performance of carbon steel influenced by this organic inhibitor under different concentration of Cl−and immersion time was studied by linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a simulated concrete pore (SCP) solution. The surface morphology and composition of steel was also analyzed by optical microscopy, SEM and EDS to investigate the effect of inhibitor on the pattern of the steel surface after long-term immersion.

Findings

Carboxylate of benzoic acid and dimethylethanolamine can increase the chloride threshold level and decrease the corrosion area of carbon steel in SCP solution with 0.6 mol/L Cl−even after 120 days exposure. The inhibition mechanism of inhibitor lies in quick adsorption and buffering effect at initial time then formed deposited layer on steel surface after long-term immersion in chloride-rich environment.

Originality/value

It demonstrated that the carboxylate corrosion inhibitor not only can improve the chloride threshold level for carbon steel but also effectively decrease the corrosion rate even in chloride-rich SCP solution after long-term immersion, which is different form the conventional amino alcohol.
Influence of eco friendly plant material (Cucurbita maxima) on mild steel corrosion
Authors: Anbarasi K. , Vasudha V.G.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of leaves ofCucurbita maxima(LCM) extract on the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 1N H2SO4by gravimetric measurement and electrochemical study. The inhibition efficiency increased with increase in concentration of LCM. The corrosion rate increased with increase in temperature and decreased with increase in concentration of inhibitor compared to blank. The maximum inhibition efficiency of 96 per cent was obtained at 3 per cent v/v LCM at 343K for 1 h. The inhibitory action was explained on the basis of adsorption of secondary metabolites in the plant extract on the mild steel surface. The adsorption process obeys Langmuir, El-Awady, Temkin and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and was best fitted by Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Some kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Weight loss measurements were conducted under total immersion of already weighed mild steel coupons in 100 ml of the test solution containing 0.05, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 per cent of LCM extract and in blank solution at different temperature range (303, 313, 323, 333 and 343 K) for 1h. The electrochemical experiments were conducted at room temperature and at various concentrations of LCM extract. The electrochemical experiments were performed using a potentiostat. A three-electrode cell was used for the impedance measurements conducted at open circuit potential.

Findings

The inhibitor (LCM) shows good inhibition performance for the corrosion of mild steel in 1N H2SO4solution. The inhibition efficiency increased and the corrosion rate decreased with increasing concentrations of inhibitor.

Originality/value

The studied plant material is a new one in mild steel corrosion. The influence of the plant material is clearly explained in the submitted paper.
The Leiden Manifesto under review: what libraries can learn from it
Authors: Coombs Sarah K. , Peters Isabella
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion of the Leiden Manifesto for libraries already engaged in bibliometric practices. It offers practical recommendations based on the work of the European Association for Research Libraries (LIBER) Working Group on Metrics. This work is in the beginning phase and summarizes literature on the topic, as well as the experiences of the members of the Working Group. The discussion reflects today's growing popularity of (quantitative) research assessment which is seen in enthusiasts introducing new metrics (i.e. altmetrics) and by critics demanding responsible metrics that increase objectivity and equity in evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is the result of the Working Group on Metrics of the European Association for Research Libraries (LIBER) that critically discussed the practicality of the Leiden Manifesto for libraries.

Findings

Full compliance with the Manifesto is time-consuming, expensive and requires a significant increase in bibliometric expertise with respect to both staffing and skill level. Despite these apparent disadvantages, it is recommended that all libraries embrace the Manifesto’s principles. To increase practicality, it is advised that libraries collaborate with researchers, management and other libraries at home and around the world to jointly design and provide services that can be reused within the library community.

Originality/value

Libraries have increasingly been confronted with questions about research assessment, responsible metrics and the role of digital products in evaluations and funding decisions. Although a wide range of recommendations and initiatives are available (e.g. DORA San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment), many recommendations are not straightforward enough to be implemented from a library perspective. This paper provides assistance for libraries to implement these principles by acknowledging the heterogeneous backgrounds the libraries may stem from.
Altmetric scores: short-term popularity or long-term scientific importance
Authors: Starbuck Edith , Purtee Sharon
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a three-year case study of the extent with which altmetrics compare to traditional metrics in certain subject areas for selected departments at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine (COM).

Design/methodology/approach

A three-year analysis of peer-reviewed papers and invited editorials from 2009 to 2013 written by tenure-track faculty from 20 COM departments was done to explore what subject areas received the highest altmetric scores. Research output was searched in PubMed; articles were quantified by subject area, times cited in Scopus, and its altmetric score over each of three successive years.

Findings

The topics of the highest scored altmetric papers (n = 40) sample focused on stroke, obesity, and diabetes for all three years. Analysis of high initial altmetric scores over the course of the three years shifted from a possible predictor of future impact in the second year to no indicator of long-term interest in the scientific community as the public interest waned over time.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used Scopus Times Cited and Altmetrics.com to gather data.

Originality/value

Initially assessed a total of 3,678 unique publications and worked with the 40 highest altmetric scores in subsequent years. Data showed that subjects of interest to the public receive the highest altmetric scores and the topic areas did not change over the course of the study. These initially high altmetric scores do not indicate long-term interest by the scientific community.
Cybersecurity governance: a prehistory and its implications
Authors: Fidler Bradley
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the emerging challenges of cybersecurity governance by analyzing the internet’s early history.

Design/methodology/approach

Tracing the design and management of early internet and network security technologies in the USA in the 1970s and 1980s.

Findings

The US Department of Defense separated the research and management regimes for networks and network security, with the latter restricted to military networks. As such, the absence of cybersecurity technologies on the early internet was not an oversight, but a necessary compromise. This ordering of networks and security had enduring technological, political and even cultural consequences, which are breaking down today.

Social implications

Political, technological and metaphoric distinctions between networks and security should be challenged; cybersecurity will transform internet governance.

Originality/value

New historical sources and analysis provide a novel perspective on contemporary challenges of cybersecurity governance.
Firm level profitability determinants in Indian drugs and pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Tyagi Shilpi , Nauriyal D.K.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the firm level determinants of profitability of Indian drug and pharmaceutical industry which is known for historically weak R&D initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The change in the economic environment brought out by the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) compliance, this industry was found to have fast adjusted to a new working environment by substantially modifying its strategies. This study aims at using inflation-adjusted panel data for a period 2000-2013 and applies the fixed effects regression model with cluster standard errors.

Findings

The study has found that export intensity, A&M intensity, firm’s market power and stronger patent regime dummy have exercised positive influence on profitability. The negative and statistically significant influence of R&D intensity and raw material import intensity points to the need for firms to adopt suitable investment strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that firms are required to pay far more attention to optimize their operating expenditures, advertisement and marketing expenditures and improve their export orientation, as part of the long-term strategy.

Originality/value

This study uses a recent data-set to analyze the firm level profitability determinants in the Indian pharmaceutical industry and captures the effect of change in profitability pre and post-TRIPS.
Marketing strategies in small animal clinical practice
Authors: Soares José Antonio , Galvão André Luiz Baptista , de Matos Lucas Vinicius Shigaki , Pierucci Julia Cestari , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva , Pizzinatto Nadia Kassouf
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Marketing strategies can be used to leverage business in the service sector, specifically in veterinary medicine; among other benefits, it can make a difference in satisfaction and consequent customer loyalty. Marketing should be used with ethics and professionalism due is one administration area that contributes to effective management in the continuous pursuit of quality in the provision of services and demonstrate that veterinary clinics have much to gain if managed with support of marketing strategies. This paper aims to analyze the applicability of marketing strategies in the management of small animal clinics, such as guidelines to the entrepreneurs of this services sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Marketing literature is plentiful in proposing alternative strategies, whether focused on the achievement and loyalty of customers, whether to raise the competitiveness of an organization or simply to its survival in the market. In this study, some marketing strategies were selected, on secondary data research, in theoretical framework, to investigate their application in the practice of veterinary medicine. This study emphasizes promotional strategy toward communication with the market and construction of organizational image, using public relations as marketing strategy.

Findings

The use of marketing strategies is recommended in the management of small animal clinical practice, especially with respect to the high customer satisfaction by streamlining the procedures and optimizing veterinary services provision.

Originality/value

This study is different because it proposes an integrated system of management techniques in veterinary organizations, which will lead to better efficiency of attendance, adding value to the service provided and generating greater profitability for the organization, which positively reflects on the economic point of view and for the image of the company and its professionals, providing a better quality of life for both clients and their pets.
Formal options for job descriptions: theory meets practice
Authors: Pató Beáta Sz. G.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the possibilities of formal and structural appearances of a job description, with correct content, through corporate examples and the result of a research.

Design/methodology/approach

The author in this paper aims to demonstrate the possibilities of the design of job descriptions, based on more than ten-year-long, intense, empirical research of job descriptions (cca. 1,200 examined and analyzed items).

Findings

During the research work, a 2D job description sample has been created, mapped from a 3D job description, based on an earlier research. This 2D sample can serve as a good starting point for companies in the creation of new documents. Furthermore, the process of the formal visualization of job descriptions has been described, and structured and semi-structured formal visualization have been illustrated, with corporate examples.

Research limitations/implications

A well-visualized job description can lead the employee, the employer and the company as well to comprehension and competence, thus job descriptions become one of the tools of HRD visual management.

Practical implications

The aim is to support the job description writing process, which therefore will lead to a well-formed and well-structured, attractive, “living” document.

Originality/value

The form and content of a job description, the aims that it serves and the message it conveys really make a difference. 3D job descriptions are under patent design protection in Hungary (Registration Number: 90 806 D0500121).
Human resource management, historical perspectives, evolution and professional development
Authors: Obedgiu Vincent
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to trace the historical perspectives in the development and evolution of human resource management as a field of study and profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a desk research to conduct a general review of literatures that are fundamental in tracing the historical routes, evolution, and professional development in the field of human resource management.

Findings

The literature reviewed reveals that human resource management is a product of the human relations movement of the early twentieth century, when researchers began documenting ways of creating business value through the strategic management of the workforce. The function was initially dominated by transactional work such as payroll and benefits administration, but due to globalization, company consolidation, technological advancement, and further research, human resource now focuses on strategic initiatives like mergers and acquisitions, talent management, succession planning, industrial and labor relations, and diversity and inclusion. In start-up companies, human resource’s duties are performed either by a handful of trained professionals or even by non-human resource personnel. In larger companies, an entire functional group is typically dedicated to the discipline, with staff specializing in various human resource tasks and functional leadership engaging in strategic decision making across the business. To train practitioners for the profession, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and companies themselves have created programs of study dedicated explicitly to the duties of the function. Academic and practitioner organizations likewise seek to engage and further the field of human resource, as evidenced by several field-specific publications.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge in human resource management and practices, professional development, history of human resource management and the future of human resource functions. Further attempt is made in the study to present historical perspective of the evolution of the field to prepare professional managers in managing the human resource function and disseminate the human resource development philosophy and values to improve human resource practice and recognition within the management agenda.
SEC shortens standard settlement cycle to T+2
Authors: Burns James R. , Anderson James E. , Saunders Kimberly Beattie , Gyer Charles F.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To describe the steps taken by the SEC to shorten the standard settlement cycle for most broker-dealer transactions from three business days to two business days after the trade date.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides insight into a recent area of focus for SEC regulators and describe the SEC’s efforts to improve the efficiency of and reduce risks associated with the US national clearance and settlement system.

Findings

Industry participants must continue to work toward an migration date from T+3 to T+2 on September 5, 2017. In addition, numerous corresponding rule changes have been made or are expected across other regulatory regimes, including other federal regulators and self-regulatory organizations. Industry participants should monitor communications from these organizations closely for guidance about regulatory updates related to T+2.

Originality/value

Practical regulatory guidance regarding SEC operational requirements for the US national clearance and settlement system and the impact on related SEC regulations from experienced securities lawyers.
SEC charges broker-dealer and AML officer for failing to file SARs related to pump-and-dump scheme
Authors: Bondi Bradley J. , Gilman Charles A. , Petillo-Décossard Kimberly C. , Schuster John J. , Ortiz Sara
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To explain a recent US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) administrative proceeding targeting a broker-dealer as part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to enforce anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This article explores the factual and legal contours of a specific SEC administrative proceeding to better understand the affirmative steps the Commission expects of financial service providers as it relates to AML activities and reporting.

Findings

Given the SEC’s current enforcement focus, it is critical that financial institutions conduct their activities with a clear understanding of the AML regulations, investigatory expectations and related reporting requirements associated with the provision of brokerage and advisory services to US clients and customers.

Originality/value

This article highlights the SEC’s continuing interest in broker-dealer AML policies and compliance and provides analysis from experienced lawyers with expertise in financial services, securities and white collar crime.
SEC approves new continued listing standards for ETFs
Authors: Teufel Adam , Geissler Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To introduce and analyze recent amendments to the rules of three US securities exchanges to add specific continued listing standards applicable to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an introduction and summary overview of the topic, summarizes the scope of the rule changes, discusses the industry reaction to the proposed rule changes and the regulator’s response, notes the applicability of the rule changes to ETFs relying on their own fund-specific regulatory relief, and identifies compliance dates.

Findings

Each of three US securities exchanges filed separate proposals to amend their listing standards to add specific continued listing standards for ETFs. Notwithstanding various concerns expressed in comment letters from key industry participants, by March 2017 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved all three proposals in substantially the form proposed.

Practical implications

ETF sponsors should note that significant compliance enhancements may be required to ensure proper and continuous testing of securities in an ETF’s underlying index and/or portfolio in lieu of testing for compliance solely at the time of initial listing or at the time of an investment decision. The rule changes are scheduled to take effect by October 1, 2017.

Originality/value

Practical analysis from a premier financial services law firm on the issues presented by the ETF rule changes.