bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexidisruption depletes gut microbial metabolites and accelerates autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Davison LJ , Wallace MD , Preece C , Hughes K , Todd JA , Davies B , O’ Callaghan CA
Published: August 2018

Non-coding genetic variants in the CLEC16A gene on human chromosome 16p13.13 are associated with risk of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. In this region, we previously identifiedDEXI, a candidate causal gene of unknown function, which alters the risk of type 1 diabetes, where the T1D predisposing allele is associated with lowerDEXIexpression. Here, we demonstrate by CRISPR mutagenesisin vivoand deep phenotyping that disruptedDexiexpression accelerates diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, a spontaneous model of autoimmune pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Mutant mice have increased serum IgM and IgA concentrations compared to wild-type NOD mice, as well as changes in both the gut microbiome and molecular metabolites associated with microbial metabolism. These findings suggest that the mechanism by whichDEXIalters diabetes risk involves the composition and function of the microbiome and its impact on host metabolites. Such metabolites, including short chain fatty acids such as butyrate, have been shown to alter the activity of the immune cells involved in beta-cell destruction and susceptibility of the beta cells to autoimmune attack.

One Sentence Summary:Disruption of theDexigene leads to accelerated diabetes in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse, accompanied by changes in serum immunoglobulins, gut microbiome and microbial metabolites.
Multimodal integration and vividness in the angular gyrus during episodic encoding and retrieval
Authors: Tibon Roni , Fuhrmann Delia , Levy Daniel A. , Simons Jon S. , Henson Richard
Published: August 2018

Much evidence suggests that the angular gyrus (AnG) is involved in episodic memory, but its precise role is yet to be determined. We examined two possible accounts, within the same experimental paradigm: the CoBRA account (Shimamura, 2011), which suggests that the AnG acts as a convergence zone that binds multimodal episodic features; and the Subjectivity account (Yazar et al., 2012), which implicates AnG involvement in subjective mnemonic experience (such as vividness or confidence). fMRI was employed during both encoding and retrieval of paired-associates. During study, female and male human participants memorised picture-pairs of common objects (in the unimodal task) or of an object-picture and an environmental sound (in the crossmodal task). At test, they performed a cued-recall task, and further indicated the vividness of their memory. During retrieval, BOLD activation in the AnG was greatest for vividly remembered associates, consistent with the Subjectivity account. During encoding, the same effect of vividness was found, but this was further modulated by task: Greater activations were associated with subsequent recall in the crossmodal than the unimodal task. Thus, encoding data suggests an additional role to the AnG in cross-modal integration, consistent with its role at retrieval proposed by CoBRA. These results resolve some of the puzzles in the literature and indicate that the AnG can play different roles during encoding and retrieval, determined by the cognitive demands posed by different mnemonic tasks.

Significance Statement

We offer new insights into the multiplicity of processes that are associated with angular gyrus (AnG) activation during encoding and retrieval of newly formed memories. We used fMRI while human participants learned and subsequently recalled pairs of objects presented to the same sensory modality or to different modalities. We were able to show that the AnG is involved when vivid memories are created and retrieved, as well as when encoded information is integrated across different sensory modalities. These findings provide novel evidence for the contribution of the AnG to our subjective experience of remembering, alongside its role in integrative processes that promote subsequent memory.
Cbsoverdosage is necessary and sufficient to induce cognitive phenotypes in mouse models of Down syndrome and interacts genetically withDyrk1a
Authors: Marechal Damien , Brault Véronique , Leon Alice , Martin Dehren , Pereira Patricia Lopes , Loaёc Nadege , Birling Marie-Christine , Friocourt Gaelle , Blondel Marc , Herault Yann
Published: August 2018

Identifying dosage sensitive genes is a key to understand the mechanisms underlying intellectual disability in Down syndrome (DS). The Dp(17Abcg1-Cbs)1Yah DS mouse model (Dp1Yah) show cognitive phenotype and needs to be investigated to identify the main genetic driver. Here, we report that, in the Dp1Yah mice, 3 copies of the Cystathionine-beta-synthase gene (Cbs)are necessary to observe a deficit in the novel object recognition (NOR) paradigm. Moreover, the overexpression ofCbsalone is sufficient to induce NOR deficit. Accordingly targeting the overexpression of human CBS, specifically in Camk2a-expressing neurons, leads to impaired objects discrimination. Altogether this shows thatCbsoverdosage is involved in DS learning and memory phenotypes. In order to go further, we identified compounds that interfere with the phenotypical consequence of CBS overdosage in yeast. Pharmacological intervention in the Tg(CBS) with one selected compound restored memory in the novel object recognition. In addition, using a genetic approach, we demonstrated an epistatic interaction betweenCbsandDyrk1a, another human chromosome 21 gene encoding the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1a and an already known target for DS therapeutic intervention. Further analysis using proteomic approaches highlighted several pathways, including synaptic transmission, cell projection morphogenesis, and actin cytoskeleton, that are affected by DYRK1A and CBS overexpression. Overall we demonstrated that CBS overdosage underpins the DS-related recognition memory deficit and that bothCBSandDYRK1Ainteract to control accurate memory processes in DS. In addition, our study establishes CBS as an intervention point for treating intellectual deficiencies linked to DS.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT

Here, we investigated a region homologous to Hsa21 and located on mouse chromosome 17. We demonstrated using three independent genetic approaches that the overdosage of the Cystathionine-beta-synthase gene (Cbs) gene, encoded in the segment, is necessary and sufficient to induce deficit in novel object recognition (NR).

In addition, we identified compounds that interfere with the phenotypical consequence of CBS overdosage in yeast and in mouse transgenic lines. Then we analyzed the relation between Cbs overdosage and the consequence of DYRK1a overexpression, a main driver of another region homologous to Hsa21 and we demonstrated that an epistatic interaction exist betweenCbsandDyrk1aaffecting different pathways, including synaptic transmission, cell projection morphogenesis, and actin cytoskeleton.
Mitochondrial genome annotation and phylogenetic placement ofOreochromis andersoniiandO. macrochiramong the cichlids of southern Africa
Authors: Bbole Ian , Zhao Jin-Liang , Tang Shou-Jie , Katongo Cyprian
Published: August 2018

Genetic characterization of southern African cichlids has not received much attention. Here, we describe the mitogenome sequences and phylogenetic positioning ofOreochromis andersoniiandO. macrochiramong the cichlids of southern Africa. The complete mitochondrial DNA sequences were determined forO. andersoniiandO. macrochir, two important aquaculture and fisheries species endemic to southern Africa. The complete mitogenome sequence lengths were 16642 bp and 16644 bp forO. andersoniiandO. macrochirrespectively. The general structural organization follows that of other teleost species with 13 protein–coding genes, 2rRNAs, 22tRNAsand a non-coding control region. Phylogenetic placement of the two species among other African cichlids was performed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC). The consensus trees confirmed the relative positions of the two cichlid species withO. andersoniibeing very closely related toO. mossambicusandO. macrochirshowing a close relation to both species. Among the 13 mitochondrial DNA protein coding genesND6may have evolved more rapidly andCOIIIwas the most conserved. There are signs thatND6may have been subjected to positive selection in order for these cichlid lineages to diversity and adapt to new environments. More work is needed to characterize the southern Africa cichlids as they are important species for capture fisheries, aquaculture development and understanding biogeographic history of African cichlids. Bioconservation of some endangered cichlids is also essential due to the threat by invasive species.
Title: Determinants of Minimum Acceptable Diet among 6–23 Months Age Children in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis of The Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey
Authors: abay Aberash , Yemane Dejen , Bekele Abate , Meressa Beyene
Published: August 2018

Background

Though infant and young children should be fed according to a minimum acceptable diet to ensure appropriate growth and development, only 7% of Ethiopian 6-23 months age children meet the minimum acceptable dietary standards, which is lower than the national target of 11% set for 2016. Therefore, this study aims to assess the individual and community level determinants of minimum acceptable diet among 6–23 months age children in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study analyzed retrospectively a cross-sectional data on a weighted sample of 2919 children aged 6-23 months nested within 617 clusters after extracting from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 via the link www.measuredhs.com. By employing bi-variate multilevel logistic regression model, variables which were significant at the p-value < 25 were included in multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis. Finally, variables with p-value < 0.05 were considered as significant predictors of minimum acceptable diet.

Results

Only 6.1% of 6-23 months age children feed minimum acceptable diet in Ethiopia. Children 18-23 months age (AOR=3.7, 95%CI 1.9, 7.2), father’s with secondary or higher education (AOR=2.1, 95%CI 1.2, 3.6), Employed mothers (AOR=1.7, 95%CI 1.2, 2.5), mothers have access to drinking water (AOR=1.9, 95%CI 1.2, 2.9), mothers with media exposure (AOR=2.1 95%CI 1.1, 2.7) were positive individual level predictors. Urban mothers (AOR=4.8, 95%CI 1.7, 13.2)) and agrarian dominant region (AOR=5.6, 95%CI 2.2, 14.5) were community level factors that significantly associated with minimum acceptable diet of 6–23 months age children.

Conclusion

Both individual and community level factors were significantly associated with minimum acceptable diet of 6-23 months age children in Ethiopia, suggesting that nutritional interventions designed to improve child health should not only be implemented at the individual level but tailored to community context as well.
Kinematics of wings fromCaudipteryxto modern birds
Authors: Talori Yaser Saffar , Zhao Jing-Shan , O’Connor Jingmai Kathleen
Published: August 2018

This study seeks to better quantify the parameters that drove the evolution of flight from nonvolant winged dinosaurs to modern birds. In order to explore this issue, we used fossil data to model the feathered forelimb ofCaudipteryx, the most basal non-volant maniraptoran dinosaur with elongate pennaceous feathers that could be described as forming proto-wings. In order to quantify the limiting flight factors, we created three hypothetical wing profiles forCaudipteryxrepresenting incrementally larger wingspans, which we compared to the actual wing morphology as what revealed through fossils. These four models were analyzed under varying air speed, wing beat amplitude, and wing beat frequency to determine lift, thrust potential and metabolic requirements. We tested these models using theoretical equations in order to mathematically describe the evolutionary changes observed during the evolution of modern birds from a winged terrestrial theropod likeCaudipteryx. Caudipteryxcould not fly, but this research indicates that with a large enough wing spanCaudipteryx-like animal could have flown, the morphology of the shoulder girdle would not actually accommodate the necessary flapping angle and metabolic demands would be much too high to be functional. The results of these analyses mathematically confirm that during the evolution of energetically efficient powered flight in derived maniraptorans, body weight had to decrease and wing area/wing profile needed to increase together with the flapping angle and surface area for the attachment of the flight muscles. This study quantifies the morphological changes that we observe in the pennaraptoran fossil record in the overall decrease in body size in paravians, the increased wing surface area inArchaeopteryxrelative toCaudipteryx, and changes observed in the morphology of the thoracic girdle, namely the orientation of the glenoid and the enlargement of the sternum.
Discovery of tandem and interspersed segmental duplications using high throughput sequencing
Authors: Soylev Arda , Le Thong , Amini Hajar , Alkan Can , Hormozdiari Fereydoun
Published: August 2018

Motivation

Several algorithms have been developed that use high throughput sequencing technology to characterize structural variations. Most of the existing approaches focus on detecting relatively simple types of SVs such as insertions, deletions, and short inversions. In fact, complex SVs are of crucial importance and several have been associated with genomic disorders. To better understand the contribution of complex SVs to human disease, we need new algorithms to accurately discover and genotype such variants. Additionally, due to similar sequencing signatures, inverted duplications or gene conversion events that include inverted segmental duplications are often characterized as simple inversions; and duplications and gene conversions in direct orientation may be called as simple deletions. Therefore, there is still a need for accurate algorithms to fully characterize complex SVs and thus improve calling accuracy of more simple variants.

Results

We developed novel algorithms to accurately characterize tandem, direct and inverted interspersed segmental duplications using short read whole genome sequencing data sets. We integrated these methods to our TARDIS tool, which is now capable of detecting various types of SVs using multiple sequence signatures such as read pair, read depth and split read. We evaluated the prediction performance of our algorithms through several experiments using both simulated and real data sets. In the simulation experiments, using a 30× coverage TARDIS achieved 96% sensitivity with only 4% false discovery rate. For experiments that involve real data, we used two haploid genomes (CHM1 and CHM13) and one human genome (NA12878) from the Illumina Platinum Genomes set. Comparison of our results with orthogonal PacBio call sets from the same genomes revealed higher accuracy for TARDIS than state of the art methods. Furthermore, we showed a surprisingly low false discovery rate of our approach for discovery of tandem, direct and inverted interspersed segmental duplications prediction on CHM1 (less than 5% for the top 50 predictions).

Availability

TARDIS source code is available at https://github.com/BilkentCompGen/tardis, and a corresponding Docker image is available at https://hub.docker.com/r/alkanlab/tardis/

Contact

fhormozd@ucdavis.edu and calkan@cs.bilkent.edu.tr
The core genome m5C methyltransferase JHP1050 (M.Hpy99III) plays an important role in orchestrating gene expression in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Estibariz Iratxe , Overmann Annemarie , Ailloud Florent , Krebes Juliane , Josenhans Josenhans , Suerbaum Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Helicobacter pylori encodes a large number of Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems despite its small genome.R-M systems have been described as “primitive immune systems” in bacteria, but the role of methylation in bacterial gene regulation and other processes is increasingly accepted. Every H.pylori strain harbours a unique set of R-M systems resulting in a highly diverse methylome. We identified a highly conserved GCGC-specific m5C MTase (JHP1050) that was predicted to be active in all of 459 H.pylori genome sequences analyzed. Transcriptome analysis of two H.pylori strains and their respective MTase mutants showed that inactivation of the MTase led to changes in the expression of 225 genes in strain J99, and 29 genes in strain BCM-300.10 genes were differentially expressed in both mutated strains. Combining bioinformatic analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, we demonstrated that motifs overlapping the promoter influence the expression of genes directly, while methylation of other motifs might cause secondary effects.Thus, m5C methylation modifies the transcription of multiple genes, affecting important phenotypic traits that include adherence to host cells, natural competence for DNA uptake, bacterial cell shape, and susceptibility to copper.
Strong selection of a few dominant CD8 clones in a TLR7-dependent autoimmune mouse model
Authors: Morawski Peter A. , Bolland Silvia
Published: August 2018

Systemic lupus disease is characterized by the expansion of a self-reactive repertoire of B cells that, with the help of CD4 cells, generate IgG antibodies against common nuclear antigens. Meanwhile, the functional state and posible clonal selection of CD8 cells in lupus remain poorly defined. We previously described the activated but non-pathogenic phenotype of CD8+T cells, some of which accumulate in the brain, in a model of systemic autoimmune disease triggered by increased copy number of thetlr7gene (TLR7tg mice). Here we report, through the analysis of TCRβ sequences, that CD8+cells from TLR7tg are strongly selected for a small number of clones, some of them reaching 30% of the repertoire, compared to less than 0.4% for a single top clone in wild type cells. High frequency clones are variable in sequence among individual TLR7tg mice and are distinct from top clones in WT, while cells from spleen and brain-resident cells from the same animals have perfect concordance. These results suggest that top CD8 clones are selected in stochastic fashion in each animal but limit further diversification, and that brain infiltrating CD8 cells in TLR7tg are not selected by a tissue specific antigen. This kind of extreme clonal dominance and narrowing of the CD8+T cell repertoire coud potentially impair anti-viral responses and should be considered as an additional detrimental feature of chronic autoimmune disease.
Cannabinoid disruption of learning mechanisms involved in reward processing
Authors: Lupica Carl R. , Hoffman Alexander F.
Published: August 2018

The increasing use of cannabis, its derivatives, and synthetic cannabinoids for medicinal and recreational purposes has led to burgeoning interest in understanding the addictive potential of this class of molecules. It is estimated that ∼10% of marijuana users will eventually show signs of dependence on the drug, and the diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) is increasing in the United States. The molecule that sustains the use of cannabis is Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), and our knowledge of its effects, and those of other cannabinoids on brain function has expanded rapidly in the past two decades. Additionally, the identification of endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) systems in brain and their roles in physiology and behavior, demonstrate extensive involvement of these lipid signaling molecules in regulating CNS function. Here, we examine roles for endogenous cannabinoids in shaping synaptic activity in cortical and subcortical brain circuits, and we discuss mechanisms in which exogenous cannabinoids, such as Δ9-THC, interact with endocannabinoid systems to disrupt neuronal network oscillations. We then explore how perturbation of the interaction of this activity within brain reward circuits may lead to impaired learning. Finally, we propose that disruption of cellular plasticity mechanisms by exogenous cannabinoids in cortical and subcortical circuits may explain the difficulty in establishing viable cannabinoid self-administration models in animals.
Highway to hell or magic smoke? The dose-dependence of Δ9-THC in place conditioning paradigms
Authors: Kubilius Rimas A. , Kaplick Paul M. , Wotjak Carsten T.
Published: August 2018

The prerequisites for responsible cannabis use are at the heart of current inquiries into cannabis decriminalization by policy makers as well as academic and nonacademic stakeholders at a global scale. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the prime psychoactive compound of the cannabis sativa, as well as cannabimimetics that resemble the pharmacological properties and psychological effects of Δ9-THC, lend themselves handsomely to the preclinical scrutiny of reward-related behavior because they carry marked translational value. Although a functional dichotomy of the psychological effects of Δ9-THC (rewarding versus aversive) has been abundantly reported in place conditioning (PC) paradigms, and might be best attributed to a dose-dependence of Δ9-THC, most PC studies with Δ9-THC feature no significant effects at all. Therefore, after decades of rigorous research, it still remains undetermined whether Δ9-THC generally exerts rewarding or aversive effects in rodents. Here, we set out to extrapolate the commonly alleged dose-dependence of the rewarding and aversive effects of Δ9-THC from the existing literature, at the behavioral pharmacological level of analysis. Specifically, our meta-analysis investigated: (i) the alleged bidirectional effects and dose-dependence of Δ9-THC in the PC test; (ii) methodological inconsistencies between PC studies; and (iii) other pharmacological studies on cannabinoids (i.e., dopamine release, anxiety, stress, conditioned taste aversion, catalepsy) to substantiate the validity of PC findings. Our findings suggest that: (i) Δ9-THC dose-dependently generates rewarding (1 mg/kg) and aversive (5 mg/kg) effects in PC; (ii) an inconsistent use of priming injections hampers a clear establishment of the rewarding effects of Δ9-THC in PC tests and might explain the seemingly contradictory plethora of nonsignificant THC studies in the PC test; and (iii) other pharmacological studies on Δ9-THC substantiate the dose-dependent biphasic effects of Δ9-THC in PC. A standardized experimental design would advance evidence-based practice in future PC studies with Δ9-THC and facilitate the pointed establishment of rewarding and aversive effects of the substance.
The hot ‘n’ cold of cue-induced drug relapse
Authors: Pitchers Kyle K. , Sarter Martin , Robinson Terry E.
Published: August 2018

Environmental cues associated with rewards can acquire motivational properties. However, there is considerable variation in the extent to which a reward cue gains motivational control over behavior, depending on the individual and the form of the cue. When a discrete cue is paired with food reward, it acquires greater control over motivated behavior in some rats (sign-trackers, STs) than others (goal-trackers, GTs) as indicated by the propensity to approach the cue, the willingness to work to obtain it, and its ability to reinstate reward-seeking behavior. Here, we review studies that employ this ST/GT animal model to investigate characteristics of individuals that are especially susceptible to reward cue-elicited behavior and the involvement of dopamine and acetylcholine neuromodulator systems in the susceptibility to cue-induced drug relapse. First, we discuss individual differences in the attribution of incentive salience to different forms of reward cues and the involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system. We then discuss individual differences in cognitive/attentional control and the contributions of the cholinergic system in processing reward cues. It is suggested that in STs a propensity to attribute motivational properties to a drug cue is combined with poor attentional control in the face of these cues, making them particularly vulnerable to transition from casual/experimental patterns of drug use to addiction and to cue-induced relapse.
Repeated cocaine exposure dysregulates cognitive control over cue-evoked reward-seeking behavior during Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer
Authors: Marshall Andrew T. , Ostlund Sean B.
Published: August 2018

Drug-paired cues acquire powerful motivational properties, but only lead to active drug-seeking behavior if they are potent enough to overwhelm the cognitive control processes that serve to suppress such urges. Studies using the Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) task have shown that rats pretreated with cocaine or amphetamine exhibit heightened levels of cue-motivated food-seeking behavior, suggesting that exposure to these drugs sensitizes the incentive motivational system. However, the PIT testing protocol can also create conflict between two competing behavioral responses to the reward-paired cue: active reward seeking (e.g., lever pressing) and passive conditioned food-cup approach behavior. We therefore investigated whether repeated cocaine exposure alters the way in which rats use cue-based reward expectations to resolve such conflict. In-depth analysis of previously published and new research confirmed that when drug-naïve rats are given a cue that signals the timing of a delayed noncontingent reward, they adaptively transition from reward seeking to conditioned approach behavior, facilitating efficient collection of the predicted reward. In contrast, cocaine-exposed rats exhibit pronounced behavioral dysregulation, increasing, rather than suppressing, their reward-seeking behavior over time, disrupting their ability to passively collect reward. Such findings speak to the important and sometimes overlooked role that cognitive control plays in determining the motivational impact of cues associated with drug and nondrug rewards.
Beyond simple tests of value: measuring addiction as a heterogeneous disease of computation-specific valuation processes
Authors: Sweis Brian M. , Thomas Mark J. , Redish A. David
Published: August 2018

Addiction is considered to be a neurobiological disorder of learning and memory because addiction is capable of producing lasting changes in the brain. Recovering addicts chronically struggle with making poor decisions that ultimately lead to relapse, suggesting a view of addiction also as a neurobiological disorder of decision-making information processing. How the brain makes decisions depends on how decision-making processes access information stored as memories in the brain. Advancements in circuit-dissection tools and recent theories in neuroeconomics suggest that neurally dissociable valuation processes access distinct memories differently, and thus are uniquely susceptible as the brain changes during addiction. If addiction is to be considered a neurobiological disorder of memory, and thus decision-making, the heterogeneity with which information is both stored and processed must be taken into account in addiction studies. Addiction etiology can vary widely from person to person. We propose that addiction is not a single disease, nor simply a disorder of learning and memory, but rather a collection of symptoms of heterogeneous neurobiological diseases of distinct circuit-computation-specific decision-making processes.
Crystal structure of a homoleptic zinc(II) complex based on bis(3,5-diisopropylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate
Authors: Elsberg Josiah G. , Spiropulos Nicholas G. , Colson Adam C. , Brown Eric C.
Published: August 2018

Deprotonation of the methylene group in bis(3,5-diisopropylpyrazol-1-yl)methane with nBuLi and reaction with carbon dioxide yields lithium bis(3,5-diisopropylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (1). Treatment of 1 with ZnCl2 results in the compound bis[bis(3,5-diisopropylpyrazol-1-yl)acetato]zinc(II), [Zn(C20H31N4O2)2] (2), whose structure has monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry. The ZnII ion resides on an inversion center and is coordinated by two bis(3,5-diisopropylpyrazol-1-yl)acetate (bdippza) ligands. Each ligand facially coordinates the zinc center via κ3
N,N′,O coordination modes to form a distorted octahedral complex with four pyrazole N atoms in the basal plane and two carboxylate O atoms in the axial sites.
Crystal structure and redox potentials of the tppz-bridged {RuCl(bpy)}+ dimer
Authors: Rein Francisca N. , Chen Weizhong , Scott Brian L. , Rocha Reginaldo C.
Published: August 2018

We report the structural and electrochemical characterization of the binuclear complex [μ-(C24H16N6){RuCl(C10H8N2)}2](PF6)2, which contains the bis-tridentate bridging ligand 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine (tppz), the monodentate ligand Cl−, and the bidentate ligand 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) {systematic name: μ-2,3,5,6-tetrakis(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazine-bis[(2,2′-bipyridine)chloridoruthenium(II)] bis(hexafluoridophosphate)}. The complete [(bpy)(Cl)Ru(tppz)Ru(Cl)(bpy)]2+ dication is generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry; the tppz bridging ligand has a significantly twisted conformation, with an average angle of 42.4° between the mean planes of adjacent pyridyl rings. The metal-coordinated chloride ligands are in a trans configuration relative to each other across the {Ru(tppz)Ru} unit. The RuII ion exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry due to the restricted bite angle [160.6 (3)°] of the tppz ligand. For bpy, the bond lengths of the Ru—N bonds are 2.053 (8) and 2.090 (8) Å, with the shorter bond being opposite to Ru—Cl. For the tridentate tppz, the Ru—N distances involving the outer N atoms trans to each other are 2.069 (8) and 2.072 (9) Å, whereas the Ru—N bond involving the central N atom has the much shorter length of 1.939 (7) Å as a result of the geometric constraints and stronger π-acceptor ability of the pyrazine-centered bridge. The Ru—Cl distance is 2.407 (3) Å and the intramolecular distance between Ru centers is 6.579 (4) Å. In the crystal, weak C—H...Cl and C—H...F interactions consolidate the packing.
2-Amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-(4-methylphenyl)pyrimidin-1-ium chloride
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Koh Dongsoo
Published: August 2018

In the title salt, C18H18N3O+·Cl−, the aminopyrimidine molecule is protonated at one of the pyrimidine N atoms. The chloride anion interacts with the protonated pyrimidine N—H group and one of the amino N—H groups through two N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a six-membered ring. The chloride anion interacts further with the other amino N—H group to form an additional N—H...Cl hydrogen bond, which links the molecules along [001] in a helical manner.
Self-confidence and fear of failure among university students and their relationship with entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Martins Izaias , Monsalve Juan Pablo Pérez , Martinez Andres Velásquez
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of features of personality such as self-confidence and fear of failure on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of university students enrolled on entrepreneurial education courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Variables related to risk-taking, innovativeness, proactiveness, as well as those related to self-confidence and fear of failure, are taken into account. Using linear regression, the authors investigate how self-confidence and fear of failure affect the EO of university students.

Findings

As pointed out by results, both self-confidence and fear of failure are determinants of the EO of university students. Self-confidence has a positive and consistent effect on the three dimensions of EO, whereas fear of failure has a negative effect on EO.

Research limitations/implications

It is not possible to assure that, in the medium and long term, individuals more prone to taking risks, innovating and proactivity will in fact become entrepreneurs. Also, even though it does not affect the relevance of the findings, it must be highlighted that this study has been carried out with a specific sample of students and results may vary in different contexts.

Originality/value

This study offers a new insight relating individual’s self-perceptions and their impact on EO. Equally important, the findings of this paper offer relevant information for the design of academic programs aimed at strengthening students’ personal aspects to promote self-confidence and tolerance to fear of failure as predictors of the EO in this collective.
Embracing localization: evidence from Western MNEs in Ghana
Authors: Azungah Theophilus , Michailova Snejina , Hutchings Kate
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Despite the growing economic importance of Africa, the region has received scant attention in the international human resource management literature. The purpose of this paper is to address the gap in examining human resource management (HRM) practices in Western multinational enterprises’ (MNEs) subsidiary operations in Ghana, which is a significant foreign direct investment market in Africa. Focusing on recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, and rewards management viewed through the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, the research emphasizes that effectiveness of the MNEs’ cross-cultural operations has necessitated embracing localization across a range of practices in accordance with the Ghanaian cultural landscape and specificities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on 37 in-depth interviews with managers and employees in eight subsidiaries of British, European and US MNEs in Ghana. Interviews were conducted in 2015 in three locations – the capital city Accra, Tema (in the south) and Tamale (in the north).

Findings

The research reinforces earlier literature emphasizing the importance of paternalism and family and to a lesser extent patronage, but presents new findings in highlighting the erstwhile unexplored role of local chiefs in influencing HRM practices in Western MNEs in Ghana. Utilizing the AMO framework, this paper highlights practices within each HR area that influences performance through impact on employee AMO.

Practical implications

The research informs MNE managers about the strategic importance of observing local cultural practices and designing appropriate strategies for ensuring both operational effectiveness and successful cross-cultural collaboration with local managers and employees in Ghana. It is suggested that if managers implement practices that foster and enhance employee AMO, subsidiaries may benefit from employee potential and discretionary judgment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to a dearth of literature on HRM practices of Western MNEs’ subsidiaries in Africa by examining the extent to which MNEs strategically localize their practices to accommodate specificities of the host country cultural context and operate successfully.
Design of polyester-elastane-cotton plated knitted components for hot and dry environment
Authors: Ramakrishnan Varadaraju , Jagannathan Srinivasan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the linear densities of polyester yarn and filament for inner layer and elastane for middle layer with cotton yarn outer layer in plain knitted plated structure for hot and dry environment clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Three levels of polyester yarn linear densities (11.1, 8.4 and 5.6 Tex), filament linear densities (0.8, 1.55 and 2.3 Decitex) and elastane (0, 4 and 8 percent) with 14.75 Tex cotton yarn have been used to knit 15 single jersey plated fabrics based on Box and Benhens experimental design with same loop length. Three cotton–elastane core-spun fabrics were also produced. All the fabrics were analyzed for moisture and ergonomic comfort properties and wet fabric coefficient of friction.

Findings

The increase in elastane content and yarn linear density decreases water vapor and air permeability; the increase in filament linear density decreases wicking rate and water absorbency. The optimum solution is 5.55 Tex polyester yarn of 0.8 Decitex filament as inner layer and 14.75 Tex cotton yarn as outer layer which gives good heat and moisture transfer without stickiness.

Research limitations/implications

The implication of this paper is to study thinner polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene fabrics with more micro pores as skin contact layer for quicker heat and moisture transfer.

Practical implications

Outward wickability of sweat from the skin is the prime requirement of all skin contact layer fabrics.

Social implications

It shifts the social attitude of most comfortable fabric to polyester–cotton plated for hot and dry climate.

Originality/value

This paper employs a more practical method for the selection of fabric.
Double bind in loan access in China: the reification of gender differences in business loans
Authors: Xu Huacen (Brin) , Zhan Heying Jenny , James Claire Elizabeth-Ellen , Fannin Lauren Denise , Yin Yue
Published: August 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine gender differences in credit access and credit default.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data drawn from 917 valid credit borrowers covering the period 2012 to 2015 drawn from among 6,849 study subjects and a national household financial survey (n = 29,500) conducted in China, this study focuses on gender differences in small and micro entrepreneurs’ financial behavior, specifically with respect to credit access and credit default.

Findings

The study revealed the following: Women expressed having more barriers to obtaining a business loan than men; gender had a significant effect on women’ credit default; and women were less likely to default a loan than male loan borrowers did. An exploration of the reasons for credit access and default found that female loan applicants were more likely to display a lack of knowledge and confidence in loan application.

Originality/value

The study contributes to literature by using the Marxian concept of reification in explaining women and their financial behaviors in China.
Interactions in sustainable supply chain management: a framework review
Authors: Yun Gawon , Yalcin Mehmet G. , Hales Douglas N. , Kwon Hee Yoon
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the research conducted among the interim, dyadic interactions that bridge the stand-alone measures of economic, environmental and social performance and the level of sustainability, as suggested in the Carter and Rogers (2008) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a systematic literature review based on the Tranfieldet al.(2003) method of the articles published in 13 major journals in the area of supply chain management between the years 2010 and 2016. Results were analyzed using an expert panel.

Findings

The area of research between environmental and social performance is sparse and relegated to empirical investigation. As an important area of interaction, this area needs more research to answer the how and why questions. The economic activity seems to be the persistent theme among the interactions.

Research limitations/implications

The literature on the “environmental performance and social performance (ES)” interactions is lacking in both theoretical and analytical content. Studies explaining the motivations, optimal levels and context that drive these interactions are needed. The extant research portrays economic performance as if it cannot be sacrificed for social welfare. This approach is not in line with the progressive view of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) but instead the binary view with an economic emphasis.

Practical implications

To improve sustainability, organizations need the triple bottom line (TBL) framework that defines sustainability in isolation. However, they also need to understand how and why these interactions take place that drive sustainability in organizations.

Originality/value

By examining the literature specifically dedicated to the essential, interim, dyadic interactions, this study contributes to bridging the gap between stand-alone performance and the TBL that creates true sustainability. It also shows how the literature views the existence of sustainability is progressive, but many describe sustainability as binary. It is possible that economic sustainability is binary, and progressive characterizations of SSCM could be the reason behind the results favoring economic performance over environmental and social.
The locality of Beijing historic areas from a dynamic perspective based on geo-tagged photos
Authors: Wang Fang , Hu Wenying , Zhu Yicai , Jiang Chunyan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Due to rapid development, historic city areas are faced with urbanization damage to their characteristic urban identity besides physical deterioration and economic decay. The purpose of this paper is to address the following questions: What are the constituent elements of locality for historic areas? How does one classify historic areas according to locality elements? What are the characteristics of each kind of historic area? How does one identify to-be-protected locality elements according to different historic areas to realize sustainable development?

Design/methodology/approach

As a historic cultural city with a building history of over 3,000 years, Beijing has a myriad of distinctive historic areas, of which 367 were selected as the research samples. This paper classifies historic areas into the following four categories: distinctive areas, permanent areas, adaptive areas and inherited areas by analyzing the locality elements of 8,905 geo-tagged photos related to Beijing historic areas. The correlation among locality elements – the basis for joint protection – is also examined by Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Findings

The results are as follows: the reaction degree of carrier elements is generally higher than that of information elements, of which the representative architecture is the main constituent element of locality; folk customs, traditional activities and other intangible cultural heritage in historic areas receive only slight attention and need to be further stressed; controlled by non-human factors, permanent elements bear a high degree of autocorrelation; and emerging tourism and business activities have, to some extent, grown into constituent parts of the locality elements in historic areas.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to strike a dynamic balance between city renewal and historic area protection, providing a reference for understanding the dynamics of locality.
Reducing temptation to switch mobile data service providers over time
Authors: Chuah Stephanie Hui-Wen , Rauschnabel Philipp A. , Tseng Ming-Lang , Ramayah T.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a dedication-constraint-temptation (DCT) model to study the factors influencing customers’ loyalty to mobile data service (MDS) providers. The DCT model explicitly explores the important yet overlooked role of alternative attractiveness (the temptation-based mechanism) as a mediator and the boundary condition of their interrelationships (e.g. relationship length). The model also integrates new and established antecedents of customer-based brand equity (C-BBE) (the dedication-based mechanism) and switching barriers (the constraint-based mechanism).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is tested using partial least squares–structural equation modeling with a sample of 331 MDS users.

Findings

The results indicate that C-BBE has an indirect effect on customer loyalty (via alternative attractiveness) in both relationship groups (shorter- vs longer-term). However, the indirect effect of switching barriers on customer loyalty only exists in longer established relationships. The results from multi-group analysis reveal that the effect of switching barriers on alternative attractiveness significantly differs across groups. In addition, customer value anticipation and procedural switching costs appear to be the most salient antecedents of C-BBE and switching barriers for both groups.

Originality/value

This study makes an incremental contribution by incorporating the temptation-based mechanism as a mediator and relationship length as a moderator into the dedication-constraint model. This study also extends the information systems and brand management literatures by demonstrating the strategic importance of customer value anticipation in the information and communication technology brand equity-building.
The impact of manager training on employee turnover intentions
Authors: Malek Kristin , Kline Sheryl Fried , DiPietro Robin
Published: August 2018

Purpose

There are decades of research analyzing turnover in the hospitality industry and yet it remains nearly double other industries. Whereas previous studies have analyzed training and its impact on turnover, the purpose of this paper is to look at the direct relationship between training at the management level and how this impacts their direct employees’ turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized annual evaluation data from two luxury resorts in the southeast USA. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted which resulted in four factors: management style, manager/employee relations, manager training and employee turnover intentions. Multiple regression was utilized to assess these relationships between factors.

Findings

The analyses show that an employee’s perception of his or her manager was inversely related to turnover intentions. Additionally, it was found that management training and management style had a significant inverse relationship with employee turnover intentions. Finally, this study found that as manager training increases, employee turnover intentions decrease. This research indicates that if hotels invest in management training then there will be a reduction in employee turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The sample consisted of only two luxury full service hotels in the southeastern USA. Both luxury hotels recruited a significant amount of employees from local universities; therefore, the workforce was more educated than other hotels. This study should be replicated across hotel types and throughout various locations.

Practical implications

This research has relevant implications for practitioners. General managers should analyze their training requirements and fiscal appropriations. This research finds that if hotels invest in management training then there will be a reduction in employee turnover. If managers had more training, this study indicates that employees would view their managers more favorably, feel closer to their managers and have less of a desire to leave the organization.

Originality/value

Extant research has shown that employee training programs impact employee turnover and that manager training programs impact manager turnover. This study extends that research by showing that these segments are not autonomous; manager training has a significant direct effect on employee turnover intention. This has not been studied in turnover intention literature suggests that this could be the missing variable in the body of turnover research.
When territory matters: Employer associations and changing collective goods strategies
Authors: Sheldon Peter , Della Torre Edoardo , Nacamulli Raoul
Published: August 2018

Recent research shows employer associations strategically responding to external challenges, from collective bargaining decentralisation, by altering their offerings of “selective” goods (to directly address threats to membership levels) and of “elective” goods (to revenues). Implicit is that traditional “collective goods” are irrelevant for achieving sustainability. That literature also suggests that territorial associations are more vulnerable than sectoral ones. In this qualitative, longitudinal comparative case study, we explore why and how two territorial associations, the largest each in Italy and Australia, have pursued sustainability by also innovatively enlarging their collective goods activities. This has involved shifting from bargaining leadership to promoting economic dynamism within their territories. Using metaorganisation theory and the resource‐based view, we explain how these associations realised their strategic advantages. Our evidence suggests that innovatively developing new collective goods may be another important way associations can improve their competitive positions.