bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlaboratory Study of DNA Extraction from Multiple Ground Samples, Multiplex Real-Time PCR, and Multiplex Qualitative PCR for Individual Kernel Detection System of Genetically Modified Maize
Authors: Akiyama Hiroshi , Sakata Kozue , Makiyma Daiki , Nakamura Kosuke , Teshima Reiko , Nakashima Akie , Ogawa Asako , Yamagishi Toru , Futo Satoshi , Oguchi Taichi , Mano Junichi , Kitta Kazumi
Published: February 2020

In many countries, the labeling of grains, feed, and foodstuff is mandatory if the genetically modified (GM) organism content exceeds a certain level of approved GM varieties. We previously developed an individual kernel detection system consisting of grinding individual kernels, DNA extraction from the individually ground kernels, GM detection using multiplex real-time PCR, and GM event detection using multiplex qualitative PCR to analyze the precise commingling level and varieties of GM maize in real sample grains. We performed the interlaboratory study of the DNA extraction with multiple ground samples, multiplex real-time PCR detection, and multiplex qualitative PCR detection to evaluate its applicability, practicality, and ruggedness for the individual kernel detection system of GM maize. DNA extraction with multiple ground samples, multiplex real-time PCR, and multiplex qualitative PCR were evaluated by five laboratories in Japan, and all results from these laboratories were consistent with the expected results in terms of the commingling level and event analysis. Thus, the DNA extraction with multiple ground samples, multiplex real-time PCR, and multiplex qualitative PCR for the individual kernel detection system is applicable and practicable in a laboratory to regulate the commingling level of GM maize grain for GM samples, including stacked GM maize.
Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Manufacturing Intermediates and Subsidiary Colors in D&C Red No. 34 and Its Lakes
Authors: Harp Bhakti Petigara , Belai Nebebech , Barrows Julie N
Published: February 2020

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method was developed to determine the manufacturing intermediates and subsidiary colors in the monosulfo monoazo color additive D&C Red No. 34 and its lakes. This method is currently used for batch certification of the color additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that each lot meets published specifications for coloring drugs and cosmetics. The new UPLC method has replaced an HPLC method for determining the intermediates and a TLC method for determining the subsidiary colors. The intermediates are 2-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (Tobias acid) and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthalenecarboxylic acid (3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid). Subsidiary colors are positional isomers of the major dye component or related compounds containing lower numbers of substituent groups. The analytes are identified by comparison of their UPLC retention times and UV or visible absorption spectra with those of standards. Validation studies showed that peak area calibrations for the analytes were generally linear (R >0.999), and recoveries were 98–103%. The LODs were 0.002–0.02%, and the RSDs at the specification levels were 0.7–2.2%. Survey analyses of 12 samples of certified D&C Red No. 34 straight colors and lakes from six domestic and foreign manufacturers yielded results for the intermediates by UPLC and HPLC that were consistent within experimental error. The UPLC analyses yielded results for the subsidiary colors that were consistently lower than results previously obtained by TLC, which we attribute to limitations of the TLC method. The new UPLC method provides sharper peaks, better peak separation, and faster analysis times than the formerly used HPLC method and is more accurate, much faster, and much less labor-intensive than the formerly used TLC method.
Intraspecific Genetic Variation Underlying Postmating Reproductive Barriers between Species in the Wild Tomato Clade (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon)
Authors: Jewell Cathleen P , Zhang Simo V , Gibson Matthew J S , Tovar-Méndez Alejandro , McClure Bruce , Moyle Leonie C
Published: February 2020

A goal of speciation genetics is to understand how the genetic components underlying interspecific reproductive barriers originate within species. Unilateral incompatibility (UI) is a postmating prezygotic barrier in which pollen rejection in the female reproductive tract (style) occurs in only one direction of an interspecific cross. Natural variation in the strength of UI has been observed among populations within species in the wild tomato clade. In some cases, molecular loci underlying self-incompatibility (SI) are associated with this variation in UI, but the mechanistic connection between these intra- and inter-specific pollen rejection behaviors is poorly understood in most instances. We generated an F2 population between SI and SC genotypes of a single species, Solanum pennellii, to examine the genetic basis of intraspecific variation in UI against other species, and to determine whether loci underlying SI are genetically associated with this variation. We found that F2 individuals vary in the rate at which UI rejection occurs. One large effect QTL detected for this trait co-localized with the SI-determining S-locus. Moreover, individuals that expressed S-RNase—the S-locus protein involved in SI pollen rejection—in their styles had much more rapid UI responses compared with those without S-RNase protein. Our analysis shows that intraspecific variation at mate choice loci—in this case at loci that prevent self-fertilization—can contribute to variation in the expression of interspecific isolation, including postmating prezygotic barriers. Understanding the nature of such intraspecific variation can provide insight into the accumulation of these barriers between diverging lineages.
Multiple concurrent complications of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with MiniMizer gastric ring—alimentary limb intussusception through slipped ring into pouch, with remnant stomach internal herniation†
Authors: Huang Yao C , Mitchell David
Published: February 2020

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the second most common bariatric procedure performed in Australia, second to sleeve gastrectomy. Banding of pouches and anastomoses, via silastic bands or MiniMizer rings, have been used to assist in improving restriction. Though banded gastric bypasses are effective in weight loss, band migration, whether it be slippage or erosion, occurs in up to 7% of banded bariatric procedures. Jejunal intussusception and internal herniation are both individually known complications of RYGB. It is, however, rare to have all three phenomenon occur in a single patient. In this study, the authors present a report of a middle-aged lady, 2 years post-primary RYGB with MiniMizer gastric ring insertion presenting with all three complications.
Endogenous ABA alleviates rice ammonium toxicity by reducing ROS and free ammonium via regulation of the SAPK9–bZIP20 pathway
Authors: Sun Li , Di Dong-Wei , Li Guangjie , Kronzucker Herbert J , Wu Xiangyu , Shi Weiming
Published: February 2020

Ammonium (NH4+) is one of the principal nitrogen (N) sources in soils, but is typically toxic already at intermediate concentrations. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays a pivotal role in responses to environmental stresses. However, the role of ABA under high-NH4+ stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is only marginally understood. Here, we report that elevated NH4+ can significantly accelerate tissue ABA accumulation. Mutants with high (Osaba8ox) and low levels of ABA (Osphs3-1) exhibit elevated tolerance or sensitivity to high-NH4+ stress, respectively. Furthermore, ABA can decrease NH4+-induced oxidative damage and tissue NH4+ accumulation by enhancing antioxidant and glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthetasae (GOGAT) enzyme activities. Using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR approaches, we ascertain that two genes, OsSAPK9 and OsbZIP20, are induced both by high NH4+ and by ABA. Our data indicate that OsSAPK9 interacts with OsbZIP20, and can phosphorylate OsbZIP20 and activate its function. When OsSAPK9 or OsbZIP20 are knocked out in rice, ABA-mediated antioxidant and GS/GOGAT activity enhancement under high-NH4+ stress disappear, and the two mutants are more sensitive to high-NH4+ stress compared with their wild types. Taken together, our results suggest that ABA plays a positive role in regulating the OsSAPK9–OsbZIP20 pathway in rice to increase tolerance to high-NH4+ stress.
Comparison of galaxy spiral arm pitch angle measurements using manual and automated techniques
Authors: Hewitt Ian B , Treuthardt Patrick
Published: February 2020

The pitch angle (PA) of arms in spiral galaxies has been found to correlate with a number of important parameters that are normally time intensive and difficult to measure. Accurate PA measurements are therefore important in understanding the underlying physics of disc galaxies. We introduce a semi-automated method that improves upon a parallelized two-dimensional fast Fourier transform algorithm (p2dfft) to estimate PA. Rather than directly inputting deprojected, star subtracted, and galaxy centred images into p2dfft, our method (p2dfft:traced) takes visually traced spiral arms from deprojected galaxy images as input. The tracings do not require extensive expertise to complete. This procedure ignores foreground stars, bulge and/or bar structures, and allows for better discrimination between arm and interarm regions, all of which reduce noise in the results. We compare p2dfft:traced to other manual and automated methods of measuring PA using both simple barred and non-barred spiral galaxy models and a small sample of observed spiral galaxies with different representative morphologies. We find that p2dfft:traced produces results that, in general, are more accurate and precise than the other tested methods and it strikes a balance between total automation and time-consuming manual input to give reliable PA measurements.
Lifetime of short-period binaries measured from their Galactic kinematics
Authors: Hwang Hsiang-Chih , Zakamska Nadia L
Published: February 2020

As a significant fraction of stars are in multiple systems, binaries play a crucial role in stellar evolution. Among short-period (<1 d) binary characteristics, age remains one of the most difficult to measure. In this paper, we constrain the lifetime of short-period binaries through their kinematics. With the kinematic information from Gaia Data Release 2 and light curves from Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), we investigate the eclipsing binary fraction as a function of kinematics for a volume-limited main-sequence sample. We find that the eclipsing binary fraction peaks at a tangential velocity of 101.3−1.6 km s−1, and decreases towards both low- and high-velocity end. This implies that thick disc and halo stars have eclipsing binary fraction ≳10 times smaller than the thin-disc stars. This is further supported by the dependence of eclipsing binary fraction on the Galactic latitude. Using Galactic models, we show that our results are inconsistent with any known dependence of binary fraction on metallicity. Instead, our best-fitting models suggest that the formation of these short-period binaries is delayed by 0.6–3 Gyr, and the disappearing time is less than the age of the thick disc. The delayed formation time of ≳0.6 Gyr implies that these short-period main-sequence binaries cannot be formed by pre-main sequence interaction and the Kozai–Lidov mechanism alone, and suggests that magnetic braking plays a key role in their formation. Because the main-sequence lifetime of our sample is longer than 14 Gyr, if the disappearance of short-period binaries in the old population is due to their finite lifetime, our results imply that most (≳90 per cent) short-period binaries in our sample merge during their main-sequence stage.
AGB winds in interacting binary stars
Authors: Bermúdez-Bustamante Luis C , García-Segura G , Steffen W , Sabin L
Published: February 2020

We perform numerical simulations to investigate the stellar wind from interacting binary stars. Our aim is to find analytical formulae describing the outflow structure. In each binary system the more massive star is in the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and its wind is driven by a combination of pulsations in the stellar surface layers and radiation pressure on dust, while the less massive star is in the main sequence. Time averages of density and outflow velocity of the stellar wind are calculated and plotted as profiles against distance from the centre of mass and colatitude angle. We find that mass is lost mainly through the outer Lagrangian point L2. The resultant outflow develops into a spiral at low distances from the binary. The outflowing spiral is quickly smoothed out by shocks and becomes an excretion disc at larger distances. This leads to the formation of an outflow structure with an equatorial density excess, which is greater in binaries with smaller orbital separation. The pole-to-equator density ratio reaches a maximum value of ∼105 at Roche lobe overflow state. We also find that the gas stream leaving L2 does not form a circumbinary ring for stellar mass ratios above 0.78, when radiation pressure on dust is taken into account. Analytical formulae are obtained by curve fitting the two-dimensional, azimuthally averaged density and outflow velocity profiles. The formulae can be used in future studies to set-up the initial outflow structure in hydrodynamic simulations of common-envelope evolution and formation of planetary nebulae.
The reliability of the Titius–Bode relation and its implications for the search for exoplanets
Authors: Lara Patricia , Cordero-Tercero Guadalupe , Allen Christine
Published: February 2020

The major semiaxes of the planets in our solar system obey a simple geometric progression known as the Titius–Bode (TB) relation, whose physical origin remains disputed. It has been shown that the exoplanetary systems follow a similar (but not identical) progression of the form $a_n= a_0$ e$^{bn}$, where $a_0$ and b are constants to be determined for each system. Since its formulation, the TB relation has proved to be highly predictive in our solar system. Using data from 27 exoplanetary systems with five or more planets and applying a proposed method, we conclude that reliable TB-like fits can be obtained for systems with at least four planets and that the precision of the TB relation is $78\%$. By means of a statistical test we show that the periods of planets in real exoplanetary systems are not consistent with a random distribution. Rather, they show signs that their configuration is shaped by their mutual interactions.
Cognitive Improvement After Kidney Transplantation Is Associated With Structural and Functional Changes on MRI
Authors: van Sandwijk Marit S. , ten Berge Ineke J. M. , Caan Matthan W. A. , Düring Marco , van Gool Willem A. , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Mutsaerts Henk-Jan M. M. , Schmand Ben A. , Schrantee Anouk , de Sonneville Leo M. J. , Bemelman Frederike J.
Published: February 2020

Background.

Several studies have reported improved cognitive outcomes after kidney transplantation, but most studies either did not include controls or lacked extensive neuroimaging. In addition, there is uncertainty whether kidney donation is a safe procedure in terms of cognitive outcomes.

Methods.

We prospectively studied neurocognitive function in kidney transplant recipients. The primary outcome was change in neurocognitive function after 1 year compared with baseline, which was evaluated using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Task battery and verbal fluency tests. Secondary outcomes included changes in depression and anxiety (measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) and changes in fatigue (measured by the Checklist for Individual Strength). We included kidney donors to control for learning effects, socioeconomic status, and surgery. In addition, kidney transplant recipients were evaluated with MRI scans at baseline and at year 1. The MRI protocol included conventional MRI, automated volumetric measurement, diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, arterial spin labeling, and a resting state functional MRI.

Results.

Twenty-seven recipients and 24 donors were included. For both recipients and donors, neuropsychologic testing scores improved 1 year after transplantation (donation). Recipient improvement significantly exceeded donor improvement on tasks measuring attention and working memory. These improvements were associated with increases in white matter volume and N-acetylaspartate/creatine (a marker for neuronal integrity).

Conclusions.

Attention and working memory improve significantly 1 year after kidney transplantation. Learning effects do not account for these improvements because recipient improvement in these areas exceeds donor improvement and correlates with an improvement in white matter integrity after transplantation. Kidney donation appears to be a safe procedure in terms of cognitive outcomes.
Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on Dysphagia in Stroke Patients - A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Arnold Robert J. , Bausek Nina
Published: February 2020

Background

Dysphagia is prevalent with cerebrovascular accidents and contributes to the burden of disease and mortality. Strengthening of the dysfunctional swallow muscles through respiratory muscle training (RMT) has proven effective in improving swallow effectiveness and safety. However, approaches to strengthen only the expiratory muscle groups (EMST) dominate the clinical study literature, with variable outcomes. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous inspiratory and expiratory muscle strengthening strategy to improve swallowing function in stroke patients.

Methods

Twenty post-stroke patients were randomly assigned to either intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). The intervention group was treated with three 5-minute sessions of resistive respiratory muscle training every day for 28 days, while the control group received no RMT. Respiratory and swallow outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention and included Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) with Penetration/Aspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), patient visual analogue scale (VAS), and peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Results

After 28 days, the intervention group demonstrated greater improvements (pVal < 0.05) in PEF (IG: 168.03% vs CG: 17.47%), VAS (IG: 103.85% vs CG: 27.54%), MASA (IG: 37.28% vs CG: 6.92%), PAS (IG: 69.84% vs CG: 12.12%), and FOIS (IG: 93.75% vs CG: 21.21%).

Conclusion

Combined resistive inspiratory and expiratory muscle training is a feasible and effective method to improve signs and symptoms of dysphagia in stroke patients.
Modelling thalamocortical circuitry shows visually induced LTP changes laminar connectivity in human visual cortex
Authors: Sumner Rachael L. , Spriggs Meg J. , Shaw Alexander D.
Published: February 2020

Neuroplasticity is essential to learning and memory in the brain; it has therefore also been implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, making measuring the state of neuroplasticity of foremost importance to clinical neuroscience. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a key mechanism of neuroplasticity and has been studied extensively, and invasively in non-human animals. Translation to human application largely relies on the validation of non-invasive measures of LTP. The current study provides validation for the use of a thalamocortical computational model of visual cortex for investigating and replicating interlaminar connectivity changes using non-invasive EEG recording of humans, and a commonly used visual sensory LTP paradigm. The model demonstrated remarkable accuracy recapitulating post-tetanus changes including increased excitatory connectivity from thalamus to layer IV and from layer IV to II/III. The findings also further validate visual sensory induced LTP and evoked potential modulation for measuring of the state of LTP in cortex.
Spatially Explicit Modeling of 2019-nCoV Epidemic Trend Based on Mobile Phone Data in Mainland China
Authors: Zhu Xiaolin , Zhang Aiyin , Xu Shuai , Jia Pengfei , Tan Xiaoyue , Tian Jiaqi , Wei Tao , Quan Zhenxian , Yu Jiali
Published: February 2020

As of February 11, 2020, all prefecture-level cities in mainland China have reported confirmed cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), but the city-level epidemical dynamics is unknown. The aim of this study is to model the current dynamics of 2019-nCoV at city level and predict the trend in the next 30 days under three possible scenarios in mainland China. We developed a spatially explicit epidemic model to consider the unique characteristics of the virus transmission in individual cities. Our model considered that the rate of virus transmission among local residents is different from those with Wuhan travel history due to the self-isolation policy. We introduced a decay rate to quantify the effort of each city to gradually control the disease spreading. We used mobile phone data to obtain the number of individuals in each city who have travel history to Wuhan. This city-level model was trained using confirmed cases up to February 10, 2020 and validated by new confirmed cases on February 11, 2020. We used the trained model to predict the future dynamics up to March 12, 2020 under different scenarios: the current trend maintained, control efforts expanded, and person-to-person contact increased due to work resuming. We estimated that the total infections in mainland China would be 72172, 54348, and 149774 by March 12, 2020 under each scenario respectively. Under the current trend, all cities will show the peak point of daily new infections by February 21. This date can be advanced to February 14 with control efforts expanded or postponed to February 26 under pressure of work resuming. Except Wuhan that cannot eliminate the disease by March 12, our model predicts that 95.4%, 100%, and 75.7% cities will have no new infections by the end of February under three scenarios. The spatial pattern of our prediction could help the government allocate resources to cities that have a more serious epidemic in the next 30 days.
The eukaryotic ribosomal protein S15/uS19 is involved in fungal development and its C-terminal tail contributes to stop codon recognition
Authors: Nguyen Tan-Trung , Stahl Guillaume , Déquard-Chablat Michelle , Contamine Véronique , Denmat Sylvie Hermann-Le
Published: February 2020

S15/uS19 is one of the fifteen universally conserved ribosomal proteins of the small ribosomal subunit. While prokaryotic uS19 is located away from the mRNA decoding site, cross-linking studies identified eukaryotic uS19 C-terminal tail as contacting the A site on the 80S ribosome. Here, we study the effects of uS19 mutations isolated as translation accuracy mutations in the filamentous fungusPodospora anserina. All mutations alter residues of uS19 C-terminal tail, and cluster to the eukaryote-specific decapeptide 138-PGIGATHSSR-147. All mutations modify fungal development and cytosolic translation, albeit differently. Two mutations (P138S and S145F) increase fungus longevity and display mild effects on translation, while others (G139D and G139C) decrease longevity, have stronger effects on translation and confer hypersensitivity to paromomycin. By mimickingP. anserinamutations in the yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiae RPS15gene, we further show that P138S and S145F induce hyperaccurate recognition of the three stop codons, whereas G139D and G139C impair UAG and UAA codon recognition. Noteworthy, inP. anserina, uS19 genetically interacts with the eRF1 and eRF3 release factors. All together, our data indicate that uS19 C-terminal tail contributesin vivoto eukaryotic translation termination, and identify key amino acids of uS19 that potentially modulate eRF1-eRF3 interaction in the pre-termination complex.

Graphical abstract

Abbreviated Summary

S15/uS19 is a conserved small ribosomal protein that in eukaryotes harbors a flexible C-terminal extension proposed to interact with the A site mRNA codon during translation. Here, we describe how C-terminal variants variously affectPodospora anserinadevelopment and longevity and impact fungal ribosome and polysome formation. We reveal that stop codon recognition is significantly altered by the presence of those C-terminal variants, which either expand or on the contrary restrict termination ambiguity.
Validity of Two-Dimensional Static Footprint in Medial Longitudinal Arch Evaluation and the Characteristics of Athletes’ Footprints
Authors: Zhang Lingli , Yu Dali , Lei Le , Gao Yuanwu , Dong Junjie , Yu Zhusheng , Yuan Yu
Published: February 2020

Background

We aimed to explore the validity of two-dimensional static footprint analysis in medial longitudinal arch evaluation as well as the characteristics of athletes’ footprints to provide a basis for the evaluation and selection of athletes.

Methods

Experiment One: Twenty-nine high level athletes (runners and jumpers) and forty normal college students were selected. Based on the X-ray photos taken of the medial foot, we measured the calcaneal inclination angle, the calcaneal–first metatarsal angle and the ratio of height to length of the medial longitudinal arch. We collected indicators of two-dimensional static footprints. Experiment Two: 106 high level athletes (runners and jumpers) and 104 normal college students were selected. We also collected indicators of two-dimensional static footprints.

Results

The average measuring the Interclass Correlation Efficient (ICC) of calcaneal inclination angle, calcaneal–first metatarsal angle, the ratio of height to length of the medial longitudinal arch, the width of ball, arch and heel, the length of footprint and each toe, Chippaux-Smirak Index (CSI) and Staheli Index (SAI) were higher than 0.800. Regardless of athletes or college students, male or female, the correlation between CSI, SAI and calcaneal inclination angle, calcaneal–first metatarsal angle, the ratio of height to length of the medial longitudinal arch was statistically significant(P<0.05). College students’ CSI of the right foot is significantly higher than that of the left foot regardless of gender(P<0.05).

Conclusions

We prove the qualification of CSI and SAI in medial longitudinal arch evaluation and explain that the relative height of medial longitudinal arch is an important indicator in track and field.
Putative TetR family transcriptional regulator Rv1019 ofMycobacterium tuberculosisis an auto-repressor and a negative regulator ofmfd-mazGoperon
Authors: Pushparajan Akhil Raj , Ramachandran Ranjit , Reji Jijimole Gopi , Kumar Ramakrishnan Ajay
Published: February 2020

Regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription is one of the ways living organisms differentially make proteins in their cells. Intracellular pathogenMycobacterium tuberculosispersists in the host for years in a latent state in structures called granuloma. Rv1019, a member of an uncharacterized TetR family of transcriptional regulators ofMtbH37Rv, was found to be differentially expressed during dormancy and reactivationin vitro. By GFP reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immuno-precipitation assays we showed that this protein binds to its own promoter and acts as a negative regulator of its own expression. It forms dimersin vitrowhich is essential for the DNA binding activity, which is abrogated in the presence of tetracycline. We show thatRv1019and downstream genesRv1020(mfd),Rv1021(mazG) are co-transcribed. Constitutive expression ofRv1019inM. smegmatisdownregulatedMSMEG_5423(mfd) andMSMEG_5422(mazG)suggesting that Rv1019 negatively regulates these downstream genes.M. smegmatisexpressingRv1019was found to be sensitive to UV and H2O2compared to the control suggesting its role in regulating DNA damage response in mycobacterium.

Importance

One of the reasons for our inability to eradicate tuberculosis, in spite of the availability of effective drugs and BCG vaccine, is the ingenuity ofMycobacterium tuberculosisto survive, persist and multiply inside the lungs where it employs clever strategies to counter the host defence systems. The number of anti-TB drugs in the current therapeutic regimen is limited, and the long duration of treatment increases the chances for emergence of drug resistant bacteria. Rv1019, a transcriptional regulator differentially expressed inin vitrodormancy-reactivation studies, was found to be an auto-repressor and negatively regulatingmfd-mazGoperon involved in DNA repair. As Rv1019 is a regulator of critical pathways in bacterial persistence, it could be a prospective target for prophylactic intervention.
A Guide for Population-based Analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study Baseline Data
Authors: Heeringa Steven G. , Berglund Patricia A.
Published: February 2020

ABCD is a longitudinal, observational study of U.S. children, ages 9-10 at baseline, recruited at random from the household populations in defined catchment areas for each of 21 study sites. The 21 geographic locations that comprise the ABCD research sites are nationally distributed and generally represent the range of demographic and socio-economic diversity of the U.S. birth cohorts that comprise the ABCD study population. The clustering of participants and the potential for selection bias in study site selection and enrollment are features of the ABCD observational study design that are informative for statistical estimation and inference. Both multi-level modeling and robust survey design-based methods can be used to account for clustering of sampled ABCD children in the 21 study sites. Covariate controls in analytical models and propensity weighting methods that calibrate ABCD weighted distributions to nationally-representative controls from the American Community Survey (ACS) can be employed in analysis to account for known informative sample design features or to attenuate potential demographic and socio-economic selection bias in the national sampling and recruitment of eligible children. This guide will present results of an empirical investigation of the ABCD baseline data that compares the statistical efficiency of multi-level modeling and distribution-free design-based approaches—both weighted and unweighted--to analyses of the ABCD baseline data. Specific recommendations will be provided for researchers on robust, efficient approaches to both descriptive and multivariate analyses of the ABCD baseline data.
Functional Plasticity and Evolutionary Adaptation of Allosteric Regulation
Authors: Leander Megan , Yuan Yuchen , Meger Anthony , Cui Qiang , Raman Srivatsan
Published: February 2020

Allostery is a fundamental regulatory mechanism of protein function. Despite notable advances, understanding the molecular determinants of allostery remains an elusive goal. Our current knowledge of allostery is principally shaped by a structure-centric view which makes it difficult to understand the decentralized character of allostery. We present a function-centric approach using deep mutational scanning to elucidate the molecular basis and underlying functional landscape of allostery. We show that allosteric signaling exhibits a high-degree of functional plasticity and redundancy through myriad mutational pathways. Residues critical for allosteric signaling are surprisingly poorly conserved while those required for structural integrity are highly conserved, suggesting evolutionary pressure to preserve fold over function. Our results suggest multiple solutions to the thermodynamic conditions of cooperativity, in contrast to the common view of a finely-tuned allosteric residue network maintained under selection.
Membrane-Bound O-Acyltransferase 7 (MBOAT7) is a Key Regulator of Glycolysis in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
Authors: Neumann Chase K. A. , Massey William , Orabi Danny , Zhang Renliang , Silver Daniel J. , Lathia Justin D. , Brown J. Mark
Published: February 2020

Objective

The most common and deadliest urological cancer is clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). ccRCC is characterized by striking reorganization of both carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It was recently demonstrated that lipid remodeling enzyme Membrane-Bound O-Acyltransferase 7 (MBOAT7) that generates phosphatidylinositol (PI) is important for the ccRCC progression. However, whether MBOAT7-driven PI remodeling is associated with other metabolic alterations commonly found in ccRCC is poorly understood.

Methods

MBOAT7 deficient ccRCC cell lines were generated by genome editing, and were characterized by a general reduction in glycolytic capactiy. Using targeted metabolomics approach in Caki-1 cells, we measured the glycolytic intermediates and the relative expression of key glycolytic enzymes. We also measured basal respiration and maximal respiration with MBOAT7 deficiency in the presence of glucose. Lastly, in vivo xenograft studies were performed with parental and MBOAT7 deficient cells.

Results

MBOAT7 deficiency was associated with a reduction in glycolytic gene expression and protein abundance. In parallel, we found that glycolytic intermediates similarly decreased which may contribute to a reduction in glycolysis. MBOAT7 deficiency reduces basal respiration and maximal respiration. Similarly, we see maximum glycolytic capacity also reduced with MBOAT7 loss of function. Finally, the in vivo xenograft demonstrated MBOAT7 knockout significantly increased overall survival and reduced glycolyticHK2protein abundancein vivo.

Conclusions

Our work highlights MBOAT7 as a key regulator of glycolysis in ccRCC. Our data provides additional evidence that suggests MBOAT7 as a novel target to regulate tumor growthin vivo.
Dicaesium tetramagnesium pentakis(carbonate) decahydrate, Cs2Mg4(CO3)5·10H2O
Authors: Rincke Christine , Schmidt Horst , Voigt Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

The title carbonate hydrate, Cs2Mg4(CO3)5·10H2O, was crystallized at room temperature out of aqueous solutions containing caesium bicarbonate and magnesium nitrate. Its monoclinic crystal structure (P21/n) consists of double chains of composition 1
∞[Mg(H2O)2/1(CO3)3/3], isolated [Mg(H2O)(CO3)2]2– units, two crystallographically distinct Cs+ ions and a free water molecule. The crystal under investigation was twinned by reticular pseudomerohedry.
Metadata evaluation criteria in respect to archival maps description
Authors: Kuźma Marta , Mościcka Albina
Published: February 2020

Purposes

This paper aims to present an objective summary of the current state of research concerning the evaluation criteria of map metadata. The undertaken research identifies which authors and to what extent the discussed issues related to the metadata of objects collected in digital libraries, with particular emphasis on cartographic materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Independent reviewers analysed the basic articles data. Selected papers were subject to quality assessment, based on the full text and 12 questions. Finally, iterative backward reference search was conducted.

Findings

The results demonstrate that there are no universal criteria for metadata evaluation. There are no works that would assess the metadata of cartographic studies, although numerous publications point to the need for this type of work.

Practical implications

Metadata evaluation allows users to obtain knowledge whether objects found in the library are relevant for their needs.

Originality/value

The criteria and methods most often used for assessing metadata quality which can be adopted to map metadata evaluation have been identified. The authors identified the existing research gaps and proved that there is a need for research contributions in the field of evaluating map metadata.
Use of scholarly communication and citation-based metrics as a basis for university ranking in developing country perspective
Authors: Hossain Md. Noman , Ahmed S.M. Zabed
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use scholarly communication and citation data to rank the universities in a developing country perspective in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used publication and citation data from Scopus to rank the universities in Bangladesh. The number of papers published in each year during 2008-2018 by the select 33 universities, faculty per capita, the two-year citations and the number cited articles were used to arrive at a yearly weighted score and overall score for each university. The overall score was used to produce the ranking of the universities in Bangladesh.

Findings

The findings indicate that the ranking system can be implemented at the national level as an annual exercise to rank the higher education institutions in developing country perspective.

Originality/value

This is the first time an effort has been made to rank the universities in Bangladesh using publication and citation data. The findings of this paper could help policymakers, administrators and academicians to understand how the universities are performing in terms of scholarly activities.
An expanded nomological network of experienscape
Authors: Tasci Asli D.A. , Pizam Abraham
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Bitner’s (1992) concept of servicescape has received widespread academic attention, resulting in many conceptual and empirical studies. By scanning the servicescape literature and other relevant concepts, Pizam and Tasci (2019) provided experienscape, an expanded version of servicescape, to be measured from different stakeholders’ perspectives with a multidisciplinary approach. This paper aims to build on Pizam and Tasci’s conceptualization of experienscape and expand its nomological network with other pertinent concepts related to different stakeholders with an interdisciplinary approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual study analyzing diverse literature related to servicescape, experienscape and other related concepts and theories to provide an integrated and holistic picture of experienscape for more robust theory development. Several new relationships are synthesized for hypothesis development and testing in future research.

Findings

The review of past research reveals that servicescape literature has mostly focused on outcomes for the benefit of brands and firms and missed outcomes for consumers and other stakeholders. In addition, servicescape literature lacks several critical concepts in the affective, cognitive and behavioral reaction domains, as well as moderator factors. The relevance of some theories such as branding (e.g. brand identity, personality, image, perceived quality, consumer value, brand value and self-congruity), cocreation/coproduction/codestruction, transformation, subjective happiness, subjective well-being and quality of life is completely overlooked.

Research limitations/implications

Experienscape is a container of complex systems where needs, wants and expectations of multiple stakeholders are entertained, often at the same time through dynamic interactions among multiple stakeholders. Thus, a holistic understanding of experienscape requires dynamic integration of theories explaining the behavior of different stakeholders by cross-fertilizing theories through interdisciplinary research rather than unidisciplinary or multidisciplinary research conducted in separate silos.

Originality/value

By adopting Pizam and Tasci’s (2019) experienscape concept, this study expanded the relational network of service environment components (i.e. sensory, functional, social, natural and cultural components of experienscape) by incorporating diverse theories and concepts that explain cognitive, affective and conative reactions of different stakeholders to an experience environment. Additionally, the current study recommends attention to human-centric outcomes such as transformation, subjective well-being, subjective happiness and quality of life, which were completely overlooked in previous servicescape research.
Designing with care
Authors: Robinson Heather , Al-Freih Maha , Kilgore Whitney
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore how care theory and the ethics of care are explained by students in the online environment to clarify the factors that are more relevant in establishing and maintaining caring relations in online learning context.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing naturalistic inquiry, the researchers interviewed online students and coded transcripts using multiple coding methods within two phases of analysis. Noddings' framework for ethics of care was utilized to identify strategies and practices that enhance each of Noddings' elements in an online course experience.

Findings

The findings of this exploratory study provide evidence on how learners perceive being cared for and highlight specific instructor behaviors and course design elements that support the emergence and maintenance of a climate of care in an online learning environment. Indicators of all four elements of Noddings' framework were present in the interviews. Within the themes of each element, strategies and practices to enhance each element in an online course experience are further explained.

Research limitations/implications

Establishing a climate of care, whether in traditional or online learning, leads to more inclusive learning experiences that are responsive to the needs of all learners. This study brought to light some of the factors that are more relevant in establishing and maintaining caring relations in online learning context.

Originality/value

The findings of this study add to the literature on the role of emotions in an online learning as viewed through the lens of care theory. The findings highlight some strategies and behaviors that promote a climate of care in an online environment from a learner's perspective.
Is management education preparing future leaders for sustainable business?
Authors: Marathe Gaurav Manohar , Dutta Tanusree , Kundu Sayantan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study aims to examine whether management education can successfully cultivate the competency of empathy that is needed in future corporate leaders to promote sustainability initiatives catering to diverse stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The research highlights the impact of management education on cognitive and affective empathy by analysing the interpersonal reflectivity scores of entering students enrolled in a two-year, full-time MBA programme and the scores of the same students at graduation.

Findings

The findings show that management education has a positive impact on cognitive empathy, while it reduces affective empathy and general empathy. Further, findings show that the management curriculum brings cognitive and affective empathy to an equilibrium level that is needed for a competitive business environment.

Research limitations/implications

The research focussed only on the change in empathy of the participants (students) during management education and not during actual corporate work.

Practical implications

The research infers that current management education creates future executives with higher cognitive empathy. It argues that they would care more about the sustainability of the business in terms of profit or access to capital rather than care and concern for all the stakeholders, society and the environment. A new paradigm in management education also needs to be focussed around inculcating how to empathise affectively.

Originality/value

The study presents an empirical analysis suggesting that management education is opening the mind but not the heart. It raises a significant concern that higher management curriculum is not developing future executives who can lead the sustainability initiatives.
Persistence of bribery in West African countries
Authors: Saddiq Sani Abubakar , Abu Bakar Abu Sufian
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test persistence of bribery transactions in West African countries in spite of combative policy measures put in place by various governments in the sub-continent.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this paper is obtained from the data set of Trace International’s Bribery Risk Matrix covering 2016 to 2018. The matrix is used to allow firms to determine risks associated with contact with government officials in a particular country. The data set is used to test this paper’s hypotheses. The generalize methods of moments (GMM) was used to estimate panel data of 16 West African Countries in STATA 14.0.

Findings

The result of the estimations reveals that in spite of combative policy measures put in place and millions of dollars spent, bribery is on the increase in West African countries.

Originality/value

Prior studies tend to focus on prevalence and pervasiveness of bribery transactions across the globe. This paper is one of the few that focuses on persistence of bribery particularly in West African countries.
Is the fraud diamond perspective valid in Kenya?
Authors: Omukaga Kizito Ojilong’
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of the elements of the fraud diamond theory in detecting financial statement fraud among non-financial firms in Kenya. Secondary data used to calculate ratios and figures representing the study variables was collected using a checklist for each of the targeted firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya for the 2013-2017 period.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data used to calculate ratios and figures representing the study variables was collected using a checklist for each of the targeted firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya for the 2013-2017 period. Convenience sampling technique was used to come up with a sample size of 35 out of the targeted population of 45 non-financial firms listed in Kenya (78% representation). This sample size was representative enough of the targeted population.

Findings

The results strongly supported that all the four elements of the fraud diamond triangle influenced financial statement fraud in Kenya. However, using three parameters, namely R2, predicted sign and standard error, to compare the applicability of either the Yoon et al. (2006) or the modified Jones (1991), our study findings are mixed. It is therefore imperative that a new model should be developed in detecting earnings management in the Kenyan context. Note that including other variables will to a greater extent increase the explanatory power in detecting earnings management practiced by non-financial firms listed in Kenya.

Research limitations/implications

Use of secondary information in the study was one limitation. Certain financial information was missing from some of the targeted firms’ official websites and the Nairobi Securities Exchange research handbooks. The researcher ensured that only non-financial firms whose audited financial statements were easily accessible were included in the study. Firms whose records were not readily available were excluded from the survey.

Practical implications

Practically, this study enables regulatory authorities in Kenya to understand the extent with which each element of the fraud diamond theory could be relied on in detecting financial statement fraud. Moreover, it will advise them on the areas to lay more emphasis when attempting to detect financial statement fraud using this model.

Originality/value

The main value of this study is the determination of the key elements of the fraud diamond theory, which have influence on financial statement fraud among non-financial firms listed in Kenya.