bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masserstein: robust linear deconvolution by optimal transport
Authors: Ciach Michał , Miasojedow Błażej , Skoraczyński Grzegorz , Majewski Szymon , Startek Michał , Valkenborg Dirk , Gambin Anna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA common theme in many applications of computational mass spectrometry is fitting a linear combination of reference spectra to an experimental one in order to estimate the quantities of different ions, potentially with overlapping isotopic envelopes. In this work, we study this procedure in an abstract setting, in order to develop new approaches applicable to a diverse range of experiments. We introduce an application of a new spectral dissimilarity measure, known in other fields as the Wasserstein or the Earth Mover’s distance, in order to overcome the sensitivity of ordinary linear regression to measurement inaccuracies. Usinga a data set of 200 mass spectra, we demonstrate that our approach is capable of accurate estimation of ion proportions without extensive pre-processing required for state-of-the-art methods. The conclusions are further substantiated using data sets simulated in a way that mimics most of the measurement inaccuracies occurring in real experiments. We have implemented our methods in a Python 3 package, freely available athttps://github.com/mciach/masserstein.
Maintenance of Metabolic Plasticity Despite Relaxed Selection in a Long-Term Evolution Experiment withEscherichia coli
Authors: Grant Nkrumah A. , Maddamsetti Rohan , Lenski Richard E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTraits that are unused in a given environment are subject to processes that tend to erode them, leading to reduced fitness in other environments. Although this general tendency is clear, we know much less about why some traits are lost while others are retained, and about the roles of mutation and selection in generating different responses. We addressed these issues by examining populations of a facultative anaerobe,Escherichia coli, that have evolved for >30 years in the presence of oxygen, with relaxed selection for anaerobic growth and the associated metabolic plasticity. We asked whether evolution led to the loss, improvement, or maintenance of anaerobic growth, and we analyzed gene expression and mutational datasets to understand the outcomes. We identified genomic signatures of both positive and purifying selection on aerobic-specific genes, while anaerobic-specific genes showed clear evidence of relaxed selection. We also found parallel evolution at two interacting loci that regulate anaerobic growth. We competed the ancestor and evolved clones from each population in an anoxic environment, and we found that anaerobic fitness had not decayed, despite relaxed selection. In summary, relaxed section does not necessarily reduce an organism’s fitness in other environments. Instead, the genetic architecture of the traits under relaxed selection and their correlations with traits under positive and purifying selection may sometimes determine evolutionary outcomes.
Clustering-mediated activation of Cdc42 GTPase antagonized by GAPs in fission yeast
Authors: Lamas Iker , Weber Nathalie , Martin Sophie G 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe small GTPase Cdc42 is critical for cell polarization in eukaryotic cells. In rod-shaped fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombecells, active GTP-bound Cdc42 promotes polarized growth at cell poles, while inactive Cdc42-GDP localizes ubiquitously also along cell sides. Zones of Cdc42 activity are maintained by positive feedback amplification involving the formation of a complex between Cdc42-GTP, the scaffold Scd2 and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Scd1, which promotes the activation of more Cdc42. Here, we use the CRY2-CIB1 optogenetic system to recruit and cluster a cytosolic Cdc42 allele at the plasma membrane and show that this leads to its moderate activation also on cell sides. Surprisingly, activation of CRY2-Cdc42 does not individually depend on Scd1 or the GEF Gef1. We show that activated Cdc42 clusters at cell sides are able to recruit Scd1, dependent on the scaffold Scd2. However, Cdc42 activity is not amplified by positive feedback and does not lead to morphogenetic changes, due to antagonistic activity of the GTPase activating protein Rga4 on cell sides. Thus, the cell architecture is robust to moderate activation of Cdc42 at cell sides.
Antibiotic tolerance, persistence, and resistance of the evolved minimal cell,Mycoplasma mycoidesJCVI-Syn3B
Authors: Hossain Tahmina , Deter Heather S. , Peters Eliza J. , Butzin Nicholas C. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryAntibiotic resistance is a growing problem, but bacteria can evade antibiotic treatment via tolerance and persistence. Antibiotic persisters are a small subpopulation of bacteria that tolerate antibiotics due to a physiologically dormant state. Hence, persistence is considered a major contributor to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant and relapsing infections. Here, we used the synthetically developed minimal cellMycoplasma mycoidesJCVI-Syn3B to examine essential mechanisms of antibiotic survival. The minimal cell contains only 473 genes, and most genes are essential. Its reduced complexity helps to reveal hidden phenomenon and fundamental biological principles can be explored because of less redundancy and feedback between systems compared to natural cells. We found that Syn3B evolves antibiotic resistance to different types of antibiotics expeditiously. The minimal cell also tolerates and persists against multiple antibiotics. It contains a few already identified persister-related genes, although lacking many systems previously linked to persistence (e.g. toxin-antitoxin systems, ribosome hibernation genes, etc.).
Insights into the structure and role of seed-borne bacteriome during maize germination
Authors: dos Santos Lidiane Figueiredo , Souta Julie Fernandes , de Paula Soares Cleiton , da Rocha Letícia Oliveira , Santos Maria Luiza Carvalho , de Matos Clicia Grativol Gaspar , Roesch Luiz Fernando Wurdig , Olivares Fabio Lopes 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTSeed germination events modulate microbial community composition, which ultimately influences seed to seedling growth performance. Here we assess the seed-borne bacteria community in disinfected and non-disinfected maize seeds and seedlings. Using a gnotobiotic system, sodium hypochlorite (1.25%, 30 min) treated-seeds showed a reduction of bacteria population size and an increase of bacteria community diversity associated with selective suppression of Burkholderia related taxon. The shift in the bacteria community composition in disinfested-seeds negatively affects germination speed, seedling growth, and reserve mobilization rates in comparison with non-disinfected maize seeds. A synthetic bacteria community formed by twelve isolates (9 Burkholderia spp.; 2 Bacillus spp. and 1 Staphylococcus sp.) obtained from natural microbiota of maize seeds herein were capable of recovering germination and seedling growth when reintroduced in disinfected seeds. Overall results showed that changes in bacterial community composition and selective reduction of Burkholderia related members dominance interfere with germination events and initial growth of the maize plantlets. By cultivation-dependent and independent approaches, we deciphered seed-maize microbiome structure, bacterial niches location, and bacterial taxon with relevant roles in seedlings growth performance. A causal relationship between seed microbial community succession and germination performance open opportunities in seed technologies to build-up microbial communities to boost plant growth and health.One sentence summarypartial removal of the seed-borne microbiota negatively affects maize seedling growth performance and altered bacteria community structure. Partial microbial recomposition, mainly with Burkholderia-related isolates, restores the germination phenotype of disinfested seeds.
Analysis of coagulation factor IX in bioreactor cell culture medium predicts yield and quality of the purified product
Authors: Zacchi Lucia F. , Recinos Dinora Roche , Pegg Cassandra L. , Phung Toan K. , Napoli Mark , Aitken Campbell , Sandford Vanessa , Mahler Stephen M. , Lee Yih Yean , Schulz Benjamin L. , Howard Christopher B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCoagulation factor IX (FIX) is a highly complex post-translationally modified human serum glycoprotein and a high-value biopharmaceutical. The quality of recombinant FIX (rFIX), especially complete γ-carboxylation, is critical for rFIX clinical efficacy. Changes in bioreactor operating conditions can impact rFIX production and occupancy and structure of rFIX post-translational modifications (PTMs). We hypothesized that monitoring the bioreactor cell culture supernatant with Data Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry (DIA-MS) proteomics would allow us to predict product yield and quality after purification. With the goal of optimizing rFIX production, we developed a suite of MS proteomics analytical methods and used these to investigate changes in rFIX yield, γ-carboxylation, other PTMs, and host cell proteins during bioreactor culture and after purification. Our methods provided a detailed overview of the dynamics of site-specific PTM occupancy and abundance on rFIX during production, which accurately predicted the efficiency of purification and the quality of the purified product from different culture conditions. In addition, we identified new PTMs in rFIX, some of which were near the GLA domain and could impact rFIX GLA-dependent purification efficiency and protein function. The workflows presented here are applicable to other biologics and expression systems, and should aid in the optimization and quality control of upstream and downstream bioprocesses.
Effects of industry-level factors, brand credibility and brand reputation on brand trust in safe food: evidence from the safe vegetable sector in Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Hai Minh , Liu Ran , Moritaka Masahiro , Fukuda Susumu 
Published: June 2020

PurposeWhile the essential role of brand trust toward consumer decision to purchase food products has been well addressed, there has been still little research on its influential factors. The primary purpose of this study was to explore factors affecting consumer trust in brands of safe vegetables.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling technique was applied to test the hypothetical relationships based on a sample of 361 consumers from a face-to-face interview in the urban areas of Hanoi city, Vietnam, in March and April 2018.FindingsThe authors' findings show that both brand credibility and brand reputation positively affected brand trust. The trustworthiness of a safe vegetable system had a more important role than the competence in building brand trust. While the effects of system trustworthiness on brand trust were found directly and indirectly (through brand credibility), system competence only had an indirect influence on brand trust via brand reputation. Notably, while risk recall directly reduced brand trust, risk information caused a directly positive effect on brand trust. In addition, the impact of food hazards on brand trust was indirect through brand credibility.Practical implicationsBased on our results, the Vietnamese government and stakeholders in the safe vegetable chain should improve brand trust based on fulfilling comprehensive traceability, expanding the brand reputation and providing an appropriate risk communication strategy to the public.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first attempts to model and evaluate factors affecting brand trust in the food sector directly and indirectly.
Consumer perception of local food products in Hungary
Authors: Szegedyné Fricz Ágnes , Ittzés András , Ózsvári László , Szakos Dávid , Kasza Gyula 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of local origin of food in the Hungarian population's decisions regarding food purchase and to identify under which conditions consumers consider food to be a local product.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on a representative quantitative consumer survey (n = 1,000). Cluster analysis was used to define different consumer groups.FindingsIn general, consumers perceive that local products have positive characteristics that distinguish them from not locally sourced foodstuffs. The results prove that the accessibility of local food products differs to a great extent in towns and regions. In towns with local markets, the ratio of recognition and acceptance of local products is higher. Based on the attitudes and behaviour of respondents towards local products, five clusters were separated and described.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the sample's representativeness of three demographic factors was ensured, some general limitations resulted from the sampling methodology.Practical implicationsBased on the study findings, the authors encourage farmers' market operators to actively study the purchasing habits, attitudes and expectations of the consumer groups described in the study and to exchange information to promote the development of an economically successful local food supply system.Originality/valueThis empirical representative study is suitable to describe the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of Hungarian consumers related to local food products. Consumer perception about local food varies internationally; therefore, national level studies are important to understand the viability of short food supply chains.
Design of hardened flip-flop using Schmitt trigger-based SEM latch in CNTFET technology
Authors: Badugu Divya Madhuri , S. Sunithamani , Shaik Javid Basha , Vobulapuram Ramesh Kumar 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design novel hardened flip-flop using carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs).

Design/methodology/approach
To design the proposed flip-flop, the Schmitt trigger-based soft error masking and unhardened latches have been used. In the proposed design, the novel mechanism, i.e. hysteresis property is used to enhance the hardness of the single event upset.

Findings
To obtain the simulation results, all the proposed circuits are extensively simulated in Hewlett simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis software. Moreover, the results of the proposed latches are compared to the conventional latches to show performance improvements. It is noted that the proposed latch shows the performance improvements up to 25.8%, 51.2% and 17.8%, respectively, in terms of power consumption, area and power delay product compared to the conventional latches. Additionally, it is observed that the simulation result of the proposed flip-flop confirmed the correctness with its respective functions.

Originality/value
The novel hardened flip-flop utilizing ST based SEM latch is presented. This flip-flop is significantly improves the performance and reliability compared to the existing flip-flops.
Human resource outsourcing: the impact on organizational learning
Authors: Pandey Peeyush 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
The construct of Organizational Learning has been studied through various perspectives but still there is a dearth of literature on how the organization’s outsourcing activities impact the learning process, specifically human resource outsourcing. This paper intends to link these two concepts.

Design/methodology/approach
Several research articles related to Organizational learning and outsourcing have been read and reviewed. Based on the understanding from the literature the insights are summarised and discussed.

Findings
This paper demonstrates linkage between organizational learning and human resource outsourcing by putting forth the impact human resource outsourcing can have on organizational learning from both positive and negative lenses.

Originality/value
Not many studies have established the linkage between two important constructs- Organizational Learning and Human Resource Outsourcing. This paper intends to bridge this gap in the literature by highlighting both positive and negative aspects of HR Outsourcing on the learning capabilities of the organizations.
Experience and attitude towards luxury brands consumption in an emerging market
Authors: Jhamb Deepika , Aggarwal Arun , Mittal Amit , Paul Justin 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Conventionally, consumers perceive luxury products as a means of displaying their wealth and prosperity. Consumption of luxury products has usually been considered the prerogative of the Western world. Although there are a number of studies capturing the pre-purchase and purchase behaviour of consumers, there is a dearth of quality studies that have been conducted in this field to understand the post-purchase behaviour of consumers towards luxury brands, especially in the context of young shoppers in an emerging market context. Studying the post-purchase behaviour of shoppers is important to understand their experience with the brand. A negative experience could lead to a post-purchase dissonance, which in turn could lead to an unbalanced or distorted attitude towards the brand and other marketing stimuli. Keeping this in consideration, the purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and attitudes of young shoppers in India towards luxury consumption.

Design/methodology/approach
The study captured responses from young shoppers of Chandigarh and its satellite cities located in the relatively prosperous northwest region of India. The data were collected from 200 participants through a structured questionnaire that was based on an adapted “Attitude towards the concept of luxury” scale by Dubois and Laurent (1994) and “Brand Experience” Scale by Brakus et al. (2009). The structural equation modeling technique was applied to test the proposed model.

Findings
The empirical results indicate that sensory, intellectual, behavioural and affective experience play a significant role in building the attitude of consumers towards luxury brands.

Research limitations/implications
The study selected university students from Chandigarh (India) Tricity region as target respondents, which may limit the generalisability of the results to other target respondents in different regions of India or other countries.

Practical implications
The study is useful for researchers, academicians, marketers and retailers of luxury brands, as it gives fresh insights into understanding the consumer behaviour of a young segment towards the consumption of luxury brands in the post-purchase scenario, especially in the context of an emerging market.

Originality/value
The uniqueness of the study lies in the fact that it examines the post-purchase behaviour of a segment consisting of young, educated and aspirational individuals in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
Brand image as the competitive edge for hospitals in medical tourism
Authors: Cham Tat Huei , Cheng Boon Liat , Low Mei Peng , Cheok Jason Boon Chuan 
Published: June 2020

PurposeFollowing promising growth of the international medical tourism industry, competitions within the global market have escalated tremendously with increased involvement by numerous healthcare providers to acquire a share of its disposable income. The brand reputation would hereby play a determining role as a competitive strategy. Specifically, this paper aims to investigate the impact of social and marketing aspects on the brand image of medical tourism-based hospitals, alongside its relationship toward service quality. In turn, the influence of perceived service quality on satisfaction and the perceived value was examined, in view of further potential behavioral intention among medical tourists on healthcare providers in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through a survey questionnaire among medical tourists, with 596 successful cases collected via 6 major private hospitals at 3 popular Malaysian medical tourism locations. Data analysis was then performed using both SPSS and Smart PLS software.FindingsThe findings from the present study acknowledged the importance of both social (e.g. social media and word-of-mouth communications) and marketing (e.g. hospital advertisement and price perception) aspects toward establishing brand image among medical tourism-based hospitals. Consequently, the brand image would influence perceived service quality among medical tourists; further entail positive impact on behavioral intention, with satisfaction and perceived value as mediators between both factors. Following PLS predict analysis confirming this model’s high predictive capability, it demonstrated close representation to actual medical tourism scenario in Malaysia.Originality/valueThis study is one of the very few studies that explored the minimally investigated territory on the consequential importance of hospital branding within the medical tourism industry; specifically through extending the literature on the influence of social and marketing efforts toward the formation of brand image.
Familiness, social capital and market orientation in the family firm
Authors: Martín-Santana Josefa D. , Cabrera-Suárez M. Katiuska , Déniz-Déniz M. de la Cruz 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse if the family influence on the firm and the relational dynamics inside the family and the firm could create specific familiness resources, which lead to a stronger market orientation (MO) of the family firms (FFs).Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a cross-industry sample of 374 managers in 174 Spanish FFs. Structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe climate of family relationships is going to affect the firm’s MO through the influence that this climate has on two relational social capital variables, one in the family area (the identification of the family managers with the FF) and the other in the business area (the level of trust between the members [family and non-family] of the top management teams [TMTs]).Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature on the under-researched topic of MO in the FFs by going beyond earlier studies focusing on FFs’ explicit attributes, such as their names, as potential explanatory variables of their marketing behaviour. This study also proposes and analyses new internal antecedents of MO based on the social capital of the firm.Practical implicationsBusiness families should promote the adequate governance mechanisms to enhance the quality of family social capital to promote the firms’ social capital and ultimately their MO. With the same aim, family managers should try to orientate their leadership behaviour to transmit their own organizational identification to the rest of the firm’s employees. Also, open communication and shared values should be promoted within TMTs to reinforce firms’ social capital that leads to MO.Originality/valueThis paper integrates social capital literature with MO literature. It also contributes to the literature on FFs, and specifically to the issue of familiness, by analyzing the effect of specific FF characteristics on MO.