bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nonparametric analysis of competitiveness efficiency: The relevance of firm size and the configuration of competitive pillars
Authors: Lafuente Esteban , Leiva Juan Carlos , Moreno-Gómez Jorge , Szerb László 
Published: July 2020

This study employs a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with a single constant input to analyze the competitiveness performance of a unique sample of 103 knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) firms from Hungary, Spain, Colombia, and Costa Rica for the year 2017. Also, we assess how the configuration of competitive pillars—strengths and weaknesses—affects efficiency and how firm size moderates this relationship. The mean efficiency scores by which the competitiveness output can be optimized is 47.43%. The results suggest that the configuration of competitive pillars has important implications for efficiency analyses. For small businesses, competitive-enhancing actions should focus on mitigating competitive weaknesses that are detrimental to efficiency. Also, a configuration of competitive pillars in which one or various competitive strengths prevail is more beneficial for small businesses. Managerial tools such as the proposed competitiveness measure may offer useful information on what strategic actions can contribute to optimize business competitiveness. JEL CLASSIFICATION C14; L19; L25
Institutional shareholding as a corporate governance mechanism that drives Chief Executive Officer pay
Authors: Pucheta-Martínez María Consuelo , Chiva-Ortells Carlos 
Published: July 2020

We explore the effect of institutional directors on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pay (total, fixed, and variable compensation). We delve particularly into the impact of pressure-sensitive and pressure-resistant institutional directors, who, respectively, represent institutional investors who maintain and investors who do not maintain a business relationship with the firm whose board they serve on. Focusing on CEO total pay, the findings show that institutional and pressure-resistant directors on boards behave similarly, affecting CEO total pay in a nonlinear way: as the presence of institutional and pressure-resistant directors on boards increases, the monitoring hypothesis prevails, and subsequently, better corporate governance decreases CEO total pay. However, when their presence on boards exceeds a critical point, the entrenchment hypothesis holds, thereby leading to an increase in CEO total pay. Contrary to our predictions, pressure-sensitive directors do not affect CEO total pay. Regarding the CEO’s compensation structure (fixed and variable), the results suggest that institutional and pressure-resistant directors increase fixed compensation and reduce variable pay, while pressure-sensitive directors affect neither fixed nor variable compensation. This evidence supports the view that institutional directors should be considered as a heterogeneous collective. JEL CLASSIFICATION: G3, G34, M12
Net operating working capital and firm value: A cross-country analysis
Authors: Baños-Caballero Sonia , García-Teruel Pedro J , Martínez-Solano Pedro 
Published: July 2020

Here, we use a sample of firms from 30 countries during the period 1995–2013 to examine the relationship between net operating working capital (NWC) and firm value. Specifically, we show that the value of NWC varies across countries and that it depends on both investor protection and a country’s financial and economic development. Our findings imply that shareholders value NWC more in countries with strong enforcement of investor rights, and greater financial and economic development. Jel Classification: G15; G18; G31; G32
Increased CXCL4 expression in hematopoietic cells links inflammation and progression of bone marrow fibrosis in MPN
Authors: Gleitz Hélène F. E. , Dugourd Aurélien J. F. , Leimkühler Nils B. , Snoeren Inge A. M. , Fuchs Stijn N. R. , Menzel Sylvia , Ziegler Susanne , Kröger Nicolaus , Triviai Ioanna , Büsche Guntram , Kreipe Hans , Banjanin Bella , Pritchard Jessica E. , Hoogenboezem Remco , Bindels Eric M. , Schumacher Neele , Rose-John Stefan , Elf Shannon , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Kramann Rafael , Schneider Rebekka K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrimary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) that leads to progressive bone marrow (BM) fibrosis. Although the cellular mutations involved in the pathogenesis of PMF have been extensively investigated, the sequential events that drive stromal activation and fibrosis by hematopoietic–stromal cross-talk remain elusive. Using an unbiased approach and validation in patients with MPN, we determined that the differential spatial expression of the chemokine CXCL4/platelet factor-4 marks the progression of fibrosis. We show that the absence of hematopoietic CXCL4 ameliorates the MPN phenotype, reduces stromal cell activation and BM fibrosis, and decreases the activation of profibrotic pathways in megakaryocytes, inflammation in fibrosis-driving cells, and JAK/STAT activation in both megakaryocytes and stromal cells in 3 murine PMF models. Our data indicate that higher CXCL4 expression in MPN has profibrotic effects and is a mediator of the characteristic inflammation. Therefore, targeting CXCL4 might be a promising strategy to reduce inflammation in PMF.
SnxPy Monolayers: a New Type of Two-Dimensional Materials with High Stability, Carrier Mobility, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Dou Yan-Mei , Zhang Chang-Wen , Li Ping , Wang Pei-Ji 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSearching for two-dimensional (2D) group V materials with ferromagnetism, elastic anisotropy, and carrier mobility and tunable band structure is one key to developing constantly developing nanodevices. The 2D monolayers SnxPy with x/y (1/1, 1/2, 1/3, and so on) coordination number are studied based on the particle-swarm optimization technique combined with the density functional theory optimization. Its thermal stability can be confirmed by molecular dynamics at 70K and 300K, indicating that the novel 2D materials have a stable existence. The electronic band structures of four stable structures suggest that all the monolayers of SnxPy are fully adjustable and flexible tunable band gaps semiconductors under the biaxial strain. The monolayer of P$$ \overline{4}{2}_1 $$

4
¯

2
1

m-SnP2 with unique valence band structure can go from nonmagnetic to ferromagnetic by the hole doping because of the “Stoner criterion,” and Pmc21-SnP2 is a direct-like gap semiconductor with in-plane elastic anisotropy to possess a high electron mobility as high as 800 cm2V−1 s−1 along the kb direction, which is much higher than that of MoS2 (∼ 200 cm2V−1 s−1). The optical absorption peak of the material is in the ultraviolet region. These discoveries expand the potential applications of the emerging field of 2D SnxPy structures in nanoelectronics.
Genomic diversity and population structure of the indigenous Greek and Cypriot cattle populations
Authors: Papachristou Dimitris , Koutsouli Panagiota , Laliotis George P. , Kunz Elisabeth , Upadhyay Maulik , Seichter Doris , Russ Ingolf , Gjoko Bunevski , Kostaras Nikolaos , Bizelis Iosif , Medugorac Ivica 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe indigenous cattle populations from Greece and Cyprus have decreased to small numbers and are currently at risk of extinction due to socio-economic reasons, geographic isolation and crossbreeding with commercial breeds. This study represents the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of 10 indigenous cattle populations from continental Greece and the Greek islands, and one from Cyprus, and compares them with 104 international breeds using more than 46,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).ResultsWe estimated several parameters of genetic diversity (e.g. heterozygosity and allelic diversity) that indicated a severe loss of genetic diversity for the island populations compared to the mainland populations, which is mainly due to the declining size of their population in recent years and subsequent inbreeding. This high inbreeding status also resulted in higher genetic differentiation within the Greek and Cyprus cattle group compared to the remaining geographical breed groups. Supervised and unsupervised cluster analyses revealed that the phylogenetic patterns in the indigenous Greek breeds were consistent with their geographical origin and historical information regarding crosses with breeds of Anatolian or Balkan origin. Cyprus cattle showed a relatively high indicine ancestry. Greek island populations are placed close to the root of the tree as defined by Gir and the outgroup Yak, whereas the mainland breeds share a common historical origin with Buša. Unsupervised clustering and D-statistics analyses provided strong support forBos indicusintrogression in almost all the investigated local cattle breeds along the route from Anatolia up to the southern foothills of the Alps, as well as in most cattle breeds along the Apennine peninsula to the southern foothills of the Alps.ConclusionsAll investigated Cyprus and Greek breeds present complex mosaic genomes as a result of historical and recent admixture events between neighbor and well-separated breeds. While the contribution of some mainland breeds to the genetic diversity pool seems important, some island and fragmented mainland breeds suffer from a severe decline of population size and loss of alleles due to genetic drift. Conservation programs that are a compromise between what is feasible and what is desirable should focus not only on the still highly diverse mainland breeds but also promote and explore the conservation possibilities for island breeds.
Statistical shape analysis of tap roots: a methodological case study on laser scanned sugar beets
Authors: Heeren Behrend , Paulus Stefan , Goldbach Heiner , Kuhlmann Heiner , Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Rumpf Martin , Wirth Benedikt 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficient and robust statistical analysis of the shape of plant organs of different cultivars is an important investigation issue in plant breeding and enables a robust cultivar description within the breeding progress. Laserscanning is a highly accurate and high resolution technique to acquire the 3D shape of plant surfaces. The computation of a shape based principal component analysis (PCA) built on concepts from continuum mechanics has proven to be an effective tool for a qualitative and quantitative shape examination.

Results
The shape based PCA was used for a statistical analysis of 140 sugar beet roots of different cultivars. The calculation of the mean sugar beet root shape and the description of the main variations was possible. Furthermore, unknown and individual tap roots could be attributed to their cultivar by means of a robust classification tool based on the PCA results.

Conclusion
The method demonstrates that it is possible to identify principal modes of root shape variations automatically and to quantify associated variances out of laserscanned 3D sugar beet tap root models. The introduced approach is not limited to the 3D shape description by laser scanning. A transfer to 3D MRI or radar data is also conceivable.
The insights into the systematic relationship of Gastrostyla-affinitive genera, with report on a new saline soil ciliate genus and new species (Protozoa, Ciliophora)
Authors: Lu Xiaoteng , Wang Yuanyuan , Al-Farraj Saleh A. , El-Serehy Hamed , Huang Jie , Shao Chen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypotrichia are a group with the most complex morphology and morphogenesis within the ciliated protists. The classification ofGastrostyla-like species, a taxonomically difficult group of hypotrichs with a common ventral cirral pattern but various dorsal and ontogenetic patterns, is poorly understood. Hence, systematic relationships within this group and with other taxa in the subclass Hypotrichia remain unresolved.Results18S rRNA gene sequence of a newGastrostyla-like taxon was obtained. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 18S rRNA gene sequences indicate that this ciliate represents a new genus that is closely related toHeterourosomoidaandKleinstylawithin the oxytrichid clade of the Hypotrichia. However, the position of this cluster remains unresolved. All three genera deviate from the typical oxytrichids by their incomplete (or lack of) dorsal kinety fragmentation during morphogenesis. Morphology and morphogenesis of this newly discovered form,Heterogastrostyla salinanov. gen., nov. spec., are described.Heterogastrostylanov. gen., is characterised as follows: more than 18 fronto-ventral-transverse cirri, cirral anlagen V and VI develop pretransverse cirri, and dorsal ciliature inUrosomoida-like pattern.ConclusionsSimilar to the CEUU-hypothesis about convergent evolution of urostylids and uroleptids, we speculate that the shared ventral cirral patterns ofGastrostyla-like taxa might have resulted from convergent evolution.
CGGBP1-regulated cytosine methylation at CTCF-binding motifs resists stochasticity
Authors: Patel Manthan , Patel Divyesh , Datta Subhamoy , Singh Umashankar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The human CGGBP1 binds to GC-rich regions and interspersed repeats, maintains homeostasis of stochastic cytosine methylation and determines DNA-binding of CTCF. Interdependence between regulation of cytosine methylation and CTCF occupancy by CGGBP1 remains unknown.

Results
By analyzing methylated DNA-sequencing data obtained from CGGBP1-depleted cells, we report that some transcription factor-binding sites, including CTCF, resist stochastic changes in cytosine methylation. By analysing CTCF-binding sites we show that cytosine methylation changes at CTCF motifs caused by CGGBP1 depletion resist stochastic changes. These CTCF-binding sites are positioned at locations where the spread of cytosine methylation in cis depends on the levels of CGGBP1.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that CTCF occupancy and functions are determined by CGGBP1-regulated cytosine methylation patterns.
The genetic regulation of size variation in the transcriptome of the cerebrum in the chicken and its role in domestication and brain size evolution
Authors: Höglund Andrey , Strempfl Katharina , Fogelholm Jesper , Wright Dominic , Henriksen Rie 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Large difference in cerebrum size exist between avian species and populations of the same species and is believed to reflect differences in processing power, i.e. in the speed and efficiency of processing information in this brain region. During domestication chickens developed a larger cerebrum compared to their wild progenitor, the Red jungle fowl. The underlying mechanisms that control cerebrum size and the extent to which genetic regulation is similar across brain regions is not well understood. In this study, we combine measurement of cerebrum size with genome-wide genetical genomics analysis to identify the genetic architecture of the cerebrum, as well as compare the regulation of gene expression in this brain region with gene expression in other regions of the brain (the hypothalamus) and somatic tissue (liver).

Results
We identify one candidate gene that putatively regulates cerebrum size (MTF2) as well as a large number of eQTL that regulate the transcriptome in cerebrum tissue, with the majority of these eQTL being trans-acting. The overall regulation of gene expression variation in the cerebrum was markedly different to the hypothalamus, with relatively few eQTL in common. In comparison, the cerebrum tissue shared more eQTL with a distant tissue (liver) than with a neighboring tissue (hypothalamus).

Conclusion
The candidate gene for cerebrum size (MTF2) has previously been linked to brain development making it a good candidate for further investigation as a regulator of inter-population variation in cerebrum size. The lack of shared eQTL between the two brain regions implies that genetic regulation of gene expression appears to be relatively independent between the two brain regions and suggest that coevolution between these two brain regions might be more functionally driven than developmental. These findings have relevance for current brain size evolution theories.
Completion of draft bacterial genomes by long-read sequencing of synthetic genomic pools
Authors: Derakhshani Hooman , Bernier Steve P. , Marko Victoria A. , Surette Michael G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Illumina technology currently dominates bacterial genomics due to its high read accuracy and low sequencing cost. However, the incompleteness of draft genomes generated by Illumina reads limits their application in comprehensive genomics analyses. Alternatively, hybrid assembly using both Illumina short reads and long reads generated by single molecule sequencing technologies can enable assembly of complete bacterial genomes, yet the high per-genome cost of long-read sequencing limits the widespread use of this approach in bacterial genomics. Here we developed a protocol for hybrid assembly of complete bacterial genomes using miniaturized multiplexed Illumina sequencing and non-barcoded PacBio sequencing of a synthetic genomic pool (SGP), thus significantly decreasing the overall per-genome cost of sequencing.

Results
We evaluated the performance of SGP hybrid assembly on the genomes of 20 bacterial isolates with different genome sizes, a wide range of GC contents, and varying levels of phylogenetic relatedness. By improving the contiguity of Illumina assemblies, SGP hybrid assembly generated 17 complete and 3 nearly complete bacterial genomes. Increased contiguity of SGP hybrid assemblies resulted in considerable improvement in gene prediction and annotation. In addition, SGP hybrid assembly was able to resolve repeat elements and identify intragenomic heterogeneities, e.g. different copies of 16S rRNA genes, that would otherwise go undetected by short-read-only assembly. Comprehensive comparison of SGP hybrid assemblies with those generated using multiplexed PacBio long reads (long-read-only assembly) also revealed the relative advantage of SGP hybrid assembly in terms of assembly quality. In particular, we observed that SGP hybrid assemblies were completely devoid of both small (i.e. single base substitutions) and large assembly errors. Finally, we show the ability of SGP hybrid assembly to differentiate genomes of closely related bacterial isolates, suggesting its potential application in comparative genomics and pangenome analysis.

Conclusion
Our results indicate the superiority of SGP hybrid assembly over both short-read and long-read assemblies with respect to completeness, contiguity, accuracy, and recovery of small replicons. By lowering the per-genome cost of sequencing, our parallel sequencing and hybrid assembly pipeline could serve as a cost effective and high throughput approach for completing high-quality bacterial genomes.
Identification and characterization of QTLs for fruit quality traits in peach through a multi-family approach
Authors: Rawandoozi Zena J. , Hartmann Timothy P. , Carpenedo Silvia , Gasic Ksenija , da Silva Linge Cassia , Cai Lichun , Van de Weg Eric , Byrne David H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundFruit quality traits have a significant effect on consumer acceptance and subsequently on peach (Prunus persica(L.) Batsch) consumption. Determining the genetic bases of key fruit quality traits is essential for the industry to improve fruit quality and increase consumption. Pedigree-based analysis across multiple peach pedigrees can identify the genomic basis of complex traits for direct implementation in marker-assisted selection. This strategy provides breeders with better-informed decisions and improves selection efficiency and, subsequently, saves resources and time.ResultsPhenotypic data of seven F1low to medium chill full-sib families were collected over 2 years at two locations and genotyped using the 9 K SNP Illumina array. One major QTL for fruit blush was found on linkage group 4 (LG4) at 40–46 cM that explained from 20 to 32% of the total phenotypic variance and showed three QTL alleles of different effects. For soluble solids concentration (SSC), one QTL was mapped on LG5 at 60-72 cM and explained from 17 to 39% of the phenotypic variance. A major QTL for titratable acidity (TA) co-localized with the major locus for low-acid fruit (D-locus). It was mapped at the proximal end of LG5 and explained 35 to 80% of the phenotypic variance. The new QTL for TA on the distal end of LG5 explained 14 to 22% of the phenotypic variance. This QTL co-localized with the QTL for SSC and affected TA only when the first QTL is homozygous for high acidity (epistasis). Haplotype analyses revealed SNP haplotypes and predictive SNP marker(s) associated with desired QTL alleles.ConclusionsA multi-family-based QTL discovery approach enhanced the ability to discover a new TA QTL at the distal end of LG5 and validated other QTLs which were reported in previous studies. Haplotype characterization of the mapped QTLs distinguishes this work from the previous QTL studies. Identified predictive SNPs and their original sources will facilitate the selection of parents and/or seedlings that have desired QTL alleles. Our findings will help peach breeders develop new predictive, DNA-based molecular marker tests for routine use in marker-assisted breeding.
Proteomic responses to progressive dehydration stress in leaves of chickpea seedlings
Authors: Vessal Saeedreza , Arefian Mohammad , Siddique Kadambot H. M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Chickpea is an important food legume crop with high protein levels that is widely grown in rainfed areas prone to drought stress. Using an integrated approach, we describe the relative changes in some physiological parameters and the proteome of a drought-tolerant (MCC537, T) and drought-sensitive (MCC806, S) chickpea genotype.

Results
Under progressive dehydration stress, the T genotype relied on a higher relative leaf water content after 3 and 5 d (69.7 and 49.3%) than the S genotype (59.7 and 40.3%) to maintain photosynthetic activities and improve endurance under stress. This may have been facilitated by greater proline accumulation in the T genotype than the S genotype (14.3 and 11.1 μmol g− 1 FW at 5 d, respectively). Moreover, the T genotype had less electrolyte leakage and lower malondialdehyde contents than the S genotype under dehydration stress, indicating greater membrane stability and thus greater dehydration tolerance. The proteomic analysis further confirmed that, in response to dehydration, the T genotype activated more proteins related to photosynthesis, stress response, protein synthesis and degradation, and gene transcription and signaling than the S genotype. Of the time-point dependent proteins, the largest difference in protein abundance occurred at 5 d, with 29 spots increasing in the T genotype and 30 spots decreasing in the S genotype. Some of the identified proteins—including RuBisCo, ATP synthase, carbonic anhydrase, psbP domain-containing protein, L-ascorbate peroxidase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, elongation factor Tu, zinc metalloprotease FTSH 2, ribonucleoproteins and auxin-binding protein—may play a functional role in drought tolerance in chickpea.

Conclusions
This study highlights the significance of genotype- and time-specific proteins associated with dehydration stress and identifies potential resources for molecular drought tolerance improvement in chickpea.