bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective Expression of Variant Surface Antigens EnablesPlasmodium falciparumto Evade Immune Clearancein vivo
Authors: Chew Marvin , Ye Weijian , Omelianczyk Radoslaw Igor , Pasaje Charisse Flerida , Hoo Regina , Chen Qingfeng , Niles Jacquin C. , Chen Jianzhu , Preiser Peter 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPlasmodium falciparumhas developed extensive mechanisms to evade host immune clearance. Currently, most of our understanding is based onin vitrostudies of individual parasite variant surface antigens and how this relates to the processesin vivois not well-understood. Here, we have used a humanized mouse model to identify parasite factors important forin vivogrowth. We show that upregulation of the specific PfEMP1, VAR2CSA and the RIFIN PF3D7_1254800 provides the parasite with protection from macrophage phagocytosis and natural killer cell mediated killing. Taken together, these findings reveal new insights on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that coordinate the immune escape process the parasite utilizesin vivo. As immune evasion may be particularly important during the establishment of the blood stage infection when parasite numbers are still relatively small, identification of specific parasite variant surface antigens provides targets for developing more effective vaccines by targeting parasite immune evasion.
Ventral Tegmental Area GABA, glutamate, and glutamate-GABA neurons are heterogenous in their electrophysiological and pharmacological properties
Authors: Miranda-Barrientos Jorge , Chambers Ian , Mongia Smriti , Liu Bing , Wang Hui-Ling , Mateo-Semidey Gabriel E , Margolis Elyssa B , Zhang Shiliang , Morales Marisela 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains dopamine neurons intermixed with GABA-releasing (expressing vesicular GABA transporter, VGaT), glutamate-releasing (expressing vesicular glutamate transporter, VGluT2), and co-releasing (co-expressing VGaT and VGluT2) neurons. By delivering INTRSECT viral vectors into VTA of doublevglut2-Cre/vgat-Flptransgenic mice, we targeted specific VTA cell populations for ex vivo recordings. We found that VGluT2+VGaT−and VGluT2+VGaT+neurons on average had relatively hyperpolarized resting membrane voltage, greater rheobase, and lower spontaneous firing frequency compared to VGluT2−VGaT+neurons, suggesting that VTA glutamate-releasing and glutamate-GABA co-releasing neurons require stronger excitatory drive to fire than GABA-releasing neurons. In addition, we detected expression of Oprm1mRNA (encoding μ opioid receptors, MOR) in VGluT2+VGaT−and VGluT2−VGaT+neurons, and their hyperpolarization by the MOR agonist DAMGO. Collectively, we demonstrate the utility of the double transgenic mouse to access VTA glutamate, glutamate-GABA and GABA neurons, and show some electrophysiological heterogeneity among them.Impact StatementSome physiological properties of VTA glutamate-releasing and glutamate-GABA co-releasing neurons are distinct from those of VTA GABA-releasing neurons. μ-opioid receptor activation hyperpolarizes some VTA glutamate-releasing and some GABA-releasing neurons.
A modular two yeast species secretion system for the production and preparative application of fungal peroxygenases
Authors: Püllmann Pascal , Knorrscheidt Anja , Münch Judith , Palme Paul R. , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Marillonnet Sylvestre , Alcalde Miguel , Westermann Bernhard , Weissenborn Martin J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFungal unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are biocatalysts of outstanding interest. Providing access to novel UPOs using a modular secretion system was the central goal of this work. UPOs represent an enzyme class, catalysing versatile oxyfunctionalisation reactions on a broad substrate scope. They are occurring as secreted, glycosylated proteins bearing a haem-thiolate active site and solely rely on hydrogen peroxide as the oxygen source. Fungal peroxygenases are widespread throughout the fungal kingdom and hence a huge variety of UPO gene sequences is available. However, the heterologous production of UPOs in a fast-growing organism suitable for high throughput screening has only succeeded once—enabled by an intensive directed evolution campaign. Here, we developed and applied a modular Golden Gate-based secretion system, allowing the first yeast production of four active UPOs, their one-step purification and application in an enantioselective conversion on a preparative scale. The Golden Gate setup was designed to be broadly applicable and consists of the three module types: i) a signal peptide panel guiding secretion, ii) UPO genes, and iii) protein tags for purification and split-GFP detection. We show that optimal signal peptides could be selected for successful UPO secretion by combinatorial testing of 17 signal peptides for each UPO gene. The modular episomal system is suitable for use inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand was transferred to episomal and chromosomally integrated expression cassettes inPichia pastoris. Shake flask productions inPichia pastorisyielded up to 24 mg/L secreted UPO enzyme, which was employed for the preparative scale conversion of a phenethylamine derivative reaching 98.6 %ee. Our results demonstrate a rapid workflow from putative UPO gene to preparative scale enantioselective biotransformations.
Isoprenoid biosynthesis regulation in poplars by methylerythritol phosphate and mevalonic acid pathways
Authors: Movahedi Ali , Wei Hui , Pucker Boas , Jiang Tingbo , Sun Weibo , Li Dawei , Yang Liming , Zhuge Qiang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe isoprenoids found in plants are extremely important to survive with various human applications, such as flavoring, fragrance, dye, pharmaceuticals, and biomass used for biofuels. Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) and mevalonic acid (MVA) pathways are critical in plants, responsible for isoprenoid biosynthesis. 1-deoxy-D-xylulose5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and 1-deoxy-D-xylulose5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) catalyze the rate-limiting steps in the MEP pathway, while 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the MVA pathway. Here, we showed whilePtHMGRoverexpressors (OEs) exhibited different MEP- and MVA-related gene expressions compared with non-transgenic poplars (NT), thePtDXR-OEsrevealed upregulated MEP-related and downregulated MVA-related gene expressions.PtDXRandPtHMGR overexpressions caused changes in MVA-derived trans-zeatin-riboside, isopentenyl adenosine, castasterone, and 6-deoxocastasterone well as MEP-derived carotenoids and gibberellins. InPtHMGR-OEs, the accumulated geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPS) and geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS)transcript levels in the MEP pathway led to an accumulation of MEP-derived isoprenoids. In contrast, upregulation of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS) expression in the MVA pathway contributed to increased levels of MVA-derived isoprenoids. In addition,PtHMGR-OEs increased MEP-relatedGPSandGPPStranscript levels, expanded MEP-derived isoprenoid levels, changedFPStranscript levels, and affected MVA-derived isoprenoid yields. These results demonstrate the contribution of MVA and MEP pathways regulating isoprenoid biosynthesis in poplars.
Examining preservice teachers' levels of self-efficacy perceptions regarding Web
Authors: Basaran Bulent , Yalman Murat 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study aims to focus on how preservice teachers' academic achievements, their frequencies of connecting to the distance learning management system, their gender and the related sub-scales influence their Web-based self-efficacies (WEB-PCK) and their attitudes towards distance education (WBI).Design/methodology/approachIn the study, the structural equality model was used. In the path analysis, the maximum likelihood estimation method was used to predict the parameters of the model. This method allows determining the highest values for the population and the probability of the sample value to occur.FindingsIt was found that the sub-scale of Web communication (WEB-C) had a high level of direct and positive influence on the male preservice teachers' self-efficacy perceptions. As for the female preservice teachers, WEB-C did not have any direct influence on their self-efficacy perceptions. For the male preservice teachers, Web pedagogy (WEB-PC) had positive influence on their self-efficacy perceptions (β = 0.193), while the sub-scale of WEB-PC had a high level of influence on the female preservice teachers' self-efficacy perceptions (β = 0.534).Originality/valueIn the study, the purpose of was to examine the effects of the attitudes of the preservice teachers towards Web general (WEB-G), Web-Communication (WEB-C), Web pedagogical knowledge (WEB-PK), Web pedagogical self-efficacy (WEB-PCK) and Web-based instruction (WBI) with the help of the structural equation model with respect to gender, frequency of connection to the internet and academic achievement grades.
The discounted money value of human lives lost due to COVID-19 in Spain
Authors: Kirigia Joses Muthuri , Muthuri Rose Nabi Deborah Karimi 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo estimate the discounted money value of human lives lost (DMVHL) due to COVID-19 in Spain.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the human capital approach to estimate the DMVHL (assuming Spain's life expectancy of 83 years and a 3% discount rate) of the 20,453 human lives lost in Spain from COVID-19 as of 19 April 2020. Sensitivity analysis was conducted alternately assuming (a) 5% and 10% discount rate; and (b) global life expectancy of 72 years, and the world's highest life expectancy of 87.1 years.FindingsThe 20,453 human lives lost due to COVID-19 had a total DMVHL of Int$ 9,629,234,112, and an average of Int$ 470,798 per human life lost. Alternate re-estimation of the economic model with a 5% and 10% discount rates led to 19.8% and 47.4% reductions in the DMVHL, respectively. Re-calculation of the economic model using the global life expectancy of 72 years, while holding the discount rate constant at 3%, diminished the DMVHL by 41%. While the re-run of the same model using the world's highest life expectancy of 87.1 years instead, it increased the DMVHL by 18%.Research limitations/implicationsThe study omits the value of health systems inputs used in preventing, diagnosing and treating COVID-19 cases; and the negative impact of COVID-19 on the agriculture, education, finance, manufacturing, travel, tourism, and trade sectors.Social implicationsThere is a need to use this kind of evidence to advocate for increased investments into the strengthening of the national health system, IHR capacities, and coverage of safe water and sanitation facilities.Originality/valueIn Spain, no other study had attempted to estimate the net present value of human lives lost from COVID-19.
Consequences of the implementation of expanded audit reports with key audit matters (KAMs) on audit quality
Authors: Kitiwong Weerapong , Sarapaivanich Naruanard 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to ask whether the implementation of the expanded auditor’s report, which included a requirement to disclose key audit matters (KAMs) in Thailand since 2016, has improved audit quality.Design/methodology/approachTo answer this question, the authors examined audit quality two years before and two years after its adoption by analysing 1,519 firm-year observations obtained from 312 companies. The authors applied logistic regression analyses to the firm-year observations.FindingsThe authors found some weak evidence that KAMs disclosure improved audit quality because of auditors putting more effort into their audits and audits being performed thoroughly after the implementation of KAMs. Interestingly, the number of disclosed KAMs and the most common types of disclosed KAMs are not associated with audit quality. Only disclosed KAMs related to acquisitions are more informative because the presence of this type of disclosed KAMs signals the greater likelihood of financial restatements being made in a later year.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies on the impact of KAMs disclosure on audit quality, which used discretionary accruals as proxy for audit quality, this study used the occurrence of financial restatements.
Investor sentiments and pricing errors
Authors: Verma Rahul , Verma Priti 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis paper computes the pricing errors of S&P 500 index by employing the valuation model developed by Doran et al. (2009) and investigates its response to individual and institutional investor sentiments. This study contributes to the literature by looking at both rational and quasi-rational sentiments and how noise trading and investments based on fundamentals affect pricing errors.Design/methodology/approachThis paper computes the pricing errors of S&P 500 index by employing the valuation model developed by Doran et al. (2009) and investigates its response to individual and institutional investor sentiments.FindingsResults show that pricing errors are persistent and stock prices systematically deviate from their intrinsic values. The authors also find that both individuals and institutional investors form their expectations based on risk factors as well as noise; however, institutional investors seems to be more driven by rational factors. The findings also suggest that institutional investors have a significant power to cause pricing errors due to unpredictable changes in their sentiments while small investors lack such ability to move stock prices away from their intrinsic values. Additionally, this paper finds that quasi-rational (rational) investor sentiments have positive (negative) impact on pricing errors suggesting that trading based on noise is an important determinant of pricing errors while investors' expectations stemming from fundamentals play an important role in improving market efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe impact of rational outlook due to changes in fundamentals seems to be greater than that of noise on the pricing errors, consistent with both risk-based and behavioral models of the asset pricing literature.Originality/valueOur study contributes to the existing literature in the following ways: first, the authors employ most recent data to compute mispricing for the market index and investigate if it is persistent and systematic. Second, the authors decompose sentiment variables into rational and quasi-rational components and trace their dynamics to better understand the role of risk factors and noise in the formation of sentiments. Third, the authors investigate the relative impact of individual and institutional investor sentiments on mispricing. Lastly, the authors examine the response of pricing errors to both rational and quasi-rational sentiments of individual and institutional investors.
Thermal behaviour of heat treated polyester knitted fabrics
Authors: Perera Henadeera Arachchige Ayomi Enoka , Lanarolle Wilathgamuwage Don Gamini 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThermoplastic polymer fabrics are normally heat set to make them dimensionally stable. These fabrics in garment panel form may again be exposed to heat during the processes such as bonding, sublimation printing and cause to change their dimensions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the response of polyester yarns in knitted fabrics to heat setting and post-heat treatments.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the thermal shrinkage behaviour of heat set polyester knitted fabrics when subjected to post-heat treatment processes are analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and analysis of fabric shrinkage. DSC is a thermo-analytical technique that measures the difference in the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of the sample and the reference. A heat flux versus temperature curve is one of the results of a DSC experiment. The polymer structure and morphology of polyester heat-treated and post-heat–treated fabrics were determined by examining the DSC thermograms.FindingsHeat setting and post-heat setting causes the effective temperature of polyester to change. Effective temperature occurred around 160°C for fabrics heat set at low temperatures and increases as the heat setting temperature increases. Post-heat treatments cause to elevate the effective temperature. Shrinkage of fabrics below the effective temperature is not statistically significant while the shrinkage at higher temperatures is significant. Effective temperature is the main determinant of thermal shrinkage behaviour of polyester.Originality/valueThe study reveals the significance of the effective temperature of polyester on heat treatments and post-heat treatments. The study revealed that heat-setting temperature is a primary determinant of the thermal stability of polyester fabric that are subjected to heat treatments.
Authentic or cosmetic: stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ corporate social responsibility claims
Authors: Mombeuil Claudel , Zhang Bin 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo date, many firms tend to use corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication and marketing as a means to offset their irresponsible behaviors and unscrupulous business practices. Often time, they can easily get away with this in the context where the institutional settings are weak, and corporate social irresponsibility (CSIR) and corruption are widespread. The purpose of this study is to explore stakeholders’ attribution concerning CSR claims of four beverage manufacturing companies operating in America’s poorest country (Haiti) where CSIR and corruption remain widespread. This study also explores whether there are differences in demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, corporate affiliation and education) regarding stakeholders’ attribution of CSR claims of these companies.Design/methodology/approachGiven the exploratory nature of this study, an inductive research approach (qualitative plus quantitative) and supported by an interpretive approach were used.FindingsThe overall results of this study show that internal (employees) and external stakeholders alike consider the CSR claims of these companies as “cosmetic,” with no significant difference in their affiliation. The results also show no significant differences in the age groups but significant differences in gender and level of education regarding stakeholders’ attribution of firms’ CSR claims.Originality/valueBy addressing firms’ CSR claims from the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders through means of a mixed methods approach, this study adds an important contribution to the relevant literature.
Examining the relationship between soft total quality management (TQM) aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” Sudanese oil companies
Authors: Ahmed Abuaraki Osman , Idris Abdalla Abdelrahim 
Published: July 2020

PurposeSoft total quality management (TQM) aspects are the facets of TQM that mainly concern with the management of human resource in a way to achieve the results of employees' job satisfaction. Based on this approach, the objective of this research is to examine the relationship between the most popular five soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction in “ISO 9001” certified Sudanese oil companies.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through questionnaires from employees across a total of five Sudanese oil companies owned by the government, and adopting an ISO-9001 quality program. The total population of the study consists of 1,505 permanent employees, while the sample size was 253 employees, determined by adopting a stratified random sampling technique. The multiple regression model was adopted for data analysis.FindingsThe results showed that the construct of soft TQM aspects including “top management commitment”, “employee empowerment”, “teamwork”, “training and education” and “employee involvement” explain 74% in the variance of employees' job satisfaction. Results showed positive association between soft TQM aspects and employees' job satisfaction at the 5% significance level. It was also found that each individual variable of the five soft TQM aspects has a significant positive association with employees' job satisfaction. Meanwhile, the results indicated that the most important soft TQM aspect in explaining the variability of employees' job satisfaction was the “employee empowerment” with the highest correlation coefficient (β) of (0.189).Practical implicationsThe study recommends that in order to achieve their primary goal of employees' satisfaction, HR practitioners within organizations adopting total quality programs should align their practice in such a way to enhance soft aspects of TQM. Policy makers and top management in order to gain long-term infrastructural benefits obtained from employees' job satisfaction should show a visible support to TQM programs and allocate necessary resources to train their staff in the quality management system that enhance their empowerment and involvement. The study also recommends that since soft aspects of TQM raise their job satisfaction, employees should support and conform to quality management systems within their organizations.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on soft TQM aspects’ practical implementation. The findings make a significant contribution by using ISO-certified governmental Sudanese oil companies and tested the hypothesized model entails the impact of soft TQM implementation and employees' job satisfaction.
The no‐surcharge rule and surcharging behaviours in credit card markets
Authors: Tan Hongru , Deng Zhongqi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe investigate the welfare implications of banning the no‐surcharge rule (NSR) in credit card markets. In particular, we introduce a governance mechanism alteration and merchants' heterogeneity into the model of Wright (2003). In doing so, we find two market forces exist in the transition of lifting the NSR. The first force is the classical double marginalisation because of merchants being able to deliberately impose a surcharge. The second force arises from a market structure change that merchants, who did not accept credit cards payments, do accept afterwards. Our model shows that the welfare implication hinges on the relative magnitudes of both market forces. More importantly, this article provides an explanation for the surcharging behaviours of merchants in Australia after the removal of the NSR in 2003, which have not been explained in the literature.
Understanding reading motivation across different text types: qualitative insights from children
Authors: McGeown Sarah , Bonsall Jane , Andries Valentina , Howarth Danielle , Wilkinson Katherine 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundPrimary school children engage in a wide range of reading activities, yet we lack insights into why children choose to read different text types. Furthermore, recent studies of reading motivation have been dominated by quantitative research; however, qualitative research is necessary to ensure that children's voices are represented when we study their motivations to read.MethodsThirty‐three children (aged 9–11) from a single school in Scotland participated in individual interviews that focused on understanding their breadth of reading activities and why they chose to read different text types. Interviews were transcribed in full, and a data‐driven inductive thematic analysis approach was used to ensure that the full complexity of the data was realised.ResultsChildren's reading motivation varied considerably across the different text types. For example, children read books to feel happy, relaxed, excited or to become immersed in the story. They also read books to develop their reading skills, because they felt reading was important, or because it was a habit or familiar. On the other hand, children read newspapers to stay informed, comics as they were fun and easy to read, interactive games as they could direct the narrative and audio books when they were tired. Overall, children reported a wide and diverse range of reading motivations, these being closely linked to the different text types they read.ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into why children choose to read different text types and provides a strong foundation for further qualitative research aimed at gaining a detailed and comprehensive account of children's motivation for reading.