bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of GalU leads the cell wall-associated polysaccharide defect to reduce the susceptibility to bacteriolytic agents inEnterococcus faecalis
Authors: Kurushima Jun , Tomita Haruyoshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEnterococcal plasmid-encoded bacteriolysin Bac41 is a selective antimicrobial system that is considered to provide a competitive advantage toEnterococcus faecaliscells that carry the Bac41-coding plasmid. The Bac41 effector consists of the secreted proteins BacL1 and BacA, which attack the cell wall of the targetE. faecaliscell to induce bacteriolysis. Here, we demonstrated thatgalU, which encodes UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, is involved in susceptibility to the Bac41 system inE. faecalis. Spontaneous mutants that developed resistance to the antimicrobial effects of BacL1 and BacA were revealed to carry a truncation deletion of the C-terminal 288–298 a.a. region of the translated GalU protein. This truncation resulted in the depletion of UDP-glucose, leading to a failure to utilize galactose and produce the enterococcal polysaccharide antigen (EPA), which is expressed abundantly on the cell surface ofE. faecalis. This cell surface composition defect that resulted fromgalUor EPA-specific genes caused an abnormal cell morphology, with impaired polarity during cell division and alterations of the limited localization of BacL1. Interestingly, these mutants conferred reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams, despite their increased susceptibility to other bacteriostatic antimicrobial agents and chemical detergents. These data suggest that a complex mechanism of action underlies lytic killing, as exogenous bacteriolysis induced by lytic bacteriocins or beta-lactams requires an intact cell physiology inE. faecalis.ImportanceCell wall-associated polysaccharides of bacteria are involved in various physiological characteristics. Recent studies demonstrated that the cell wall-associated polysaccharide ofEnterococcus faecalisis required for susceptibility to bactericidal antibiotic agents. Here, we demonstrated that agalUmutation resulted in resistance to the enterococcal lytic bacteriocin Bac41. ThegalUhomologue is reported to be essential for biosynthesis of species-specific cell wall-associated polysaccharides in other Firmicutes. InE. faecalis, thegalUmutant lost theE. faecalis-specific cell wall-associated polysaccharide EPA (enterococcal polysaccharide antigen). The mutant also displayed reduced susceptibility to antibacterial agents and an abnormal cell morphology. We firstly demonstrated thatgalUwas essential for EPA biosynthesis inE. faecalis, and EPA production might underlie susceptibility to lytic bacteriocin and antibiotic agents by undefined mechanism.
ATP drives efficient terpene biosynthesis in marine thraustochytrids
Authors: Zhang Aiqing , Mernitz Kaya , Wu Chao , Xiong Wei , He Yaodong , Wang Guangyi , Wang Xin 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTUnderstanding carbon flux-controlling mechanisms in a tangled metabolic network is an essential question of cell metabolism. Secondary metabolism, such as terpene biosynthesis, has evolved with low carbon flux due to inherent pathway constraints. Thraustochytrids are a group of heterotrophic marine unicellular protists, and can accumulate terpenoids under the high salt condition in their natural environment. However, the mechanism behind the terpene accumulation is not well understood. Here we show that terpene biosynthesis inThraustochytriumsp. ATCC 26185 is constrained by local thermodynamics in the mevalonate pathway. Thermodynamic analysis reveals the metabolite limitation in the nondecarboxylative Claisen condensation of acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA step catalyzed by the acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (ACAT). Through a sodium elicited mechanism, higher respiration leads to increased ATP investment into the mevalonate pathway, providing a strong thermodynamic driving force for enhanced terpene biosynthesis. The proteomic analysis further indicates that the increased ATP demands are fulfilled by shifting energy generation from carbohydrate to lipid metabolism. This study demonstrates a unique strategy in nature using ATP to drive a low-flux metabolic pathway, providing an alternative solution for efficient terpene metabolic engineering.IMPORTANCETerpenoids are a large class of lipid molecules with important biological functions, and diverse industrial and medicinal applications. Metabolic engineering for terpene production has been hindered by the low flux distribution to its biosynthesis pathway. In practice, a high substrate load is generally required to reach high product titers. Here we show that the mevalonate-derived terpene biosynthesis is constrained by local pathway thermodynamics, which can only be partially relieved by increasing substrate levels. Through comparative proteomic and biochemical analyses, we discovered a unique mechanism for high terpene accumulation in marine protists thraustochytrids. Through a sodium induced mechanism, thraustochytrids shift their energy metabolism from carbohydrate to lipid metabolism for enhanced ATP production, providing a strong thermodynamic driving force for efficient terpene biosynthesis. This study reveals an important mechanism in eukaryotes to overcome the thermodynamic constraint in low-flux pathways by increased ATP consumption. Engineering energy metabolism thus provides an important alternative to relieve flux constraints in low-flux and energy-consuming pathways.
Combined degradome and replicated small RNA sequencing identifiesBrassica napussmall RNAs responsive to infection by a necrotrophic pathogen
Authors: Regmi Roshan , Newman Toby E. , Kamphuis Lars G. , Derbyshire Mark C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSmall RNAs are short non-coding RNAs that are key gene regulators controlling various biological processes in eukaryotes. Plants may regulate discrete sets of sRNAs in response to pathogen attack.Sclerotinia sclerotiorumis an economically important pathogen affecting hundreds of plant species, including the economically important oilseedBrassica napus. However, there are limited studies on how regulation of sRNAs occurs in theS. sclerotiorumandB. napuspathosystem.ResultsWe identified different classes of sRNAs fromB. napusby high throughput sequencing of replicated mock and infected samples at 24 hours post-inoculation (HPI). Overall, 3,999 sRNA loci were highly expressed, of which 730 were significantly upregulated during infection. Degradome sequencing identified numerous likely sRNA targets that were enriched for immunity-related GO terms, including those related to jasmonic acid signalling, during infection. A total of 73 conserved miRNA families were identified in our dataset. Degradome sequencing identified 434 unique cleaved mRNA products from these miRNAs, of which 50 were unique to the infected library. A novel miR1885-triggered disease resistance gene-derived secondary sRNA locus was identified and verified with degradome sequencing. We also experimentally validated silencing of a plant immunity related ethylene response factor gene by a novel sRNA using 5’-RACE.ConclusionsThe findings in this study expand the framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of theS. sclerotiorumandB. napuspathosystem at the sRNA level.
Extracting and Interpreting the Effects of Higher Order Sequence Features on Peptide MHC Binding
Authors: Dai Zheng , Huisman Brooke D , Birnbaum Michael E , Gifford David K 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the factors contributing to peptide MHC (pMHC) affinity is critical for the study of immune responses and the development of novel therapeutics. Developments in yeast display platforms have enabled the collection of pMHC binding data for vast libraries of peptides. However, methods for interpreting this data are still at an early stage. In this work we propose an approach for extracting peptide sequence features that affect pMHC binding from such datasets. In the process we develop the theoretical framework for fitting and interpreting these features. We demonstrate that these features accurately capture the kinetics underlying pMHC binding, and can be used to predict pMHC binding well enough to rival the current state of the art. We then analyze the extracted factors and show that they correlate with our current structural understanding of MHC molecules. Finally, we discuss the implication these factors have on the complexity of peptide engineering.
Using photographs and metadata to estimate house prices in South Korea
Authors: Lee Changro , Park Key-Ho 
Published: November 2020

PurposeMost prior attempts at real estate valuation have focused on the use of metadata such as size and property age, neglecting the fact that the building workmanship in the construction of a house is also a key factor for the estimation of house prices. Building workmanship, such as exterior walls and floor tiling correspond to the visual attributes of a house, and it is difficult to capture and evaluate such attributes efficiently through classical models like regression analysis. Deep learning approach is taken in the valuation process to utilize this visual information.Design/methodology/approachThe authors propose a two-input neural network comprising a multilayer perceptron and a convolutional neural network that can utilize both metadata and the visual information from images of the front view of the house.FindingsThe authors applied the two-input neural network to Guri City in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, as a case study and found that the accuracy of house price estimations can be improved by employing image information along with metadata.Originality/valueFew studies considered the impact of the building workmanship in the valuation process. The authors revealed that it is useful to use both photographs and metadata for enhancing the accuracy of house price estimation.
Prediction of multiproject resource conflict risk via an artificial neural network
Authors: Bai Libiao , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Hailing , Huang Ning , Shi Huijing 
Published: November 2020

PurposeInadequate balancing of resources often results in resource conflict in the multiproject management process. Past research has focused on how to allocate a small amount of resources optimally but has scarcely explored how to foresee multiproject resource conflict risk in advance. The purpose of this study is to address this knowledge gap by developing a model to predict multiproject resource conflict risk.Design/methodology/approachA fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to transform subjective judgments into quantitative information, based on which an evaluation index system for multiproject resource conflict risk that focuses on the interdependence of multiple project resources is proposed. An artificial neural network (ANN) model combined with this system is proposed to predict the comprehensive risk score that can describe the severity of risk.FindingsAccurately predicting multiproject resource conflict risks in advance can reduce the risk to the organization and increase the probability of achieving the project objectives. The ANN model developed in this paper by the authors can capture the essential components of the underlying nonlinear relevance and is capable of predicting risk appropriately.Originality/valueThe authors explored the prediction of the risks associated with multiproject resource conflicts, which is important for improving the success rate of projects but has received limited attention in the past. The authors established an evaluation index system for these risks considering the interdependence among project resources to describe the underlying factors that contribute to resource conflict risks. The authors proposed an effective model to forecast the risk of multiproject resource conflicts using an ANN. The model can effectively predict complex phenomena with complicated and highly nonlinear performance functions and solve problems with many random variables.
The effect of externally applied rotational oscillations on FIV characteristics of tandem circular cylinders for different spacing ratios
Authors: Rabiee Amir Hossein , Esmaeili Mostafa 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This study aims to explore an active control strategy for attenuation of in-line and transverse flow-induced vibration (FIV) of two tandem-arranged circular cylinders.

Design/methodology/approach
The control system is based on the rotary oscillation of cylinders around their axis, which acts according to the lift coefficient feedback signal. The fluid-solid interaction simulations are performed for two velocity ratios (V_r = 5.5 and 7.5), three spacing ratios (L/D = 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5) and three different control cases. Cases 1 and 2, respectively, deal with the effect of rotary oscillation of front and rear cylinders, while Case 3 considers the effect of applied rotary oscillation to both cylinders.

Findings
The results show that in Case 3, the FIV of both cylinders is perfectly reduced, while in Case 2, only the vibration of rear cylinder is mitigated and no change is observed in the vortex-induced vibration of front cylinder. In Case 1, by rotary oscillation of the front cylinder, depending on the reduced velocity and the spacing ratio values, the transverse oscillation amplitude of the rear cylinder suppresses, remains unchanged and even increases under certain conditions. Hence, at every spacing ratio and reduced velocity, an independent controller system for each cylinder is necessary to guarantee a perfect vibration reduction of front and rear cylinders.

Originality/value
The current manuscript seeks to deploy a type of active rotary oscillating (ARO) controller to attenuate the FIV of two tandem-arranged cylinders placed on elastic supports. Three different cases are considered so as to understand the interaction of these cylinders regarding the rotary oscillation.
Axisymmetric flow of hybrid nanofluid due to a permeable non-linearly stretching/shrinking sheet with radiation effect
Authors: Roşca Natalia C. , Roşca Alin V. , Pop Ioan 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to report theoretical and numerical results for the problem of laminar axisymmetric flow of hybrid nanofluid over a permeable non-linearly stretching/shrinking sheet with radiation effect.

Design/methodology/approach
The numerical solutions of the arising boundary value problem are obtained using the function bvp4c from MATLAB for different values of the governing parameters.

Findings
It is found that the solutions of the ordinary (similarity) differential equations have two branches, upper and lower branch solutions, in a certain range of the stretching/shrinking and suction parameters. To establish which of these solutions are stable and which are not, a stability analysis has been performed.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, present results are original and new for the study of fluid flow and heat transfer over a stretching/shrinking surface, as they successfully extend the problem considered by Mustafa et al. (2015) to the case of hybrid nanofluids.
Professionals’ perceptions of the impact of a family justice center: a four-year, cross-sectional study
Authors: Murray Christine , Lay Alexandra , Wyche Brittany , Johnson Catherine 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives held by professionals affiliated with an FJC through a cross-sectional survey. The family justice center (FJC) model is expanding rapidly in the USA and internationally. Despite the rapid growth of the FJC movement, there is a need for more research to document the impact of FJCs on victims and survivors, professionals working in FJCs and the broader community.

Design/methodology/approach
The current paper focuses on perspectives of professionals who serve victims of family and interpersonal violence and it includes the results of a four-year, cross-sectional survey of professionals working in a community that established an FJC. Data analyzes examined differences in perspectives of professionals based on timing (i.e. from before an FJC was established to the time when the center was in operation for three years) and based on whether professionals worked primarily onsite at the FJC location.

Findings
The findings demonstrated that although some statistically significant differences were identified that suggest a positive impact of an FJC for professionals, more research is needed to further explore how professionals’ perspectives and experiences are impacted through the establishment of an FJC.

Originality/value
This study is the first-known cross-sectional examination of the perspectives of professionals working within an FJC model over a multi-year period.
Empirical analysis of the push factors of human capital flight in Nigeria
Authors: Popogbe Oluwaseyi , Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilus 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Human capital flight from Nigeria to developed countries has remained a topical issue. This paper aims to empirically analyze the push factors for the migrants who explore the various legal migrant schemes from a macro perspective. The authors examine human capital development and its role in contributing to human capital flight to more developed counties.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is anchored on the push–pull model. Using secondary data from 1990 to 2019, the authors look at the relationship between human capital flight and variables such as life expectancy, infant mortality rate, population growth rate and Nigeria’s unemployment rate. The auto-regressive lag model (ARDL) was adopted to estimate the empirical relationship among these variables.

Findings
The results from the ARDL model suggest a positive relationship exists between population growth rate and migration rate. A negative relationship was, however, observed between life expectancy and migration rate. This study also found that an increase in the infant mortality rate negatively impacted migration significantly. Therefore, an increase in infant mortality rate lowered the migration rate. Finally, an increase in the unemployment rate increased migration; however, insignificantly.

Research limitations/implications
The findings from this study are limited to the push factors influencing migration out of Nigeria. These factors are also restricted to variables for which data can be derived under the study’s scope. The results of this study have far-reaching implications, especially for policymakers and citizens alike. Better human capital development through enhanced life expectancy and reduced population in Nigeria will reduce the migration rate. Therefore, this study calls for the doubling of developmental and infrastructural efforts at all levels of governance.

Originality/value
This paper’s importance lies in its ability to elucidate push factors that influenced migration out of Nigeria empirically. An empirical approach to the subject matter will explain these factors and the degree to which they influence migration. This will guide the policy-making process in curbing brain drain, which is a major challenge in Nigeria.
Improvement of public distribution system efficiency applying blockchain technology during pandemic outbreak (COVID-19)
Authors: Kumar Anup 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analytically examine the viability of using blockchain technology (BT) in a public distribution system (PDS) supply chain to overcome issues of shrinkage, misplacement and ghost demand.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a standard news vendor model with two objectives, the first of which includes a reduction of the total cost of stock, while the second includes minimization of the negative impact of human suffering due to the nonavailability of subsidized food supplies to the needy people.FindingsThe authors applied the model to a real-life case to draw meaningful insights. The authors also analyzed the cost/benefit tradeoff of adopting BT in a PDS supply chain. The results show that the adoption of BT in a charitable supply chain can reduce pilferage and ghost demand significantly.Originality/valueThe paper is positioned for utilizing inventory visibility via consistent and tamper-resistant data stream flow capability of BT to enhance the overall efficiency of PDS. Notably, Indian PDS faces three major challenges in terms of its supply chain efficiency.
Examining financial information reporting and behavior of listed companies in Iran
Authors: Izi Roya , Garkaz Mansour , Sayeedi Parviz , Matoufi Alireza 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this research paper is to provide a model for reporting quality of financial information based on behavior of listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange which is based on structural equation modeling approaches.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses applied research and postsemi experimental method of data collection in the field of proofing accounting research with deductive–inductive approach. The statistical population of this study includes the sample of 128 listed companies in the Tehran Stock Exchange between 2007 and 2017. The behavioral characteristics of managers (hidden variables) are measured by observable variables of myopia, opportunistic behavior and overconfidence of managers. Reporting quality of financial information is also investigated based on the scores accrued to each company and the announcement published by the Tehran Stock Exchange based on the companies' rating in terms of the quality of reporting and proper notification.FindingsAfter insuring the acceptable fitness of the measurement pattern and the structure of research in both approaches, structural equations modeling and regression, the results indicate that there is a significant negative relationship between the behavioral characteristics of managers and the reporting quality of financial information.Originality/valueAccountants have a critical and difficult responsibility of dealing with transactions and presenting them in the form of financial reports that can be used by interest groups to assess the performance of companies. This critical responsibility becomes meaningful when professional and ethical behaviors are the basis for disclosure of financial reporting. Based on the behavioral characteristics of disclosing financial reporting in emerging capital markets such as Iran, this study can be successful in developing new and theoretical literature in this field.