bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual Roles of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Lens in Cavefish Eye Degeneration
Authors: Ma Li , Ng Mandy , van der Weele Corine M. , Yoshizawa Masato , Jeffery William R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAstyanax mexicanusconsists of two forms, a sighted surface dwelling form (surface fish) and a blind cave-dwelling form (cavefish). Embryonic eyes are initially formed in cavefish but they are subsequently arrested in growth and degenerate during larval development. Previous lens transplantation studies have shown that the lens plays a central role in cavefish eye loss. However, several lines of evidence suggest that additional factors, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is morphologically altered in cavefish, could also be involved in the eye regression process. To explore the role of the RPE in cavefish eye degeneration, we generated an albino eyed (AE) strain by artificial selection for hybrid individuals with large eyes and a depigmented RPE. The AE strain exhibited an RPE lacking pigment granules and showed reduced expression of the RPE specific enzyme retinol isomerase, allowing eye development to be studied by lens ablation in an RPE background resembling cavefish. We found that lens ablation in the AE strain had stronger negative effects on eye growth than in surface fish, suggesting that an intact RPE is required for normal eye development. We also found that the AE strain develops a cartilaginous sclera lacking boney ossicles, a trait similar to cavefish. Extrapolation of the results to cavefish suggests that the RPE and lens have dual roles in eye degeneration, and that deficiencies in the RPE may be associated with evolutionary changes in scleral ossification.
Classical and controlled auditory mismatch responses to multiple physical deviances in anaesthetised and conscious mice
Authors: O’Reilly Jamie A. , Conway Bernard A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman mismatch negativity (MMN) is modelled in rodents and other non-human species to examine its underlying neurological mechanisms, primarily described in terms of deviance-detection and adaptation. Using the mouse model, we aim to elucidate subtle dependencies between the mismatch response (MMR) and different physical properties of sound. Epidural field potentials were recorded from urethane-anaesthetised and conscious mice during oddball and many-standards control paradigms; with stimuli varying in duration, frequency, intensity, and inter-stimulus interval. Resulting auditory evoked potentials, classical MMR (oddball – standard), and controlled MMR (oddball – control) waveforms were analysed. Stimulus duration correlated with stimulus-off response peak latency (p < 0.0001). Frequency (p < 0.0001), intensity (p < 0.0001), and inter-stimulus interval (p < 0.0001) correlated with stimulu-son N1 and P1 (conscious only) peak amplitudes. These relationships were instrumental in shaping classical MMR morphology in both anaesthetised and conscious animals, suggesting these waveforms reflect modification of normal auditory processing by different physical properties of stimuli. Controlled MMR waveforms appeared to exhibit habituation to auditory stimulation over time, which was equally observed in response to oddball and standard stimuli. These observations are not consistent with the mechanisms thought to underlie human MMN, which currently do not address differences due to specific physical features of auditory deviance. Thus, no evidence was found to objectively support the deviance-detection or adaptation hypotheses of MMN in relation to anaesthetised or conscious mice.
Effects of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis on human sperm motility and chemotaxis
Authors: Wang Chen , Huang Jiepin , Ding Ling , Huang Ruohan , Dai Luru , Zhou Wenhui 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMammalian spermatozoa undergo a series of functional changes in the female genital tract before they can fertilize oocytes. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in these complex biological events. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms on the modulation of chemokines on spermatozoa still need to be elucidated. CXCL12, a chemokine, has been widely studied in leukocyte migration and. Here we found that CXCL12 was existent in human cumulus cells and follicular fluid and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 were co-expressed on human spermatozoa. We investigated the effects of CXCL12 on various biological functions of human sperm and which receptor plays a dominant role in these processes. We found that CXCL12 could promote human sperm chemotaxis, motility, penetration in the mucus, acrosome reaction and Ca2+ influx through CXCR4 rather than CXCR7. In addition, the simplified physical model reasonably explained the change of sperm velocity under the influence of CXCL12 concentration gradient, which was identical to their physiological motion patterns.
Functional 3D architecture in an intrinsically disordered E3 ligase domain facilitates ubiquitin transfer
Authors: Murphy Paul , Xu Yingqi , Rouse Sarah L. , Matthews Steve J. , Penedo J Carlos , Hay Ronald T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPost-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin represents a widely used mechanism for cellular regulation. Ubiquitin is activated by an E1 enzyme, transferred to an E2 conjugating enzyme and covalently linked to substrates by one of an estimated 600 E3 ligases (1). RING E3 ligases play a pivotal role in selecting substrates and priming the ubiquitin loaded E2 (E2~Ub) for catalysis (2,3). RING E3 RNF4 is a SUMO targeted ubiquitin ligase (4) with important roles in arsenic therapy for cancer (4,5) and in DNA damage responses (6,7). RNF4 has a RING domain and a substrate recognition domain containing multiple SUMO Interaction Motifs (SIMs) embedded in a region thought to be intrinsically disordered (8). While molecular details of SUMO recognition by the SIMs (8–10) and RING engagement of ubiquitin loaded E2 (3,11–15) have been determined, the mechanism by which SUMO substrate is delivered to the RING to facilitate ubiquitin transfer is an important question to be answered. Here, we show that the intrinsically disordered substrate-recognition domain of RNF4 maintains the SIMs in a compact global architecture that facilitates SUMO binding, while a highly-basic region positions substrate for nucleophilic attack on RING-bound ubiquitin loaded E2. Contrary to our expectation that the substrate recognition domain of RNF4 was completely disordered, distance measurements using single molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) and NMR paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) revealed that it adopts a defined conformation primed for SUMO interaction. Mutational and biochemical analysis indicated that electrostatic interactions involving the highly basic region linking the substrate recognition and RING domains juxtaposed those regions and mediated substrate ubiquitination. Our results offer insight into a key step in substrate ubiquitination by a member of the largest ubiquitin ligase subtype and reveal how a defined architecture within a disordered region contributes to E3 ligase function.
The non-swapped monomeric structure of the arginine-binding protein from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Smaldone Giovanni , Ruggiero Alessia , Balasco Nicole , Abuhammad Areej , Autiero Ida , Caruso Daniela , Esposito Davide , Ferraro Giarita , Gelardi Edoardo L. M. , Moreira Miguel , Quareshy Mussa , Romano Maria , Saaret Annica , Selvam Irwin , Squeglia Flavia , Troisi Romualdo , Kroon-Batenburg Loes M. J. , Esposito Luciana , Berisio Rita , Vitagliano Luigi 
Published: November 2019

Domain swapping is a widespread oligomerization process that is observed in a large variety of protein families. In the large superfamily of substrate-binding proteins, non-monomeric members have rarely been reported. The arginine-binding protein from Thermotoga maritima (TmArgBP), a protein endowed with a number of unusual properties, presents a domain-swapped structure in its dimeric native state in which the two polypeptide chains mutually exchange their C-terminal helices. It has previously been shown that mutations in the region connecting the last two helices of the TmArgBP structure lead to the formation of a variety of oligomeric states (monomers, dimers, trimers and larger aggregates). With the aim of defining the structural determinants of domain swapping in TmArgBP, the monomeric form of the P235GK mutant has been structurally characterized. Analysis of this arginine-bound structure indicates that it consists of a closed monomer with its C-terminal helix folded against the rest of the protein, as typically observed for substrate-binding proteins. Notably, the two terminal helices are joined by a single nonhelical residue (Gly235). Collectively, the present findings indicate that extending the hinge region and conferring it with more conformational freedom makes the formation of a closed TmArgBP monomer possible. On the other hand, the short connection between the helices may explain the tendency of the protein to also adopt alternative oligomeric states (dimers, trimers and larger aggregates). The data reported here highlight the importance of evolutionary control to avoid the uncontrolled formation of heterogeneous and potentially harmful oligomeric species through domain swapping.
The relationship between factors that contribute to support and future intentions in relation to a major sporting event
Authors: Camacho David Parra , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Duclos Bastias Daniel 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the influence of enthusiasm, fair social distribution of costs and benefits and the quality of the information received through the media in the support for holding sporting events and in future intentions of the Football Copa America held in Chile.Design/methodology/approachThrough partial least squares structural equation modelling, two samples from two host cities (Concepción=373; Viña del Mar=267) are analysed.FindingsEnthusiasm, the perception of the fair distribution and the quality of the information positively influence the support for sporting events and the future intentions. In the same way, the quality of the information positively influences enthusiasm and fair social distribution. Significant changes were observed between the two cities in the relationships between the quality of the information and the variables of future intentions and enthusiasm and between this variable and those of support and the future intentions of the residents.Research limitations/implicationsThe convenience sampling limits the extrapolation of the results.Practical implicationsAn adequate management of the quality of the information, social justice and enthusiasm can contribute to forming a social representation of the event that determines the backing or the behaviour of the citizens.Social implicationsExamination of the negative perceptions that cause bad feeling amongst the population receives a mega-event.Originality/valueThe contribution of theoretical evidence about possible data can determine the social backing and the behaviour of the residents in welcoming a major sporting event.
Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use
Authors: Cruz-Cárdenas Jorge , Guadalupe-Lanas Jorge , Zabelina Ekaterina , Palacio-Fierro Andrés , Velín-Fárez Margarita , Staniewski Marcin Waldemar 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country.

Findings
Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM.

Practical implications
Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle.

Originality/value
The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.
Contested knowledge: changing practices in origin-food communities
Authors: Mariani Mariagiulia , Cerdan Claire , Peri Iuri 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how communities engaged in the valorisation of origin food through Geographical Indications (GIs) and Slow Food Presidia can be resilient to changing conditions and able to innovate their practices.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the concept of “community of practices” (CoP) to explore the learning processes occurring in three origin cheese initiatives located in France and Morocco.

Findings
Learning processes surpass the border of the governing body and encompass competitors and consumers. Discrepancies between what is codified and what is done lead to a dynamic redefinition of both specifications and communities. Such initiatives are frameworks for envisioning possible futures emerging from controversies.

Originality/value
This paper compares two localised agrofood systems initiatives (GIs and Slow Food Presidia), based on evidence from two European and an African cases. The analytical frame of “CoP” sheds light on the underestimated dynamic effect of controversies on knowledge.
New tool for stock investment risk management
Authors: Sun Yi , Jin Quan , Cheng Qing , Guo Kun 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new tool for stock investment risk management through studying stocks with what kind of characteristics can be predicted by individual investor behavior.Design/methodology/approachBased on comment data of individual stock from the Snowball, a thermal optimal path method is employed to analyze the lead–lag relationship between investor attention (IA) and the stock price. And machine learning algorithms, including SVM and BP neural network, are used to predict the prices of certain kind of stock.FindingsIt turns out that the lead–lag relationships between IA and the stock price change dynamically. Forecasting based on investor behavior is more accurate only when the IA of the stock is stably leading its price change most of the time.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this paper is that it studies China’s stock market only; however, different conclusions could be drawn for other financial markets or mature stock markets.Practical implicationsAs for the implications, the new tool could improve the prediction accuracy of the model, thus have practical significance for stock selection and dynamic portfolio management.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first few research works that introduce individual investor data into portfolio risk management. The new tool put forward in this study can capture the dynamic interplay between IA and stock price change, which help investors identify and control the risk of their portfolios.
Predicting three dimensions of police officer stress: does rural or urban setting matter?
Authors: Wu Guangzhen , Wen Ming 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the disparities in stress between rural and urban police officers in China.Design/methodology/approachData for this study were collected from a national police university in China in 2017. In total, 608 Chinese police officers were surveyed representing those attending in-service training program in the university.FindingsResults showed that rural police officers exhibited a higher level of somatization compared to their urban counterparts, whereas no rural–urban differences were detected for other stress dimensions – anxiety and depression. Additionally, this study suggests that perceived constraints in resources and training partially mediate the observed rural–urban disparities in somatization.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on a convenient sample of Chinese police officers, which restricts the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsTo reduce stress among police officers, China needs to make more investments in resources and training programs in its rural policing.Originality/valueA review of literature reveals that studies comparing police stress between rural and urban areas are rare. Additionally, China, as the largest developing nation in the world, remains under-studied with respect to stress among its police officers.
Afraid to leave the house: issues leading to social exclusion and loneliness for people with a learning disability
Authors: Tilly Liz 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Tackling social exclusion, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness, is an important current issue. People with a learning disability have a right to be full members of their communities, yet often experience social exclusion. Community connections play a key role in people developing reciprocal relationships. It is therefore important to know the barriers to full inclusion. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper builds on an inclusive research project exploring these issues (Mooney et al., 2019) and aims to place that study’s main findings in a broader academic, policy and practice context.

Findings
Whilst there is a wide range of literature about social exclusion, lack of friendships and loneliness experienced by people with a learning disability, there is a gap in knowledge regarding some of the specific social barriers that prevent wider social inclusion, and therefore opportunities to make and keep friends.

Originality/value
This paper relates the findings of an inclusive research project to the current literature. It identifies the social barriers that limit community involvement and draws on the experience of people with a learning disability to find possible ways forward.
A Review of Bomb Pulse Dating and its Use in the Investigation of Unidentified Human Remains
Authors: Johnstone‐Belford Eden Centaine , Blau Soren 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn cases where there is limited antemortem information, the examination of unidentified human remains as part of the investigation of long‐term missing person's cases is a complex endeavor and consequently requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bomb pulse dating, which involves the analysis and interpretation of 14C concentration, is one technique that may assist in these investigations by providing an estimate of year of birth and year of death. This review examines the technique of bomb pulse dating and its use in the identification of differentially preserved unknown human remains. Research and case studies implementing bomb pulse dating have predominantly been undertaken in the Northern Hemisphere and have demonstrated reliable and accurate results. Limitations were, however, identified throughout the literature. These included the small sample sizes used in previous research/case studies which impacted on the statistical significance of the findings, as well as technique‐specific issues. Such limitations highlight the need for future research.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Pacific Southwest City: Maternal and Child Characteristics
Authors: Chambers Christina D. , Coles Claire , Kable Julie , Akshoomoff Natacha , Xu Ronghui , Zellner Jennifer A. , Honerkamp‐Smith Gordon , Manning Melanie A. , Adam Margaret P. , Jones Kenneth Lyons 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundThere are limited data on the characteristics of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their mothers from the general population in the United States.MethodsDuring the 2012 and 2013 academic years, first‐grade children in a large urban Pacific Southwest city were invited to participate in a study to estimate the prevalence of FASD. Children who screened positive on weight, height, or head circumference ≤25th centile or on parental report of developmental concerns were selected for evaluation, along with a random sample of those who screened negative. These children were examined for dysmorphology and neurobehavior and their mothers or collateral sources were interviewed. Children were classified as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS), alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), or No FASD.ResultsA total of 854 children were evaluated; 5 FAS, 44 pFAS, 44 ARND, and 761 No FASD. Children with FAS or pFAS were more likely to have dysmorphic features, and 32/49 (65.3%) of those met criteria for neurobehavioral impairment on cognitive measures with or without behavioral deficits. In contrast, 28/44 (63.6%) of children with ARND met criteria on behavioral measures alone. Mothers of FASD children were more likely to recognize pregnancy later, be unmarried, and report other substance use or psychiatric disorders, but did not differ on age, socioeconomic status, education, or parity. Mothers of FASD children reported more drinks/drinking day each trimester. The risk of FASD was elevated with increasing number of drinks/drinking day prior to pregnancy recognition, even at the level of 1 drink per day (adjusted odds ratio 3.802, 95% confidence interval 1.634, 8.374).ConclusionsData from this general population sample in a large urban region in the United States demonstrate the variability of expression of FASD and point to risk and protective factors for mothers in this setting.