bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Functional Polymorphisms Affecting Maize Plant Height by Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) allows Novel Temporal Phenotypes
Authors: Adak Alper , Murray Seth C. , Conrad Clarissa , Chen Yuanyuan , Anderson Steven , Subramanian Nithya , Wilde Scott 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPlant height (PHT) in maize (Zea maysL.) has been scrutinized genetically and phenotypically due to relationship with other agronomically valuable traits (e.g. yield). Heritable variation of PHT is determined by many discovered quantitative trait loci (QTLs); however, phenotypic effects of such loci often lack validation across environments and genetic backgrounds, especially in the hybrid state grown by farmers rather than the inbred state preferred by geneticists. A previous genome wide association study using a hybrid diversity panel identified two novel quantitative trait variants (QTVs) controlling both PHT and grain yield. Here, heterogeneous inbred families demonstrated that these two loci, characterized by two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), cause phenotypic variation in inbred lines, but that size of these effects were variable across four different genetic backgrounds, ranging from 1 to 10 cm. Weekly unoccupied aerial system flights demonstrated both SNPs had larger effects, varying from 10 to 25 cm, in early growth while SNPs effects decreased towards the end of the season. These results show that allelic effect sizes of economically valuable loci are both dynamic in temporal growth and dynamic across genetic backgrounds resulting in informative phenotypic variability overlooked following traditional phenotyping methods. Public genotyping data shows recent favorably selection in elite temperate germplasm with little change across tropical backgrounds. As these loci remain rare in tropical germplasm, with effects most visible early in growth, they are useful for breeding and selection to expand the genetic basis of maize.
Immune Lag Is a Major Cost of Prokaryotic Adaptive Immunity During Viral Outbreaks
Authors: Weissman Jake L. , Alseth Ellinor O. , Meaden Sean , Westra Edze R. , Fuhrman Jed A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems enable bacteria and archaea to efficiently respond to viral pathogens by creating a genomic record of previous encounters. These systems are broadly distributed across prokaryotic taxa, yet are surprisingly absent in a majority of organisms, suggesting that the benefits of adaptive immunity frequently do not outweigh the costs. Here, combining experiments and models, we show that a delayed immune response which allows viruses to transiently redirect cellular resources to reproduction, which we call “immune lag”, is extremely costly during viral outbreaks, even to completely immune hosts. Critically, the costs of lag are only revealed by examining the early, transient dynamics of a host-virus system occurring immediately after viral challenge. Lag is a basic parameter of microbial defense, relevant to all intracellular, post-infection antiviral defense systems, that has to-date been largely ignored by theoretical and experimental treatments of host-phage systems.
Cardiolipin targets a dynamin related protein to the nuclear membrane
Authors: Kar Usha Pallabi , Dey Himani , Rahaman Abdur 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTDynamins are large cytoplasmic GTPases that are targeted to specific cellular membranes which they remodel via membrane fusion or fission. Although the mechanism of target membrane selection by dynamins has been studied, the molecular basis of conferring specificity to bind specific lipids on the target membranes is not known in any of the family members. Here, we report a mechanism of nuclear membrane recruitment of Drp6 that is involved in nuclear remodeling inTetrahymena thermophila. Recruitment of Drp6 depends on a domain that binds to cardiolipin-rich bilayers. Consistent with this, the nuclear localization of wildtype Drp6 was inhibited by depleting cardiolipin in the cell. Cardiolipin binding was blocked with a single amino acid substitution (I553M) in the membrane-binding domain of Drp6. Importantly, the I553M substitution was sufficient to block nuclear localization without affecting other properties of Drp6. Consistent with this result, co-expression of wildtype Drp6 was sufficient to rescue the localization defect of I553M variant inTetrahymena. Inhibition of cardiolipin synthesis or perturbation in Drp6 recruitment to nuclear membrane caused defects in the formation of new macronuclei post-conjugation. Taken together, our results elucidate a molecular basis of target membrane selection by a nuclear dynamin, and establish the importance of a defined membrane-binding domain and its target lipid in facilitating nuclear expansion.
The discriminator sequence is a primary determinant in the supercoiling response of bacterial promoters
Authors: Forquet Raphaël , Pineau Maïwenn , Nasser William , Reverchon Sylvie , Meyer Sam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDNA supercoiling acts as a global transcriptional regulator, which contributes to the rapid transcriptional response of bacteria to many environmental changes. Although a large fraction of promoters from distant species respond to superhelical variations, the sequence or structural determinants of this behaviour remain elusive. Here, we propose the sequence of the “discriminator” element located downstream of the −10 hexamer to play an important role in this response, by modulating the facility of open-complex formation during transcription initiation. We develop a quantitative model of this regulatory mechanism relying on known parameters of DNA thermodynamics, and show that its predictions quantitatively match thein vitroandin vivosupercoiling response of stable RNA promoters previously measured, as well as thein vivoresponse of selected mRNA promoters with mutated discriminator sequences. We then test the universality of this mechanism by statistical analysis of promoter sequences in transcriptomes of phylogenetically distant bacteria under conditions of supercoiling variations, (1) by gyrase inhibitors, (2) by environmental stresses, (3) inherited in the longest-running evolution experiment. In all cases, we identify a robust and significant sequence signature in the discriminator region, suggesting that promoter opening underpins an ubiquitous regulatory mechanism in the prokaryotic kingdom, based on the fundamental mechanical properties of DNA.
An information-theoretic approach to single cell sequencing analysis
Authors: Casey Michael J. , Fliege Jörg , Sánchez-García Rubén J. , MacArthur Ben D. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTSingle-cell sequencing (sc-Seq) experiments are producing increasingly large data sets. However, large data sets do not necessarily contain large amounts of information. Here, we formally quantify the information obtained from a sc-Seq experiment and show that it corresponds to an intuitive notion of gene expression heterogeneity. We demonstrate a natural relation between our notion of heterogeneity and that of cell type, decomposing heterogeneity into that component attributable to differential expression between cell types (inter-cluster heterogeneity) and that remaining (intra-cluster heterogeneity). We test our definition of heterogeneity as the objective function of a clustering algorithm, and show that it is a useful descriptor for gene expression patterns associated with different cell types. Thus, our definition of gene heterogeneity leads to a biologically meaningful notion of cell type, as groups of cells that are statistically equivalent with respect to their patterns of gene expression. Our measure of heterogeneity, and its decomposition into inter- and intra-cluster, is non-parametric, intrinsic, unbiased, and requires no additional assumptions about expression patterns.
The role of servitization in the capabilities – performance path
Authors: Manresa Alba , Prester Jasna , Bikfalvi Andrea 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
Firms innovate and sophisticate their offerings to remain competitive. This sophistication often finds opportunities in servitization. Given that many customers expect the service offering from manufacturing companies, it is crucial to research what capabilities drive service offerings and their impact on performance. The purpose of this paper is to test the capabilities–service–performance chain.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model is proposed and the research hypothesis is tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) performed on a data set corresponding to 205 Spanish and Croatian manufacturing firms.

Findings
Using SEM, this research analyses the causal model between manufacturing, organizational and digital capabilities on base, intermediate and advanced services, and their impact on both service and financial performance.

Research limitations/implications
This study has some limitations: the advanced service construct was mostly developed on case-based research. Some constructs have low convergent validity and reliability. The relative smallness of the data set used and its two-country provenance could raise issues about the international nature and generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications
Digital capabilities are important for the provision of all three groups of services in terms of using digital devices in data acquisition, helping to make the manufacturing company more agile.

Originality/value
The present study also contributes to the conceptual framework of servitization by providing a new and more up-to-date definition of capabilities and services, also considering digital capabilities, which are less explored. It also contributes to being the first to explore the entire manufacturing sector [nomenclature statistique des activités and économiques dans la Communauté éuropéenne (NACE) 10–31].
Transformation of social housing kitchens over time: Nicosia Göçmenköy social houses as a case study
Authors: Inançoğlu Selda , Uzunoglu Semra Sema 
Published: October 2020

PurposeIn this study, it was aimed to determine the changes made by users in kitchens of social housing units of Nicosia Göçmenköy and to determine the user satisfaction with a questionnaire survey.Design/methodology/approachThis study was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the renovations in the residential kitchens were determined by on-site observation. Revisions in the kitchens compared to the standard kitchen are expressed by drawings. In the second stage, 49 people who lived in these dwellings and accepted to participate were asked questions to determine the satisfaction levels of the users of existing kitchens through a questionnaire.FindingsAs a result of on-site observations, it was seen that changes and enlargements in kitchen spaces did not add value to the spaces in terms of function in many examples, but rather they made a negative impact on the kitchen activities. It is also a fact that random and optional additions and enlargements cause the creation of architecturally useless areas and extended circulation areas instead of the expected benefits. According to the results of the questionnaire survey, it was determined that the users of the kitchens who renovated their kitchens were very satisfied with the current kitchens.Originality/valueWhen the recent studies in world literature are examined, it can be seen that research on kitchen spaces is not so much. There is no detailed study on the transformation of social housing kitchens in Cyprus so far. This study aims to determine the transformations in Göçmenköy social housing kitchens, which are the first social residences built by the state in the Nicosia Göçmenköy region. Since the studies on social housing kitchens are very limited, this study is very valuable in terms of shedding light on future researches.
Stock prices and macroeconomic information in Ghana: speed of adjustment and bi-causality analysis
Authors: Queku Isaac Cliford , Gyedu Seth , Carsamer Emmanuel 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate the causal relationships and speed of adjustment of stock prices to changes in macroeconomic information (MEI) in Ghana from 1996 to 2018 using monthly data. The paper seeks to conduct the investigation at individual MEI level rather than the composite MEI.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative approach was used in this paper. Monthly data span of 1996–2018 was used. The delay and half-life technique was used to determine the speed with which the information resulting from the changes in the macroeconomic are evident in the stock price. Thereafter, Toda–Yamamoto Granger no-causality approach was used to examine the causal relationship amongst variables.FindingsThe paper revealed that although the market adjustment to MEI has improved, the speed is till slow. The exchange rate exhibited the slowest speed in respect of the market reaction while the market reaction to money supply was the fastest. Toda–Yamamoto Granger no-causality estimation also revealed a bi-directional causality between MEI (gross domestic product, interest rate and money supply) and stock price and uni-directional relationship flowing from MEI (the exchange rate and foreign direct investment) to stock price. The paper also found no causality between inflation and stock price.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings although revealed improved level of market efficiency in comparison with the earlier data, the speed of adjustment is still undesirable. Rigorous approach should be adopted for the implementation of major reforms such as alternative market so as to increase the number of share listing and to increase the scope of investors' participation to enhancing trading volume and marketability and ultimately speed up information diffusion.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the low level of information processing rate of Ghana Stock Exchange (averagely more than a month) is that astute investors and market analysts could employ MEI to outperform the market prior to their infusion onto the stock market.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies in the Ghanaian literature that has extended the investigation of the speed of adjustment beyond composite or aggregate macroeconomic level estimation to estimation at individual variable level. This contribution is very relevant since each macroeconomic variable has unique characteristics and require specific policy framework, it is important to consider the speed of adjustment from the perspective of each of the individual variables.
Technological affordance discovery in enterprise social media success
Authors: Ng Keng Hong , Yee Rachel W.Y. 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to build on affordance theory from a discovery perspective, to illustrate how motivations and goals behind enterprise social media adoption by companies in the fashion and apparel industries are discovered and realized in performance. Enterprise social media and its exogenous technological affordances are introduced as action opportunities in an organization during implementation, to be discovered and acted upon by users to effect various performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach was adopted. Data was collected on five fashion companies that have implemented enterprise social media for their internal communication.FindingsThe findings show that fashion companies adopt enterprise social media offered by external vendors to actively seek more effective internal communication and collaboration among their employees. However, fashion companies embark on different pathways of discovering and actualizing the affordances from the newly implemented enterprise social media. As a result, these firms achieved various kinds of performance benefits, which range from improved customer loyalty to enhanced innovation performance.Originality/valueThis study is the first to introduce a discovery perspective to affordance theory and systematically document the success of enterprise social media appropriation by companies in the fashion and apparel industries.
Overwhelmed and powerless: staff perspectives on mother – infant separations in English prisons
Authors: Powell Claire , Ciclitira Karen , Marzano Lisa 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
Imprisoned mothers are at increased risk for poor psychological health and psychological distress when separated from their children, so staff need to be highly skilled to support the women. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on staff experiences around sensitive issues such as mother–child separation. This study aims to understand the challenges faced by staff and how these might be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative interview study explored the views and experiences of 24 prison-based staff in England working with female prisoners separated from their infants.

Findings
Staff emphasised the challenges of working with separated mothers, specifically the emotional impact of this work, and the impact of the wider criminal justice system on their sense of agency.

Originality/value
A focus on the experience of separation highlights the broader problem of incarcerating women in general. Reducing the number of mother–child separations would mitigate the impact on both women and staff.
Does government expenditure reduce unemployment in Egypt?
Authors: Abouelfarag Hanan AbdelKhalik , Qutb Rasha 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis research seeks to empirically examine the impact of government expenditure on the unemployment rate in Egypt during the period of 1980–2017. In addition, it examines whether the distinction between discretionary and nondiscretionary items of government expenditure have a different effect on unemployment.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs the Johansen cointegration test to ensure the long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables, then the vector error correction model (VECM) to explore the dynamic short and long-run effects.FindingsThe empirical results of this research reveal that increasing government expenditure causes an increase in the unemployment rate in the long-run. Both discretionary expenditures and nondiscretionary expenditures increase the growth of unemployment by approximately the same coefficient. The worsening impact of discretionary expenditures on unemployment is highly attributed to the compensation of employees and the government subsidies. Investment expenditure has an insignificant effect because of its minor percentage in government expenses.Practical implicationsRedirecting the unnecessary expenditures toward labor-intensive public investments is recommended, in addition to reducing domestic and foreign debts. The government has to work hard to increase the economic growth rate, as it has a vital role in reducing unemployment.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first attempts to analyze the effect of government expenditure on the unemployment rate in Egypt. Moreover, this research distinguishes between the effects related to discretionary and nondiscretionary items of government expenditure.
For better or for worse? Handling the side effects of organizational change on workplace discrimination
Authors: Palumbo Rocco , Manna Rosalba 
Published: October 2020

PurposeOrganizational change (OC) triggers uncertainty and ambiguity, which have side effects for individual and groups. Even though scholars and practitioners have generally conceived OC as a remedy for workplace discrimination (WD), it may determine opportunistic behaviors, which increase the risks of discrimination at work. The article discusses the direct and indirect effects of OC on WD, investigating the moderating role of organizational meaningfulness (OM) and employees' involvement (EI).Design/methodology/approachSecondary data were collected from the Eurofound's European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS). The sample included 33,024 European employees. A double moderation analysis based on the bootstrapping method was designed to collect evidence on the direct effects of OC on WD and on the indirect effects moderated by OM and EI.FindingsOC was found to generate greater discrimination at work. People who were not informed about change and those who were not allowed to express their opinion about change were more likely to report discrimination. OM and EI performed as significant moderators of the side effects of OC on WD.Practical implicationsRestructurings and reorganizations are tricky processes. The uncertainty and ambiguity produced by OC might negatively affect interpersonal relationships at work and organizational practices, paving the way for overt and/or explicit discrimination. The construction of clear and shared senses around change is crucial to curb the drawbacks of organizational transitions on workplace discrimination. EI is essential to improve organizational sensemaking of change processes and to establish a positive organizational climate, which prevent the occurrence of WD.Originality/valueLiterature has overlooked the negative implications of OC on WD. The study findings emphasize that organizational transitions may trigger discrimination, creating greater uncertainty and ambiguity in the workplace. OM and EI allow overcoming ambiguity and increase the employees' ability to deal with uncertainty, addressing the side effects of OC on WD.
Understanding the customer experience with smart services
Authors: Gonçalves Luisa , Patrício Lia , Grenha Teixeira Jorge , Wünderlich Nancy V. 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis article provides an in-depth understanding of customer experience with smart services, examines customer perceptual responses to smart and connected service environments and enriches this understanding by outlining how contextual factors (in terms of goals, activities, actors and artifacts) influence the customer experience.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a qualitative approach in order to understand customer experience in the smart energy service setting. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 31 participants forming three groups of energy service customers: advanced smart energy (ASE) customers, electric mobility (EM) customers and high-consumption (HC) customers.FindingsThe findings show that customer experience with smart services involves a multidimensional set of perceptual responses, comprising specific smart service dimensions (e.g. controllability, visibility, autonomy); relationship dimensions (relationships with the service provider and with the community); and traditional technology-enabled service dimensions (e.g. ease of use, accessibility). The analysis of contextual factors such as goals, activities, actors and artifacts shows that smart services enable a more autonomous experience, wherein customers can integrate a myriad of actors and artifacts and expect the main service provider to support them in taking the lead.Originality/valueSmart technologies have profoundly changed the service environment, but research on customer experience with smart services is scarce. This study characterizes smart services, provides an in-depth understanding of customer experience in this new context, and discusses relevant implications for management and service research.