bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population connectivity predicts vulnerability to white-nose syndrome in the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis) - a genomics approach
Authors: Lilley Thomas M. , Sävilammi TM Tiina M. , Ossa Gonzalo , Blomberg Anna S , Vasemägi Anti , Yung Veronica , Vendrami David L.J. , Johnson Joseph S 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTDespite its peculiar distribution, the biology of the southernmost bat species in the world, the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis), has garnered little attention so far. The species has a north-south distribution of c. 2800 km, mostly on the eastern side of the Andes mountain range. Use of extended torpor occurs in the southernmost portion of the range, putting the species at risk of bat white-nose syndrome (WNS), a fungal disease responsible for massive population declines in North American bats. Here, we examined how geographic distance and topology would be reflected in the population structure ofM. chiloensisalong the majority of its range using a double digestion RAD-tag method. We sampled 66 individuals across the species range and discovered pronounced isolation-by-distance. Furthermore, and surprisingly, we found higher degrees of heterozygosity in the southernmost populations compared to the north. A coalescence analysis revealed that our populations may still not have reached secondary contact after the Last Glacial Maximum. As for the potential spread of pathogens, such as the fungus causing WNS, connectivity among populations was noticeably low, especially between the southern hibernatory populations in the Magallanes and Tierra del Fuego, and more northerly populations. This suggests the probability of geographic spread of the disease from the north through bat-to-bat contact to susceptible populations is low. The study presents a rare case of defined population structure in a bat species and warrants further research on the underlying factors contributing to this.
Comparison among the first representative chloroplast genomes ofOrontium, Lasia, Zamioculcas, andStylochaetonof the plant family Araceae: inverted repeat dynamics are not linked to phylogenetic signaling
Authors: Abdullah  , Henriquez Claudia L. , Mehmood Furrukh , Shahzadi Iram , Ali Zain , Waheed Mohammad Tahir , Croat Thomas B. , Poczai Peter , Ahmed Ibrar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe chloroplast genome provides insight into the evolution of plant species. Wede novoassembled and annotated chloroplast genomes of the first representatives of four genera representing three subfamilies:Lasia spinosa(Lasioideae),Stylochaeton bogneri, Zamioculcas zamiifolia(Zamioculcadoideae), andOrontium aquaticum(Orontioideae), and performed comparative genomics using the plastomes. The size of the chloroplast genomes ranged from 163,770–169,982 bp. These genomes comprise 114 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding, 4 rRNA, and 30 tRNA genes. These genomes exhibited high similarities in codon usage, amino acid frequency, RNA editing sites, and microsatellites. The junctions JSB (IRb/SSC) and JSA (SSC/IRa) are highly variable, as is oligonucleotide repeats content among the genomes. The patterns of inverted repeats contraction and expansion were shown to be homoplasious and therefore unsuitable for phylogenetic analyses. Signatures of positive selection were shown for several genes inS. bogneri. This study is a valuable addition to the evolutionary history of chloroplast genome structure in Araceae.
Structural basis for the binding of SNAREs to the multisubunit tethering complex Dsl1
Authors: Travis Sophie M. , DAmico Kevin , Yu I-Mei , Hamid Safraz , Ramirez-Arellano Gabriel , Jeffrey Philip D. , Hughson Frederick M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMultisubunit tethering complexes (MTCs) are large (250 to >750 kDa), conserved macromolecular machines that are essential for SNARE-mediated membrane fusion in all eukaryotes. MTCs are thought to function as organizers of membrane trafficking, mediating the initial, long-range interaction between a vesicle and its target membrane and promoting the formation of membrane-bridging SNARE complexes. Previously, we reported the structure of the Dsl1 complex, the simplest known MTC, which is essential for COPI-mediated transport from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This structure suggested how the Dsl1 complex might function to tether a vesicle to its target membrane by binding at one end to the COPI coat and at the other end to ER SNAREs. Here, we use x-ray crystallography to investigate these Dsl1-SNARE interactions in greater detail. The Dsl1 complex comprises three subunits that together form a two-legged structure with a central hinge. Our results show that distal regions of each leg bind N-terminal Habc domains of the ER SNAREs Sec20 (a Qb-SNARE) and Use1 (a Qc-SNARE). The observed binding modes appear to anchor the Dsl1 complex to the ER target membrane while simultaneously ensuring that both SNAREs are in open conformations with their SNARE motifs available for assembly. The proximity of the two SNARE motifs, and therefore their ability to enter the same SNARE complex, depends on the relative orientation of the two Dsl1 legs.
The histone deacetylase complex MiDAC regulates a neurodevelopmental gene expression program
Authors: Mondal Baisakhi , Jin Hongjian , Kallappagoudar Satish , Sedkov Yurii , Martinez Tanner , Sentmanat Monica F. , Li Chunliang , Fan Yiping , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Herz Hans-Martin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMiDAC is a recently identified histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex. While other HDAC complexes have been implicated in neurogenesis, the physiological role of MiDAC remains unknown. Here, we show that MiDAC constitutes an important regulator of neural differentiation. We demonstrate that MiDAC functions as a modulator of a neurodevelopmental gene expression program and binds to important regulators of neurite outgrowth. On the one hand, MiDAC upregulates gene expression by mediating the removal of H4K20ac on the promoters and enhancers of pro-neural genes such as those encoding the secreted ligands SLIT3 and NETRIN1 (NTN1). Conversely, MiDAC inhibits gene expression by reducing H3K27ac on promoter-proximal and -distal elements of negative regulators of neurogenesis. Furthermore, loss of MiDAC results in neurite outgrowth defects that can be rescued by supplementation with SLIT3 and/or NTN1. These findings indicate a crucial role for MiDAC in regulating the ligands of the SLIT3 and NTN1 signaling axes to ensure the proper integrity of neurite development.
Separating measurement and expression models clarifies confusion in single-cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Sarkar Abhishek , Stephens Matthew 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe high proportion of zeros in typical scRNA-seq datasets has led to widespread but inconsistent use of terminology such as “dropout” and “missing data”. Here, we argue that much of this terminology is unhelpful and confusing, and outline simple ideas to help reduce confusion. These include: (1) observed scRNA-seq counts reflect both true gene expression levels and measurement error, and carefully distinguishing these contributions helps clarify thinking; and (2) method development should start with a Poisson measurement model, rather than more complex models, because it is simple and generally consistent with existing data. We outline how several existing methods can be viewed within this framework and highlight how these methods differ in their assumptions about expression variation. We also illustrate how our perspective helps address questions of biological interest, such as whether mRNA expression levels are multimodal among cells.
Connecting BCG Vaccination and COVID-19: Additional Data
Authors: Dayal Devi , Gupta Saniya 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe reasons for a wide variation in severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the affected countries of the world are not known. Two recent studies have suggested a link between the BCG vaccination policy and the morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. In the present study we compared the impact of COVID-19 in terms of case fatality rates (CFR) between countries with high disease burden and those with BCG revaccination policies presuming that revaccination practices would have provided added protection to the population against severe COVID-19. We found a significant difference in the CFR between the two groups of countries. Our data further supports the view that universal BCG vaccination has a protective effect on the course of COVID-19 probably preventing progression to severe disease and death. Clinical trials of BCG vaccine are urgently needed to establish its beneficial role in COVID-19 as suggested by the epidemiological data, especially in countries without a universal BCG vaccination policy.
Bimodal Whole-Mount Imaging Of Tendon Using Confocal Microscopy And X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography
Authors: Marr Neil , Hopkinson Mark , Hibbert Andrew P. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Thorpe Chavaunne T. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND3-dimensional imaging modalities for optically dense connective tissues such as tendons are limited and typically have a single imaging methodological endpoint. Here, we have developed a bimodal procedure that utilises fluorescence-based confocal microscopy and x-ray micro-computed tomography for the imaging of adult tendons to visualise and analyse extracellular sub-structure and cellular composition in small and large animal species.RESULTSUsing fluorescent immunolabelling and optical clearing, we visualised the expression of the basement membrane protein laminin-α4 in 3D throughout whole rat Achilles tendons and equine superficial digital flexor tendon 5 mm segments. This revealed a complex network of laminin-α4 within the tendon core that predominantly localises to the interfascicular matrix compartment. Furthermore, we implemented a chemical drying process capable of creating contrast densities enabling visualisation and quantification of both fascicular and interfascicular matrix volume and thickness by x-ray micro-computed tomography. We also demonstrated that both modalities can be combined using reverse clarification of fluorescently labelled tissues prior to chemical drying to enable bimodal imaging of a single sample.CONCLUSIONSWhole-mount imaging of tendon allowed us to identify the presence of an extensive network of laminin-α4 within tendon, the complexity of which cannot be appreciated using traditional 2D imaging techniques. Creating contrast for x-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of tendon using chemical drying is not only simple and rapid, but also markedly improves on previously published methods. Combining these methods provides the ability to gain spatio-temporal information and quantify tendon substructures to elucidate the relationship between morphology and function.
Do United States accountants' personal values match the profession's values (ethics code)?
Authors: Ariail Donald L. , Smith Katherine Taken , Smith L. Murphy 
Published: April 2020

PurposeCongruence of personal values to organizational (the profession) values affects job performance, job satisfaction and ethical behavior. The purpose of this paper is to answer two research questions: (1) what are the personal ethical values of today's leaders in the US accounting profession and (2) are these personal ethical values congruent with the profession's ethical code?Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a survey approach to determine the personal values of US-certified public accounting leaders. The personal values of the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) leaders were measured using the Rokeach Value Survey instrument.FindingsFindings show that for each highly prioritized personal value, there is one or more parallel with the profession's values, as represented by the US American Institute of CPAs ethics code.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited by the time period used. Future studies could include other time periods. This study could be used as a starting point for longitudinal studies to determine if personal values of professional accountants change over time.Practical implicationsThis paper offers a fresh understanding of the relationship of accountants' personal values to professional values.Social implicationsThis paper provides insights into the person–organization (P–O) fit of US accountants within their profession.Originality/valueThis paper examines the P–O fit of accounting leaders, that is, the congruence of personal values and organizational values. The P–O fit contributes to job performance and job satisfaction.
Profiting from (not too many) package designs: evidence from a firm-level design registration analysis in the food manufacturing industry
Authors: Miyanoshita Tomofumi , Yoshioka-Kobayashi Tohru , Kanama Daisuke 
Published: April 2020

PurposeResearchers have pointed out that product packaging in the food industry has a significant influence on consumer decision-making. However, the impact of package development on firm performance has not been investigated due to the limited availability of analyses on package design. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between package development and firm performance in the Japanese food manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically analyzed the relationship between package development and firm performance in the Japanese food manufacturing industry by using design patents data.FindingsAs a result of multiple regression analysis, it became clear that the number of design patents related to packaging is significantly linked to the operating profit ratio, growth rate of sales and increase in operating profits of firms. Moreover, the results show inverseU-shaped effects between design patents and firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply the importance of effective package design management.Originality/valueThis study provides novel insight on both marketing strategy and intellectual property management in the food industry, and it also provides a new method for empirical analysis using design patent data.
The importance of digital literacy on the labour market
Authors: Bejaković Predrag , Mrnjavac Željko 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between digital skills and employment and in this way accentuate importance of policy interventions for improving digital literacy.Design/methodology/approachUsing Eurostat data, this paper demonstrates statistically significant correlation between digital skills and employment rates in EU.FindingsThis implies why it is so important for governments and employers to seek, propose and implement new strategies to promote digital inclusion, literacy and the training not only for new ICT professionals but also for the whole workforce.Social implicationsDigital skills, particularly digital literacy, are an important factor for socio-economic development of the society and employability of the labour force. Without adequate digital literacy, it is not possible to participate in the economy and the digital society, particularly having in mind the digital transformation that the world of work is experiencing in the content and the organisation. Beyond the work environment, it also affects the way people live and communicate.Originality/valueIn this paper, the importance and definition of digital literacy are elaborated, explaining the measurement of digital literacy and skills, as well as the relation between digital literacy and employability.
Talent management and organizational commitment: the partial mediating role of pay satisfaction
Authors: Luna-Arocas Roberto , Danvila-Del Valle Ignacio , Lara Francisco J. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to better understand the role of pay satisfaction and employee perception of talent management in business loyalty strategies, which implies considering both economic and non-economic variables in order to achieve organizational success.Design/methodology/approachResults from a survey of 198 workers were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) based on three constructs (confirmatory factor analysis, CFA). The scales used were: employee perception of talent management, pay satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Pay satisfaction acts as a mediating variable in the significant relationship between the perception of talent management and organizational commitment.FindingsThe partial mediating model hypothesised was supported by the SEM model, indicating that loyalty strategies require both good talent management and a good compensation system.Research limitations/implicationsThe article promotes the use of mediating variables as an explanation to better understand the strategies of loyalty in the management of talent, framed within the model of the resource-based view (RBV) theory.Practical implicationsThe implications are important for practitioners, who normally put every effort into strategies related to economic reinforcement, since the model suggests that they should also strive to correctly apply talent management.Social implicationsThe study suggests the need to understand better retributive systems with an application of talent management based on improvement and professional development.Originality/valueThe originality lies in the article stating that the application of good talent management must be complemented with adequate compensation systems in order to achieve efficient retention strategies for talented employees.
Parametric optimization of EDD using RSM-Grey-TLBO-based MCDM approach for commercially pure titanium
Authors: Sharma Neeraj , Ahuja Neeraj , Goyal Rachin , Rohilla Vinod 
Published: April 2020

PurposeElectric discharge drilling (EDD) is used to drill quality microholes on any conductive materials. EDD process parameters play a crucial role in the drilling. Depending upon the material characteristics, the cost of drilling also changes. Therefore, a suitable method is required to control the process parameters and drill quality microholes.Design/methodology/approachThe input process parameters in the present work are peak current (Ip), pulse on-time (Ton) and pulse off-time (Toff). The trials were intended in accordance to central composite face-centered design of response surface methodology (RSM). The output responses, namely drilling rate (DR) and electrode wear ratio (EWR), were converted into a single response, that is, grade using Grey relational analysis (GRA). The grade value is further modeled by regression analysis. The empirical model was figured out using teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO). The RSM-Grey-TLBO-based multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) is used to investigate the optimized process parameter setting.FindingsThe RSM-Grey-TLBO-based MCDM approach suggests that the optimized setting for DR and EWR is Ip: 3A; Ton: 40 µs; Toff: 42 µs. The percentage errors for the predicted and experimental results are 8.1 and 7.5% in DR and EWR, respectively.Originality/valueThe parametric optimization of EDD using RSM-Grey-TLBO-based MCDM approach while machining commercially pure titanium is still underway. Thus, this MCDM approach will give a path to the researchers working in this direction.
Mental fitness in higher education: Intervention Mapping programme design
Authors: O' Brien Niamh , Lawlor Martin , Chambers Fiona , O'Brien Wesley 
Published: April 2020

PurposeHigher Education Institutions observe that many students are experiencing mental health issues, such as high levels of anxiety and stress. Young adults are recognised as a vulnerable group who carry the burden of mental health problems worldwide. Mental health interventions can be effective in positively influencing students' emotional and behavioural wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachIn the current study, the principles of Intervention Mapping (IM) were applied to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of a specifically tailored mental health programme for a selected student cohort in a large Higher Education Institute in Ireland. Mixed qualitative (Delphi technique and focus group discussions) and quantitative (survey) data were gathered to gain a broad perspective of mental health concerns and learning needs among a sample of higher education students (n = 99).FindingsExisting evidence guided by theoretical frameworks were blended to create a specifically tailored mental health programme to meet the needs of higher education students in Ireland. Results indicate that the established six-stages of IM provide an empirical process that has the potential to effectively respond to the mental health needs of students in higher education. IM identifies the priority needs of students in higher education and ensures that suitable behaviour change techniques for mental health are addressed. 10;Originality/valueIM is a suitable method to critically and collaboratively develop a mental health intervention for the overall wellbeing of the general higher education student population, both nationally and globally. 10;
“#Australia in the morning, #Thailand by midday, #America in the afternoon”
Authors: Ellmer Markus , Reichel Astrid , Naderer Sebastian T. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to generate insights into how multinational companies (MNCs) promote global mobility in their Employer Branding (EB) messages on Facebook.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyzed 13.340 EB messages found on the Facebook career pages of 30 major MNCs (10 of each in the US, UK and Germany) drawing on a methodological approach combining Grounded Theory and text-mining.FindingsBuilding on the perspective of psychological contracts as sensitizing concept, the analysis of the overall sample reveals a range of core themes in EB messages across all MNCs studied. With regards to global mobility, MNCs emphasize relational, i.e. socio-emotional, contents, particularly, highlighting opportunities of experience and personal development. While global mobility is an overall marginal theme, German MNCs extensively promote global mobility, whereas US- and UK-based MNCs do not explicitly make it a subject of their messages. The findings are discussed in the light of institutional theory.Originality/valueDespite mega-trend, little is known about social media EB, especially when it comes to the contents that MNCs communicate to (potential) employees. Applying an innovative methodological approach, the authors offer insights into these contents. Discussing the findings in the light of institutional theory, it is concluded that promoting global mobility in socio-emotional terms seems of high importance to reduce uncertainties associated with living and working abroad. This might help firms to hire internationally mobile employees, especially in countries where job mobility is generally low.