bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical epidemiology of congenital heart diseases in dogs: prevalence, popularity and volatility throughout twenty years of clinical practice
Authors: Brambilla PG , Polli M , Pradelli D , Papa M , Rizzi R , Bagardi M , Bussadori C 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe epidemiology of Congenital Heart Diseases (CHDs) has changed over the past twenty years.We evaluated the prevalence of CHDs in the population of dogs recruited in a single referral center (RC); compared the epidemiological features of CHDs in screened breeds (Boxers) versus nonscreened (French and English Bulldogs and German Shepherds), investigated the association of breeds with the prevalence of CHDs, determined the popularity and volatility of breeds over a 20-year period; and analysed the trends of the most popular breeds in the overall population of new-born dogs registered in the Italian Kennel Club from 1st January 1997 to 31st December 2017.This was a retrospective observational study, the cardiological database of the RC was analysed, and 1,779 clinical records fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Descriptive statistics and frequencies regarding the most representative breeds and CHDs were generated. A logistic regression model was used to analyse the trends of the most common CHDs found in single breeds (French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Boxer, and German Shepherd), and in groups of breeds (brachycephalic breeds and the most represented large breeds). The relationships between the breed popularity and the presence of CHDs was studied.The most common CHDs were Pulmonic Stenosis (34,1%), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (26,4%), Subaortic Stenosis (14,6%), Ventricular Septal Defect (4,8%), Aortic Stenosis (4,7%), Tricuspid Dysplasia (3,4%), Atrial Septal Defect (1,9%), Double Chamber Right ventricle (1,8%), Mitral Dysplasia (1,6%), and reverse Patent Ductus Arteriosus (0,7%). The most represented pure breeds were Boxer (19,4%), German Shepherd (9,4%), French Bulldog (6,2%), English Bulldog (4,9%), Maltese (3,7%), Newfoundland (3,1%), Rottweiler (3,1%), Golden Retriever (3,0%), Chihuahua (2,8%), Poodle (2,5%), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (2,2%), American Staffordshire Terrier (2,1%), Labrador Retriever (2,3%), Dobermann (2,1%), Miniature Pinscher (2,0%), Cocker Spaniel (2,0%), Yorkshire Terrier (1,7%), Dogue de Bordeaux (1,6%), Dachshund (1,6%), and Bull Terrier (1,5%). Chihuahuas, American Staffordshire Terriers, Border Collies, French Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel were the most appreciated small and medium breeds, all of which showed a high value of volatility.In conclusion, this study found evidence for the value of the screening program implemented in Boxers, which decreased the prevalence of Subaortic Stenosis and Pulmonic Stenosis. However, fashions and trends influence dog owners’ choices more than the worries of health problems frequently found in a breed. Effective breeding programs are needed in order to control the diffusion of CHDs without impoverishing the genetic pool; in addition, dog owners should be educated, and the breeders supported by a network of veterinary cardiology centers.
Use of relevancy and complementary information for discriminatory gene selection from high-dimensional cancer data
Authors: Haque Md Nazmul , Sharmin Sadia , Ali Amin Ahsan , Sajib Abu Ashfaqur , Shoyaib Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWith the advent of high-throughput technologies, life sciences are generating a huge amount of biomolecular data. Global gene expression profiles provide a snapshot of all the genes that are transcribed or not in a cell or in a tissue at a particular moment under a particular condition. The high-dimensionality of such gene expression data (i.e., very large number of features/genes analyzed in relatively much less number of samples) makes it difficult to identify the key genes (biomarkers) that are truly and more significantly attributing to a particular phenotype or condition, such as cancer or disease,de novo. With the increase in the number of genes, simple feature selection methods show poor performance for both selecting the effective and informative features and capturing biological information. Addressing these issues, here we propose Mutual information based Gene Selection method (MGS) for selecting informative genes and two ranking methods based on frequency (MGSf) and Random Forest (MGSrf) for ranking the selected genes. We tested our methods on four real gene expression datasets derived from different studies on cancerous and normal samples. Our methods obtained better classification rate with the datasets compared to recently reported methods. Our methods could also detect the key relevant pathways with a causal relationship to the phenotype.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaisolates co-incubated withAcanthamoeba castellaniiexhibit phenotypes similar to chronic cystic fibrosis isolates
Authors: Leong Wai , Lutz Carla , Williams Jonathan , Poh Yan Hong , Yee Benny Yeo Ken , Chua Cliff , Rice Scott A. , Givskov Michael , Sanderson-Smith Martina , McDougald Diane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe opportunistic pathogen,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is ubiquitous in the environment, and in humans is capable of causing acute and chronic infections.P. aeruginosa, when co-incubated with the bacterivorous amoeba,Acanthamoeba castellanii, for extended periods, produced genetic and phenotypic variants. Sequencing of late-stage amoeba-adaptedP. aeruginosaisolates demonstrated single nucleotide polymorphisms within genes that encode known virulence factors, and this correlated with a reduction in expression of virulence traits. Virulence towards the nematode,Caenorhabditis elegans, was attenuated in late-stage amoeba-adaptedP. aeruginosacompared to early stage amoeba-adapted and non-adapted counterparts. Late-stage amoeba-adaptedP. aeruginosalost competitive fitness compared to non-adapted counterparts when grown in nutrient rich media. However, non-adaptedP. aeruginosawere rapidly cleared by amoeba predation, whereas late-stage amoeba-adapted isolates remained in higher numbers 24 h after ingestion by amoeba. In addition, there was reduced uptake by macrophage of amoeba-adapted isolates and reduced uptake by human neutrophils as well as increased survival in the presence of neutrophils. Our findings indicate that the selection imposed by amoeba onP. aeruginosaresulted in reduced virulence over time. Importantly, the genetic and phenotypic traits possessed by late-stage amoeba-adaptedP. aeruginosaare similar to what is observed for isolates obtained from chronic cystic fibrosis infections. This notable overlap in adaptation to different host types suggests similar selection pressures among host cell types.Author SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that causes both acute infections in plants and animals, including humans and also causes chronic infections in immune compromised and cystic fibrosis patients. This bacterium is commonly found in soils and water where bacteria are constantly under threat of being consumed by the bacterial predators, protozoa. To escape being killed, bacteria have evolved a suite of mechanisms that protect them from being consumed or digested. Here we examined the effect of long-term predation on the genotype and phenotypes expressed byP. aeruginosa.We show that long-term co-incubation with protozoa resulted in mutations in the bacteria that made them less pathogenic. This is particularly interesting as we see similar mutations arise in bacteria associated with chronic infections. Thus, predation by protozoa and long term colonization of the human host may represent similar environments that select for similar losses in gene functions.
Egg size does not universally predict embryonic resources and hatchling size across annual killifish species
Authors: Vrtílek Milan , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , Beaudard Mégane 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEgg size has a crucial impact on the reproductive success of a mother and the performance of her offspring. It is therefore reasonable to employ egg size as a proxy for egg content when studying variation in offspring performance. Here, we tested species differences in allometries of several egg content parameters with egg area. We measured individual eggs in five species of annual killifish (Cyprinodontiformes), a group of fish where egg banks permit population survival over dry season. Apart from comparing allometric scaling exponents, amounts and compositions of egg components across the different species, we assessed the explanatory power of egg area for egg wet and dry weight and for hatchling size. We found notable species-specific allometries between egg area and the other egg parameters (egg dry weight and water content, elemental composition and triglyceride content). Across species, egg area predicted egg wet weight with highest power. Within species, coefficients of determination were largest inAustrolebias elongatus, a large piscivorous species with large eggs. Our study shows that systematically using egg area as a proxy of egg content between different species can ignore relevant species-specific differences and mask within-species variability in egg content.
Multiple roles for the ESCRT machinery in maintaining plasma membrane homeostasis
Authors: Schmidt Oliver , Weyer Yannick , Sprenger Simon , Widerin Michael A. , Eising Sebastian , Baumann Verena , Angelova Mihaela , Loewith Robbie , Stefan Christopher J. , Hess Michael W. , Fröhlich Florian , Teis David 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTThe endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) execute evolutionary conserved membrane remodeling processes. Here we used budding yeast to explore how the ESCRT machinery contributes to plasma membrane (PM) homeostasis. In response to reduced membrane tension and inhibition of the target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2), ESCRT-III/Vps4 assemblies form at the PM and help to maintain membrane integrity. Conversely, the growth of ESCRT mutants strongly depends on TORC2-mediated homeostatic regulation of sphingolipid (SL) metabolism. This is caused by calcineurin phosphatase activity which causes Orm2 to accumulate at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in ESCRT mutants. Orm2 is a repressor of SL biosynthesis and its accumulation provokes increased membrane stress. This necessitates TORC2 signaling through its downstream kinase Ypk1 to control Orm2 protein levels and prevent a detrimental imbalance of SL metabolism. Our findings reveal new aspects of antagonistic calcineurin/TORC2 signaling for the regulation of SL biosynthesis and the maintenance of PM homeostasis, and suggest that the ESCRT machinery contributes directly and indirectly to these processes.
Changes in subcellular structures and states of Pumilio1 regulate the translation of targetMad2andCyclin B1mRNAs
Authors: Takei Natsumi , Takada Yuki , Kawamura Shohei , Saitoh Atsushi , Bormann Jenny , Yuen Wai Shan , Carroll John , Kotani Tomoya 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTemporal and spatial control of mRNA translation has emerged as a major mechanism for promoting diverse biological processes. However, the molecular nature of temporal control of translation remains unclear. In oocytes, many mRNAs are deposited as a translationally repressed form and are translated at appropriate timings to promote the progression of meiosis and development. Here, we show that changes in structures and states of the RNA-binding protein Pumilio1 regulate the translation of target mRNAs and progression of oocyte maturation. Pumilio1 was shown to bind toMad2andCyclin B1mRNAs, assemble highly clustered solid-like aggregates, and surroundMad2andCyclin B1RNA granules in mouse oocytes. These Pumilio1 aggregates were dissolved by phosphorylation prior to the translational activation of target mRNAs. Stabilization of Pumilio1 aggregates prevented the translational activation of target mRNAs and oocyte maturation. Together, our results provide an aggregation-dissolution model for the temporal and spatial control of translation.
The predicted RNA-binding protein ETR-1/CELF1 acts in muscles to regulate neuroblast migration inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ochs Matthew E. , Josephson Matthew P. , Lundquist Erik A. 
Published: February 2020

SummaryNeuroblast migration is a critical aspect of nervous system development (e.g., neural crest migration). In an unbiased forward genetic screen, we identified a novel player in neuroblast migration, the ETR-1/CELF1 RNA binding protein. CELF1 RNA binding proteins are involved in multiple aspects of RNA processing including alternative splicing, stability, and translation. We find that a specific mutation in alternatively-spliced exon 8 results in migration defects of the AQR and PQR neurons, and not the embryonic lethality and body wall muscle defects of complete knockdown of the locus. Surprisingly, ETR-1 was required in body wall muscle cells for AQR/PQR migration (i.e. it acts cell non-autonomously). Genetic interactions indicate that ETR-1 acts with Wnt signaling, either in the Wnt pathway or in a parallel pathway. Possibly, ETR-1 is involved in the production of a Wnt signal or a parallel signal by the body wall muscles that controls AQR and PQR neuronal migration. In humans, CELF1 is involved in a number of neuromuscular disorders. If the role of ETR-1/CELF1 is conserved, these disorders might also involve cell or neuronal migration. Finally, we describe a technique of amplicon sequencing to detect rare, cell-specific genome edits by CRISPR/Cas9in vivo(CRISPR-seq) as an alternative to the T7E1 assay.
Big DefensinApBD1 from the scallopArgopecten purpuratusis an antimicrobial peptide which entraps bacteria through nanonets formation
Authors: Stambuk Felipe , Ojeda Claudia , Schmitt Paulina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are ancient innate immune components. Big defensins is a family of AMPs found in a restricted number of animal phyla, in particular mollusks where they have highly diversified. Big defensins are composed of a highly hydrophobic N-terminal region and a C-terminal β-defensin-like region, stabilized by three disulfide bridges. They have been shown to be active against both Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Antimicrobial aggregates called nanonets entrapping bacteria have been recently described as the mechanism of action of theCg-BigDef1 from the oysterCrassostrea gigas. Specifically, the N-terminal domain ofCg-BigDef1 was identified as responsible of nanonet formation. In order to determine whether nanonets are specific to oysterCg-BigDef1 or common to other big defensins outside this species, we assessed the potential entrapping of bacteria through nanonets of the big defensin from the scallopArgopecten purpuratus, namelyApBD1. RecombinantApBD1 was produced as a fusion polypeptide which carried a N-terminal His6 tag, with a thrombin cleavage site before the mature peptide sequence and an unfolded C-terminal domain by mutating the last Cys to Arg. Activity of rApBD1 was assessed against the gram-positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusSG511. rApBD1 inhibited bacterial growth. Moreover, strong immune staining of rApBD1 in numerous areas surrounding bacteria was observed. Overall, results suggest that rApBD1 entrap bacteria in peptide aggregates similar to those reported toCg-BigDef1. This study demonstrates the conservation of nanonet formation across big defensins and supports further a role for the N-terminal domain in this conserved process.
Emotional communication analysis of emergency microblog based on the evolution life cycle of public opinion
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wei Jie , Boncella Robert J. 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
Microblogging is an important channel used to disseminate online public opinion during an emergency. Analyzing the features and evolution mechanism of online public opinion during an emergency plays a significant role in crisis management.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the event of Hurricane Irma and combines it with the life cycle of online public opinion evolution to understand the effect of different types of emotional (joy, anger, sadness, fear, disgust) microblogs (tweets) on information dissemination. The research was performed in the context of Hurricane Irma by using tweets associated with that event.

Findings
This paper demonstrates that negative emotional information has a greater communication effect, and further, the target audience that receives more exposure to negative emotional microblogs has a stronger tendency to retweet. Meanwhile, emotions expressed in tweets and the life cycle of public opinion evolution exert interactive effects on the retweeting behavior of the target audience.

Research limitations/implications
For future research, a professional dictionary and the context should be taken into consideration to make the modeling in the text more normative and analyzable.

Practical implications
This paper aims to reveal how the emotions of a tweet affect its virality in terms of diffusion volume in the context of an emergency event.

Social implications
The conclusion made in this paper can shed light on the real-time regulation and public opinion transmission, as well as for efficient intelligence service and emergency management.

Originality/value
In this study, Hurricane Irma is taken as an example to explore the factors influencing the information dissemination during emergencies on the social media environment. The relationship between the sentiment of a tweet and the life cycle of public opinion and its effect on tweet volume were investigated.
Data retrieval from online social media networks for defining business angels’ profile
Authors: Morales-Alonso Gustavo , Vila Guzmán A. , Lemus-Aguilar Isaac , Hidalgo Antonio 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
Entrepreneurship is the basis of economic development but is somehow limited by the lack of access to financing sources, especially in the crucial moments of start-up early-stage development. For crossing the so-called “valley of death,” start-ups need to access informal finance sources, such as business angels. This study aims at defining the profile of business angels and comparing it with the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A novel methodology for sampling the business angles population has been used, which extracts data from online social media networks. This allows taking a closer look at informal sources of entrepreneurial finance. A total of 500 real business angels, acting worldwide, from the LinkedIn and Crunchbase databases has been retrieved for this study.

Findings
Results point out that younger investors seem to be entering the entrepreneurial informal finance market. They are mainly males between 40 and 50 years of age, with a previous entrepreneurial record, and more highly educated than previously stated. They tend to have studies from Business Administration and Economics, although they prefer to invest in the ICT sector.

Originality/value
Besides the novel data retrieval technique for analyzing the informal sources of finance, the originality of the work lies in updating the archetype for business angels.
Analysis of organizational commitment in cooperatives in Ecuador
Authors: Hidalgo-Fernández Amalia , Moreira Mero Nelly , Loor Alcivar Maria Iliana , González Santa Cruz Francisco 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe objective of this research is to analyse the affective organizational commitment in cooperatives in Ecuador. This was done by adapting and testing a measurement scale based on the one-dimensional model proposed by Porter.Design/methodology/approachField work was carried out, with a structured questionnaire being given to a significant sample of workers in Ecuadorian cooperatives (2,499 employees and heads of department). The scale was adapted through a structural equation model.FindingsThe results show that the adaptation of the measuring scale for affective organizational commitment using a one-dimensional vision is consistent for the cooperative sector. In addition, the analysis of the socio-demographic variables and the work position show that some of them have a statistically significant relationship with organizational commitment.Practical implicationsThe proposed scale can contribute to the management of human capital in cooperatives in Ecuador. It can also be used as a tool to support the national agency in charge of the cooperative sector in this country (Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria, “Superintendency of Popular and Solidarity Economy”). By applying this tool, social economy organizations in Ecuador can measure the level of their employees' affective commitment with the institution they work in. Using the results, the people in charge and the leaders of the organization shall be able to introduce strategies to develop this organizational variable that is crucial for the proper management of human resources and, therefore, to help to obtain the institutional purposes.Originality/valueThis research project presents a measuring tool that can discover the unique features of the cooperative sector in a developing country such as Ecuador as it provides a special framework for managing human resources in this sector. Additionally, in a cooperative organization many employees have different roles in the same company. This tool can be adapted for other kinds of cooperatives with different activities (financial and non-financial activities) in different sectors.
Commercialization of audit firms and auditors’ subjective well-being
Authors: Ponomareva Yilia , Uman Timur , Broberg Pernilla , Vinberg Emmy , Karlsson Karoline 
Published: February 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore how the commercialization of audit firms relates to the subjective well-being (SWB) of auditors. Drawing on the conservation of resources and social identity theories, the authors argue that the commercialization of audit firms enhances auditors’ subjective well-being in its overall happiness and job-related dimensions through two theoretical mechanisms. First, it constitutes a valuable resource for an auditor, and second, it reinforces the auditor’s identification with a firm. The authors subsequently contend that this relation is contingent on whether auditors are used in Big four or non-Big four audit firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors test our hypotheses-based data obtained from a survey of 166 Swedish auditors. The data are explored by means of descriptive statistics, correlation matrixes and linear moderating multiple regression analyzes.FindingsThe authors show that commercial orientation can have a positive effect on auditors’ SWB. The authors also find that the positive relationship between commercialization and SWB is stronger for auditors employed by one of the Big four firms.Originality/valueThe results contribute to the ongoing debate about the normalization of commercialization within the audit profession by theorizing on and providing empirical support for the positive consequences of commercialization.