bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A zebrafish model of Granulin deficiency reveals essential roles in myeloid cell differentiation
Authors: Campbell Clyde A. , Fursova Oksana , Cheng Xiaoyi , Snella Elizabeth , McCune Abbigail , Li Liangdao , Solchenberger Barbara , Schmid Bettina , Sahoo Debashis , Morton Mark , Traver David , Espín-Palazón Raquel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGranulin (GRN) is a pleiotropic protein involved in inflammation, wound healing, neurodegenerative disease, and tumorigenesis. These roles in human health have prompted research efforts to utilize Granulin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, frontotemporal dementia, and to enhance wound healing. How granulin contributes to each of these diverse biological functions, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we have uncovered a new role for granulin during myeloid cell differentiation. Using a zebrafish model of granulin deficiency, we reveal that in the absence of granulin a (grna), myeloid progenitors are unable to terminally differentiate into neutrophils and macrophages during normal and emergency myelopoiesis. In addition, macrophages fail to recruit to the wound, resulting in abnormal healing. Our CUT&RUN experiments identify Pu.1, which together with Irf8 positively regulategrnaexpression. Importantly, we demonstrate functional conservation between the mammalian granulin and the zebrafish orthologuegrna. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role for granulin during myeloid cell differentiation, opening a new field of study that has the potential to impact different aspects of the human health.
Oral delivery of SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccines using attenuatedSalmonella typhimuriumas a carrier in rat
Authors: Zhu Dan , Meng Yue , Qimuge Aaodeng , Bilige Bilige , Baiyin Tegexi , Temuqile Temuqile , Chen Shana , Bao Siqin , Baigude Huricha , Yang Dezhi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the disease that has been identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the prophylactic treatment of SARS-CoV-2 is still under investigation. The effective delivery of eukaryotic expression plasmids to the immune system’s inductive cells constitutes an essential requirement for the generation of effective DNA vaccines. Here, we have explored the use ofSalmonellatyphimurium as vehicles to deliver expression plasmids orally. AttenuatedSalmonella phoPharboring eukaryotic expression plasmids that encoded spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was administered orally to Wistar rats. Rats were immunized orally withSalmonellathat carried a eukaryotic expression plasmid once a week for three consecutive weeks. The efficiency of the vaccination procedure was due to the transfer of the expression plasmid from the bacterial carrier to the mammalian host. Evidence for such an event could be obtained in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that all immunized animals generated humoral immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, indicating that aSalmonella-based vaccine carrying the Spike gene can elicit SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral immune responses in rats, and may be useful for the development of a protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The impact of turbidity on foraging and risk taking in the invasive Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and a threatened native cichlid (Oreochromis amphimelas)
Authors: Wing Jonathan D B , Champneys Toby S , Ioannou Christos C 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAnthropogenic activity can increase water turbidity, changing fish behaviour by reducing visibility. The spread of invasive species is also facilitated by human activity, further increasing the pressure on native species. In two experiments we measured the foraging efficiency, risk perception and inter-individual consistency of risk-taking (personality variation in boldness) of an invasive species, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and a threatened tilapia, the Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas), in clear and turbid water. In experiment one,O. niloticuswas faster to initiate feeding, encountered more food items, and consumed more thanO. amphimelas. The latency to start foraging byO. niloticusdecreased in turbid water. Turbidity did not affect the latency to start foraging inO. amphimelasbut the number of food items they encountered was highest at the intermediate turbidity. There was however no significant effect of turbidity in either species on the total food consumed. In contrast to this foraging context, in experiment two with a refuge and no food available, risk taking behaviour was similar in both species and they both responded with similarly reduced risk taking in turbid water. Evidence of personality variation was weak, being observed only inO. amphimelaswhen first leaving the shelter in turbid water. Overall, species differences were greater in the foraging context but turbidity was more important in the risk-taking context.O. amphimelasis more sensitive to turbidity during foraging, andO. niloticusis likely to have a competitive advantage in foraging situations, especially in degraded turbid habitats.Significance StatementUnder human-induced environmental change, native species are often exposed to multiple stressors. Here we tested the responses of two cichlid fish to increasing turbidity. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which is invasive throughout the tropics, and the Manyara tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas), a threatened species, indigenous to Tanzania. We found that turbidity was beneficial to the foraging ofO. niloticus, which in both clear and turbid water consumed and encountered more food thanO. amphimelas. In contrast, without food present, both species displayed similar responses of increased risk perception in turbid water with little evidence of personality variation between individuals in either species. Our results suggest that invasive species tolerant of degraded habitats may outcompete less well adapted native species for food.
Integrating tracking and resight data from breeding Painted Bunting populations enables unbiased inferences about migratory connectivity and winter range survival
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Van Tatenhove Aimee M. , Sharp Andrew , Ruiz-Gutierrez Viviana , Freeman Mary C. , Sykes Paul W. , Given Aaron M. , Sillett T. Scott 
Published: July 2020

AbstractArchival geolocators have transformed the study of small, migratory organisms but analysis of data from these devices requires bias correction because tags are only recovered from individuals that survive and are re-captured at their tagging location. We show that integrating geolocator recovery data and mark-resight data enables unbiased estimates of both migratory connectivity between breeding and non-breeding populations and region-specific survival probabilities for wintering locations. Using simulations, we first demonstrate that an integrated Bayesian model returns unbiased estimates of transition probabilities between seasonal ranges and to determine how different sampling designs influence estimability of transition probabilities. We then parameterize the model with tracking data and mark-resight data from declining Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) populations breeding in the eastern United States, hypothesized to be threatened by the illegal pet trade in parts of their Caribbean, non-breeding range. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that male buntings wintering in Cuba were 20% less likely to return to the breeding grounds than birds wintering elsewhere in their range. Improving inferences from archival tags through proper data collection and further development of integrated models will advance our understanding of full annual cycle ecology of migratory species.
Caloric restriction increases levels of taurine in the intestine and stimulates taurine uptake by conjugation to glutathione
Authors: Gregor András , Pignitter Marc , Fahrngruber Christine , Bayer Sebastian , Somoza Veronika , König Jürgen , Duszka Kalina 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOur previous study indicated increased levels of taurine-conjugated bile acids in the intestine content of caloric restriction (CR) mice. In the current project, we found increased levels of free taurine and taurine conjugates, including glutathione (GSH)-taurine, in CR compared toad libitumfed animals in the mucosa along the intestine while there was no impact on taurine and its conjugates in the liver. The levels of free GSH were decreased in the intestine of CR compared toad libitumfed mice. However, the levels of oxidized GSH were not affected and were complemented by the lack of changes in the antioxidative parameters. Glutathione-S transferases (GST) enzymatic activity was increased as was the expression of GST genes along the GI tract of CR mice. In CR intestine addition of GSH to taurine solution enhanced taurine uptake. Accordingly, the expression of taurine transporter (TauT) was increased in the ileum of CR mice.
FlowScatt: enabling volume-independent flow cytometry data by decoupling fluorescence from scattering
Authors: Stoof Ruud , Grozinger Lewis , Tas Huseyin , Goñi-Moreno Ángel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMotivationMeasuring fluorescence by flow cytometry is fundamental for characterising single-cell performance. While it is known that fluorescence and scattering values tend to positively correlate, the impact of cell volume on fluorescence is typically overlooked. This makes of fluorescence values alone an inaccurate measurement for high-precision characterisations.ResultsWe developed FlowScatt, an open-source software package that removes volume-dependency in the fluorescence channel. Using FlowScatt, flourescence values are re-calculated based on the unified volume per cell that arises from scattering decomposition.AvailabilityFlowScatt is openly available as a Python package onhttps://github.com/rstoof/FlowScatt. Experimental data for validation is available online.Contactangel.goni-moreno@newcastle.ac.uk
Site-specific phosphorylation of Huntingtin exon 1 recombinant proteins enabled by the discovery of novel kinases
Authors: Chiki Anass , Ricci Jonathan , Hegde Ramanath , Abriata Luciano A. , Reif Andreas , Lashuel Hilal A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPosttranslational modifications (PTMs) within the first 17 amino acids (Nt17) of exon1 of the Huntingtin protein (Httex1) play important roles in modulating its cellular properties and functions in health and disease. In particular, phosphorylation of threonine and serine residues (T3, S13, and/or S16) has been shown to inhibit Htt aggregationin vitroand inclusion formation in cellular and animal models of Huntington’s disease (HD). In this manuscript, we describe a new and simple methodology for producing milligram quantities of highly pure wild type or mutant Httex1 proteins that are site-specifically phosphorylated at T3 or at both S13 and S16. This advance was enabled by 1) the discovery and validation of novel kinases that efficiently phosphorylate Httex1 at S13 and S16 (TBK1), at T3 (GCK) or T3 and S13 (TNIK and HGK); and, 2) the development of an efficient methodology for producing recombinant native Httex1 proteins using a SUMO-fusion expression and purification strategy. As proof of concept, we demonstrate how this method can be applied to produce Httex1 proteins that are both site- specifically phosphorylated and fluorescently labeled or isotopically labeled. Together, these advances should increase access to these valuable tools and expand the range of methods and experimental approaches that can be used to elucidate the mechanisms by which phosphorylation influences Httex1 structure, aggregation, interactome and function(s) in health and disease.
The epistemic project of open diplomacy and the League of Nations: Co-evolution between diplomacy, PR and journalism
Authors: Gellrich Arne Lorenz , Koenen Erik , Averbeck-Lietz Stefanie 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe article discusses findings from a research project on the communication history of the League of Nations. It departs from the League's normative goal of “open diplomacy”, which, from an analytical standpoint, can be framed as an “epistemic project” in the sense of a non-linear and ambivalent negotiation by communication of what “open diplomacy” should and could be. The notion of the “epistemic project” serves as an analytical concept to understand this negotiation of open diplomacy across co-evolving actors' constellations from journalism, PR and diplomacy.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a mixed-method approach, including hermeneutic document analysis of UN archival sources and collective biography/prosopography of 799 individual journalists and information officers.FindingsIt finds that the League's conceptualisations of the public sphere and open diplomacy were fluent and ambivalent. They developed in the interplay of diverse actors' collectives in Geneva. The involved roles of information officers, journalists and diplomats were permeable, heterogenous and – not least from a normative perspective – conflictive.Originality/valueThe subject remains under-researched, especially from the perspective of communication studies. The study is the first to approach it with the described research framework.
Modelling and predicting mammalian wildlife abundance and distribution in semi-arid Gonarezhou National Park, south eastern Zimbabwe
Authors: Murwendo Talent , Murwira Amon , Masocha Mhosisi 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to model and predict mammalian herbivore species abundance in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), south eastern Zimbabwe. The study also aims to determine and evaluate the distribution-abundance patterns in GNP.Design/methodology/approachUsing aerial survey data from 1980 to 2016, the authors use the rank-abundance model to determine the abundance of mammalian herbivores in GNP. Regression analysis is used to show the mammalian herbivore species distribution-abundance relationship.FindingsThe findings point to a high species richness and evenness in the study area with common species (15%), intermediate (30%) and rare (60%). There is a positive significant relationship (p= 0.00,R2= 0.9642) between abundance and distribution with common species occupying wider spaces and rare species occupying narrow spaces.Research limitations/implicationsAerial surveys in GNP are not continuous and are biased towards elephants. The inclusion of other mammalian herbivore species including domestic animals in subsequent surveys made the aerial reports useful.Originality/valueStudies in GNP have tended to concentrate on the population of mammalian herbivores and this marks a shift in emphasis in such studies. The monitoring of mammalian species improves the conservation and management of GNP. Apart from making planning and policy decisions from an informed point of view small animals also need attention as they are numerically few than the large threatened mammals.
Authentic leadership traits, high-performance human resource practices and job performance in Pakistan
Authors: Zeb Ali , Rehman Fazal ur , Imran Muhammad , Ali Muazam , Almansoori Rawdha Ghareeb 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis empirical study aims to explore the linkage among authentic leadership traits and job performance via the mediating role of high-performance human resource practices (HPHRPs) in a developing country context. Social exchange theory and trait theory are widely employed in many disciplines but seldom applied to job performance among Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) employees.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the study is PTCL's employees. A cross-sectional design was employed and data was collected from 377 employees via questionnaire. This is an exploratory study; therefore, partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to answer the research questions.FindingsThe findings of this study revealed that relational transparency, directly and indirectly, influenced job performance with the partial mediating role of selective staffing and extensive training. Furthermore, balance processing, directly and indirectly, influenced job performance with the partial mediating role of incentive reward, while self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, employment security and result-oriented appraisal were insignificant influences on job performance.Practical implicationsThe results of the study delineated practical applications for both the researchers and policymakers. The results of this study would also augment the body of knowledge on human resource practices in both developed and developing countries.Originality/valueThis study found and reported authentic leadership traits and HPHR as the main sources of job performance in PTCL. This study empirically examined the influence of authentic leadership traits on job performance with the mediating role of a bundle of HPHRPs in a developing context.
Re-examining the determinants of capital structure in Nigeria
Authors: Bolarinwa Segun Thompson , Adegboye Abiodun Adewale 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe paper investigates the determinants of capital structure and the speed of adjustment of capital structure decisions of Nigerian firms.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts three methods: difference GMM, system GMM and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA).FindingsThe empirical results show that firms' efficiency affects the capital structure decisions of Nigerian firms. At the same time, short-term debt has a higher speed of adjustment in the context of Nigerian firms. The roles of other control variables are established in the paper.Social implicationsNigerian firms should adopt short-term debt in order to achieve their targeted debt levels. Managers of Nigerian firms are also advised to be more efficient in order to attract higher performance.Originality/valueThe paper is the first literature to measure the efficiency of firms using SFA method. Extant studies in the literature have neglected the determinant while four papers that adopt the determinant data envelope analysis (DEA) method. This is also the first study to document the speed of adjustment in capital structure decisions in the context of Nigerian firms.
Impact of website design features on experiential value and patronage intention toward online mass customization sites
Authors: Zhang Ying , Fiore Ann Marie , Zhang Ling , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo examine the relationships among website design features, consumer experience responses and patronage intention toward online mass customization (OMC) apparel websites.Design/methodology/approachA total of 312 useable online surveys were obtained from Mainland China consumers. Multi-item scales were adopted to measure eight constructs: visual design; information quality; entertainment, aesthetic, educational, escapist experiences; flow; and patronage intention. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to determine factor structures and to test the hypothesized relationships among website design features, 4Es (entertainment, aesthetic, educational and escapist experiences), flow and consequent purchase intention toward OMC apparel websites.FindingsAll hypotheses, but one, were supported. OMC website visual design; information quality; and entertainment, aesthetic and educational experiences had a positive effect on consumer patronage intention.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include using a sample of consumers from major cities in China; results cannot be generalized to all Chinese consumers. Websites were not actively navigated. Additionally, the present study examined only two dimensions of OMC website quality, visual design and information quality; more tangible and specific features could be considered in future research.Practical implicationsThe findings provide website designers and marketers with insights into experiences that may lead to an increase in patronage intention toward OMC websites.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence that flow helps explain the impact of experiential value (i.e. 4Es) from website design features on patronage intention.
Style and fit customization: a web content mining approach to evaluate online mass customization experiences
Authors: Lang Chunmin , Xia Sibei , Liu Chuanlan 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis study intends to examine consumers' fashion customization experiences through a web content mining (WCM) approach. By applying the theory of customer value, this study explores the benefits and costs of two levels of mass customization (MC) to identify the values derived from style (i.e. shoe customization) and fit customization experiences (i.e. apparel customization) and further to compare the dominating dimensions of value derived across style and fit customization.Design/methodology/approachA WCM approach was applied. Also, two case studies were conducted with one focusing on style customization and the other focusing on fit customization. The brand Vans was selected to examine style customization in study 1. The brand Sumissura was selected to examine fit customization in study 2. Consumers' comments on customization experiences from these two brands were collected through social networks, respectively. After data cleaning, 394 reviews for Vans and 510 reviews for Sumissura were included in the final data analysis. Co-occurrence plots, feature extraction and grouping were used for the data analysis.FindingsThe emotional value was found to be the major benefit for style customization, while the functional value was indicated as the major benefit for fit customization, followed by ease of use and emotional value. In addition, three major themes of costs, including unsatisfied service, disappointing product performance and financial risk, were revealed by excavating and evaluating consumers' feedback of their actual clothing customization experiences with Sumissura.Originality/valueThis study initiates the effort to use web mining, specifically, the WCM approach to thoroughly investigate the benefits and costs of MC through real consumers' feedback of two different types of fashion products. The analysis of this study also reflects the levels of customization: style and fit. It provides an in-depth text analysis of online MC consumers' feedback through the use of feature extraction analysis and word co-occurrence networks.