bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution oflbxspinal cord expression and function
Authors: Juárez-Morales José Luis , Weierud Frida , England Samantha J. , Demby Celia , Santos Nicole , Grieb Ginny , Mazan Sylvie , Lewis Katharine E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLadybird homeobox (Lbx) transcription factors have crucial functions in muscle and nervous system development in many animals. Amniotes have twoLbxgenes, but onlyLbx1is expressed in spinal cord. In contrast, teleosts have threelbxgenes and we show here that zebrafishlbx1a,lbx1bandlbx2are expressed by distinct spinal cell types, and thatlbx1ais expressed in dI4, dI5 and dI6 interneurons, as in amniotes. Our data examininglbxexpression inScyliorhinus caniculaandXenopus tropicalissuggest that the spinal interneuron expression of zebrafishlbx1ais ancestral, whereaslbx1bhas acquired a new expression pattern in spinal cord progenitor cells.lbx2spinal expression was probably acquired in the ray-finned lineage, as this gene is not expressed in the spinal cords of either amniotes orS. canicula. We also show that the spinal function of zebrafishlbx1ais conserved with mouse Lbx1. In zebrafishlbx1amutants, there is a reduction in the number of inhibitory spinal interneurons and an increase in the number of excitatory spinal interneurons, similar to mouseLbx1mutants. Interestingly, the number of inhibitory spinal interneurons is also reduced inlbx1bmutants, although in this case the number of excitatory interneurons is not increased.lbx1a;lbx1bdouble mutants have a similar spinal interneuron phenotype tolbx1asingle mutants. Taken together these data suggest thatlbx1bandlbx1amay be required in succession for correct specification of dI4 and dI6 spinal interneurons, although onlylbx1ais required for suppression of excitatory fates in these cells.Research Highlightslbx1spinal expression and function is conserved in vertebrates. In contrast, zebrafishlbx1bandlbx2have novel spinal expression patterns that probably evolved in the ray-finned vertebrate lineage (lbx2) or teleosts (lbx1b).
Boosting detection of low abundance proteins in thermal proteome profiling experiments by addition of an isobaric trigger channel to TMT multiplexes
Authors: Justice Sarah A. Peck , McCracken Neil A. , Victorino José F. , Wijeratne Aruna B. , Mosley Amber L. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTThe study of low abundance proteins is a challenge to discovery-based proteomics. Mass-spectrometry (MS) applications, such as thermal proteome profiling (TPP) face specific challenges in detection of the whole proteome as a consequence of the use of nondenaturing extraction buffers. TPP is a powerful method for the study of protein thermal stability, but quantitative accuracy is highly dependent on consistent detection. Therefore, TPP can be limited in its amenability to study low abundance proteins that tend to have stochastic or poor detection by MS. To address this challenge, we incorporated an affinity purified protein complex sample at submolar concentrations as an isobaric trigger channel into a mutant TPP (mTPP) workflow to provide reproducible detection and quantitation of the low abundance subunits of the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor (CPF) complex. The inclusion of an isobaric protein complex trigger channel increased detection an average of 40x for previously detected subunits and facilitated detection of CPF subunits that were previously below the limit of detection. Importantly, these gains in CPF detection did not cause large changes in melt temperature (Tm) calculations for other unrelated proteins in the samples, with a high positive correlation between Tmestimates in samples with and without isobaric trigger channel addition. Overall, the incorporation of affinity purified protein complex as an isobaric trigger channel within a TMT multiplex for mTPP experiments is an effective and reproducible way to gather thermal profiling data on proteins that are not readily detected using the original TPP or mTPP protocols.
Multivalent polymers can control phase boundary, dynamics, and organization of liquid-liquid phase separation
Authors: Zumbro Emiko , Alexander-Katz Alfredo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMultivalent polymers are a key structural component of many biocondensates. When interacting with their cognate binding proteins, multivalent polymers such as RNA and modular proteins have been shown to influence the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) boundary to control condensate formation and to influence condensate dynamics after phase separation. Much is still unknown about the function and formation of these condensed droplets, but changes in their dynamics or phase separation are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s Disease. Therefore, investigation into how the structure of multivalent polymers relates to changes in biocondensate formation and maturation is essential to understanding and treating these diseases. Here, we use a coarse-grain, Brownian Dynamics simulation with reactive binding that mimics specific interactions in order to investigate the difference between non-specific and specific multivalent binding polymers. We show that non-specific binding interactions can lead to much larger changes in droplet formation at lower energies than their specific, valence-limited counterparts. We also demonstrate the effects of solvent conditions and polymer length on phase separation, and we present how modulating binding energy to the polymer can change the organization of a droplet in a three component system of polymer, binding protein, and solvent. Finally, we compare the effects of surface tension and polymer binding on the condensed phase dynamics, where we show that both lower protein solubilities and higher attraction/affinity of the protein to the polymer result in slower droplet dynamics. We hope this research helps to better understand experimental systems and provides additional insight into how multivalent polymers can control LLPS.
Social survival: humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) use social structure to partition ecological niches within proposed critical habitat
Authors: Wray Janie , Keen Eric , O’Mahony Éadin N. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTAnimal culture and social bonds are relevant to wildlife conservation because they influence patterns of geography, behavior, and strategies of survival. Numerous examples of socially-driven habitat partitioning and ecological-niche specialization can be found among vertebrates, including toothed whales. But such social-ecological dynamics, described here as ‘social niche partitioning’, are not known among baleen whales, whose societies -- particularly on foraging grounds -- are largely perceived as unstructured and incidental to matters of habitat use and conservation. However, through 16 years of behavioral and photo-identification observations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) feeding within a fjord system in British Columbia, Canada, we have documented long-term pair bonds (lasting up to 12 years) as well as a complex societal structure, which corresponds closely to persistent patterns in feeding strategy, long-term site fidelity (extended seasonal occupancy and annual rate of return up to 75%), specific geographic preferences within the fjord system, and other forms of habitat use. Randomization tests of network congruency and clustering algorithms were used to test for overlap in patterns of social structure and habitat use, which confirmed the occurrence of social niche partitioning on the feeding grounds of this baleen whale. In addition, we document the extensive practice of group bubble net feeding in Pacific Canada. This coordinated feeding behavior was found to strongly mediate the social structure and habitat use within this humpback whale society. Additionally, during our 2004 – 2019 study, we observed a shift in social network structure in 2010 – 2012, which corresponded with environmental and demographic shifts including a sudden decline in the population’s calving rate. Our findings indicate that the social lives of humpback whales, and perhaps baleen whales generally, are more complex than previously supposed and should be a primary consideration in the assessment of potential impacts to important habitat.
Adoption of supply chain finance by small and medium enterprises in China
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Jiang Bao , Li Jian 
Published: December 2020

PurposeSupply chain finance (SCF) is a promising financing solution for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study aims to highlight the determinants of the adoption of SCF and the theoretical implications for SCF in SMEs.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the authors develop a model and test hypotheses about the factors (1) SE, (2) attitude toward SCF, (3) social influence (SI), (4) adoption intention (AI) and (5) actual adoption (AA) of SCF. Data collected from a survey of 211 managers in SMEs in China were used to conduct a partial least squares (PLS) estimation.FindingsThe empirical results indicate that attitude toward SCF and SI positively affect AI towards SCF, whereas AI positively affects the AA of SCF. Specifically, the authors find that AI plays a mediating role in the relationship between SE and AA of SCF, whereas attitude toward SCF plays a mediating role between SI and AI.Originality/valueFirst, the authors use the TPB to study the adoption of SCF in SMEs. Second, the authors apply PLS to clarify the influence mechanism of behavioural factors on the adoption of SCF. The authors provide a useful approach for practitioners in examining the adoption of SCF by SMEs.
An alternative method for field analysis in inhomogeneous domains
Authors: Costa Stefano , Costamagna Eugenio 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to solve inhomogeneous dielectric problems by matching boundary conditions at the interfaces among homogeneous subdomains. The capabilities of Hilbert transform computations are deeply investigated in the case of limited numbers of samples, and a refined model is presented by means of investigating accuracies in a case study with three subdomains.

Design/methodology/approach
The accuracies, refined by Richardson extrapolation to zero error, are compared to finite element (FEM) and finite difference methods. The boundary matching procedures can be easily applied to the results of a previous Schwarz–Christoffel (SC) conformal mapping stage in SC + BC procedures, to cope with field singularities or with open boundary problems.

Findings
The proposed field computations are of general interest both for electrostatic and magnetostatic field analysis and optimization. They can be useful as comparison tools for FEM results or when severe field singularities can impair the accuracies of other methods.

Research limitations/implications
This static field methodology, of course, can be used to analyse transverse electro magnetic (TEM) or quasi-TEM propagation modes. It is possible that, in some case, these may make a contribution to the analysis of axis symmetrical problems.

Originality/value
The most relevant result is the possible introduction of SC + BC computations as a standard tool for solving inhomogeneous dielectric field problems.
Benefits and hazards of alcohol-the J-shaped curve and public health
Authors: Skovenborg Erik , Grønbæk Morten , Ellison R. Curtis 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is a review of updated evidence of a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and all-cause mortality in relation to public health issues to create a basis for sensible individual health deliberations.

Design/methodology/approach
A review of the evidence from the first observation of a J-shaped association between a moderate alcohol intake and CHD in 1926 to recent studies of the effect of healthy lifestyles (including moderate alcohol intake) on life expectancy free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer and Type 2 diabetes. An update on the biological plausibility of the J-shaped association with focus on recent findings of the association of alcohol intake and blood lipid levels.

Findings
Plausible J-shaped relations between light to moderate alcohol consumption and the risk of CHD, CVD mortality and all-cause mortality have been found in a large number of robust epidemiological studies. Among the potential mechanisms underlying the proposed protective effects are higher levels of high-density lipoprotein lacking apolipoprotein C3, reduced platelet aggregability, increased level of endothelial cell fibrinolysis, increased insulin sensitivity and decreased inflammation.

Originality/value
The existence of a J-shaped association between alcohol consumption and the risk of CHD and all-cause mortality is based on observational evidence and accordingly challenged by a degree of uncertainty leading some public health circles to state: “there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.” The authors propose that communication on the pros and cons of alcohol intake should emphasize the nadir of a J-shaped curve as a healthy range for the general population while advice regarding the consumption of alcohol should be adjusted to factor in the risks and potential benefits for each individual patient considering age, sex, family history, personal drinking history and specific medical history.
Reduced drinking and harm reduction in the treatment of alcohol use disorders
Authors: Bischof Gallus , Lange Nikolaus , Rumpf Hans Juergen , Preuss Ulrich W. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the scientific evidence for reduced drinking in alcohol use disorders. While the aim of alcohol use disorders (AUD) treatment usually focuses on abstinence, only a minority of individuals with AUD enter treatment. Lack of alternative treatment goals, including reduced drinking instead of abstinence, have been identified as a potential barrier for treatment entry. Epidemiological and treatment outcome studies reveal that a large proportion of individuals with AUD are able to substantially reduce their alcohol intake for a prolonged duration of time.

Design/methodology/approach
A narrative review of the literature on prevalence rates and health effects as well as evidence-based approaches fostering reduced drinking in individuals with AUD is presented.

Findings
Reduced drinking is associated with improvements in both morbidity and mortality. Research has identified evidence-based psychosocial and pharmacological treatment approaches; however, implementation is still scarce.

Originality/value
Target groups for interventions fostering drinking reduction instead of abstinence are defined and desiderata for further research are outlined.
Knowledge workers' existential affirmation and innovativeness: a Kierkegaardian redescription of Drucker
Authors: Shin M. Minsuk , Lee Jiwon , Chung June-ho 
Published: December 2020

PurposeAlthough existing studies demonstrate positive relationships between ethical cultures and innovativeness, their explanations of why an ethical culture leads to innovativeness are limited. This study explores the relationship between ethical organizational culture and knowledge workers' innovativenessDesign/methodology/approachBased on Kierkegaardian existential philosophy, this study proposes a research model that employs knowledge workers' existential affirmation as the link between ethical culture and innovativeness. The main hypothesis proposed in this study is that ethical organizational culture offers knowledge workers the opportunity to find their existential affirmation, which leads them to become more innovative. A structural equation modeling analysis is based on data collected from a survey of 348 knowledge workers from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in different hi-tech industries.FindingsThe findings suggest that among the four subdimensions of an ethical organizational culture, ethics training and awareness raising had the strongest relationships with knowledge workers' existential affirmation, which, in turn, had a significant relationship with their innovativeness.Originality/valueBased on this philosophical reflection, this study develops a research model that examines knowledge workers' existential affirmation as the factor that links ethical organizational culture and knowledge workers' innovativeness. The authors test ethical organizational culture as an environment that allows knowledge workers to validate their existential affirmation. Further, they test the link between knowledge workers' existential affirmation and their innovativeness.
A eudaimonic perspective on prejudice and female workers’ psychological well-being
Authors: Abuhussein Tala , Koburtay Tamer , Syed Jawad 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to use Ryff’s (1989) eudaimonic view to examine how prejudice toward female workers affects their psychological well-being.Design/methodology/approachResponses were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews along with open-ended questions in a paper-based survey. In total, 24 female workers across various organizations in Jordan participated in this study.FindingsThe results show how prejudice against female workers can affect the six dimensions of their eudaimonic psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989). Specifically, the results show that prejudice may push women to work harder to prove they are capable of achieving their goals and, as a result, it may positively enhance their self-acceptance, sense of growth, purpose in life and autonomy. However, the study also shows that prejudice against women negatively affects their environmental mastery and relationships with others.Practical implicationsThis study may help create greater sensitivity and awareness about gender prejudice and its effects on female workers’ psychological well-being. It also highlights women’s resilience which may be deemed valuable to develop women in leadership roles in organizations.Originality/valueThis study offers a fresh and nuanced understanding of the impact of gender prejudice on female workers’ psychological well-being.
The Fourth Market theory and interest rate benchmarking in the Islamic finance industry
Authors: Tahiri Jouti Ahmed 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to understand the issue of interest rate benchmarking in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) from a macro-economic perspective and assessing the relevance of creating a Sharīʿah-compliant profit rate benchmark to solve this issue. This paper also aims at suggesting an Islamic alternative that will handle both the negative economic impact on IFIs as well as on their financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on literature review of conventional finance and Islamic finance theories to construct a theoretical model to assess the impact of interest rate benchmarking on the ability of IFIs to achieve the objectives of the Islamic economy.

Findings
The macro-economic perspective concludes that conceiving a profit rate benchmark for the Islamic finance industry is not relevant to raising the Sharīʿah credibility of the industry. Indeed, several adjustments need to be introduced in terms of the business model.

Research limitations/implications
The recommendations of this paper require the involvement of financial authorities and governments for their implementation. Indeed, the adjustments require a macro-economic review.

Practical implications
The paper considers a profit rate benchmark irrelevant and inefficient. Instead, it suggests the necessary adjustments in terms of business model and economic approach for IFIs to achieve their objectives.

Social implications
The paper considers zakat implementation and the adjustment of IFIs as the real path to implement a fair wealth distribution in the society.

Originality/value
The creation of a profit rate benchmark has always been the only solution for the pricing issue in IFIs. This paper challenges this idea and tries to give a deeper understanding of the situation.
Drivers of logistics outsourcing: examining transaction costs, core competences and planned behavior
Authors: Rintala Oskari , Solakivi Tomi , Laari Sini , Töyli Juuso , Ojala Lauri 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the extent to which psychological factors and the agency of decision-makers drive outsourcing decisions. Arguments based on transaction cost economics, the core competence approach and the theory of planned behavior are used to explain logistics outsourcing.Design/methodology/approachThe literature was reviewed to identify constructs that are antecedents of logistics outsourcing intentions, and corresponding measures were developed. The data were gathered through a survey of supply chain professionals in Finnish manufacturing companies. A measurement model was reviewed to ensure reliability and validity and converted into a structural model for analysis. The analysis was based on partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling.FindingsSupply chain managers objectively consider the characteristics of their organization's logistics identified in previous research as requiring assessment during the outsourcing process. However, and surprisingly, they also tend to rely on behavioral subjective factors such as positive attitudes, encouraging subjective norms and competence. Moreover, it seems that firms do not outsource logistics activities despite the high strategic importance of the function, but because of it.Research limitations/implicationsThe constructed model is limited to the constructs chosen to represent drivers of logistics outsourcing. Further application with more samples would improve its reliability.Practical implicationsThe factors proposed here with respect to assets and the capabilities of third-party partners could facilitate decision-making related to logistics outsourcing.Originality/valueThe findings emphasize the role of behavioral factors in the procurement function and therefore enhance the understanding of behavioral supply chain management.