bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The critical immunosuppressive effect of MDSC-derived exosomes in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Rashid Mohammad H. , Borin Thaiz F. , Ara Roxan , Piranlioglu Raziye , Achyut Bhagelu R. , Korkaya Hasan , Liu Yutao , Arbab Ali S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an indispensable component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and our perception regarding the role of MDSCs in tumor promotion is attaining extra layer of intricacy in every study. In conjunction with MDSC’s immunosuppressive and anti-tumor immunity, they candidly facilitate tumor growth, differentiation, and metastasis in several ways that yet to be explored. Alike any other cell types, MDSCs also release a tremendous amount of exosomes or nanovesicles of endosomal origin and partake in intercellular communications by dispatching biological macromolecules. There has not been any experimental study done to characterize the role of MDSCs derived exosomes (MDSC exo) in the modulation of TME. In this study, we isolated MDSC exo and demonstrated that they carry a significant amount of proteins that play an indispensable role in tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. We observed higher yield and more substantial immunosuppressive potential of exosomes isolated from MDSCs in the primary tumor area than those are in the spleen or bone marrow. Ourin vitrodata suggest that MDSC exo are capable of hyper activating or exhausting CD8 T-cells and induce reactive oxygen species production that elicits activation-induced cell death. We confirmed the depletion of CD8 T-cellsin vivoby treating the mice with MDSC exo. We also observed a reduction in pro-inflammatory M1-macrophages in the spleen of those animals. Our results indicate that immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting functions of MDSC are also implemented by MDSC-derived exosomes which would open up a new avenue of MDSC research and MDSC-targeted therapy.
Population genetic structure in the insular Ryukyu flying fox,Pteropus dasymallus
Authors: Chen Shiang-Fan , Juan Chung-Hao , Rossiter Stephen , Kinjo Teruo , Fukui Dai , Kawai Kuniko , Tsang Susan M. , Veluz Maria Josefa , Sakurai Hiroko , Jang-Liaw Nian-Hong , Osawa Keiko , Ko Wen-Ya , Izawa Masako 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSmall isolated populations are vulnerable to both stochastic events and the negative consequences of genetic drift. For threatened species, the genetic management of such populations has therefore become a crucial aspect of conservation. Flying foxes (Pteropusspp, Chiroptera) are keystone species with essential roles in pollination and seed dispersal in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Yet many flying fox species are also of conservation concern, having experienced dramatic population declines driven by habitat loss and hunting. The Ryukyu flying fox (Pteropus dasymallus) ranges from Japan and Taiwan to the northern Philippines, and has undergone precipitous population crashes on several islands in recent decades. To assess population genetic structure and diversity inP. dasymallus, and its likely causes, we analyzed mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Both markers showed significant genetic differentiation among most island populations with patterns of isolation-by-distance. However, while mitochondrial haplotypes showed some mixing across the region, likely reflecting historical colonization and/or dispersal events, microsatellites markers showed clear subdivisions corresponding to the position of deep ocean trenches. The current distribution ofP. dasymallusand its subspecific diversity therefore appears to have arisen through vicariance coupled with a long history of restricted gene flow across oceanic barriers. We conclude that isolated island subgroups should be managed separately, with efforts directed at reducing further declines.
Age-related decrements in cortical gyrification: Evidence from an accelerated longitudinal dataset
Authors: Madan Christopher R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCortical gyrification has been found to decrease due to aging, but thus far this has only been examined in cross-sectional samples. Interestingly, the topography of these age-related differences in gyrification follow a distinct gradient along the cortex relative to age effects on cortical thickness, likely suggesting a different underlying neurobiological mechanism. Here I examined several aspects of gyrification in an accelerated longitudinal dataset of 280 healthy adults aged 45-92 with an interval between first and last MRI session of up to 10 years (total of 815 MRI sessions). Results suggest that age changes in sulcal morphology underlie these changes in gyrification.
Ptr1evolved convergently withRPS2andMr5to mediate recognition of AvrRpt2 in diverse solanaceous species
Authors: Mazo-Molina Carolina , Mainiero Samantha , Haefner Benjamin J. , Bednarek Ryland , Zhang Jing , Feder Ari , Shi Kai , Strickler Susan R. , Martin Gregory B. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThePtr1 (Pseudomonas tomato race 1)locus inSolanum lycopersicoidesconfers resistance to strains ofPseudomonas syringaepv. tomato expressing AvrRpt2 andRalstonia pseudosolanacearumexpressing RipBN. Here we describe the identification and phylogenetic analysis of thePtr1gene. A single recombinant among 585 F2 plants segregating for thePtr1locus was discovered that narrowed thePtr1candidates to eight nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein (NLR)-encoding genes. From analysis of the gene models in theS. lycopersicoidesgenome sequence and RNA-Seq data, two of the eight genes emerged as the strongest candidates forPtr1. One of these two candidates was found to encodePtr1based on its ability to mediate recognition of AvrRpt2 and RipBN when it was transiently expressed with these effectors in leaves ofNicotiana glutinosa. The ortholog ofPtr1in tomato and inSolanum pennelliiis a pseudogene. However, a functionalPtr1ortholog exists inN. benthamianaand potato and both mediate recognition of AvrRpt2 and RipBN. In apple and Arabidopsis, recognition of AvrRpt2 is mediated by the Mr5 and RPS2 proteins, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis placesPtr1in a distinct clade compared toMr5andRPS2and it therefore appears to have arisen by convergent evolution for recognition of AvrRpt2.
Symmetrically substituted dichlorophenes inhibitN-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D
Authors: Aggarwal Geetika , Zarrow Jonah E. , Mashhadi Zahra , Flynn C. Robb , Vinson Paige , Weaver C. David , Davies Sean S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractN-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) (EC 3.1.4.4) catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis ofN-acyl-ethanolamides (NAEs). Reduced NAPE-PLD expression and activity may contribute to obesity and inflammation, but a major obstacle to elucidating the role of NAPE-PLD and NAE biosynthesis in various physiological processes has been the lack of effective NAPE-PLD inhibitors. The endogenous bile acid lithocholic acid (LCA) inhibits NAPE-PLD activity (IC5068 μM) but LCA is also a highly potent ligand for TGR5 (EC500.52 μM). Recently, the first selective small molecule inhibitor of NAPE-PLD, ARN19874, was reported (IC5034 μM). To identify more potent inhibitors of NAPE-PLD, we screened compounds using a quenched fluorescent NAPE analog, PED-A1, as a substrate for recombinant mouse NAPE-PLD. Screened compounds included a panel of bile acids as well as a library of experimental compounds (the Spectrum Collection). Muricholic acids and several other bile acids inhibited NAPE-PLD with potency similar to LCA. Fourteen potent NAPE-PLD inhibitors were identified in the Spectrum Collection, with the two most potent (IC50~2 μM) being symmetrically substituted dichlorophenes: hexachlorophene and bithionol. Structure activity relationship assays using additional substituted dichlorophenes identified key moieties needed for NAPE-PLD inhibition. Both hexachlorophene and bithionol showed significant selectivity for NAPE-PLD compared to non-target lipase activities such asS. chromofuscusPLD activity or serum lipase activity. Both also effectively inhibited NAPE-PLD activity in cultured HEK293 cells.
Computational genomic discovery of diverse gene clusters harboring Fe-S flavoenzymes in anaerobic gut microbiota
Authors: Pascal Andreu Victòria , Fischbach Michael A. , Medema Marnix H. 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTThe gut contains an enormous diversity of simple as well as complex molecules from highly diverse food sources as well as host-secreted molecules. This presents a large metabolic opportunity for the gut microbiota, but little is known on how gut microbes are able to catabolize this large chemical diversity. Recently, Fe-S flavoenzymes were found to be key in the transformation of bile acids, catalysing the key step in the 7α-dehydroxylation pathway that allows gut bacteria to transform cholic acid (CA) into deoxycholic acid (DCA), an exclusively microbe-derived molecule with major implications for human health. While this enzyme family has also been implicated in a limited number of other catalytic transformations, little is known about the extent to which it is of more global importance in gut microbial metabolism. Here, we use large-scale computational genomic analysis to show that this enzyme superfamily has undergone a remarkable expansion in Clostridiales, and occurs throughout a diverse array of >1,000 different families of putative metabolic gene clusters. Analysis of the enzyme content of these gene clusters suggests that they encode pathways with a wide range of predicted substrate classes, including saccharides, amino acids/peptides and lipids. Altogether, these results indicate a potentially important role of this protein superfamily in the human gut, and our dataset provides significant opportunities for the discovery of novel pathways that may have significant effects on human health.
Measuring usage of formal financial services as a proxy for financial inclusion
Authors: Mohammed Fatima , Barrowclough Michael J. , Kibler Michelle L. , Boerngen Maria A. 
Published: March 2020

PurposeFinancial inclusion is an issue of importance and increasing concern worldwide, particularly to policymakers across Africa and the rest of the developing world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of usage of formal financial services among Ghanaian agricultural households as well as factors influencing these levels.Design/methodology/approachFinancial inclusion indicators associated with the usage of formal financial services are selected from the 2017 Ghana Living Standard Survey. Using these indicators, an index measuring the level of usage of formal financial services is developed. A multinomial logistic regression model is implemented to analyze the possible effect that farm and household characteristics have on index measures.FindingsUsage of formal financial services is very low among agricultural households, with many households using no financial products or services. Household expenditure, education, religion, geographic location, and the use of informal financial services were found to be consistent factors impacting household financial inclusion levels.Practical implicationsFindings may assist policymakers in designing policy schemes aimed at improving access to and usage of financial services for Ghanaian agricultural households. This may lead to a more inclusive financial system with the potential to improve the livelihood of agricultural households and contribute to Ghana's overall economic development.Originality/valueA household-level index measuring usage of formal financial services was developed and characteristics influencing said index measures were examined, providing a more holistic view and understanding of factors influencing usage decisions.
Credit relevance after mandatory IFRS adoption in deposit money banks of Nigeria
Authors: Dang Dagwom Yohanna , Akwe James Ayuba , Garba Salisu Balago 
Published: March 2020

PurposeCredit relevance of financial reporting can be influenced by change in financial reporting framework. This study aims to examine the effect of mandatory international financial reporting standards (IFRS) adoption on credit relevance quality of financial reporting of deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses difference-in-differences (D-in-D) design for its modelling. Panel data regression analysis based on the D-in-D model is used in analysing the data collected from secondary sources.FindingsThe findings of this study are that based on the D-in-D approach, there is a significant and positive effect of mandatory IFRS adoption on credit relevance quality of financial reporting of DMBs in Nigeria, and that there is also a significant difference in the credit relevance quality of financial reporting of mandatory adopting banks in the post-mandatory IFRS adoption period compared to pre-mandatory IFRS adoption period.Research limitations/implicationsTo the best of this study's review, there is inadequacy of literature within the credit relevance research in Nigeria. In the light of this, this study intends to fill the gap.Practical implicationsThis study is specifically important to regulatory authorities, both primary and secondary regulators. Specifically, this study has implications in the regulatory roles of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC). However, the study recommends that regulatory authorities should encourage DMBs to avail their financial reports annually to credit rating agencies (local and international) for proper evaluation for subsequent ratings.Originality/valueThe peculiarities in this study, that is the utilisation of the D-in-D design and the use of credit relevance metric as the dependent variable, made this study important and novel to push the frontier of existing knowledge.
Profound barriers to building information modelling (BIM) adoption in construction small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Saka Abdullahi B. , Chan Daniel W.M. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate and investigate the dynamics of the barriers to building information modelling (BIM) adoption from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries with the Nigerian construction industry as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach
An interpretive structural modelling approach was adopted to develop a hierarchical model of the interrelationships of the barriers. Also, the Matrice d’Impacts croises-multipication applique a classement analysis was used for categorisation of the barriers.

Findings
The findings revealed that the barriers are from a sociotechnical context and that SMEs have the will to drive BIM adoption by focussing more on their internal environment.

Originality/value
This study presented the adoption of BIM in SMEs, which is underrepresented in extant studies. Also, it contributes to the nascent discussion of BIM from the perspective of SMEs in developing countries.
Job insecurity and work–family conflict
Authors: Nauman Shazia , Zheng Connie , Naseer Saima 
Published: March 2020

PurposeDrawing on conservation of resources theory, this study aims to investigate the processes underlying the linkages between job insecurity (JI) and work–family conflict (WFC) from a stress perspective, focusing on the mediating role of subordinates' work withdrawal (WW) and emotional exhaustion (EE). Specifically, the authors tested two distinct mediating mechanisms, namely, WW and EE that have received less attention in testing the JI and WFC linkage. The authors also tested the variable of perceived organizational justice (POJ) to moderate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data collected at Time 1 and Time 2 included 206 professionals from different occupational sectors. The authors study independent variable (i.e. JI), moderator (POJ) and mediator (WW) were measured at Time-1, whereas the other mediator (EE) and outcome (WFC) were tapped by the same respondent at Time-2 with a time interval of one month between them.FindingsThe findings suggest that subordinates’ EE and WW mediate the relationship between JI and WFC. Further, the authors found that EE is a relatively more effective mechanism than WW in explaining how and why JI translates into WFC. The results of the moderated mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of JI on WFC is strengthened when POJ is low.Practical implicationsJI has adverse consequences on the employees’ well-being and a cost to the organization in terms of WW. HR and top management should anticipate the negative influence of WW and EE and should focus on nurturing positive work–family climates to help reduce WFCs. Managers should give employees opportunities for participation and foster a climate of fairness in the organization to mitigate the harmful consequences of JI.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the employees’ burnout, counter work behavior and the WFC literature. By introducing EE and WW as underlying mechanisms and identifying POJ as a work contextual variable to explain the JI – WFC relationship, the authors extend the nomological network of JI. The authors respond to the calls by prior researchers as little research has examined how perceived fairness (unfairness) can induce WFC.
Making a dart for a clothing pattern in virtual space
Authors: Inui Shigeru , Mesuda Yuko , Horiba Yosuke 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe final goal of this study is to virtualize draping. Draping which is one of the methods to design paper patterns for clothing requires much labor and time. The sub-goal of this study is to construct a system in which the fundamental functions of draping are equipped.Design/methodology/approachThe system is realized in the virtual world by integrating the virtualized elements of real draping. The cloth is modeled by mechanical formulation, and the shape is determined by numerical calculation. The hand is geometrically modeled, and the captured motions of the hand and fingers are applied to the model. The model dress form is made from the data by measurement. The system in which darts can be made in the virtual space is constructed by integrating the models.FindingsIt is confirmed that the cloth model in the virtual world can be manipulated by the motions of the fingers in the real world. And it is suggested that it is possible to design practical paper patterns for clothing by adding functions to the system.Originality/valueWe are aiming at the system to design paper patterns by the movements of the fingers. With this system, it is expected that the efficiency in designing paper patterns is much improved, and it becomes possible to design clothing that fits individuals efficiently.
Design in 3D: a computational fashion design protocol
Authors: Greder Katherine Celia , Pei Jie , Shin Jooyoung 
Published: March 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to create a corset—understructure as well as fabric covering—using only computational, 3D approaches to fashion design. The process incorporated 3D body scan data, parametric methods for the 3D-printed design, and algorithmic methods for the automated, custom-fit fabric pattern.Design/methodology/approachThe methods or protocol-based framework that nucleated this design project (see Figure 1) enabled more concentrated research into the iterative step-by-step procedure and the computational techniques used herein.FindingsThe 3D computational methods in this study demonstrated a new way of rendering the body-to-pattern relationship through the use of multiple software platforms. Using body scan data and computer coding, the computational construction methods in this study showed a pliant and sustainable method of clothing design where designers were able to manipulate the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the points on the scan surface.Research limitations/implicationsA study of algorithmic methods is inherently a study of limitation. The iterative process of design was defined and refined through the particularity of an algorithm, which required thoughtful manipulation to inform the outcome of this research.Practical implicationsThis study sought to illustrate the use and limitations of algorithm-driven computer programming to advance creative design practices.Social implicationsAs body scan data and biometric information become increasingly common components of computational fashion design practices, the need for more research on the use of these techniques is pressing. Moreover, computational techniques serve as a catalyst for discussions about the use of biometric information in design and data modeling.Originality/valueThe process of designing in 3D allowed for the dynamic capability to manipulate proportion and form using parametric design techniques.
Gateways for intra-national tourism flows: measured using two types of tracking technologies
Authors: Raun Janika , Shoval Noam , Tiru Margus 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
Understanding the essence of tourism flows is one of the fundamental undertakings of tourism geography research and a key issue behind effective destination management and development. However, thus far, few studies have analysed tourist movement on a national scale. This is due to the deficiency of spatially accurate data that can be used for recording tourists’ intra-national movements. This paper aims to illustrate the impact of major gateways on national tourism flows by using tracking data; and demonstrate and compare the use and applicability of tracking data on a national scale.

Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors analyse foreign tourists’ movements using two spatially and temporally precise tracking data sets – call detail records from passive mobile positioning data and GPS data from smartphones – in two countries, Estonia and Israel. The movements of international tourists entering the countries via main gateways are studied, with a focus on the impact of gateways on intra-national tourism flows.

Findings
The results clearly show the impact of gateways on the concentration of tourists. In the two respective countries, the critical mass of time was spent in close proximity to the gateway and, due to distance decay, a dramatic decrease was seen in visitation to areas that were distanced from both countries’ core areas.

Originality/value
To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first time when tourism flows attained from tracking data are compared on a national scale for two countries.