bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin and Evolution of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) along the tree of life: A multi-genome survey
Authors: Bhattacharyya Madhumita , De Subhajyoti , Chakrabarti Saikat 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundCytosine methylation is a common DNA modification found in most eukaryotic organisms including plants, animals, and fungi. (Cytosine-5)-DNA methyltransferases (C5-DNA MTases) belong to the DNMT family of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) to cytosine residues of DNA. In mammals, four members of the DNMT family have been reported: DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and DNMT3L, but only DNMT1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b possess methyltransferase activity. There have been many reports about the methylation landscape in different organisms yet there is no systematic report of how the enzyme DNA (C5) methyltransferases have evolved in different organisms.ResultDNA methyltransferases are found to be present in all three domains of life. However, significant variability has been observed in length, copy number and sequence identity when compared across kingdoms. Sequence conservation is greatly increased in invertebrates and vertebrates compared to other groups. Similarly, sequence length has been found to be increased while domain lengths remain more or less conserved. Vertebrates are also found to be associated with more conserved DNMT domains. Finally, comparison between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) prevailing in human populations and evolutionary changes in DNMT vertebrate alignment revealed that most of the SNPs were conserved in vertebrates.ConclusionThe sequences (including the catalytic domain and motifs) and structure of the DNMT enzymes have been evolved greatly from bacteria to vertebrates with a steady increase in complexity and specificity. This study provides a systematic report of the evolution of DNA methyltransferase enzyme across different lineages of tree of life.
A mutation in monoamine oxidase (MAO) affects the evolution of stress behavior in the blind cavefishAstyanax mexicanus
Authors: Pierre Constance , Pradère Naomie , Froc Cynthia , Ornelas-García Patricia , Callebert Jacques , Rétaux Sylvie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe neurotransmitter serotonin controls a great variety of physiological and behavioral processes. In humans, mutations affecting the monoamine oxidase or MAO, the serotonin-degrading enzyme, are highly deleterious. Yet, blind cavefish of the speciesA. mexicanuscarry a partial loss-of-function mutation in MAO (P106L) and seem to thrive in their subterranean environment. Here, we established 4 fish lines, corresponding to the blind cave-dwelling and the sighted river-dwelling morphs of this species, with or without the mutation, in order to decipher the exact contribution ofmaoP106L in the evolution of cavefish neuro-behavioral traits. Unexpectedly, althoughmaoP106L appeared as an excellent candidate for the genetic determinism of the loss of aggressive and schooling behaviors in cavefish, we demonstrated that it was not the case. Similarly, the anatomical variations in monoaminergic systems observed between cavefish and surface fish brains were independent frommaoP106L, and rather due other, morph-dependent developmental processes. On the other hand, we found thatmaoP106L strongly affected anxiety-like behaviors. Cortisol measurements showed lower basal levels and an increased amplitude of stress response after a change of environment in fish carrying the mutation. Finally, we studied the distribution of the P106Lmaoallele in wild populations of cave and riverA. mexicanus, and discovered that the mutant allele was present - and sometimes fixed - in all populations inhabiting caves of the Sierra de El Abra. The possibility that this partial loss-of-functionmaoallele evolves under a selective or a genetic drift regime in the particular cave environment is discussed.
Investigating the consequences of theme park experience through the lenses of self-congruity and flow
Authors: Fu Xiaoxiao , Kang Juhee , Hahm Jeeyeon Jeannie , Wiitala Jessica 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to propose and test a conceptual model of theme park experiences by investigating the relationships among brand experience, self-congruity, flow and brand-related outcomes.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from guests who had visited a theme park in the past 12 months. Confirmatory factor analysis, consisting of second-order factor analysis and structural equation modeling with the incorporation of alternative model testing, was employed.FindingsThe findings revealed that theme park customers’ internalization of brand experience influenced their attitudinal and behavioral tendency with regard to the brand through self-congruity and flow.Practical implicationsThis study provides strategies for theme park designers and marketers under pressure to create a desired experiential setting that motivates visitors to engage in activities through various brand stimuli. Well-designed theme parks can create an optimal state of focus and attention, immersing visitors to the extent that they lose their sense of time and place, affecting their attitude and behavior toward the theme park brand.Originality/valueTheme parks provide a highly experiential, immersive and personally relevant experience with brand elements. Very few studies have attempted to investigate the consequences of theme park experience from the theoretical perspective of customers’ connection with the brand. This study proposed and validated a conceptual model to capture how theme park experience influenced visitors’ commitment to and active engagement with theme park brands through the mechanisms of self-congruity and flow.
Authentic leadership’s effect on customer orientation and turnover intention among Portuguese hospitality employees
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Duarte Patrícia , Fidalgo Jessica 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
Hospitality employees’ attitudes and behaviors play a crucial role in enhancing customer satisfaction and service quality and ultimately firms’ success; therefore, organizations must have skilled, customer-oriented staff. More research is required to help hospitality managers gain insights into the best strategies to promote and retain customer-oriented employees. This study specifically sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the ways that authentic leadership (AL) can affect employees’ customer orientation and turnover intention, including exploring affective commitment’s (AC) potential mediating role.

Design/methodology/approach
The sample included 350 employees from different hospitality organizations in Portugal. Data were collected using anonymously completed structured questionnaires available online or in a paper-and-pencil format.

Findings
The results demonstrate that AL has a positive effect on customer orientation and a negative effect on turnover intention. Moreover, they indicate that AC mediates the relationships between AL and both customer orientation and turnover intention. All hypotheses received empirical support.

Practical implications
Hotel managers can increase employees’ AC and customer orientation by engaging in AL behaviors. Similarly, management can avoid having employees voluntarily leave their jobs using more AL styles and strengthening employees’ affective bonds to their organization.

Originality/value
Prior hospitality studies have rarely focused on AL. This study is the first to analyze AL’s effect on customer orientation and AC’s role as a mediator variable in the relationships between AL and customer orientation and turnover intention, thus integrating all these variables into a single research model.
Star(tup) wars: decoupling task from relationship conflict
Authors: Kozusznik Malgorzata W. , Aaldering Hillie , Euwema Martin C. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeA strong relation between task and relationship conflict has toxic impact on teams and poses a high-risk factor in startup organizations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating role of conflict behavior and related coping strategies on the relationship between task and relationship conflict in startup teams.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted surveys among 100 Dutch and German startup members (Study 1) and 75 Belgium startup members (Study 2). In Study 3, 75 startup members completed weekly surveys in 11 consecutive weeks.FindingsBoth Study 1 and 2 show that the positive association between task and relationship conflict is buffered by problem-solving conflict behavior while this relationship is amplified by the use of avoiding strategies in startup teams. Similarly, the results of Study 3 show that individual and team-level problem-focused coping over a period of 11 weeks buffers the association between task and relationship conflict during this period, while individual disengagement coping potentiates it.Originality/valueThis study adds to the literature on conflict management and entrepreneurship by studying conflict behavior as a moderator in the association between task and relationship conflict in startup teams. Moreover, it takes a comprehensive perspective by including coping strategies conceptually related to conflict behaviors at both individual and teamlevel, as moderators in this relationship. The results of this study provide practical recommendations for entrepreneurs on how to prevent conflict escalation via conflict-oriented behaviors and more general coping strategies.
Financial integration and bank profitability in five regional economic communities in Africa
Authors: Banyen Kannyiri , Biekpe Nicholas 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis paper examines the effect of both de jure and de facto measures of financial integration on bank profitability in five regional economic communities of Africa.Design/methodology/approachUsing panel data from 405 banks operating in 47 African countries across five regional economic communities over 2007–2014, the study constructs a composite measure of bank profitability. The study then employs the dynamic two-step system GMM estimation technique to test the effect of both de jure and de facto measures of financial integration on bank profitability in Africa and across five sub-regional markets.FindingsOverall, the results support a positive relationship between financial integration and overall bank profitability in Africa, except for the Arab Maghreb Union and Southern Africa Development Community.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study suggest that increased financial integration in Africa directly improves bank’s overall profitability and the variations among the sub-regional markets inform tailored policy initiatives.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study on Africa to employ a composite measure of bank profitability to assess its determinants. It is also the first to include both de facto and de jure financial integration measures in a single study. This is also the first largest comparative study on bank profitability in Africa.
Strong species differences in life history do not predict oxidative stress physiology or sensitivity to an environmental oxidant
Authors: Tüzün Nedim , Debecker Sara , Stoks Robby 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Species typically align along a fast–slow life‐history continuum, yet it is not clear to what extent oxidative stress physiology can be integrated with this continuum to form a ‘pace‐of‐life syndrome’, especially so in invertebrates. This is important, given the assumed role of oxidative stress in mediating life‐history trade‐offs, and the prediction that species with a faster pace should be more vulnerable to oxidative stress.

We tested whether a species' life‐history pace, here represented by its growth rate, can predict species‐level differentiation in physiology and sensitivity to oxidative stress. Therefore, we exposed four species of Ischnura damselflies that strongly align along a fast–slow life‐history continuum to different levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We measured an extended set of physiological traits linked to the pace‐of‐life: standard metabolic rate, oxidative stress physiology (antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage) and defence/condition traits (investment in immune function, energy storage and structural defence).

Despite strong species differences in growth rate and physiology, growth rate did not predict species‐level differentiation in physiology. Hence there was no support for the integration of metabolic rate, oxidative stress physiology or defence/condition traits into a species‐level syndrome.

Ultraviolet exposure affected nearly all traits: it reduced growth rate and increased metabolic rate, affected all oxidative stress physiology traits and increased the two defence traits (immune function, and melanin content). Nevertheless, the pace‐of‐life based on growth rate did not predict sensitivity to UV. Instead, the observed pattern of investment in structural UV defence (melanin) might have reduced the need for enzymatic antioxidant defence, this way potentially decoupling the covariation between the life‐history pace and oxidative stress physiology.

The absence of an integrated axis of life‐history and physiological variation indicates no major constraints for the evolution of these traits among the studied damselfly species. Our study highlights that ecological differences between species may decouple covariation between species' life‐history pace and their physiology, as well as their sensitivity to environmental stressors.
Temperate deciduous forests embedded across developed landscapes: Younger forests harbour invasive plants and urban forests maintain native plants
Authors: Trammell Tara L. E. , D'Amico Vince , Avolio Meghan L. , Mitchell J. Christina , Moore Eric 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Temperate deciduous forests in the United States are located in the most densely populated states across the northern and mid-Atlantic east coast. Land development and associated human activities result in small forests that are susceptible to anthropogenic influences, such as urbanization and non-native plant invasion.

The overall objective of this study was to assess spatial and temporal drivers of forest vegetation structure and diversity in small forests embedded across developed landscapes. We assessed woody plant composition across spatial gradients (i.e., urbanization and non-native plant invasion) and a temporal gradient (i.e., time since canopy closure) across 38 forests along the east coast of the United States in northern Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Surprisingly, we found the invasion gradient was not related to the urban gradient across our forests. Across all forests, the canopy consisted of native species (98% of all trees), whereas the forest understory was most vulnerable to non-native plant invasion (65% of all woody plant stems). Greater native species richness in forest canopies and understories with increasing urbanization supports the conclusion that urban forests maintain native species and are not inherently degraded ecosystems. Non-native plant invasion has a strong influence on understory plant communities, and the duration of intact forest canopy had a strong negative correlation with non-native plant invasion suggesting intact forests can resist invasion.

Synthesis. This is the first study to compare simultaneously the importance of invasion and urbanization in determining plant community composition in forests embedded across developed landscapes, and to discover that younger forests harbor more invasive plants and urban forests maintain native plants.
Overuse of opioids for acute migraine in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Gunasekera Lakshini , Akhlaghi Hamed , Sun‐Edelstein Christina , Heywood John , Sanders Lauren 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveAcute migraine is associated with significant personal, economic and work‐related disability. Management guidelines advise the use of simple analgesia, triptans, chlorpromazine and anti‐emetics based on severity, with avoidance of opioids. We aimed to determine consistency of prescribing patterns in our ED with national guidelines.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of migraine presentations (ICD‐10‐AM G439) between 2012 and 2016. Exclusion criteria included migraine without headache, other primary headaches and secondary headaches. Demographic and prescribing data were extracted from medical records. Results have been reported as proportions.ResultsOf 4769 headache presentations, the application of exclusion criteria led to a total of 744 patients who received a migraine diagnosis (G439). Most were female (558/744, 75%), young (mean age 36.4 years) and had a self‐reported migraine history (558/744, 75%). There were 54 different medications prescribed. Paracetamol was more frequently prescribed (385/744, 52%) than aspirin (134/744, 18%). Opioid prescription occurred in nearly half of all presentations (345/744, 46%). Similar opioid prescriptions were also observed in those with a documented history of migraines (253/558, 45%). A minority of patients received triptans (51/744, 7%). Overall, a quarter of patients (189/744, 25%) received no guideline‐recommended medications.ConclusionWe observed considerable polypharmacy in ED migraine management with inconsistent prescribing patterns. Recommended medications were infrequently used and opioid use was common. Factors influencing prescribing patterns require further investigation in order to improve rates of guideline recommended treatment.
Population genomic SNPs from epigenetic RADs: Gaining genetic and epigenetic data from a single established next‐generation sequencing approach
Authors: Crotti Marco , Adams Colin E. , Elmer Kathryn R. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Epigenetics is increasingly recognized as an important molecular mechanism underlying phenotypic variation. To study DNA methylation in ecological and evolutionary contexts, epiRADseq is a cost‐effective next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technique based on reduced representation sequencing of genomic regions surrounding non‐/methylated sites. EpiRADseq for genome‐wide methylation abundance and ddRADseq for genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping follow very similar library and sequencing protocols, but to date these two types of dataset have been handled separately. Here we test the performance of using epiRADseq data to generate SNPs for population genomic analyses.

We tested the robustness of using epiRADseq data for population genomics with two independent datasets: a newly generated single‐end dataset for the European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus, and a re‐analysis of publicly available, previously published paired‐end data on corals. Using standard bioinformatic pipelines with a reference genome and without (i.e. de novo catalogue loci), we compared the number of SNPs retained, population genetic summary statistics and population genetic structure between data drawn from ddRADseq and epiRADseq library preparations.

We found that SNPs drawn from epiRADseq are similar in number to those drawn from ddRADseq, with 55%–83% of SNPs being identified by both methods. Genotyping error rate was <5% in both approaches. EpiRADseq‐specific allele dropout was low (~1%). For summary statistics, such as heterozygosity and nucleotide diversity, there is a strong correlation between methods (Spearman's rho > 0.88). Furthermore, identical patterns of population genetic structure were recovered using SNPs from epiRADseq and ddRADseq approaches.

We show that SNPs obtained from epiRADseq are highly similar to those from ddRADseq and are equivalent for estimating genetic diversity and population structure. This finding is particularly relevant to researchers interested in genetics and epigenetics on the same individuals because using a single epigenomic approach to generate two datasets greatly reduces the time and financial costs compared to using these techniques separately. It also efficiently enables correction of epigenetic estimates with population genetic data. Many studies will benefit from a combinatorial approach with genetic and epigenetic markers and this demonstrates a single, efficient method to do so.
A preliminary study to identify the likely risk for sarcopenia in older hospitalised patients with cardiovascular disease in Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Tan , Tran Khuong Dang , Bui Khai Xuan , Le Duong , Nguyen Tu Ngoc 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia, its associated factors and its impact on readmission in older hospitalised patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Vietnam.MethodsPatients aged ≥60 with CVD were recruited from 12/2018 to 6/2019 at a tertiary hospital in Vietnam. Sarcopenia was defined by the criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS).ResultsThere were 251 participants, with a mean age of 73.7 ± 8.8, 39.4% were female, and 34.3% had sarcopenia. On multivariable logistic regression, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and being currently unmarried were significantly associated with sarcopenia. The incidence of 5‐month readmission was 35.7% (50.0% in sarcopenic participants and 27.9% in non‐sarcopenic participants, P = .001). Sarcopenia independently increased the risk of readmission (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.08‐4.42).ConclusionSarcopenia was present in one‐third of older hospitalised patients with CVD and increased their risk of readmission. This finding suggests the need to raise awareness of sarcopenia among clinicians and older patients in Vietnam.
Ranger perceptions of the role of local communities in providing actionable information on wildlife crime
Authors: Anagnostou Michelle , Mwedde Geoffrey , Roe Dilys , Smith Robert J. , Travers Henry , Baker Julia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWildlife crime in protected areas remains a major challenge to conservation. However, little is known about the role of local communities in providing information on illegal activities to help improve law enforcement efforts in protected areas. As an initial exploration of this complex topic, we aimed to understand the perceptions of law enforcement authorities working directly with local communities on the conditions under which local people provide information to park rangers, using Murchison Falls Protected Area in Uganda as a case study. We used semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires to understand the perceptions of staff from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and nongovernmental organizations. There was consensus among participants that people who provide information are those who have trusted relationships with rangers; interact regularly with community outreach rangers (either formally through community programs or informal socializing); and believe that the protected area benefits them and their community. All respondents believed that information provided by local people can enable the success of wildlife crime investigations, but that associated ethical issues must be addressed. This study indicates that engaging communities in protected area conservation is crucial for law enforcement efforts to be effective in addressing wildlife crime.