bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide Spatial Expression Profiling in FFPE Tissues
Authors: Villacampa Eva Gracia , Larsson Ludvig , Kvastad Linda , Andersson Alma , Carlson Joseph , Lundeberg Joakim 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFormalin-fixed paraffin embedding (FFPE) is the most widespread long-term tissue preservation approach. Here we present a procedure to perform genome-wide spatial analysis of mRNA in FFPE tissue sections. The procedure takes advantage of well-established, commercially available methods for imaging and spatial barcoding using slides spotted with barcoded oligo(dT) probes to capture the 3’ end of mRNA molecules in tissue sections. First, we conducted expression profiling and cell type mapping in coronal sections from the mouse brain to demonstrate the method’s capability to delineate anatomical regions from a molecular perspective. Second, we explored the spatial composition of transcriptomic signatures in ovarian carcinosarcoma samples using data driven analysis methods, exemplifying the method’s potential to elucidate molecular mechanisms in heterogeneous clinical samples.
High Affinity Nanobodies Block SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor Binding Domain Interaction with Human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
Authors: Esparza Thomas J. , Martin Negin P. , Anderson George P. , Goldman Ellen R. , Brody David L. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThere are currently no approved effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Nanobodies are 12-15 kDa single-domain antibody fragments that are amenable to inexpensive large-scale production and can be delivered by inhalation. We have isolated nanobodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain and block spike protein interaction with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with 1-5 nM affinity. The lead nanobody candidate, NIH-CoVnb-112, blocks SARS-CoV-2 spike pseudotyped lentivirus infection of HEK293 cells expressing human ACE2 with an EC50of 0.3 micrograms/mL. NIH-CoVnb-112 retains structural integrity and potency after nebulization. Furthermore, NIH-CoVnb-112 blocks interaction between ACE2 and several high affinity variant forms of the spike protein. These nanobodies and their derivatives have therapeutic, preventative, and diagnostic potential.
The complex genomic basis of rapid convergent adaptation to pesticides across continents in a fungal plant pathogen
Authors: Hartmann Fanny E. , Vonlanthen Tiziana , Singh Nikhil Kumar , McDonald Megan , Milgate Andrew , Croll Daniel 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConvergent evolution leads to identical phenotypic traits in different species or populations. Convergence can be driven by standing variation allowing selection to favor identical alleles in parallel or the same mutations can arise independently. However, the molecular basis of such convergent adaptation remains often poorly resolved. Pesticide resistance in agricultural ecosystems is a hallmark of convergence in phenotypic traits. Here, we analyze the major fungal pathogenZymoseptoria triticicausing serious losses on wheat and with parallel fungicide resistance emergence across continents. We sampled three population pairs each from a different continent spanning periods early and late in the application of fungicides. To identify causal loci for resistance, we combined knowledge from molecular genetics work and performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on a global set of isolates. We discovered yet unknown factors in azole resistance including membrane stability functions. We found strong support for the ‘hotspot’ model of resistance evolution with parallel changes in a small set of loci but additional loci showed more population-specific allele frequency changes. Genome-wide scans of selection showed that half of all known resistance loci were overlapping a selective sweep region. Hence, the application of fungicides was one of the major selective agents acting on the pathogen over the past decades. Furthermore, loci identified through GWAS showed the highest overlap with selective sweep regions underlining the importance to map phenotypic trait variation in evolving populations. Our population genomic analyses showed that bothde novomutations and gene flow likely contributed to the parallel emergence of resistance.
Near Atomic Structure of an Atadenovirus Reveals a Conserved Capsid-Binding Motif and Intergenera Variations in Cementing Proteins
Authors: Marabini Roberto , Condezo Gabriela N. , Gómez-Blanco Josué , Martín Carmen San 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLittle is known about the basic biology of non-human adenoviruses, which could be alternative vectors free of issues posed by preexisting immunity to human adenoviruses. We present the cryo-EM structure of a lizard atadenovirus, LAdV-2, at 3.4 Å resolution. This is the first high resolution structure of an adenovirus with non-mammalian host, and of an adenovirus not belonging to the Mastadenovirus genus. Atadenovirus capsids contain genus specific proteins LH3, p32k, and LH2, and are more thermostable than the more studied human adenoviruses. We find a large conformational difference in the internal vertex protein IIIa between mast- and atadenoviruses, induced by the presence of an extended polypeptide in the region. This polypeptide, as well as α-helical clusters located beneath the icosahedral facet, likely correspond to proteins LH2 and p32k. The external genus specific protein LH3, with a trimeric β-helix fold typical of bacteriophage host attachment proteins, contacts the hexon shell surface via a triskelion structure identical to that used by protein IX in human AdV, revealing a conserved capsid-binding motif and a possible gene duplication event. Altogether, this work shows how the network of minor coat proteins differs between AdV genera and relates to virus evolution and capsid stability properties.
Protective Plant Immune Responses are Elicited by Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles
Authors: McMillan Hannah M. , Zebell Sophia G. , Ristaino Jean B. , Dong Xinnian , Kuehn Meta J. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) perform a variety of functions in bacterial survival and virulence. In mammalian systems, OMVs activate immune responses and have been exploited as vaccines. However, little work has focused on the role that OMVs play during interactions with plant hosts. Here we report that OMVs from the pathogenicPseudomonas syringaeand the beneficialPseudomonas fluorescensactivate plant immune responses that protect against bacterial and oomycete pathogens. OMVs from these two species display different sensitivity to biochemical stressors, which could indicate differences in OMV cargo packaging. Furthermore, our study shows that OMV-induced protective immune responses are T3SS- and protein-independent, while OMV-mediated seedling growth inhibition largely depends on protein cargo. Importantly, OMV-mediated plant responses are distinct from those triggered by PAMP/MAMPs or effector molecules alone. OMVs provide a unique opportunity to study virulence factors in combination and add a new layer of interaction and complexity to host-microbe interactions.
Interbacterial competition and anti-predatory behavior of environmentalVibrio choleraestrains
Authors: Dörr Natália C. Drebes , Blokesch Melanie 
Published: July 2020

SummaryVibrio choleraeisolates responsible for cholera pandemics represent only a small portion of the diverse strains belonging to this species. Indeed, mostV. choleraeare encountered in aquatic environments. To better understand the emergence of pandemic lineages, it is crucial to discern what differentiates pandemic strains from their environmental relatives. Here, we studied the interaction of environmentalV. choleraewith eukaryotic predators or competing bacteria and tested the contributions of the hemolysin and the type VI secretion system (T6SS) to those interactions. Both of these molecular weapons are constitutively active in environmental isolates but subject to tight regulation in the pandemic clade. We showed that several environmental isolates resist amoebal grazing and that this anti-grazing defense relies on the strains’ T6SS and its actin-cross-linking domain (ACD)-containing tip protein. Strains lacking the ACD were unable to defend themselves against grazing amoebae but maintained high levels of T6SS-dependent interbacterial killing. We explored the latter phenotype through whole-genome sequencing of fourteen isolates, which unveiled a wide array of novel T6SS effector and (orphan) immunity proteins. By combining thesein silicopredictions with experimental validations, we showed that highly similar but nonidentical immunity proteins were insufficient to provide cross-immunity among those wild strains.Originality-Significance StatementThis work contributes to the understanding of phenotypic consequences that differentiate diverseVibrio choleraestrains. We focused on the type VI secretion system (T6SS) and the pore forming toxin hemolysin, which are tightly regulated in pandemic strains but remain constitutively active in non-pandemic isolates. We unveiled diverse arrays of T6SS effector/immunity modules in a set of environmental strains by long-read whole genome sequencing andde novoassembly. These modules determine whether the strains are able to evade amoebal predation and dictate their level of compatibility or competitiveness with one another.
Maternal control of early life history traits affects overwinter survival and seedling phenotypes in sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.)
Authors: Hernández Fernando , Vercellino Roman B. , Fanna Ignacio , Presotto Alejandro 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTWhen cultivated and wild plants hybridize, hybrids often show intermediate phenotypic traits relative to their parents, which make them unfit in natural environments. However, maternal genetic effects may affect the outcome of hybridization by controlling the expression of the earliest life history traits. Here, using wild, cultivated, and reciprocal crop-wild sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) hybrids, we evaluated the maternal effects on emergence timing and seedling establishment in the field, and on seedling traits under controlled conditions. In the field, we evaluated reciprocal crop-wild hybrids between two wild populations with contrasting dormancy (the high dormant BAR and the low dormant DIA) and one cultivar (CROP) with low dormancy. Under controlled conditions, we evaluated reciprocal crop-wild hybrids between two wild populations (BAR and RCU) and one CROP under three contrasting temperature treatments. In the field, BAR overwintered as dormant seeds whereas DIA and CROP showed high autumn emergence (∼50% of planted seeds), resulting in differential overwinter survival and seedling establishment in the spring. Reciprocal crop-wild hybrids resembled their female parents in emergence timing and success of seedling establishment. Under controlled conditions, we observed large maternal effects on most seedling traits across temperatures. Cotyledon size explained most of the variation in seedling traits, suggesting that the maternal effects on seed size have cascading effects on seedling traits. Maternal effects on early life history traits affect early plant survival and phenotypic variation of crop-wild hybrids, thus, they should be addressed in hybridization studies, especially those involving highly divergent parents like cultivated species and their wild ancestors.
Social environmental injustices against indigenous peoples: the Belo Monte dam
Authors: Ribeiro Heidi Michalski , Morato Jose Rubens 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThis proposal is a case study of the Belo Monte dam. The article deals with human rights and environmental violations arising from the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant in the northern region of Brazil. This paper aims to evidence human rights violations brought by the construction Belo Monte dam, a glimpse of the COVID-19 scenario and how Brazilian regulation allowed those violations.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objective of this article, the Brazilian norms, public policies and the current situation of the affected communities were analyzed, focusing on the human rights violations and the historical timeline of this mega-project. The analysis was directed to the hardcore social sciences, considering analytical and qualitative research.FindingsThe data gathered and the references consulted proved that many human rights violations occurred and that the vulnerability of indigenous and local people increased with the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant in the northern region of Brazil. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this adverse scenario since indigenous and local people already had their vulnerabilities increased with the construction of Belo Monte.Research limitations/implicationsThe Belo Monte Dam has had severe and irreversible impacts on the lives of local communities, especially indigenous peoples, as it had destroyed their culture and the environment. The authors were not able to do fieldwork, due to the great distance of the dam. In this sense, the research does not cover all the social–environmental issues, as an ethnographic approach is necessary.Originality/valueThe authors intend to bring attention to harms caused to indigenous people and the local communities, expecting to create an alert of what this kind of project can do to vulnerable peoples' life, especially now with the pandemic scenario, which makes indigenous and traditional communities more vulnerable to diseases due to the loss of their territories.
Exploring the drivers of ethnic and religious exclusion from public services in Nigeria: implications for sustainable development goal 10
Authors: Uzochukwu Benjamin Sunday , Okeke Chinyere Cecilia , Ogwezi Joyce , Emunemu Benedict , Onibon Felicia , Ebenso Bassey , Mirzoev Tolib , Mir Ghazala 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe importance of social exclusion and the disadvantage experienced by many minority ethnic and religious populations are rooted in SDG 10. To address this exclusion effectively it is important to understand their key drivers. This paper aimed to establish the key drivers of exclusion and their outcomes in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe methods involved a scoping review of literature and stakeholder workshops that focused on drivers of social exclusion of religious and ethnic minorities in public institutions.FindingsAt the macro level, the drivers include ineffective centralized federal State, competition for resources and power among groups, geographic developmental divide and socio-cultural/religious issues. At the meso-level are institutional rules and competition for resources, stereotypes and misconceptions, barriers to access and service provision. At the micro-level are socio-economic status and health-seeking behaviour. The perceived impact of social exclusion included increasing illiteracy, lack of employment, deteriorating health care services, increased social vices, communal clashes and insurgencies and vulnerability to exploitation and humiliation. These drivers must be taken into consideration in the development of interventions for preventing or reducing social exclusion of ethnic and religious minorities from public services.Originality/valueThis is a case of co-production by all the stakeholders and a novel way for the identification of drivers of social exclusion in public services in Nigeria. It is the first step towards solving the problem of exclusion and has implications for the achievement of SDG 10 in Nigeria.
The internationalization of Polish civil society elites and their impact on development cooperation policy and practice
Authors: Chimiak Galia 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to discuss the rise of internationalized civil society elites in Poland engaged in the fields of development cooperation, democratization assistance, humanitarian relief and global education in the framework of private international governance theory.Design/methodology/approachQualitative sociological approach and the methodology of cross-case analysis are employed in this study of Polish internationalized civil society elites.FindingsEvidence would be provided that whereas in some donor countries the gap between civil society elites engaged abroad and their locally active colleagues obstructs the travel of ideas, in Poland aid professionals freely move between sectors, which has allowed for better exchange of know-how and also enhanced their influence on policy-making. At the same time, the existing divides within internationalized civil society elites in Poland – between “democratizing” or “developmental”, between secular and religious and between progressive and conservative as of late – are indicative of the ongoing formation of these elites and of the heterogeneity of the community of aid professionals.Social implicationsIn view of the worldwide fueling of populism by anti-elitist strategists, it is important to highlight the contribution of civil society elites to mainstreaming progressive humanitarian principles.Originality/valueWhereas existing studies on elite formation in postsocialist countries like Poland examine political elites or the role of the intelligentsia for the fledgling middle class and local civil society, this paper focuses on the emergence of a stratum of Polish elites, which are both internationalized and engaged in the nonprofit sector.
Teaching international business development using current business metrics
Authors: Lundstrum Leonard L. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to set forth a less-costly, more flexible approach to teaching the analysis of international business development opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach capitalizes upon the high-quality business condition metrics, which are necessary to inform the development decision, that have recently become freely-available through a set of institutions that gather and distribute these metrics.

Findings
Critical thinking skills in this area are developed here not just by understanding the tools of analysis but also by having participated in a series of active classroom activities focused upon private investment decisions in a set of disparate countries.

Practical implications
This approach develops rising business professionals with refined critical thinking skills who will be able to immediately contribute to international business development decision-making.

Social implications
Opportunities for students to learn these critical thinking skills can be far more available because the traditional method by which these skills have been taught has been by finding a partner business with the resources to pay for such data. In exchange for allowing students to use the data experientially the partner firm benefits from the work product of the students who study the international business development project at the firm’s offices.

Originality/value
The approach set forth provides an accessible alternate for those on-campus students and distance-learning students who do not need to have the flexibility to travel to the site of a business partner – where most of this learning has heretofore been arranged.
UNGC principles and SDGs: perception and business implementation
Authors: Mattera Marina , Alba Ruiz-Morales Carmen 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the perception of CSR policies and the implementation of UNGC management model in firms operating at a national and an international level. Specifically, in the framework of stakeholder theory, this work explores the relation between internationalization and the usage of UNGC management model in the design and implementation of successful CSR strategies. By doing so, new insights on CSR management to gain competitive advantage are provided.Design/methodology/approachThe present study analyzes impact of internationalization in their sustainability performance, as well as the relationship between the usage of the UNGC management model and the firm's sustainability performance. To achieve this goal, the Spanish firms subscribing to the UNGC were evaluated following the tenth anniversary of the Spanish UNGC Chapter's inauguration. Both internationalized companies and companies only operating at a national level were evaluated, first through a survey, followed by a focus group and lastly a qualitative analysis of their CSR performance reports.FindingsFindings show that perception of CSR performance and relevance allocated to CSR matters is consistent with the firms' practices. However, internationalization does not hold a relation with the companies' performance in sustainability matters as expected due to a series of factors. Similarly, the implementation of the UNGC management model does not correlate to the firm's perception and performance. The virtuous cycle can be created by honoring the social contract, yet the tools and management models shall be further tailored to ensure an effective win-win situation.Originality/valueThis study evaluates a company's perception and strategic involvement in sustainability, considering the UNGC 10 principles and SDG. Specifically, the role of internationalization and usage of the UNGC management model are evaluated. Consequently, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate the findings in strategic planning. Practitioners can learn the implications of CSR strategic planning using the UNGC management model and the limitations of this tool, to ensure sustainable growth of their firms. Moreover, work illustrates corporate results in sustainability matters after the first decade of the UNGC management model implementation in a specific UNGC Chapter.
Mobilising SDG 12: co-creating sustainability through brands
Authors: Palakshappa Nitha , Dodds Sarah 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
This research extends understanding of the role brand co-creation plays in encouraging ethical consumption. The paper addresses sustainable development goal 12 (SDG 12): ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, exploring how brand co-creation can be employed to advance this development goal.

Design/methodology/approach
The Customer Brand Co-creation Model is used within an embedded case design to understand the role of the brand and the consumer in promoting sustainable consumption within the fashion industry.

Findings
Initial insights suggest marketing has much to offer sustainability through the use of the brand. An extended brand co-creation framework highlights the importance of embedding sustainability and viewing the consumer as central to mobilising SDG12.

Practical implications
An important concern is to ensure sustainability is embedded within the activities and strategy of the organisation and viewed as integral rather than peripheral.

Originality/value
The paper examines aspects crucial to co-creation of “sustainability” through a focus on both the consumer and the brand. Case narratives provide a strong foundation to consider the Customer Brand Co-creation Model and implications of this framework for managerial practice. This study extends the model to encompass the umbrella of “sustainability” and the firm's perspective.