bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zoom in on Ca2+pattern and ion flux dynamics to decode spatial and temporal regulation of cotton fiber growth
Authors: Yang Jia-Shuo , Bose Jayakumar , Shabala Sergey , Ruan Yong-Ling 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCotton fibers are single-celled trichomes initiated from ovule epidermis prior to anthesis. Thereafter, the fibers undergo rapid elongation for 20 d before switching to intensive cell wall cellulose synthesis. The final length attained determines fiber yield and quality. As such, cotton fiber represents an excellent single cell model to study regulation of cell growth and differentiation, with significant agronomical implications. One major unresolved question is whether fiber elongation follows a diffusive or a tip growth pattern. We addressed this issue by using cell biology and electrophysiological approaches. Confocal imaging of Ca2+binding dye, fluo-3 acetoxymethyl (Fluo-3), andin situmicroelectrode ion flux measurement revealed that cytosolic Ca2+was evenly distributed along the elongating fiber cells with Ca2+and H+fluxes oscillating from apical to basal regions of the elongating fibers. These findings demonstrate that, contrary to growing pollen tubes or root hairs, cotton fiber growth follows a diffusive, but not the tip growth, pattern. Further analyses showed that the elongating fibers exhibited substantial net H+efflux, indicating a strong activity of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase required for energy dependent solute uptake. Interestingly, the growing cotton fibers were responding to H2O2treatment, know to promote fiber elongation, by a massive increase in the net Ca2+and H+efflux in both tip and basal zones, while non-growing cells lacked this ability. These observations suggest that desensitization of the cell and a loss of its ability to respond to H2O2may be causally related to the termination of the cotton fiber elongation.One sentence summaryConfocal imaging of Ca2+patterning andin situmicroelectrode ion flux measurements demonstrate that, contrary to growing pollen tubes or root hairs, cotton fiber growth follows a diffusive, but not the tip growth, pattern.
Acoustic context modulates natural sound discrimination in auditory cortex through frequency specific adaptation
Authors: López-Jury Luciana , García-Rosales Francisco , González-Palomares Eugenia , Kössl Manfred , Hechavarria Julio C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVocal communication is essential to coordinate social interactions in mammals and it requires a fine discrimination of communication sounds. Auditory neurons can exhibit selectivity for specific calls, but how it is affected by preceding sounds is still debated. We tackled this using ethologically relevant vocalizations in a highly vocal mammalian species: Seba’s short-tailed bat. We show that cortical neurons present several degrees of selectivity for echolocation and distress calls. Embedding vocalizations within natural acoustic streams leads to stimulus-specific suppression of neuronal responses that changes sound selectivity in disparate manners: increases in neurons with poor discriminability in silence and decreases in neurons selective in silent settings. A computational model indicates that the observed effects arise from two forms of adaptation: presynaptic frequency specific adaptation acting in cortical inputs and stimulus unspecific postsynaptic adaptation. These results shed light into how acoustic context modulates natural sound discriminability in the mammalian cortex.
All-Atom MD Simulations of the HBV Capsid Complexed with AT130 Reveal Secondary and Tertiary Structural Changes and Mechanisms of Allostery
Authors: Pérez Segura Carolina , Goh Boon Chong , Hadden-Perilla Jodi A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid is an attractive drug target, relevant to combating viral hepatitis as a major public health concern. Among small molecules known to interfere with capsid assembly, the phenylpropenamides, including AT130, represent an important anti-viral paradigm based on disrupting the timing of genome encapsulation. Crystallographic studies of AT130-bound complexes have been essential in explaining the effects of the small molecule on HBV capsid structure; however, computational examination reveals that key changes attributed to AT130 were erroneous, likely a consequence of interpreting poor resolution arising from a highly flexible protein. Here, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of an intact AT130-bound HBV capsid reveal that, rather than damaging spike helicity, AT130 enhances the capsid’s ability to recover it. A new conformational state is identified, which can lead to dramatic opening of the intradimer interface and disruption of communication within the spike tip. A novel salt bridge is also discovered, which can mediate contact between the spike tip and fulcrum even in closed conformations, revealing a mechanism of direct communication across these domains. Combined with dynamical network analysis, results describe a connection between the intra- and interdimer interfaces and enable mapping of allostery traversing the entire capsid protein dimer.
Integrated analysis of the methylome and transcriptome of twin almonds (Prunus dulcis[Mill.] D.A.Webb) reveals genomic features associated with non-infectious bud failure
Authors: D’Amico-Willman Katherine M. , Niederhuth Chad E. , Willman Matthew R. , Gradziel Thomas M. , Ouma Wilburforce Z. , Meulia Tea , Fresnedo-Ramírez Jonathan 
Published: February 2021

I.SummaryAlmond (Prunus dulcis[Mill.] D.A.Webb) exhibits an age-related disorder called non-infectious bud-failure (BF) affecting vegetative bud development and nut yield. The underlying cause of BF remains unknown but is hypothesized to be associated with heritable epigenetic mechanisms. To address this disorder and its epigenetic components, we utilized a monozygotic twin study model profiling genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression in two sets of twin almonds discordant for BF-exhibition. Analysis of DNA methylation patterns show that BF-exhibition and methylation, namely hypomethylation, are not independent phenomena. Transcriptomic data generated from the twin pairs also shows genome-wide differential gene expression associated with BF-exhibition. After identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in each twin pair, a comparison revealed 170 shared DMRs between the two twin pairs. These DMRs and the associated genetic components may play a role in BF-exhibition. A subset of 52 shared DMRs are in close proximity to genes involved in meristem maintenance, cell cycle regulation, and response to heat stress. Annotation of specific genes included involvement in processes like cell wall development, calcium ion signaling, and DNA methylation. Results of this work support the hypothesis that BF-exhibition is associated with hypomethylation in almond, and identified DMRs and differentially expressed genes can serve as potential biomarkers to assess BF-potential in almond germplasm. Our results contribute to an understanding of the contribution of epigenetic disorders in agricultural performance and biological fitness of perennials.II.SignificanceThis study examines epigenetic components underlying noninfectious bud failure, an aging-related disorder affecting almond. Results from this work contribute to our understanding of the implications of DNA methylation on agricultural production, namely perennial fruit and nut production, due to effects on growth, development, and reproduction. Describing the methylome of discordant, monozygotic twin almonds enables the study of genomic features underlying noninfectious bud failure in this economically important crop.
Environmental effects on genetic variance are likely to constrain adaptation in novel environments
Authors: Walter Greg M. , Monro Keyne , Terranova Delia , la Spina Enrico , Majorana Maria , Pepe Giuseppe , Clark James , Cozzolino Salvatore , Cristaudo Antonia , Hiscock Simon J. , Bridle Jon R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAdaptive plasticity allows populations to cope with environmental variation but is expected to fail as conditions become unfamiliar. In novel conditions, populations may instead rely on rapid adaptation to increase fitness and avoid extinction. Adaptation should be fastest when both plasticity and selection occur in directions of the multivariate phenotype that contain abundant genetic variation. However, tests of this prediction from field experiments are rare. Here, we quantify how additive genetic variance in a multivariate phenotype changes across an elevational gradient, and test whether plasticity and selection align with genetic variation. We do so using two closely related, but ecologically distinct, sister species of Sicilian daisy (Senecio,Asteraceae) adapted to high and low elevations on Mount Etna. Using a paternal half-sibling breeding design, we generated and then reciprocally planted c.19,000 seeds of both species, across an elevational gradient spanning each species’ native elevation, and then quantified mortality and five leaf traits of emergent seedlings. We found that genetic variance in leaf traits changed more across elevations than between species. The high-elevation species at novel lower elevations showed changes in the distribution of genetic variance among the leaf traits, which reduced the amount of genetic variance in the directions of selection and the native phenotype. By contrast, the low-elevation species mainly showed changes in the amount of genetic variance at the novel high elevation, and genetic variance was concentrated in the direction of the native phenotype. For both species, leaf trait plasticity across elevations was in a direction of the multivariate phenotype that contained a moderate amount of genetic variance. Together, these data suggest that where plasticity is adaptive, selection on genetic variance for an initially plastic response could promote adaptation. However, large environmental effects on genetic variance are likely to reduce adaptive potential in novel environments.
The anterior Hox geneceh-13andelt-1/GATAactivate the posterior Hox genesnob-1andphp-3to specify posterior lineages in theC. elegansembryo
Authors: Murray John Isaac , Preston Elicia , Crawford Jeremy P. , Rumley Jonathan D. , Amom Prativa , Anderson Breana D. , Sivaramakrishnan Priya , Patel Shaili D. , Bennett Barrington Alexander , Lavon Teddy D. , Peng Felicia , Zacharias Amanda L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHox transcription factors play a conserved role in specifying positional identity during animal development, with posterior Hox genes typically repressing the expression of more anterior Hox genes. Here, we dissect the regulation of the posterior Hox genesnob-1andphp-3in the nematodeC. elegans. We show thatnob-1andphp-3are co-expressed in gastrulation-stage embryos in cells that previously expressed the anterior Hox geneceh-13. This expression is controlled by several partially redundant transcriptional enhancers. These enhancers requireceh-13for expression, providing a striking example of an anterior Hox gene positively regulating a posterior Hox gene. Several other regulators also act positively throughnob-1/php-3enhancers, includingelt-1/GATA,ceh-20/ceh-40/Pbx,unc-62/Meis,pop-1/TCF,ceh-36/Otxandunc-30/Pitx. We identified defects in both cell position and cell division patterns inceh-13andnob-1;php-3mutants, suggesting that these factors regulate lineage identity in addition to positional identity. Together, our results highlight the complexity and flexibility of Hox gene regulation and function and the ability of developmental transcription factors to regulate different targets in different stages of development.Author SummaryHox genes are critical for head-to-tail patterning during embryonic development in all animals. Here we examine the factors that are necessary to turn on two posterior Hox genes, nob-1andphp-3, in the nematode worm, C. elegans. We identified six new transcription factors and three enhancer regions of DNA that can activate expression ofnob-1/php-3. Unexpectedly, these activating transcription factors includedceh-13, an anterior Hox gene, andelt-1, a regulator of skin development that is briefly expressed in many cells that do not adopt skin fates, including the cells that expressnob-1. Furthermore, the cellular defects we observed inceh-13andnob- 1;php-3mutant embryos indicate that the early embryonic functions of these Hox genes help determine the identity of cells as well as their position within the embryo. Our findings identify new roles for Hox genes inC. elegansand emphasize the ability of transcription factors to contribute to the diversification of cell types and the adoption of specific cell types at different phases of embryonic development.
Tax Credits as an accounting technology of government: “showing my boys they have to work, because that is what happens”
Authors: Closs-Davies Sara C. , Merkl-Davies Doris M. , Bartels Koen P.R. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe study explores the role of accounting technologies of government (ATGs) associated with UK Tax Credits and their impact on claimants' motivations, behaviour and identities. The aim of this study is to deepen empirical and conceptual understandings of how ATGs of tax authorities transform claimants into “entrepreneurs of the self”.Design/methodology/approachThe authors approach Tax Credits (TC) as a case study to examine how ATGs articulate and operationalise neoliberal ideology through a complex network of inscription devices, expertise and locales. They adopt an ethnographic approach based on interviews, archival data and field notes to gain a deep understanding of citizens' lived experiences of ATGs when claiming Tax Credits.FindingsThe authors find that ATGs play a key role in transforming TC claimants into self-disciplined “citizen-subjects” whose decisions are informed by market logic. When claiming TC, citizens interact with ATGs and are transformed into “entrepreneurs of the self” who internalise neoliberal ideology and associated beliefs and assumptions of poverty, work and the welfare state. In this process of subjectification, ATGs (re)construct their identities from welfare recipients to “responsible” and “accountable” hardworking individuals and families. However, ATGs perversely disempower claimants who lack the required human capital for becoming responsible for their own welfare, and thus ultimately maintain socio-economic inequality.Research limitations/implicationsParticipants were drawn from a relatively narrow geographic area.Practical implicationsThe authors reveal how accounting as a technology of government (dis)empowers individuals vis-à-vis the state and spurs inequality dependent on personal circumstances and calculative skills.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the accounting literature by showing how neoliberal ideology is articulated, operationalised and reinforced by dynamic and repetitive interactions with ATGs of the UK TC scheme. The study helps deepen the understanding of the processes through which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals are transformed into self-governing economic agents responsible for their own welfare.
Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local and international students in Malaysian universities
Authors: Yassin Amr Abdullatif , Razak Norizan Abdul , Saeed Murad Abdu , Al-Maliki Mohammed Ali Abbod , Al-Habies Feras Ali 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students in Malaysian universities as well as its effect on their learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative design, as the data were collected through a survey. The participants were 219 students, divided as follows: 102 local students and 117 international students in Malaysian universities.FindingsThe findings showed no significant difference in terms of the psychological impact of COVID-19 among students according to the variables, nationality (local and international), gender and level of study. The descriptive analysis showed that the outbreak of COVID-19 made the students anxious, worried and restless. Besides, the outbreak of COVID-19 made the students unable to focus on their study, feel anxious about studying, have less confidence on their leaning and commit more mistakes than normal days. The psychological stress made online learning during the isolation period less effective and less helpful for students, which made them more worried about their academic achievement and future study plans.Originality/valueCOVID-19 is a current issue, and the psychological effect of COVID-19 on local and international students and their learning has not been covered in previous literature.
Exploring how to deliver videoconference-mediated psychological therapy to adults with an intellectual disability during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Rawlings Gregg Harry , Gaskell Christopher , Rolling Keeley , Beail Nigel 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The novel coronavirus and associated restrictions have resulted in mental health services across the UK having to adapt how they deliver psychological assessments and interventions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the accessibility and prospective acceptability of providing telephone and videoconference-mediated psychological interventions in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach
As part of a service evaluation, a mixed-methods questionnaire was developed and completed by clients who had been referred for psychological therapy at an adult intellectual disabilities’ community health service in the north of England. All clients were assessed using the Red/Amber/Green (RAG) system by a consultant clinical psychologist for risk and potential suitability for indirect service delivery given their ability and needs.

Findings
Overall, 22 clients were invited to take part, of which, only seven (32%) were accepting of telephone or videoconference-mediated psychological therapy. Most of the clients were unable to engage in video-conference therapy and therefore, only suitable for phone therapy. This paper presents the remaining findings and discusses the clinical implications and unique considerations for intellectual disability services drawing on the existing literature.

Originality/value
This is the first paper that the authors are aware of, examining videoconference-mediated psychological therapy in this population. It is hoped the data will be used to help inform practice or policy when using such therapeutic approaches in adults with an intellectual disability.
An experimental investigation of the impact of using big data analytics on customers’ performance measurement
Authors: Elkmash Marwa Rabe Mohamed , Abdel-Kader Magdy Gamal , Badr El Din Bassant 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This study aims to investigate and explore the impact of big data analytics (BDA) as a mechanism that could develop the ability to measure customers’ performance. To accomplish the research aim, the theoretical discussion was developed through the combination of the diffusion of innovation theory with the technology acceptance model (TAM) that is less developed for the research field of this study.

Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data was obtained using Web-based quasi-experiments with 104 Egyptian accounting professionals. Further, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test were used to analyze data.

Findings
The empirical results indicate that measuring customers’ performance based on BDA increase the organizations’ ability to analyze the customers’ unstructured data, decrease the cost of customers’ unstructured data analysis, increase the ability to handle the customers’ problems quickly, minimize the time spent to analyze the customers’ data and obtaining the customers’ performance reports and control managers’ bias when they measure customer satisfaction. The study findings supported the accounting professionals’ acceptance of BDA through the TAM elements: the intention to use (R), perceived usefulness (U) and the perceived ease of use (E).

Research limitations/implications
This study has several limitations that could be addressed in future research. First, this study focuses on customers’ performance measurement (CPM) only and ignores other performance measurements such as employees’ performance measurement and financial performance measurement. Future research can examine these areas. Second, this study conducts a Web-based experiment with Master of Business Administration students as a study’s participants, researchers could conduct a laboratory experiment and report if there are differences. Third, owing to the novelty of the topic, there was a lack of theoretical evidence in developing the study’s hypotheses.

Practical implications
This study succeeds to provide the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency through the proposed framework (i.e. CPM and BDA framework). Furthermore, this study contributes to the improvement of the performance measurement process, thus, the decision-making process with meaningful and proper insights through the capability of collecting and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data. On a practical level, the company could eventually use this study’s results and the new insights to make better decisions and develop its policies.

Originality/value
This study holds significance as it provides the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency. The study findings will contribute to the enhancement of the performance measurement process through the ability of gathering and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data.
Empirical investigation of the applicability of constructability methods to prevent design errors
Authors: Raviv Gabriel , Shapira Aviad , Sacks Rafael 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe paper aims to identify the effective constructability methods and tools that should be applied during the early project design stages to prevent specific constructability failures regarding project context.Design/methodology/approachSeventeen basic constructability problems were defined, 12 constructability implementation methods for investigation were selected, and a general tool representing potential causal connections between the problems and the methods that could prevent them was developed. A comparative case study was conducted through a rigorous investigation of the construction documentation of four major building construction projects. Nearly four hundred constructability problems were identified. The tool developed was used to draw conclusions about the preferred constructability methods, in general, and with respect to specific project contexts.FindingsThe managerial approach offers the best methods for preventing constructability problems. The major methods that emerged were (1) assigning a constructability champion, (2) facilitating the involvement of the general contractor early in the design process, and (3) augmenting design quality control. At the other end of the scale, methods such as company procedures and owner involvement were found to be the least effective.Originality/valueThe paper offers the ability to relate constructability problems to preventive mechanisms and to identify the appropriate steps to be taken to resolve these problems. The mechanism described here can be used by construction companies that keep failure data within accounting files to check projects in retrospect and draw lessons from them to be implemented in future projects.