bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progressive polysomal association of Upf1, Upf2, and Upf3 as ribosomes traverse mRNA coding regions
Authors: Ganesan Robin , Mangkalaphiban Kotchaphorn , Baker Richard E. , He Feng , Jacobson Allan 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARYUpf1, Upf2, and Upf3 are the central regulators of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), the eukaryotic mRNA quality control pathway generally triggered when a premature termination codon is recognized by the ribosome. The NMD-related functions of the Upf proteins likely commence while these factors are ribosome-associated, but little is known of the timing of their ribosome binding, their specificity for ribosomes translating NMD substrates, or the nature and role of any ribosome:Upf complexes. Here, we have elucidated details of the ribosome-associated steps of NMD. By combining yeast genetics with selective ribosome profiling and co-sedimentation analyses of polysomes with wild-type and mutant Upf proteins, our approaches have identified distinct states of ribosome:Upf association. All three Upf factors manifest progressive polysome association as mRNA translation proceeds, but these events appear to be preceded by formation of a Upf1:80S complex as mRNAs initiate translation. This complex is likely executing an early mRNA surveillance function.
Striatum-projecting prefrontal cortex neurons support working memory maintenance
Authors: Chernysheva Maria , Sych Yaroslav , Fomins Aleksejs , Alatorre Warren José Luis , Lewis Christopher , Capdevila Laia Serratosa , Boehringer Roman , Amadei Elizabeth A. , Grewe Benjamin F. , O’Connor Eoin C. , Hall Benjamin J. , Helmchen Fritjof 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTThe medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the dorsomedial striatum (dmStr) are linked to working memory (WM) but how striatum-projecting mPFC neurons contribute to WM encoding, maintenance, or retrieval remains unclear. Here, we probed mPFC→dmStr pathway function in freely-moving mice during a T-maze alternation test of spatial WM. Fiber photometry of GCaMP6m-labeled mPFC→dmStr projection neurons revealed strongest activity during the delay period that requires WM maintenance. Demonstrating causality, optogenetic inhibition of mPFC→dmStr neurons only during the delay period impaired performance. Conversely, enhancing mPFC→dmStr pathway activity—via pharmacological suppression of HCN1 or by optogenetic activation during the delay— alleviated WM impairment induced by NMDA receptor blockade. Consistently, cellular-resolution miniscope imaging resolved preferred activation of >50% mPFC→dmStr neurons during WM maintenance. This subpopulation was distinct from neurons showing preference for encoding and retrieval. In all periods, including the delay, neuronal sequences were evident. Striatum-projecting mPFC neurons thus critically contribute to spatial WM maintenance.
Social migratory connectivity: do birds that socialize in winter breed together?
Authors: Block Theadora A. , Lyon Bruce E. , Mikalonis Zachary , Chaine Alexis S. , Shizuka Daizaburo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractResearching the complete life cycles of migratory animals is essential for understanding conservation and population dynamics. Many studies focus on the breeding season, but surviving winter is equally important. Living in groups during winter can play a vital role as social connections within groups can provide many benefits such as protection from predators and increased access to resources. However, it is often unknown how social connections change across seasons in migratory animals. We focus on social connections in a migratory bird and ask whether social connections in winter continue during breeding. Golden-crowned sparrows have distinct, stable winter communities which include both site and group fidelity across years: birds almost always rejoin the same social community each year. If these birds have social connectivity across migration, we would expect individuals that associate in winter would also associate together on their breeding grounds. Our small-scale GPS tagging study combined with intensive social behavior data revealed that sparrows in the same tightly-knit winter community migrated to highly disparate locations during summer, showing that social connections in winter do not continue in summer. This suggests that golden-crowned sparrows have entirely separate social structures across seasons and that long-term social memories allow them to reform stable groups each winter.
Verification of Hypsibius exemplaris Gąsiorek et al., 2018 (Eutardigrada; Hypsibiidae) application in anhydrobiosis research
Authors: Poprawa Izabela , Bartylak Tomasz , Kulpla Adam , Erdmann Weronika , Roszkowska Milena , Chajec Łukasz , Kaczmarek Łukasz , Karachitos Andonis , Kmita Hanna 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAnhydrobiosis is considered to be an adaptation of important applicative implications because it enables resistance to the lack of water. The phenomenon is still not well understood at molecular level. Thus, a good model invertebrate species for the research is required. The best known anhydrobiotic invertebrates are tardigrades (Tardigrada), considered to be toughest animals in the world. Hypsibius. exemplaris is one of the best studied tardigrade species, with its name “exemplaris” referring to the widespread use of the species as a laboratory model for various types of research. However, available data suggest that anhydrobiotic capability of the species may be overestimated. Therefore, we determined anhydrobiosis survival by Hys. exemplaris specimens using three different anhydrobiosis protocols. We also checked ultrastructure of storage cells within formed dormant structures (tuns) that has not been studied yet for Hys. exemplaris. These cells are known to support energetic requirements of anhydrobiosis. The obtained results indicate that Hys. exemplaris appears not to be a good model species for anhydrobiosis research.
Volumetric assessment and longitudinal changes of brain structures in formalinized Beagle brains
Authors: Del Signore Francesca , Arribarat Germain , Della Salda Leonardo , Mogicato Giovanni , Deviers Alexandra , Cartiaux Benjamin , Vignoli Massimo , Peran Patrice , de Pasquale Francesco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHigh field MRI represents an advanced technique both for diagnostic and research purposes on animal models such as the Beagle dog. The increasing interest in non-invasive neuroscience, aging, and neuropathological research led to a need of reference values (in terms of volumetric assessment) for the typical brain structures involved and, nowadays, several canine brain MRI atlases have been provided. Since no reports are available regarding the measurements reproducibility and few information are available about formalin fixation effect on brain structures when applied to MRI segmentation, we assessed the segmentation variability of selected structures as a function of the operator (two operators segmented the same data) and their intrinsic variability within a sample of 11 Beagle dogs (9 females and 2 males, 1.6 ± 0.2 years). Then, we analyzed for one further Beagle dog (2 years old) the longitudinal changes in the brain segmentations of these structures corresponding four conditions: in vivo, post mortem (after euthanasia), ex vivo (brain extracted and studied after 1 month in formalin and after 11 months); all the MRI images were collected with a 3 T MRI scanner. Our findings suggest that the segmentation procedure can be considered overall reproducible since only slight statistical differences were detected, apart from the ventricles.Furthermore, in the post mortem/ ex vivo comparison, the majority of the structures showed a higher contrast leading to more reproducible segmentations across operators and a net increase of volume of the studied structures; this could be justified by the intrinsic relaxation time changes observed as a consequence of formalin fixation, that led to an improvement of brain structures visualization and then segmentation.To conclude, MRI based segmentation seems to be a useful and accurate tool that allows longitudinal studies, especially when applied to formalin fixed brains.
Age-related decline in function of ON and OFF visual pathways
Authors: Hathibelagal Amithavikram R , Prajapati Vishal , Jayagopi Indrani , Jalali Subhadra , Ganeshrao Shonraj Ballae 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeSimple psychophysical paradigm is available as a digital application in iOS devices such as iPad to measure the function of ON and OFF visual pathways. However, an age-matched normative database is not readily available. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the response of ON and OFF visual pathways as a function of age.Methods158 normal healthy adults (84 males and 74 females) whose age ranged 18-80 years participated in the study. None of them had any ocular disease (except cataract of grade II or less) and visual acuity of ≤ 20/25. Monocular testing (only one eye) was performed on the ‘EyeSpeed’ application on an iPad at 40cm distance. The targets ranged between 1 to 3 light or dark squares presented randomly in a noise background and participants responded by indicating the number of squares by touching the screen as fast as possible. The main outcome variables are reaction time, accuracy and performance index (1 / speed * accuracy).ResultsThe median reaction time was shorter (Median (IQR): 1.53s (0.49) [dark] Vs 1.76s (0.58) [light], p < 0.001) and accuracy was higher (97.21% (3.30) [dark] Vs 95.15% (5.10) [light], p < 0.001) for dark targets than the light targets. Performance index and reaction time for both target types significantly correlated with age (ρ = −0.41 to −0.43; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis normative database will be useful to quantify disease-specific defects. More importantly, the ON pathway function can potentially serve as a surrogate for rod photoreceptor function.
The invigorating influence of relationship marketing on purchase intention in fine arts sector
Authors: Moslehpour Massoud , Song Chanho , Tran Anh Tung , Wong Wing-Keung , Enkhtaivan Ochirt 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis study aims to determine the influence of relationship marketing on consumer behavior in the fine arts sector. Specifically, it examines the relationship marketing dynamics that significantly impact art enthusiasts' intention to purchase and their satisfaction with the artist.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model was tested through the “structural equation modeling” technique to explain how and to what extent each variable affected purchase intention and satisfaction. Using a paper-based and online survey method to gather data, the authors analyzed 303 responses from art students, art collectors and art dealers in Mongolia. Eight hypotheses, including two mediating hypotheses, were developed and tested.FindingsThe results indicated that relationship investment and communication significantly influence trust, satisfaction and purchase intention, while trust significantly influences satisfaction and purchase intention. The study also assessed the vital role of trust as a mediator.Practical implicationsThe study's results provide insights that may help artists, art collectors and art dealers promote and improve the sales of their art products. The interactions demonstrated between the construct reveal essential implications for art marketers interested in relationship marketing strategies.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore the application of relationship marketing in the fine arts industry.
Key factors in tourism management to improve competitiveness in Latin America
Authors: Guaita Martínez José Manuel , Serdeira Azevedo Paula , Martín Martín José María , Puertas Medina Rosa María 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis paper analyzes tourism competitiveness in Latin America, providing a country-level ranking of tourism competitiveness. The study also identifies which areas of management to focus on in order to increase competitiveness in each case.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on the variables used by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to measure tourism competitiveness. The DP2 distance method is used to create a synthetic indicator. This method helps identify which areas best explain differences in competitiveness between countries.FindingsIn tourism, the most competitive Latin American countries are Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, Mexico and Uruguay. The areas that best explain the differences between countries relate to cultural and natural resources, the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), international openness and transport infrastructure. These are therefore priority areas for tourism managers.Practical implicationsThis paper provides detailed analysis for each country. The situation in each country is presented in terms of the key areas highlighted by the analysis. This approach can aid the individual decisions of companies and public managers, thus enhancing tourism competitiveness. This greater competitiveness can strengthen the tourism sector, which is crucial in uncertain times.Originality/valueBased on a synthetic indicator, this research offers the first country-level analysis of tourism competitiveness in Latin America. The study is also novel in its ability to detect the areas where action should be taken to improve tourism competitiveness. This analysis offers an alternative to the WEF Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which has certain weaknesses. The results can help enhance tourism competitiveness in Latin American countries through the specific recommendations presented in this paper.
LATAM and Spanish SME barriers to Industry 4.0
Authors: De Lucas Ancillo Antonio , Gavrila Gavrila Sorin , Fernández del Castillo Díez José Raúl , Corro Beseler Juan 
Published: December 2021

PurposeExisting studies are scarce, especially on the Industry 4.0 application to firms' innovation and competitiveness, and even more on the application to LATAM and Spanish SMEs. This paper tries to fill this gap by explaining the results of applying a systematic model, to understand which are the SMEs' strengths and weaknesses in relation to the Industry 4.0 transformation.Design/methodology/approachA systematic methodology involving documentation analysis, visits to the companies, interviews with employees and managers, making a preliminary diagnosis, crossing their needs with the enablers that can apply. The fieldwork was carried out during a two month period (2019), on a target sample of 22 SMEs operating under industrial productive activity already exporting or planning their internationalization toward LATAM regions.FindingsThere are relevant barriers that need to be overcome in order to enter Industry 4.0 and, in this specific analysis, the following major classification was obtained: (1) Technological barrier, (2) Training barrier, (3) Economic barrier and (4) Contextual barrier.Originality/valueThis paper provides new insights and sets a starting point regarding LATAM and Spanish’ Industry 4.0 situation, while contributing to the SMEs competitiveness by providing deeper understanding of the barriers and limitations in adopting Industry 4.0, pointing out some implications and suggestions for organizations to implement.
Demystifying performance difference between local and foreign contractors through organisational culture
Authors: Tembo Chipozya Kosta , Muleya Franco , Phiri Emmanuellie 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis research aimed to investigate the extent to which organisational culture is practised in local and foreign contractors in grade one and two categories and how it affects their performance.Design/methodology/approachThe approach for this research was positivist in nature adopting a mono-method of data collection through a survey using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 138 questionnaires were distributed among public clients and large-scale contractors registered in the stated grades, and 112 questionnaires were returned for analysis representing an overall response rate of 81% for contractors and clients.FindingsFindings revealed that in organisational culture, significant differences were found for management style and dominant characteristics of the organisation between local and foreign contractors. Differences were not found for leadership styles, measures of success and organisational glue. Results suggest that for local contractors to perform better, significant changes are needed to their management style and dominant characteristics of their organisations.Originality/valueForeign contractors in the Zambian construction industry are reportedly outperforming local contractors making them preferred contractors on larger public projects accounting for 85% of construction projects by value of works. This study presents the differences in organisational culture between foreign and local firms. It further demonstrates that organisational culture plays a key role in determining performance of a contracting firm. The study presents areas that local contractors can improve in organisational culture in order to remain competitive.
Causes of road projects' delays: a case of Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Mwamvani Henry Duncan John , Amoah Christopher , Ayesu-Koranteng Emma 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe study aims to find the causes of road projects implementation delays in Blantyre, one of the four city councils (CCs) in Malawi.Design/methodology/approachThe study followed a qualitative research approach using a Blantyre City Council (BCC) as a case study. This study combined in-depth, face-to-face interviews with councillors, secretariat staff, consultants, and contractors who worked on the city's road projects. Data gathered were analysed using thematic content analysis. Also, some road project documents were examined.FindingsThe findings from the case study revealed the primary cause of road project construction delays as the shortage of engineers in conducting detailed proposed projects surveys resulting in incomplete project scope definition before contractor's procurement. Other identified factors were service providers delaying the removal of existing public utility infrastructure from project sites, client funding issues, scope changes, and client delays in issuing instructions to the contractors during project implementation. Another factor was the shortage of construction equipment and construction materials experienced by some appointed contractors.Research limitations/implicationsOnly road construction projects and stakeholders operating from Blantyre city, Malawi, were contacted for the study; thus, the findings may not be generalizable.Practical implicationsThere is an urgent need to increase technical employees, especially engineers and other critical technical staff such as quantity surveyors in Blantyre. Employees' conditions of service should be conducive to attract qualified people to undertake effective management and assessment of projects before commencement to identify the feasibility of proposed projects to decrease the rate of road construction project delays.Originality/valueThe study has established Blantyre city's core challenges in implementing its road projects seamlessly and has provided mitigation measures for dealing with the shortcomings.
Think human, act digital: activating data-driven orientation in innovative start-ups
Authors: Visvizi Anna , Troisi Orlando , Grimaldi Mara , Loia Francesca 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe study queries the drivers of innovation management in contemporary data-driven organizations/companies. It is argued that data-driven organizations that integrate a strategic orientation grounded in data, human abilities and proactive management are more effective in triggering innovation.Design/methodology/approachResearch reported in this paper employs constructivist grounded theory, Gioia methodology, and the abductive approach. The data collected through semi-structured interviews administered to 20 Italian start-up founders are then examined.FindingsThe paper identifies the key enablers of innovation development in data-driven companies and reveals that data-driven companies may generate different innovation patterns depending on the kind of capabilities activated.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence of how the combination of data-driven culture, skills' enhancement and the promotion of human resources may boost the emergence of innovation.
“Still haven't found what I am looking for”: rural black students' perceived work readiness and assessment of labor market access
Authors: Harry Tinashe , Chinyamurindi Willie Tafadzwa 
Published: December 2021

PurposeSouth African Black graduates experience a transition challenge between the higher education context and the labor market system. The study focuses on rural Black students' perceived work readiness and assessment of labor market access in South Africa.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups and unstructured individual interviews were conducted with 30 final-year students enrolled at a historically Black university in South Africa.FindingsFour main narratives were found to affect rural Black students' perceptions of work readiness and their assessment of labor market access in South Africa. These include: (1) language of instruction within the higher education system, (2) challenges around access to career counseling and guidance services, (3) dealing with a curriculum system not relevant to the lived experiences of Black people and finally, (4) challenges inherent within higher education institution attended by Black students. A thread among these four appraisals appears to be the rural Black students' concern around the entire education system from basic to higher education.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light and presents an understanding of perceptions of an educational system and issues around work readiness and labor market access in South Africa.