bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of starch granule sizes of maize seeds between parental lines and derived hybrids suggests a maternal inheritance trend
Authors: Niu Liangjie , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays) starch is an important agricultural commodity that serves as food, feed, and a raw material for industrial purposes. It is organized into starch granules (SG) inside amyloplasts and is highly accumulated in endosperms. Maize hybrids, which exhibits heterosis over their parents, are globally grown due to higher vigor of the F1 plants. However, the parental effect on the size of SG in F1 hybrid seeds remains unclear. Here we compared the seed SG sizes among two parental inbred lines (Chang7-2 and Zheng58) as well as their reciprocal hybrids. SG was observedin situandin vitrowith SEM. The size of seed SG in hybrids was more like that of female parents, especially for large SG population. Thus, the control of SG size exhibits a maternal inheritance trend in the context of plastid (amyloplast) inheritance. Our results provide some insight on selecting parental inbred lines for breeding maize hybrids with different SG sizes.
Modeling of histone modifications reveals formation mechanism and function of bivalent chromatin
Authors: Zhao Wei , Qiao Lingxia , Yan Shiyu , Nie Qing , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBivalent chromatin is characterized by occupation of both activating histone modifications and repressive histone modifications. While bivalent chromatin is known to link with many biological processes, the mechanisms responsible for its multiple functions remain unclear. Here, we develop a mathematical model that involves antagonistic histone modifications H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 to capture the key features of bivalent chromatin. Three necessary conditions for the emergence of bivalent chromatin are identified, including advantageous methylating activity over demethylating activity, frequent noise conversions of modifications, and sufficient nonlinearity. The first condition is further confirmed by analyzing the experimental data from a recent study. Investigation of the composition of bivalent chromatin reveals that bivalent nucleosomes carrying both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 account for no more than half of nucleosomes at the bivalent chromatin domain. We identify that bivalent chromatin not only allows transitions to multiple states but also serves as a stepping stone to facilitate a step-wise transition between repressive chromatin state and activating chromatin state, and thus elucidate crucial roles of bivalent chromatin in mediating phenotypical plasticity during cell fate determination.
The flavin monooxygenase Bs3 triggers cell death in plants, impairs growth in yeast and produces H2O2in vitro
Authors: Krönauer Christina , Lahaye Thomas 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe pepper resistance geneBs3triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) upon transcriptional activation by the corresponding transcription activator-like effector AvrBs3 from the bacterial pathogenXanthomonas. Bs3 is homologous to flavin monooxygenases (FMOs), an enzyme class that has NADPH oxidase activity and can produce H2O2, a hallmark metabolite in plant immune reactions. Histochemical staining of infected pepper leaves and a translational fusion of Bs3 to the redox reporter roGFP2 both indicated that the Bs3-dependent HR induces a local increase in H2O2levelsin planta. Moreover, ourin vitrostudies with recombinant Bs3 protein confirmed its NADPH oxidase activity. To test if the NADPH oxidation of Bs3 induces HR, we adapted previous studies which have uncovered mutations in fungal FMOs that result in higher NADPH oxidase activity. We replicated one of these mutations and demonstrated that the generated recombinant Bs3S211Aprotein has twofold higher NADPH oxidase activity than wildtype Bs3in vitro. Translational fusions to roGFP2 showed that Bs3S211Aalso had increased NADPH oxidase activityin planta. Interestingly, while the mutant derivative Bs3S211Ahad an increase in NADPH oxidase capacity, it did not trigger HRin planta. Ultimately, this reveals that Bs3 produces H2O2in planta, but that the H2O2produced by Bs3 on its own is not sufficient to trigger HR. We also demonstrated that expression of Bs3 not only triggered HR in plants, but also inhibited proliferation of yeast, which lends this model system to be utilized for the genetic dissection of Bs3 function in future studies.One sentence summaryThe executor-type resistance protein Bs3 from pepper (Capsicum annuum) acts as an NADPH oxidase but reactive oxygen species produced by Bs3 are not sufficient to trigger plant cell death
A Drug-free, Self-destruction Strategy to Combat Bacterial Infections by Using the Intrinsically formed Magnetic Nanoparticles in Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Kaushik Swati , Thomas Jijo , Panwar Vineeta , Murugesan Preethi , Chopra Vianni , Salaria Navita , Singh Rupali , Roy Himadri Shekar , Kumar Rajesh , Gautam Vikas , Ghosh Deepa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe growing number of multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and the dwindling pipeline of new antibiotics are driving us towards a ‘post-antibiotic era’ in which even common infections would become difficult to treat. To address this, an antibiotic-free strategy that can combat multiple bacteria is recommended. Most of the proposed approaches nevertheless have several limitations, including bacterial targeting. To overcome such limitations, the proposed strategy employs the bacterial machinery to self-destruct. Herein, the biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) is reported for the first time in multiple pathogenic bacteria, including MDR bacteria. The intracellular MNPs composed of superparamagnetic zinc ferrites were formed in presence of iron and zinc precursors. Exposure of the treated bacteria/biofilms to an alternating magnetic field (AMF) exhibited hyperthermia (5-6°C) and a dramatic decrease in bacterial viability, suggesting the MNPs therapeutic potential. Likewise, the bacteria existingin vivobiosynthesize the MNPs by mining these elements from the host. To determine its therapeutic efficacy, the infected tissues were exposed directly to AMF. A 3-4 log reduction in bacterial burden, as compared to antibiotics treatment, confirmed the significance of using naturally existing MNPs to combat bacterial infections. The proposed broad–spectrum approach can therefore aid in overcoming the challenges facing anti-bacterial therapies.
In silico, in vitroandin cellulomodels for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 spike/human ACE2 complex, viral entry and cell fusion
Authors: Lapaillerie D. , Charlier C. , Fernandes H. S. , Sousa S. , Lesbats P. , Weigel P. , Favereaux A. , Guyonnet-Dupérat V. , Parissi V. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent responsible for the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Productive SARS-CoV-2 infection relies on viral entry into cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Indeed, viral entry into cells is mostly mediated by the early interaction between the viral spike protein S and its ACE2 receptor. The S/ACE2 complex is, thus, the first contact point between the incoming virus and its cellular target; consequently, it has been considered an attractive therapeutic target. To further characterize this interaction and the cellular processes engaged in the entry step of the virus, we set up variousin silico, in vitroandin celluloapproaches that allowed us to specifically monitor the S/ACE2 association. We report here a novel computational model of the SARS-CoV-2 S/ACE2 complex as well as its biochemical and biophysical monitoring using pulldown, AlphaLISA and biolayer interferometry (BLI) binding assays. This led us to determine the kinetic parameters of the S/ACE2 association and dissociation steps. In parallel to thesein vitroapproaches, we developedin cellulotransduction assays using SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentiviral vectors and HEK293T-ACE2 cell lines generated in-house. This allowed us to recapitulate the early replication stage of the infection mediated by the S/ACE2 interaction and to detect cell fusion induced by the interaction. Finally, a cell imaging system was set up to directly monitor the S/ACE2 interaction in a cellular context, and a flow cytometry assay was developed to quantify this association at the cell surface. Together, these different approaches are available for both basic and clinical research aiming to characterize the entry step of the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and its variants as well as to investigate the possible chemical modulation of this interaction. All these models will help in identifying new antiviral agents and new chemical tools for dissecting the virus entry step.
Autoregulation dependent and independent mechanisms are responsible for the systemic control of nodule formation by the plant N demand
Authors: Pervent Marjorie , Lambert Ilana , Tauzin Marc , Karouani Alicia , Nigg Martha , Jardinaud Marie-Françoise , Severac Dany , Colella Stefano , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Lepetit Marc 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn legumes interacting with rhizobia the formation of symbiotic organs responsible for the acquisition of atmospheric nitrogen is depending of the plant nitrogen (N) demand. We discriminated between local and systemic impact of nitrogen on nodule formation usingMedicago truncatulaplants cultivated in split-root systems. We obtained evidence of the control of nodule formation by whole plant systemic N-satisfaction signaling but obtained little evidence of a local control by mineral nitrogen. We characterized the impact of systemic N signaling on the root transcriptome reprogramming associated to nodule formation. We identified, large genes clusters displaying common expression profiles in response to systemic N signaling enriched in particular fonctions required during these biological processes. We found evidence of a strong effect of SUNN in the control by systemic N signaling of many genes involved in the early interaction with rhizobium as well as organogenesis supporting a role of autoregulation pathway in systemic N signaling. However, we also found evidence that major SUNN independent systemic N signaling controls were maintained in the mutant. This study shed light on the unexpected high complexity of the control of nodule formation by systemic N signaling, that probably involves multiple pathways.
Systematic monitoring of 2-Cys peroxiredoxin-derived redox signals unveiled its role in attenuating carbon assimilation rate
Authors: Lampl Nardy , Nissan Idan , Lev Raz , Gilad Gal , Hipsch Matanel , Rosenwasser Shilo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTransmission of reductive cues from the photosynthetic electron transport chain to redox-regulated proteins plays a crucial role in activating chloroplast metabolism. However, deciphering the role of their counterbalanced oxidative signals is challenging due to monitoring difficulties. Here, we demonstrate the light-depended redox modification of chloroplast-targeted 2-Cys peroxiredoxins and introduce peroxiredoxin-based biosensors to monitor photosynthetically-derived oxidative signals. By employing a set of genetically encoded biosensors, we show the induction of oxidative signals under habitual light intensities and their inverse relationship with NADPH levels, unraveling the combined activity of reducing and oxidizing signals in fine-tuning chloroplast metabolism. A faster increase in carbon assimilation rates during photosynthesis induction phase was measured in plants deficient in 2-Cys peroxiredoxins compared to wild-type, suggesting the involvement of oxidative signals in attenuating photosynthesis under variable light environments. We suggest that oxidative signals measured by peroxiredoxin-based biosensors reflect the limitation to photosynthesis imposed by the redox regulatory system.One-Sentence SummaryA genetically encoded biosensor unmasked the dominant role of photosynthetically-derived oxidative signals under habitual conditions.
Board diversity and firm efficiency: evidence from China
Authors: Ali Farman , Wang Man , Jebran Khalil , Ali Syed Tauseef 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how multiple facets of board diversity influence technical efficiency (TE) and total factor productivity (TFP).Design/methodology/approachThe authors measure board diversity in two dimensions: relation-related dimension (age and gender) and task-related dimension (tenure, education and expertise). The authors use a balanced panel data of 806 nonfinancial Chinese firms over the period 2009–2017. The authors use a two-stage approach for analysis. In the first stage, the authors use a non-parametric frontier approach to calculate the TE and factor productivity scores. In the second stage, the authors regressed these scores on board diversity attributes (relation-related diversity and task-related diversity).FindingsBy using tobit regression and two-step system GMM, the authors find that board diversity improves TE and TFP. The authors’ analyses illustrate that a higher diversity on corporate board (in terms of age, gender, tenure, education and expertise) positively influence firm efficiency.Practical implicationsThe findings have important implications for policymakers. The findings suggest that regulators should devise policies to encourage board diversity. Because a diverse board can bring knowledge, skills, abilities, expertise and experience of diverse group members, which will ultimately enhance a firm’s efficiency. Especially, in the emerging markets (such as China), there is still a need for standard governance mechanisms; therefore, the authors suggest that policymakers should develop regulations and promote diversity of directors as one of the factors for improving the governance mechanisms, which will ultimately improve firms productivity.Originality/valuePrior studies mostly considered only one dimension (such as gender) of diversity and, therefore, have overlooked how other dimensions influence firms. The authors consider several dimensions of diversity and quantify them into relation-related (age and gender) and task-related (tenure, education and expertise) attributes and show how they influence firms’ efficiency. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively investigate how several facets of diversity influence a firm’s TE and TFP.
Information management roles in real estate development lifecycle: literature review on BIM and IPD framework
Authors: Bilge Eymen Cagatay , Yaman Hakan 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Integrated project delivery (IPD) and building information modeling (BIM) has begun to be used in real estate development projects over the past decade to improve collaboration, communication and efficiency. However, the use of BIM and IPD in projects does not always imply that the information is well used and managed. This study aims to explain how information management should be carried out in BIM and IPD projects, what activities should be managed by the information manager and which stakeholder should play this role and why?

Design/methodology/approach
This study provides a framework on the subject by conducting a comprehensive systematic review in the field of real estate development, BIM, IPD and information management. In this context, the Web of Science and Scopus databases have been systematically reviewed, n = 45 out of a total of n = 1,356 articles and additionally, the BIM documents and standards prepared by public institutions and organizations and industry reports have been examined in detail.

Findings
The framework for information management roles was established by reviewing the literature. According to this framework, information management activities of information managers are listed in the table that covers all phases of real estate development. The owner should undertake this role as it is the entity that oversees the built asset from planning to the management of that facility.

Originality/value
In terms of acquiring information management roles, there is no research on BIM and IPD projects and who will take over this role. This study desired to close this gap in the literature.
Critique and the video production classroom: providing students the skills to navigate new media literacies
Authors: Nixon Jessie 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to demonstrate how teaching the discourse of critique, an integral part of the video production process, can be used to eliminate barriers for young people in gaining new media literacy skills helping more young people become producers rather than consumers of digital media.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes an instrumental qualitative case study (Stake, 2000) in two elective high school video production classrooms in the Midwestern region of the USA. The author conducted observations, video and audio recorded critique sessions, conducted semi-structured interviews and collected artifacts throughout production including storyboards, brainstorms and rough and final cuts of videos.FindingsThroughout critique, young video producers used argumentation strategies to cocreate meaning, multiple methods of inquiry and questioning, critically evaluated feedback and synthesized their ideas and those of their peers to achieve their intended artistic vision. Young video producers used feedback in the following ways: incorporated feedback directly into their work, rejected and ignored feedback, or incorporated some element of the feedback in a way not originally intended.Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates how teaching the discourse of critique can be used to eliminate barriers for young people in gaining new media literacy skills. Educators can teach argumentation and inquiry strategies through using thinking guides that encourage active processing and through engaging near peer mentors. Classroom educators can integrate the arts-based practice of the pitch critique session to maximize the impact of peer-to-peer learning.
Investigating trust in the Israeli banking system from the reciprocating perspectives of customers and bankers: a mixed methods study
Authors: Kidron Aviv 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study identifies predictors of customers' trust in banks at both the banking system level and toward individual banks. A mixed methods technique is utilized which combines both customers' and bankers' perspectives.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes mixed methods, including a questionnaire survey of 1017 bank customers from retail banks, together with qualitative research derived from ten interviews with Israeli bankers.FindingsThe quantitative study shows that transparency is mediated between perception of price fairness and integrity of the banking system level and trust toward individual banks. Customer satisfaction was found to be a mediator between integrity of the banking system and trust in the individual bank. Qualitative analysis of interviews with bankers yielded six themes: integrity, transparency, price perception, service, bank image and regulation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study adumbrates specific aspects of the banking system and of individual banks. Cultural differences pertaining to trust might validate the findings when the study is replicated in other countries.Originality/valueSince customers are universally considered as key bank stakeholders, insights are provided concerning determinants at the banking system level and toward individual banks, both crucial to explain trust. From both managerial and policymaking perspectives, this study contains valuable practical implications.
The vulnerability sourcebook and climate impact chains – a standardised framework for a climate vulnerability and risk assessment
Authors: Zebisch Marc , Schneiderbauer Stefan , Fritzsche Kerstin , Bubeck Philip , Kienberger Stefan , Kahlenborn Walter , Schwan Susanne , Below Till 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to present the “Vulnerability Sourcebook” methodology, a standardised framework for the assessment of climate vulnerability and risk in the context of adaptation planning. The Vulnerability Sourcebook has been developed for the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and has been applied in more than twenty countries worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach
It is based on a participative development of so-called climate impact chains, which are an analytical concept to better understand, systemise and prioritise the climate factors as well as environmental and socio-economic factors that drive climate related threats, vulnerabilities and risks in a specific system. Impact chains serve as the backbone for an operational climate vulnerability assessment with indicators based on quantitative approaches (data, models) combined with expert assessments. In this paper, the authors present the concept and applications of the original Vulnerability Sourcebook, published in 2015, which was based on the IPCC AR4 concept of climate vulnerability. In Section 6 of this paper, the authors report how this concept has been adapted to the current IPCC AR5 concept of climate risks.

Findings
The application of the Sourcebook is demonstrated in three case studies in Bolivia, Pakistan and Burundi. The results indicate that particularly the participative development of impact chains helped with generating a common picture on climate vulnerabilities and commitment for adaptation planning within a region. The mixed methods approach (considering quantitative and qualitative information) allows for a flexible application in different contexts. Challenges are mainly the availability of climate (change) and socio-economic data, as well as the transparency of value-based decisions in the process.

Originality/value
The Vulnerability Sourcebook offers a standardised framework for the assessment of climate vulnerability and risk in the context of adaptation planning.
Do the flipped impacts of hotels matter to the popularity of Airbnb?
Authors: Yi Bowen , Shi Da , Shi Fangfang , Zhang Liang 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
By building on cooperation–competition theory, this study aims to investigate the multidimensional flipped effects of neighborhood hotels on Airbnb listings’ popularity, examining the degree to which such impacts are influenced by hotel types and geographical areas.

Design/methodology/approach
This study explores the interdependent and competitive relationship between neighborhood hotels and Airbnb from the perspective of effects on Airbnb listings’ popularity by exploring a data set covering 10,492 Airbnb listings and 2,691 hotels from Ctrip.

Findings
Results reveal that neighborhood hotels’ number of reviews, review ratings and prices each have positive spillover effects on Airbnb listings’ popularity, while quality assurance labels and negative review topic sentiments exert competitive effects on Airbnb popularity. Moreover, the number of budget chain hotels and high-star hotels have positive and negative effects on Airbnb popularity, respectively. Geographical areas also have a moderating effect on the relationship between various hotel-related influencing factors and Airbnb.

Practical implications
This study can offer hotel managers and Airbnb operators a clearer understanding of these businesses’ coexisting relationship. Findings can also provide Airbnb-specific guidelines for practitioners in terms of site selection, promotional features and development strategies for Airbnb listings.

Originality/value
This study establishes a cooperation–competition relationship model between hotels and Airbnb and considers the flipped effects of hotels on Airbnb for the first time. It expands previous studies by considering the multidimensional effects of hotels on Airbnb listings’ popularity and by examining the influences of hotel types and geographical areas on hotels’ impacts on Airbnb.