bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Npas1+-Nkx2.1+Neurons Are an Integral Part of the Cortico-pallido-cortical Loop
Authors: Abecassis Zachary A. , Berceau Brianna L. , Win Phyo H. , Garcia Daniela , Xenias Harry S. , Cui Qiaoling , Pamucku Arin , Cherian Suraj , Hernández Vivian M. , Chon Uree , Lim Byung Kook , Justice Nicholas J. , Awatramani Raj , Kim Yongsoo , Hooks Bryan M. , Gerfen Charles R. , Boca Simina M. , Chan C. Savio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWithin the basal ganglia circuit, the external globus pallidus (GPe) is critically involved in motor control. Aside from Foxp2+neurons and ChAT+neurons that have been established as unique neuron types, there is little consensus on the classification of GPe neurons. Properties of the remaining neuron types are poorly-defined. In this study, we leverage new mouse lines, viral tools, and molecular markers to better define GPe neuron subtypes. We found that Sox6 represents a novel, defining marker for GPe neuron subtypes. Lhx6+neurons that lack the expression of Sox6 were devoid of both parvalbumin and Npas1. This result confirms previous assertions of the existence of a unique Lhx6+population. Neurons that arise from the Dbx1+lineage were similarly abundant in the GPe and displayed a heterogeneous makeup. Importantly, tracing experiments revealed that Npas1+-Nkx2.1+neurons represent the principal non-cholinergic, cortically-projecting neurons. In other words, they form the pallido-cortical arm of the cortico-pallido-cortical loop. Our data further described that pyramidal-tract neurons in the cortex collateralized within the GPe, forming a closed-loop system between the two brain structures. Overall, our findings reconcile some of the discrepancies that arose from differences in techniques or the reliance on pre-existing tools. While spatial distribution and electrophysiological properties of GPe neurons reaffirm the diversification of GPe subtypes, statistical analyses strongly support the notion that these neuron subtypes can be categorized under the two principal neuron classes—i.e., PV+neurons and Npas1+neurons.Significance statementThe poor understanding of the neuronal composition in the GPe undermines our ability to interrogate its precise behavioral and disease involvements. In this study, twelve different genetic crosses were used, hundreds of neurons were electrophysiologically-characterized, and over 100,000 neurons were histologically- and/or anatomically-profiled. Our current study further establishes the segregation of GPe neuron classes and illustrates the complexity of GPe neurons in adult mice. Our results support the idea that Npas1+-Nkx2.1+neurons are a distinct GPe neuron subclass. By providing a detailed analysis of the organization of the cortico-pallidal-cortical projection, our findings establish the cellular and circuit substrates that can be important for motor function and dysfunction.
Microtranscriptome of contrasting sugarcane cultivars in response to aluminum stress
Authors: Gonçalves Silva Renan , Mateus-Rosa Thiago , de Castro França Suzelei , Kottapalli Pratibha , Kottapalli Kameswara Rao , Zingaretti Sonia Marli 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough metallic elements are required for plant growth, aluminum ions (Al+3) can be considered one of the major abiotic factors affecting productivity. In plants, the presence of Al+3 can result in inhibition of root growth triggering water and nutrient deficiency. Plants under stress conditions undergo gene expression changes in specific genes or post-transcriptional gene regulators as miRNAs that can led to resistance. In this study, we investigated the miRNAs involved in the sugarcane response to aluminum stress. Four miRNA libraries were generated using sugarcane roots of two contrasting (tolerant and sensitive) sugarcane cultivars growing under aluminum stress to identify the miRNAs involved in the sugarcane response. Here we present the first miRNAs sequencing of sugarcane response under aluminum stress. The contrast of the cultivars seen in the field was reflected in the micro transcriptome with opposing expression profile. We selected 394 differentially expressed miRNAs, in both cultivars, 22% were common between cultivars. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the differentially expressed miRNAs through high-throughput sequencing in sugarcane roots. Target genes prediction was also analyzed. Our results indicated miRNAs that modulated specific target genes involved in roots development and plant aluminum stress response. Those genes can be the answer to tolerance in sugarcane and used in breeding programs to develop tolerant cultivars.
A low-cost and high-precision scanning electrochemical microscope built with open source tools
Authors: Guver Alperen , Fifita Nafetalai , Milas Peker , Straker Michael , Guy Michael , Green Kara , Yildirim Taha , Unlu Ilyas , Yigit Veysel , Ozturk Birol 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA low-cost Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM) was built with a 0.6 pA current measurement capability potentiostat and submicron resolution motorized stage, using open source software and hardware tools. The high performance potentiostat with a Python graphical user interface was built based on an open source project. Arduino boards, stepper motors, a manual XY micromanipulator stage, 3D printed couplers and gears were used in building the motorized stage. An open source motor control software was used for moving the motorized stage with high precision. An inverted microscope was utilized for viewing a standard microelectrode while scanning. The setup was tested in the formation of a map of electrochemical signals from an array of pores on a parafilm membrane. As the setup will be used in future biosensing experiments, DNA hybridization detection experiments were also performed with the setup.
HCMV miR-US22 down-regulation of EGR-1 regulates CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation and viral reactivation
Authors: Mikell Iliyana , Crawford Lindsey B. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Mitchell Jennifer , Buehler Jason , Goodrum Felicia , Nelson Jay A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractReactivation of latent Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) is closely linked to hematopoiesis. Viral latency requires maintenance of the progenitor cell quiescence, while reactivation initiates following mobilization of HPCs to the periphery and differentiation into CD14+ macrophages. Early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) is a transcription factor activated by Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling that is essential for the maintenance of CD34+ HPC self-renewal in the bone marrow niche. Down-regulation of EGR-1 results in mobilization and differentiation of CD34+ HPC from the bone marrow to the periphery. In the current study we demonstrate that the transcription factor EGR-1 is directly targeted for down-regulation by HCMV miR-US22 that results in decreased proliferation of CD34+ HPCs and a decrease in total hematopoietic colony formation. We also show that an HCMV miR-US22 mutant fails to reactivate in CD34+ HPCs, indicating that expression of EGR-1 inhibits viral reactivation during latency. Since EGR-1 promotes CD34+ HPC self-renewal in the bone marrow niche, HCMV miR-US22 down-regulation of EGR-1 is a necessary step to block HPC self-renewal and proliferation to induce a cellular differentiation pathway necessary to promote reactivation of virus.Author summaryHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread herpesvirus that persists in the host and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ and stem cell transplant patients. HCMV latency is complex, and the molecular mechanisms for establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency are poorly understood.Quiescent stem cells in the bone marrow represent a critical reservoir of latent HCMV, and the mobilization and differentiation of these cells is closely linked to viral reactivation from latency. HCMV encodes small regulatory RNAs, called miRNAs that play important roles in the regulation of viral and cellular gene expression. In this study, we show that HCMV miR-US22 targets Early growth response gene 1 (EGR-1) a host transcription factor that is necessary for stem cell quiescence and self-renewal in the bone marrow. Expression of this miR-US22 down-regulates expression of EGR-1 that reduces CD34+ HPCs proliferation and total hematopoietic colony formation. An HCMV miR-US22 mutant is unable to reactivate from latency suggesting that the ability of the miRNA to disrupt CD34+ HPC renewal in the bone marrow niche to initiate a differentiation pathway is critical for viral reactivation.
Coxiella burnetiiType 4B Secretion System-dependent manipulation of endolysosomal maturation is required for bacterial growth
Authors: Samanta Dhritiman , Clemente Tatiana M. , Gilk Stacey D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUpon host cell infection, the obligate intracellular bacteriumC. burnetiiresides and multiplies within theCoxiella–ContainingVacuole (CCV). The nascent CCV progresses through the endosomal maturation pathway into a phagolysosome, acquiring lysosomal markers as well as acidic pH and active proteases and hydrolases. Approximately 24-48 hours post infection, heterotypic fusion between the CCV and host endosomes/lysosomes leads to CCV expansion and subsequent bacterial replication in the mature CCV. Initial CCV acidification is required to activateC. burnetiimetabolism and the Type 4B Secretion System (T4BSS), which secretes effector proteins required for CCV maturation. However, we recently found that the mature CCV is less acidic (pH~5.2) than lysosomes (pH~4.8). Further, CCV acidification to pH~4.8 causesC. burnetiilysis, suggestingC. burnetiiactively regulates CCV pH. Because heterotypic fusion with host endosomes/lysosomes may influence CCV pH, we investigated endosomal maturation in cells infected with wildtype (WT) or T4BSS mutant (ΔdotA)C. burnetii. We observed significantly fewer LAMP1-positive lysosomes, along with less acidic “mature” endosomes (pH~5.8), in WT-infected cells, compared to mock or ΔdotA-infected cells. Further, while endosomes progressively acidified from the periphery (pH~5.5) to the perinuclear area (pH~4.7) in both mock and ΔdotA-infected cells, endosomes did not acidify beyond pH~5.2 in WT-infected cells, indicating that theC. burnetiiT4BSS inhibits endosomal maturation. Finally, increasing the number of acidic lysosomes by overexpressing the transcription factor EB inhibitedC. burnetiigrowth, indicating lysosomes are detrimental toC. burnetii. Overall, our data suggest thatC. burnetiiregulates CCV pH, possibly by reducing the number of host lysosomes available for heterotypic fusion.Author summaryThe obligate intracellular bacteriumCoxiella burnetiicauses human Q fever, which manifests as a flu-like illness but can develop into a life-threatening and difficult to treat endocarditis.C. burnetii,in contrast to many other intracellular bacteria, thrives within a lysosome-like vacuole in host cells. However, we previously found that theC. burnetiivacuole is not as acidic as lysosomes and increased acidification kills the bacteria, suggesting thatC. burnetiiregulates the pH of its vacuole. Here, we discovered thatC. burnetiiblocks endosomal maturation and acidification during host cell infection, resulting in fewer lysosomes in the host cell. Moreover, increasing lysosomes in the host cells blockedC. burnetiigrowth. Together, our study suggests thatC. burnetiiregulates vacuole acidity and blocks endosomal acidification in order to produce a permissive intracellular niche.
A new crystal structure and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis of the homodimer of human SFPQ
Authors: Hewage Thushara Welwelwela , Caria Sofia , Lee Mihwa 
Published: May 2019

Splicing factor proline/glutamine-rich (SFPQ) is an essential RNA-binding protein that is implicated in many aspects of nuclear function. The structures of SFPQ and two paralogs, non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein and paraspeckle component 1, from theDrosophilabehavior human splicing protein family have previously been characterized. The unusual arrangement of the four domains, two RNA-recognition motifs (RRMs), a conserved region termed the NonA/paraspeckle (NOPS) domain and a C-terminal coiled coil, in the intertwined dimer provides a potentially unique RNA-binding surface. However, the molecular details of how the four RRMs in the dimeric SFPQ interact with RNA remain to be characterized. Here, a new crystal structure of the dimerization domain of human SFPQ in theC-centered orthorhombic space groupC2221with one monomer in the asymmetric unit is presented. Comparison of the new crystal structure with the previously reported structure of SFPQ and analysis of the solution small-angle X-scattering data revealed subtle domain movements in the dimerization domain of SFPQ, supporting the concept of multiple conformations of SFPQ in equilibrium in solution. The domain movement of RRM1, in particular, may reflect the complexity of the RNA substrates of SFPQ. Taken together, the crystal and solution structure analyses provide a molecular basis for further investigation into the plasticity of nucleic acid binding by SFPQ in the absence of the structure in complex with its cognate RNA-binding partners.
Addressing the AICPA core competencies through the usage of the monopoly™ board game
Authors: Mousa Rania 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the learning outcomes of students enrolled in an introductory financial accounting course through their experience of playing the Monopoly™ board game and map those outcomes to a selected number of individual competency types addressed in the AICPA Core Competency Framework.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal qualitative analysis was performed to analyze self-reported learning outcomes collected from undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory financial accounting course. Content analysis and participant observations were utilized to inform the analysis process and derive research findings.FindingsThe findings reveal a connection between the learning outcomes and a selected number of individual competency types addressed in the AICPA Framework. The findings also reemphasize the importance of utilizing some of the basic functions and features of Excel to augment foundational financial accounting knowledge and enhance professional skills.Originality/valueAlthough the use of board games in accounting education was examined in prior research, this paper provides an empirical evidence on the alignment of self-reported learning outcomes of a popular board game to a notable profession-driven framework. In addition to bridging a potential gap between the accounting education and profession, this study informs academics as to the implications of engaging students in a class activity that applies basic financial accounting and computer knowledge.
Knights and dames on the board of directors
Authors: Li Michelle , Ma Diandian , Scott Tom 
Published: May 2019

PurposeNew Zealand reintroduced titular honours (i.e. knighthoods and damehoods) in 2009. We document the prevalence of knights and dames on the board of directors.Design/methodology/approachWe use a probit regression to investigate what firm characteristics are significantly associated with having a knight or dame on the board of directors.FindingsWe find 19 of 112 companies have a knight or dame on the board. These companies are bigger and have larger and more independent boards than other companies. We also find a knight or dame is more likely to serve in companies that have higher dividend yields.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisability of our results is limited by the small number of knights and dames on the boards of listed companies and our archival regression approach. Although we document an association, we cannot prove causation.Originality/valueWe show that directors with greater and easily visible reputational capital are more likely to supply their services to companies that mitigate risks to their reputation and protect minority shareholder interests.
Exploring the meaning of climate change discourses: an impression management exercise?
Authors: Nik Ahmad Nik Nazli , Hossain Dewan Mahboob 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This study aims to analyze how language is used to present climate change information in the narratives of Malaysian companies’ annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses content analysis and discourse analysis, and Brennan et al.’s (2009) impression management strategies and legitimacy theory were applied to explain findings.

Findings
Much of the discourses are rhetorical in nature and can be considered as corporate attempts to appear concerned for climate change, consistent with an attempt to appear legitimate and manage impressions.

Research limitations/implications
The first limitation is the purposive sampling used which limits the generalizability of the findings. The second limitation is that the study neglects to focus on companies in environmentally sensitive sectors which have more substantial adverse impacts. The third limitation is that the study did not examine all types of impression management strategies, limiting itself only to strategies which provide a favorable view of the firm. Finally, the study did not attempt to investigate the different levels of impression management strategies.

Practical implications
A major practical implication is for regulators to consider mandatory climate change reporting at least for the sectors which contribute adversely to global warming.

Originality/value
This is a first attempt to examine climate change discourses in a developing country.
The relationship between brand attractiveness and the intent to apply for a job
Authors: Santiago Joanna 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the relation between the dimensions of employer brand (EB) attractiveness and the intention to submit a job application to the organisation. An increase of competitiveness in the business world has resulted in an increased effort by organisations to improve the processes of recruitment and retention of talented professionals, as the human capital of organisations is extremely important for their growth and sustainability. Regardless of an organisation’s size, the difficulties faced in recruiting and retaining highly qualified human capital are tangible. In this sense, the research problem identifies EB as being a strategic element for attracting future employees to work for an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used both quantitative (a questionnaire survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews) data to investigate the perceptions of future and current employees.

Findings
Evidence from 281 respondents (of which almost 60 per cent belong to the millennial generation) who participated in the quantitative study supports the multi-dimensionality of EB attractiveness, highlighting the importance of economic factors, such as an above-average salary or opportunities for promotion, which are seen to be less important to millennials when considering future job prospects. Interestingly, the results of the qualitative research for current employees show slightly different concerns, in that career progression appears to be crucial.

Originality/value
The study findings not only offer a basis for research on the dimensions of employer attractiveness, but also, they serve as a managerial guide towards enhancing companies’ ability to attract, retain and motivate talented individuals.
Influence of duct parameters on the acoustic wave generation
Authors: Rulik Sebastian , Wróblewski Włodzimierz , Rusin Krzysztof , Rogoziński Krzysztof 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to determine the influence of geometrical features of the channel on the acoustic wave generation in a ducted cavity. The analysis is focussed on the effects of the change in the entrance length upstream the cavity and the height. The study is supposed to investigate boundary layer and acoustic wave parameters, and an attempt will be made to determine the correlation between the geometrical dimension and those parameters.

Design/methodology/approach
Analysis is conducted with the aim of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool and selected results are validated with experimental investigations. The influence of grid resolution and time discretization is analysed. Four different entrance lengths and height are investigated. Qualitative and quantitative comparison between cases is presented.

Findings
The investigations prove the small influence of the entrance length on acoustic wave generation, but channel height due to wave reflection and interference inside of the cavity has a significant impact on wave frequency and sound pressure level. Channel height has also impact on generation and shape of the vortex created in the cavity inlet.

Originality/value
The paper extends the knowledge of phenomena taking place in the ducted cavities. Results obtained from these investigations will be useful in designing new cooling techniques and in noise reduction. The CFD analysis makes it possible to determine the correlations between channel dimensions and SPL function and frequency of sound waves.
Modelling trade-offs in students’ choice set when determining universities
Authors: Kusumawati Andriani , Perera Nelson , Yanamandram Venkata 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors influencing Indonesian students’ choice of university by estimating the trade-off students make in selecting a university.

Design/methodology/approach
Conjoint analysis was used to examine the relative importance and the part-worth scores of the attributes that influence students’ public university preferences in Indonesia.

Findings
High-school leavers in Indonesia trade off university preferences and view advice from family, friends, and/or teachers, reputation, and job prospects as important factors for selecting a public university. Two different preference-based segments of prospective students were identified from cluster analysis, and classified as either a “social networks-based decision” or a “rational decision” segment. A choice simulator was employed with three propositions, and the segments were found to have dissimilar preferences.

Research limitations/implications
While this paper provides insights on higher-education consumer choice, more research is needed that includes samples from different types of higher-education institutions and fields of study.

Practical implications
A greater understanding of student choice can help to inform marketing practices and customize marketing strategies for each segment by providing important information to principal parties involved in making university choice decisions.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates the relevance and value of conjoint analysis as an effective analytical tool for the identification of important choice criteria and its potential contribution to the development of more effective marketing strategies.