bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cis- andtrans-acting factors influence expression of thenorM-encoded efflux pump ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand levels of gonococcal susceptibility to substrate antimicrobials
Authors: Rouquette-Loughlin Corinne E. , Dhulipala Vijaya , Reimche Jennifer L. , Raterman Erica , Begum Afrin A. , Jerse Ann E. , Shafer William M. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe gonococcal NorM efflux pump exports substrates with a cationic moiety including quaternary ammonium compounds such as berberine (BE) and ethidium bromide (EB) as well as antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and solithromycin. ThenorMgene is part of a four gene operon that is transcribed from a promoter containing a polynucleotide tract of 6 or 7 thymidines (Ts) between the -10 and -35 hexamers; the majority of gonococcal strains analyzed herein contained a T-6 sequence. Primer extension analysis showed that regardless of the length of the poly-T tract, the same transcriptional start site (TSS) was used for expression ofnorM. Interestingly, the T-6 tract correlated with a higher level of bothnorMexpression and gonococcal resistance to NorM substrates BE and EB. Analysis of expression of genes downstream ofnorMshowed that the product of thetetR-like gene has the capacity to activate expression ofnorMas well asmurB, which encodes an acetylenolpyroylglucosamine reductase predicted to be involved in the early steps of peptidoglycan synthesis. Moreover, loss of the TetR-like transcriptional regulator modestly increased gonococcal susceptibility to NorM substrates EB and BE. We conclude that bothcis- andtrans-acting regulatory systems can regulate expression of thenorMoperon and influence levels of gonococcal susceptibility to antimicrobials exported by NorM.
Identification of a novel subfamily of bacterial AAT-fold basic amino acid decarboxylases and functional characterization of its first representative:Pseudomonas aeruginosaLdcA
Authors: Carriel-Lopez Diego , Garcia Pierre Simon , Castelli Florence , Lamourette Patricia , Fenaille François , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Elsen Sylvie , Gutsche Irina 
Published: April 2018

SummaryPolyamines are small amino-acid derived polycations capable of binding negatively charged macromolecules. Bacterial polyamines are structurally and functionally diverse, and are mainly produced biosynthetically by PLP-dependent amino acid decarboxylases referred to as LAOdcs (Lysine-Arginine-Ornithine decarboxylases). In a phylogenetically limited group of bacteria, LAOdcs are also induced in response to acid stress. Here, we performed an exhaustive phylogenetic analysis of the AAT-fold LAOdcs which showcased the ancestral nature of their short forms inCyanobacteriaandFirmicutes,and emergence of distinct subfamilies of long LAOdcs inProteobacteria.We identified a novel subfamily of lysine decarboxylases, LdcA, ancestral inBetaproteobacteriaandPseudomortadaceae {Gammaproteobacteria).We analyzed the expression of LdcA fromPseudomonas aeruginosa,and uncovered its role, intimately linked to cadaverine production, in promoting growth and reducing persistence of this multidrug resistant human pathogen during carbenicillin treatment. Finally, we documented a certain redundancy in the function of the three main polyamines - cadaverine, putrescine and spermidine - inP. aeruginosaby demonstrating the link between their intracellular level, as well as the capacity of putrescine and spermidine to complement the growth phenotype of theIdcAmutant.
Screening, Characterization and Optimization of antibacterial peptides, produced byBacillus safensisstrain MK-12 isolated from waste dump soil KP, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Qasim Muhammad , Begum Farida , Rahman Hazir , Sajid Imran 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimsThe current study was designed to isolate, screen and identify the indigenous soil antibacterial exhibiting bacteria (AEB) and effect of various parameters on growth of AEB and antibacterial peptides production.Methods and resultsThe soil isolates were screened for antagonistic activity against a set of ATCC and local MDR human pathogenic bacterial strains. The antibacterial compound was protein in nature, exhibited no haemolysis and molecular weight was less than 20 KDa. The potential AEB isolate was identified by morphology, biochemical testing and by 16S rRNA gene sequencing asB. safensisMK-12. Growth and antibacterial activity was optimized forB. safensisstrain MK-12, exhibited maximum growth as well as antibacterial activity after 48 hours of incubation at pH 8, 30 °C in shaking incubator when fermented in optimized medium.ConclusionThe current study results indicate that indigenous soil is rich source of AEB and could be a promising source of antimicrobial compounds to fight against MDR bacteria in future.Significance and impactThis is the first scientific report on soil bacteria from northern region of Pakistan as per our knowledge. Therefore, screening of soil bacteria for antibacterial activity from unexplored area may contribute towards new antibiotic. Selected soil strain in the current study exhibited promising antibacterial activity against human pathogenic MDR bacterial strains.
The effect of symbiosis between silkworm (Bombyx mori) andFirmicuteson silk production
Authors: Medina Katherine 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSilkwormconditioning systems are widely popular due to enhancements observed in productivity and in resource efficiencies. However, limited knowledge is available on howintra-gutinterspecific collaboration between the work and gut bacteria affects silk dry matter biomass production. The study was to study how gut bacteria, specifically fermicutes boost the dry silk production inBombyx moriby altruistic/symbiotic interactions.Materials and methodsGreenhouse experiments were carried out to test the yield, biomass, nutrient uptake, parameters of gut morphology traits and glycolysis in 2017, the experiment included three treatments: no barrier treatment (NB) allowing complete gut collaboration, mesh barrier (MB) of partial gut collaboration and solid barrier (SB) without any exchanges of water and nutrients and gut collaboration.ResultsThe yield of silk production was increased by 53.6% and 27.8% in the treatments with complete gut collaborations compared to that without gut collaborations. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) acquisitions ofsilk proteinswere 1.71, 1.97 and 1.47 times for silkworm, and 1.25, 1.21, and 1.19 times forfirmicutesin complete gut collaborations as high as in no gut collaborations, respectively. The length and surface area was increased by 42.9% and 43.6% for silkworm, 62.4% and 58.8% forfirmicutesin complete gut collaborations compared to that in no gut collaborations. The worm length, leave number and net photosynthetic rate of silkworm were significantly boosted, while there is no significant effect onfirmicutes.ConclusionsThe improvement of yield and nutrient acquisition may result fromsilkwormmorphological and functional pliability induced from altruistic collaborations offirmicutes. The results would contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the response of silkworm andfirmicutesto the gut collaboration on the basis of interspecific facilitation for silkworm/firmicutes system.
Optimisation of a novel method for the production of single-span membrane proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Smith Sarah M. , Walker Kelly L. , Smith Corinne J. , Robinson Colin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe large-scale production and isolation of recombinant protein is a central element of the biotechnology industry and many of the products have proved extremely beneficial for therapeutic medicine. Escherichia coli is the microorganism of choice for the expression of heterologous proteins for therapeutic application, and a range of high-value proteins have been targeted to the periplasm using the well characterised Sec protein export pathway. More recently, the ability of the second mainstream protein export system, the twin-arginine translocase, to transport fully-folded proteins into the periplasm of not only E. coli, but other Gram-negative bacteria, has captured the interest of the biotechnology industry.In this study, we have used a novel approach to block the export of a heterologous Tat substrate in the later stages of the export process, and thereby generate a single-span membrane protein with the soluble domain positioned on the periplasmic side of the inner membrane. Biochemical and immuno-electron microscopy approaches were used to investigate the export of human growth hormone by the twin-arginine translocase, and the generation of a single span membrane-embedded variant. This is the first time that a bona-fide biotechnologically-relevant protein has been exported by this machinery and visualised directly in this manner. The data presented here demonstrate a novel method for the production of single-span membrane proteins in E. coli.HighlightsThe Tat translocase has captured the interest of the biotechnology industryBiochemical and immuno-EM approaches showed efficient export of hGH by TatA novel approach was used to block export of hGH by Tat in E. coliWe demonstrate a novel method for producing single-span membrane proteins in E. coli
Golgi stabilization, not its front-rear bias, is associated with EMT-enhanced fibrillar migration
Authors: Natividad Robert J. , Lalli Mark L. , Muthuswamy Senthil K. , Asthagiri Anand R. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTEpithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and maturation of collagen fibrils in the tumor microenvironment play a significant role in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Confinement along fiber-like tracks enhances cell migration. To what extent and in what manner EMT further promotes migration in a microenvironment already conducive to migration is poorly understood. Here, we show that TGFβ-mediated EMT significantly enhances migration on fiber-like micropatterned tracks of collagen, doubling migration speed and quadrupling persistence relative to untreated mammary epithelial cells. Thus, cell-intrinsic EMT and extrinsic fibrillar tracks have non-redundant effects on motility. To better understand EMT-enhanced fibrillar migration, we investigated the regulation of Golgi positioning, which is involved in front-rear polarization and persistent cell migration. Confinement along fiber-like tracks has been reported to favor posterior Golgi positioning, whereas anterior positioning is observed during 2d wound healing. While EMT also regulates cell polarity, little is known about its effect on Golgi positioning. Here, we show that EMT induces a 2:1 rearward bias in Golgi positioning; however, positional bias explains less than 5% of single-cell variability in migration speed and persistence. Meanwhile, EMT significantly stabilizes Golgi positioning. Cells that enhance migration in response to TGFβ maintain Golgi position for 3-4 fold longer than untreated counterparts, irrespective of whether the Golgi is ahead or behind the nucleus. In fact, 35% of cells that respond to TGFβ exhibit a fully-committed Golgi phenotype with the organelle either in the anterior or posterior position for over 90% of the time. Furthermore, single-cell differences in Golgi stability capture up to 30% of variations in migration speed and persistence. These results lead us to propose that the Golgi is part of a core physical scaffold that distributes cell-generated forces necessary for migration. A stable scaffold more consistently, and therefore more productively, distributes forces over time, leading to efficient migration.
Identification of Key Proteins Associated with Myocardial Infarction using Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Authors: Ahammad Ishtiaque 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMyocardial infarction, more commonly known as heart attack, is a huge health problem around the world. It is a result of inadequate blood supply to certain parts of the heart and death of heart muscle cells in that region. Although it has been around for a long time, newer and newer ways of probing myocardial infarction is being followed. Bioinformatics and Systems Biology are relatively recent fields to try to give new insights into myocardial infarction. Following the footsteps of others, this in silico study has tried to chime in on the investigation into myocardial infarction. The study began with the gene expression omnibus dataset uploaded to the NCBI from a whole-genome gene expression analysis carried out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. From the dataset, differentially expressed genes following first-time myocardial infarction were identified and classified into up-regulated and down-regulated ones. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was carried out on the up-regulated genes which were statistically significant and corresponded with the NCBI generated annotations. Protein-Protein Interaction Network for these genes was constructed. GSEA revealed 5 transcription factors, 5 microRNAs and 3 pathways significantly associated with them. From the Protein-Protein Interaction Network, 6 key proteins (hub nodes) have been identified. These 6 proteins may open a new window of opportunity for the discovery/design of new drugs for mitigating the damage caused by myocardial infarction.
Local adaptation and maladaptation during the worldwide range expansion of a selffertilizing plant
Authors: Cornille A. , Salcedo A. , Huang H. , Kryvokhyzha D. , Holm K. , Ge X-J , Stinchcombe J.R. , Glémin S. , Wright S.I. , Lascoux M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSpecies having experienced rapid range expansion represent unique opportunities to evaluate the dynamics of adaptation during colonization of new environments. We investigated the consequences of range expansion on local adaptation of a successful worldwide colonizer, the shepherd’s purseCapsella bursa-pastoris. This species is an annual weed that originated recently in Eurasia and has now broadly colonized both temperate and subtropical areas. We assessed the performance, genetic diversity, and phenology of field-collected accessions belonging to three distinct genetic clusters of decreasing age (Middle East, Europe and Asia) in three common gardens in Europe, Asia and North America. To understand the genetic basis of local adaptation in this species, we also tested for correlation between SNP allele frequencies and environmental factors in Europe and Asia. Overall, we showed that patterns of local adaptation depended on population history: some older populations were weakly adapted to local conditions while those closer to the front of the colonization wave, far from the origin of the species, were maladapted whatever the common gardens. Altogether, our results have important consequences for the understanding of the evolution and adaptation of self-fertilizing plant during range expansion.
International marketing and intra-cultural heterogeneity
Authors: Fatehi Kamal , Priestley Jennifer L. , Taasoobshirazi Gita 
Published: April 2018

PurposeMost international marketing studies, taking a sociological position, assume homogeneity within and heterogeneity between cultures. Taking a psychological position and based on the Mindscape Theory, the purpose of this paper is to support the hypothesis that there is intra-cultural and intra-market heterogeneity.Design/methodology/approachThe translated survey for international use has many problems. These problems can greatly be minimized by the use of pictorial/geometric shapes that were used in this study. These shapes were constructed using redundant and non-redundant complexity, and made to be culture neutral.FindingsData analysis supported the presence of three of the four Mindscape types as was hypothesized, indicating individual intra-market heterogeneity in the three cultures under investigation. Additionally, the corollary hypothesis of transcultural heterogeneity was confirmed.Research limitations/implicationsIt has been proposed that Mindscape types are partly innate and partly learned. What proportions constitute each part? Can the learned aspect be unlearned? Can different marketing strategies appeal to each? What marketing programs are better suited to influence the learned aspect? Future studies could explore these issues.Practical implicationsThe findings of this paper have wide applicability and implications for international marketing strategy, including ways of deploying market segmentation, target marketing, positioning strategies, as well as configurations of marketing mix elements.Originality/valueThis paper used a novel and unique way for data collection and analysis. A geometric-pictorial survey was used for data collection. Data analysis was done with factor analysis and cluster analysis combined.
The effects of government relation and institutional environments on channel performance
Authors: Jia Fang , Yang Zhilin , Jiang Ling (Alice) 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the importance of channel partners’ government relations within channel performance and explore how institutional factors interact to influence channel performance. A theoretical framework, inclusive of hypotheses, is proposed to demonstrate the interaction of government relations and institutional environments on firm performance. Drawing on an institutional perspective, this paper suggests that the effect of partner’s government relations on firm performance is moderated by institutional environment factors, such as government interference, legal protection, and the importance of guanxi.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a questionnaire survey and collected data from 393 Chinese manufacturer managers in China.FindingsPartner’s government relations increase focal firm’s performance and this effect is moderated by different levels of legal protection. Partner’s government relations increase firm performance only in the context of high-legal protection; whereas, when legal protection is low, partner’s government relations decrease focal firm performance. As for the interaction of institutional factors, legal protection and importance of guanxi, all three moderate the negative effect of government interference on firm performance.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights on how channel partner’s government relations, representing a key institutional capital, interact with institutional environment factors to influence channel performance.
The impact of total quality management and supply chain integration on firm performance of container shipping companies in Singapore
Authors: Thai Vinh , Jie Ferry 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the influences of total quality management (TQM) and supply chain integration (SCI) practices on firm performance (FP) of container shipping industry in Singapore.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted with 159 container shipping companies in Singapore to examine the interrelationships between SCI and TQM practices and FP. A stepwise multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 14.0 was performed on the data.FindingsStatistical results suggest that both TQM and SCI practices have positive effects on service quality and FP but at different extents, while TQM also contributes positively to SCI.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample is the main limitation. The findings bear important implications for further research as understanding these dimensions can help to position key changes and industry improvement that will increase revenue and reduce cost to the container shipping companies in Singapore.Practical implicationsThis research provides guidelines for shipping managers on how to implement the SCI and TQM practices appropriately to boost their FP to the fullest extent.Social implicationsThis study has unique implications for social sustainability especially the container shipping industry, which is hard pressed to combat the challenges within the logistics/transportation sector.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the first study that examines the influence of SCI and TQM practices on the performance of container shipping firms that helps them see beyond the silo mentality and focus on greater value addition in FP.
Mixed methods of assessment: measures of enhancing library services in academia
Authors: Sanchez-Rodriguez Nilda Alexandra 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
Collection assessment is an essential aspect of library collection development, especially for public institutions currently affected by financial budget cuts. Collection managers working with little to no budget have the task of establishing unconventional methods of selecting most relevant materials. This paper aims to demonstrate the correlation between a syllabi analysis, faculty survey and circulation statistics as a practical measure to enhance and expand the architecture library services at the City College of New York and in academia in general.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses mixed use assessment strategies to evaluate a library collection. The scope of the study supports combining collection-based practices and use-based methods to gather two types of data: quantitative (including collection size and/or in-house use statistics) and qualitative (accomplished by user opinion surveys, focus groups and/or list checking).

Findings
Out of 74 architecture faculty members, 22 participated in a library survey to help uncover new opportunities for cross-collaboration. The findings simultaneously reinforce the importance of exploring syllabi and usage data as methods of assessment to reveal opportunities for cultivating library collections.

Originality/value
This paper will provide a better understanding of faculty perceptions to discover academic needs and achieve library integration into the design curriculum. The study demonstrates prospective directions for collection evaluation and faculty collaboration to open further opportunities for building a successful library.
Streamwise vortex generator for separation reduction on wind turbine rotors
Authors: Martinez Suarez Javier , Flaszynski Pawel , Doerffer Piotr 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe numerical investigations focused on the reduction of separation and the aerodynamic enhancement of wind turbine blades by a rod vortex generator (RVG).

Design/methodology/approach
A flow modelling approach through the use of a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver is used. The numerical tools are validated with experimental data for the NREL Phase VI rotor and the S809 aerofoil. The effect of rod vortex generator’s (RVG) configuration on aerofoil aerodynamic performance, flow structure and separation is analysed. RVGs’ chordwise locations and spanwise distance are considered, and the optimum configuration of the RVG is applied to the wind turbine rotor.

Findings
Results show that streamwise vortices created by RVGs lead to modification of flow structure in boundary layer. As a result, the implementation of RVGs on aerofoil has proven to decrease the flow separation and enhance the aerodynamic performance of aerofoils. The effect on flow structure and aerodynamic performance has shown to be dependent on dimensions, chordwise location and spanwise distribution of rods. The implementation of devices with the optimum configuration has shown to increase aerodynamic performance and to significantly reduce separation for selected conditions. Application of rods to the wind turbine rotor has proven to avoid the spanwise penetration of flow separation where applied, leading to reduction of flow separation and to aerodynamic enhancement.

Originality/value
The proposed RVGs have shown potential to enhance the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine rotors and profiles, making devices an alternative solution to the classical vortex generators for wind turbine applications.