bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine-tuning cellular levels of DprA ensures transformant fitness in the human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Johnston Calum , Mortier-Barriere Isabelle , Khemici Vanessa , Polard Patrice 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNatural genetic transformation is a widespread mechanism of bacterial horizontal gene transfer. Transformation involves the internalization of exogenous DNA as single strands, followed by chromosomal integration via homologous recombination, promoting acquisition of new genetic traits. Transformation occurs during a distinct physiological state called competence, during which all proteins required to transform are produced. In the human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae, competence is controlled by a two-component system ComDE, which is induced by an exported peptide pheromone. DprA is universal among transformable species, strongly and specifically induced during pneumococcal competence, and crucial for pneumococcal transformation. Pneumococcal DprA plays three crucial roles in transformation and competence. Firstly, DprA protects internalized single-stranded (ss) DNA from degradation. Secondly, DprA loads the homologous recombinase RecA onto transforming ssDNA to promote transformation. Finally, DprA interacts with the response regulator ComE to shut-off pneumococcal competence. Pneumococcal shut-off has been linked to physiology, with long growth delays in competentdprA-cells. Here, we explored the effect of altering the cellular levels of DprA on these three roles. High cellular levels of DprA were not required for the primary role of DprA as a transformation-dedicated recombinase loader or for protection of transforming ssDNA. In contrast, full expression ofdprAwas required for optimal competence shut-off. Full expression ofdprAwas also crucial for transformant fitness. High cellular levels of DprA in competent cells thus ensure the fitness of pneumococcal transformants by promoting competence shut-off. This promotes survival and propagation of transformants, thus maximizing the adaptive potential of this human pathogen.ImportanceTransformation is a widespread mechanism of horizontal gene transfer that allows bacteria to acquire new genetic traits by internalizing foreign DNA and integrating it into their chromosomes. Transformation occurs during a transient physiological state called competence. DprA is conserved in transformable species and crucial for the protection and integration of transforming DNA. In the human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae, DprA is highly abundant and is also crucial for competence shut-off. Here, we show that high DprA expression is not required for transformation. In contrast, full expression ofdprAwas required for competence shut-off and transformant fitness. These findings thus link high cellular levels of DprA to survival and propagation of pneumococcal transformants, maximizing the adaptive potential of this human pathogen.
Structure analysis of human Prion protein involved in Sporadic Fatal Insomnia
Authors: Camp Philip J , Tabaee Damavandi Pardis , Pickersgill Richard W , Dove Martin T 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrion disorders are the root cause of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE), a group of lethal diseases portrayed by progressive neurodegeneration and spongiosis. In recent years, researchers have come to understand that it is not the endogenous presence of Prions itself that causes neurodegeneration, but the amount of prion proteins that accumulates in the nervous tissue, leading them to exert neurotoxicity. More specifically, the cause of these disorders is mapped to several mutations that can bring the prion protein structure to a disordered permanent misfolded state. Our research is focused on Sporadic Fatal Insomnia (sFI), a rare TSE characterized by severe and chronic insomnia, leading to a life expectancy estimation of about two and a half years, from the onset of the first symptoms. The goal of this work was to analyze through computational studies the structure of the native human Prion Protein (PrPnat) and compare it with the toxic form (FI-Prion) which causes disease. Our findings show that the structure of the human mutant FI-Prion, responsible for Sporadic Fatal Insomnia is more flexible than the native human form PrPnat. Specific regions of the mutant seem to fluctuate more freely than the corresponding loops in the native form. We also identified amino acids Tyr128 and Met129 to be the key residues playing a major role in the manifestation of the disease. Therefore, we’ve learnt that the FI-Prion is more flexible than PrPnat. In addition, we also confirmed that sporadic fatal insomnia is undoubtedly an infectious disease.
Sperm morphology differences associated with pig fertility
Authors: Mandawala AA , Skinner BM , Walling GA , Harvey KE , Harvey SC 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArtificial insemination is routine in commercial pig breeding, and as such, the use of high-quality semen samples is imperative. Here, we have developed a novel, semi-automated, software-based approach to assess pig sperm nucleus morphology in greater detail than was previously possible. This analysis identified subtle morphological differences between samples assessed by the industry as normal and those assessed as abnormal. 50 normal and 50 abnormal samples that were initially categorised using manual assessment to industry standards, were investigated using this new method, with at least 200 fixed stained sperm heads analysed in each case. Differences in sperm nuclear morphology were observed between normal and abnormal samples; specifically, normal samples were associated with higher mean nuclear area, a consequence of a greater head width and a lower variability between sperm heads. This novel, unbiased and fast analysis method demonstrates a significant difference in sperm head morphology between normal and abnormal pig sperm and has the potential to be further developed to be used as a tool for sperm morphology assessment both in the pig breeding industry and potentially in human assisted reproductive technologies.
Long-day increase of HvVRN2 expression marks the deadline to fulfill the vernalization requirement in winter barley
Authors: Monteagudo Arantxa , Igartua Ernesto , Karsai Ildikó , Gracia M Pilar , Casas Ana M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVernalization and photoperiod cues are integrated in winter barley plants to flower in the right conditions. We hypothesize that there is a timeframe to satisfy the vernalization needs in order to flower in the optimum moment. Growth and expression of different flowering promoters (HvVRN1, HvCO2, Ppd-H1, HvFT1, HvFT3) and repressors (HvVRN2, HvCO9 and HvOS2) were evaluated in two winter barley varieties under: (1) natural increasing photoperiod, without vernalization, and (2) under short day conditions in three insufficient vernalization treatments. Here, we provide evidence of the existence of a day-length threshold, around 12 h 30 min in our latitudes (Zaragoza, Spain, 41°43’N), marked by the rise of HvVRN2 expression, which defines the moment in which cold requirement must be satisfied to acquire competency to flower. Before that, expression of HvCO2 was induced and might be promoting HvFT1 in both inductive and non-inductive conditions. HvFT3, to be effectively expressed, must receive induction of cold or plant development, through downregulation of HvVRN2 and HvOS2. We emphasize the contribution of HvOS2, together with HvVRN2, in the delay of flowering in vernalization-responsive cultivars. Understanding this complex mechanism of flowering might be useful for breeders to define varieties, particularly in a climate change scenario.
RUNX1 suppresses breast cancer stemness and tumor growth
Authors: Hong Deli , Fritz Andrew J. , Finstad Kristiaan H. , Fitzgerald Mark P. , Viens Adam L. , Ramsey Jon , Stein Janet L. , Lian Jane B. , Stein Gary S. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryRecent studies have revealed that mutations in the transcription factor Runx1 are prevalent in breast tumors. Yet, how loss of Runx1 contributes to breast cancer (BCa) remains unresolved. We demonstrate for the first time that Runx1 represses the breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) phenotype and consequently, functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Runx1 ectopic expression in MCF10AT1 and MCF10CA1a BCa cells reduces (60%) migration, invasion andin vivotumor growth in mouse mammary fat pad (P<0.05). Runx1 is decreased in BCSCs, and overexpression of Runx1 suppresses tumorsphere formation and reduces the BCSC population. Furthermore, Runx1 inhibits Zeb1 expression, while Runx1 depletion activates Zeb1 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically Runx1 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer through repression of cancer stem cell activity. This key regulation of BCSCs by Runx1 may be shared in other epithelial carcinomas, highlighting the importance of Runx1 in solid tumors.
Quality of life and better than well: a mixed method study of long-term (post five years) recovery and recovery capital
Authors: Collins Andrew , McCamley Alison 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare quality of life scores in a long-term recovery population group (post five years) with a general population group and to explore how any differences might be explained by recovering individuals themselves in a small number of follow up qualitative interviews.

Design/methodology/approach
A sequential explanatory mixed method design combining quantitative quality of life measure (WHOQOL-BREF, 1996) and six subsequent semi-structured individual interviews. The quality of life measure compared long-term recovery scores (post five years) with the general population group. The subsequent qualitative semi-structured interviews explored what the participants themselves said about their recovery.

Findings
The quantitative data provide evidence of a significant difference in quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF) in two domains. The long-term recovery group (five or more years into recovery) scored higher in both the environment and psychological domains than the general population group. Of the long-term recovery group, 17 people who still accessed mutual aid scored higher in all four domains than those 23 people who did not. The interviews provide evidence of the this difference as result of growth in psychological elements of recovery, such as developing perspective, improvement in self-esteem, spirituality, as well as contributing as part of wider social involvement.

Research limitations/implications
This study provides support for the quality of life measure as useful in recovery research. The empirical data support the concept of recovery involving improvements in many areas of life and potentially beyond the norm, termed “better than well” (Best and Lubman, 2012; Valentine, 2011; Hibbert and Best, 2011). Limitations: snowballing method of recruitment, and undertaken by public health practitioner. Some suggestions of women and those who attend mutual aid having higher quality of life but sample too small.

Practical implications
Use QoL measure more in recovery research. Public health practitioners and policy makers need to work with partners and agencies to ensure that there is much more work, not just treatment focused, addressing the wider social and environmental context to support individuals recovering from alcohol and drugs over the longer term.

Originality/value
One of small number of studies using with participants who have experienced long-term (post five years) recovery, also use of quality of life measure (WHOQOL-BREF, 1996) with this population.
An entrepreneurial venture’s growth within Thai university
Authors: Sooampon Sutti 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
This study aims to investigate growth stage of an entrepreneurial venture born within Thai university and also to explore the future growth strategy which is formulated by the departmental team and at the same time is influenced by the school’s administrators.

Design/methodology/approach
Single case study approach was used to explore the growth of dental school’s internal venture aimed to produce low-cost pharmaceutical supplies. The interview data were matched with relevant entrepreneurship literatures to build theory from case study.

Findings
There is a clash in terms of growth strategy preferred by the parental organization and department-level team who found the venture. The dental school’s administrators expect their internal venture to be fully commercialized as spin-off according to typical academic entrepreneurship scheme. Differently, the entrepreneurial team prefers keeping the departmental venture inside to serve its socially entrepreneurial motivation with modest growth.

Originality/value
The case evidence implies different schools of thought that could influence the growth of university-based entrepreneurial venture. The university’s entrepreneurial development scheme thus is to incorporate such differences to move its departmental venture forward for sustainable growth.
An exploratory study of wine business philanthropy in the USA
Authors: Gilinsky Jr Armand , Forbes Sharon Lee , Fuentes-Fernández Rosana 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate philanthropic practices in the US wine industry, as prior research on charitable giving by wine industry participants is limited. Earlier studies on corporate philanthropy are inconclusive about the direction and the degree of community philanthropy on organizational effectiveness. There are also notable research gaps, including the lack of research into philanthropy in small businesses and the dominance of US studies.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the literature on corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, presents a series of propositions and a theoretical model, sets forth a research schema to investigate to what extent philanthropic activities are motivated by altruistic as well as strategic considerations across the global wine industry and reports preliminary findings from a sample of 100 US wine producers.FindingsIn brief, 99 per cent of the wine businesses surveyed significantly engaged in altruistic behavior in their local communities, primarily helped local charities, donated at the median 150 cases each year, and those activities represented about 1 per cent of pre-tax profits, comparable to or above giving by other participants in other industries.Research limitations/implicationsAs survey data were self-reported, empirical proof has yet to be obtained to support or refute the findings of this investigation. Comparisons to philanthropic practices in other wine regions of the world are not yet completed.Practical implicationsWine producers pursue community stewardship and maintain good corporate citizenship to create direct benefits apart from economic growth or jobs, but future research is needed to ascertain whether motivations are primarily altruistic or strategic.Social implicationsCommunities embrace the presence of wine businesses to foster job creation and economic activity, but remain uncertain about the other community benefits.Originality/valueThis exploratory paper fills a major gap in understanding with respect to examining motives for giving and expected outcomes by wine industry participants.
Port wine exports: a gravity model approach
Authors: Gouveia Sofia , Rebelo João , Lourenço-Gomes Lina 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the macroeconomic determinants of Port wine exports, taking into account the diversity and various quality levels associated with this product.Design/methodology/approachPort wine is a fortified wine only produced in Portugal. In the period 2006-2014, an extended gravity model is applied to data on the exports of the top 20 importing countries, accounting for 94 per cent of total exports. The authors base their empirical strategy on the Hausman–Taylor estimator (1971), overcoming endogeneity and accounting for time invariant variables. They estimate the impact of several factors on the total trade of Port wine, namely: gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, tariffs, exchange rates, distance from original supplier, mutual language familiarity, landlockedness, wine consumption per capita and presence of Portuguese emigrants, all measured in volume and value terms, and for each of the four categories (Standard, High Standard, Vintage and Aged).FindingsThe findings show that the quantity and value of total Port wine exports are positively determined by overall GDP per capita, the presence of a Portuguese emigrant community (which implies that to some degree a common language and culture are shared), while exports are negatively influenced by landlockedness. In contrast to the traditional gravity model, distance from the source of supply does not appear to be a significant determinant, a fact explained by the specific and singular nature of Port wine and by the long tradition of this product in international markets. In addition, the results revealed specific determinants for specific product categories – such as GDP for aged Port and wine consumption per capita for high standard, vintage and aged Port, suggesting that Portugal needs to increase its exports of high-quality Port wine to markets that exhibit a tendency towards increased wine consumption per capita and are coming to be considered large and fast-growing economies.Originality/valueThis paper extends the literature, by respecifying the typical gravity model for aggregate goods to permit the analysis of wine exports. There has been relatively little application of this model to assess the determinants of the wine trade, and when it has been used, generally it has been in studies focusing on aggregate wine trade between countries. This paper seeks to fill this gap by focusing on the determinants of exports of a specific wine – Port wine, which is an internationally recognised product, with a clear internal product differentiation according to distinct quality levels – and in this regard provides new insights into the international patterns of trade in wine.
The impact of different names for a wine variety on prices
Authors: Oczkowski Eddie 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to illustrate a general method for identifying the price impact of using a different varietal name for a wine.Design/methodology/approachA revealed preference research approach is employed using marketed wines and prices. Price impacts are estimated using hedonic price models which control for the influence of other factors on prices. The technique is applied to the use of accepted synonyms to describe different varieties of Australian wine.FindingsThe use of varietal synonyms in the Australian market is suggested to be more of a marketing strategy designed to command a higher price rather than because of wine stylistic reasons. Important premiums are estimated for the use of the terms Syrah, Pinot Gris and to a lesser extent for Fumé Blanc.Practical implicationsAustralian wine producers may be able to command price premiums by strategically choosing a name for a particular varietal. It appears no significant stylistic changes are needed to “justify” any varietal name change, and as such, only a label name change may be required. A switch to French-associated or -sounding names for a wine varietal may result in price premiums for Australian producers.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates a general revealed preference method for identifying wine varietal name price premiums and further illustrates the importance of “Frenchness” in wine name use.
Shared brands and sustainable competitive advantage in the Brazilian wine sector
Authors: Castro Virginia Aparecida , Giraldi Janaina de Moura Engracia 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate if shared brands provide sustainable competitive advantage according to an adapted valuable, rare, imitability/replaceability and organization (VRIO) model to the Brazilian wine sector in the opinion of the government agencies, associations and managers of the wineries.Design/methodology/approachThis study was based on a qualitative and exploratory research, based on in-depth interviews. Fine wines that have geographical indications and are located in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul were analyzed and content analysis was used to explore data.FindingsIt was concluded that shared brands in the Brazilian wine sector can be considered a source of sustainable competitive advantage according to the resource-based view.Research limitations/implicationsQualitative research has the aspect of the subjectivity of the researcher when analyzing the data.Practical implicationsThe government agencies, associations and wineries can improve the production process and seek certified products for commercialization in the domestic and foreign markets. These contributions may also, in practice, be used by other sectors and countries.Originality/valueThis work contributes to the understanding of the shared brand’s concept, including geographical indications, collective brands and the sector brands. The proposition that shared brands provide sustainable competitive advantage, according to an adapted VRIO model was confirmed. Barney’s VRIO framework (Barney, 1991, 1995) hitherto thought for individual companies, has the letter “O” of Organization replaced by the letter “A” of Association, becoming VRIA. The authors found that the four conditions that form the here proposed acronym VRIA are valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable/replaceable and association.
Customer involvement, fashion consciousness, and loyalty for fast-fashion retailers
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Park Joohyung , Glovinsky Paige L. 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer involvement in product development creates an emotional connection, satisfaction, and subsequent loyalty toward fast-fashion retailers across high vs low fashion-conscious consumers.Design/methodology/approachBoth qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gain understandings of the impacts of customer involvement. To explore customers’ general perceptions of fast-fashion retailers, a focus group interview with 11 US students was conducted. Data for a hypothesis test were obtained from 306 US female consumers and analyzed through structural equational modeling.FindingsThe findings underscored the relational benefits of involving customers in product development and the substantial moderating impact of female customers’ fashion consciousness.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings support that the customer-brand relationship can be solidified by proactively involving customers in product development. This is beyond benefits derived from leveraging customers’ operant resources in product innovation. Thus, apparel retailers should take such interactive opportunities to build relationships with customers. Also, involving customers in product development can be a critical way for fast-fashion retailers to establish an emotional bond with and loyalty from consumers with a low level of fashion consciousness. Thus, any digital opinion platform designed to foster customer involvement should be managed with the customer-brand relationship in mind.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the emerging body of literature on customer involvement in product development in fast-paced retailing by elucidating the psychological process through which their participation strengthens the customer-brand relationship manifested in emotional, evaluative, and behavioral responses to the brand, and by identifying a consumer attribute that fortifies this process.