bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon-alpha2 but not Interferon-gamma serum levels are associated with intramuscular fat in obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tarantino Giovanni , Costantini Susan , Citro Vincenzo , Conforti Paolo , Capone Francesca , Sorice Angela , Capone Domenico 
Published: August 2018

SUMMARYBackgroundIntramuscular triglycerides (IMTGs) represent an important energy supply and a dynamic fat-storage depot that can expand during periods of elevated lipid availability and a fatty ac-id source. Ultrasonography (US) of human skeletal muscles is a practical and reproducible method to assess both IMTG presence and entity.Although a crosstalk between cytokines in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue has been suggested in obesity, condition leading to hepatic steatosis (HS) or better defined as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer, there are still questions to be answered about the role of interferons (IFNs), alpha as well as gamma, and IMTG in obesity. We aimed at discovering any correlation between IFNs and IMTG.MethodsWe analysed anthropometric data, metabolic parameters and imaging features of a population of obese subjects with low-prevalence of co-morbidities but HS. The levels of serum IFNs were detected by a magnetic bead-based multiplex immunoassays.ResultsSerum concentrations of IFN-alpha2 were increased, while serum levels of IFN-gamma were decreased confronted with those of controls; the severity of IMTG, revealed at US as Heckmatt scores, was inversely predicted by IFN-alpha2 serum concentrations; IMTG scores were not predicted by serum levels of IFN-gamma; IMTG scores were predicted by HS severity, ascertained at US; HS severity was predicted by visceral adipose tissue, assessed by US, but the latter was not instrumental to IMTG.Discussion & ConclusionThis study has added some pieces of observation about the cytokine network regulating the interplay between IMTG and obesity in obese patients with HS.
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing shows convergent evidence from different cell types for altered synaptic plasticity in major depressive disorder
Authors: Nagy Corina , Maitra Malosree , Tanti Arnaud , Suderman Matthew , Théroux Jean-Francois , Mechawar Naguib , Ragoussis Jiannis , Turecki Gustavo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex illness that involves the interaction of different brain systems, pathways, and cell types. Past molecular studies of MDD relied on cellular homogenates of post-mortem brain tissue, making it impossible to determine gene expression changes within individual cells. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we examined almost 80,000 nuclei from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of individuals with MDD and healthy controls. Our analyses identified 26 distinct cellular clusters, and over 60% of these showed transcriptional differences between groups. Specifically, 96 genes were differentially expressed, the majority of which were downregulated. Convergent evidence from our analyses, including gene expression, differential correlation, and gene ontology implicated dysregulation of synaptic plasticity in the etiopathogenesis of MDD. Our results show that this high-resolution approach can reveal previously undetectable changes in specific cell types in the context of complex phenotypes and heterogeneous tissues.
RNA-seq reveals few differences in resistant and susceptible responses of barley to infection by the spot blotch pathogenBipolaris sorokiniana
Authors: Haas Matthew , Mascher Martin , Castell-Miller Claudia , Steffenson Brian J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSpot blotch, caused byBipolaris sorokiniana(Sacc.) Shoem., is an economically important disease affecting barley (Hordeum vulgareL.). The disease has largely been controlled in the Upper Midwest region of the USA through a suite of quantitative trait loci (QTL) termed the Midwest Six-rowed Durable Resistance Haplotype (MSDRH). These QTL have been bred into all six-rowed Midwest barley cultivars, including the widely used cultivar Morex. We identified a gamma ray- induced Morex mutant (MUT) that exhibits spot blotch susceptibility at the seedling stage. This mutant also spontaneously develops extremely large necrotic lesions in the absence of the pathogen at the adult plant stage. Spot blotch susceptibility at the seedling stage and necrotic lesion formation at the adult plant stage are highly correlated. To start dissecting the molecular responses underlying the observed symptoms at the seedling stage, we conducted a time course RNA-seq experiment comparing the wild type (WT) and the mutant (MUT) Morex at 12, 24 and 36 h afterB. sorokinianainoculation. Mock-inoculated controls were also included. A total of 10,772 and 11,530 genes were differentially expressed between treatments for WT and MUT genotypes, respectively, while 277 and 195 genes were differentially expressed between fungal and mock-inoculated genotypes, respectively. The transcript expression profiles of WT and MUT Morex samples were similar for most treatments. Two genes whose expression was putatively knocked out in the MUT were identified: HORVU3Hr1G019920 (glycine-rich protein) and HORVU5Hr1G120850 (Long- chain-fatty-acid—CoA ligase 1). The latter appears to be genetically intact, but not expressed. Collectively, these data suggest that MUT susceptibility toB. sorokinianais a result of minor, rather than major, differences in the defense responses.
A Bayesian Approach to Beam-Induced Motion Correction in Cryo-EM Single-Particle Analysis
Authors: Zivanov Jasenko , Nakane Takanori , Scheres Sjors H. W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe present a new method to estimate the trajectories of particle motion and the amount of cumulative beam damage in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) single particle analysis. We model the motion within the sample through the use of Gaussian Process regression. This allows us to associate with each hypothetical set of particle trajectories a prior likelihood that favours spatially and temporally smooth motion without imposing hard constraints. This formulation enables us to express the a-posteriori likelihood of a set of particle trajectories as a product of that prior likelihood and an observation likelihood given by the data, and to then maximise this a-posteriori likelihood. Since our smoothness prior requires three parameters that describe the statistics of the observed motion, we also propose an efficient stochastic method to estimate those parameters. Finally, we propose a practical means of estimating the average amount of cumulative radiation damage as a function of radiation dose and spatial frequency, and a robust method of fitting relative B-factors to it. We evaluate our method on three publicly available datasets, and illustrate its usefulness by comparison with state-of-the-art methods and previously published results. The new method has been implemented as Bayesian polishing in RELION-3, where it replaces the existing particle polishing method, as it outperforms the latter in all tests conducted.
Hypoxia-induced switch in SNAT2/SLC38A2 regulation generates endocrine-resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Morotti Matteo , Bridges Esther , Valli Alessandro , Choudhry Hani , Sheldon Helen , Wigfield Simon , Gray Nicki , Jones Dylan , Teoh Eugene J. , Cheng Wei-Chen , Lord Simon , Haider Syed , McIntyre Alan , Goberdhan Deborah C. I. , Buffa Francesca , Harris Adrian L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTumor hypoxia is associated with poor patient outcomes in estrogen receptor-α (ERα) positive breast cancer. Hypoxia is known to affect tumor growth by reprogramming metabolism and regulating amino acid (AA) uptake. Here we show that the glutamine transporter, SNAT2, is the AA transporter most frequently induced by hypoxia in breast cancer and it is regulated by HIF1α bothin-vitroandin-vivoin xenografts. SNAT2 induction in MCF7 cells was also regulated by ERα but it became predominantly a HIF-1α-dependent gene under hypoxia. Relevant to this, binding sites for both HIF-1α and ERα overlap in SNAT2’s cis-regulatory elements. In addition, the downregulation of SNAT2 by the ER antagonist fulvestrant was reverted in hypoxia.Overexpression of SNAT2in-vitroto recapitulate the levels induced by hypoxia caused enhanced growth, particularly after ERα inhibition, in hypoxia, or when glutamine levels were low. SNAT2 upregulationin-vivocaused complete resistance to anti-estrogen and, partially, anti-VEGF therapies. Finally, high SNAT2 expression levels correlate with HIF-1α and worse outcome in patients given anti-estrogen therapy. Our findings show a switch in regulation of SNAT2 between ERα and HIF-1α, leading to endocrine resistance in hypoxia. Development of drugs targeting SNAT2 may be of value for a subset of hormone-resistant breast cancer.
Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of circRNAs in Zea mays
Authors: Tang Baihua , Hao Zhiqiang , Zhu Yanfeng , Zhang Hua , Li Guanglin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, which increasingly drawn researchers’ attention in recent years as their importance in regulating gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. With the development of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, circRNAs have been widely analysed in animals, but the understanding of characteristics and function of circRNAs is limited in plants, especially in maize. Here, 3715 unique circRNAs were predicted in Zea mays systematically, and 8 of 12 circRNAs were validated by experiments. By analysing circRNA sequence, the events of alternative circularization phenomenon were found prevailed in maize. By comparing circRNAs in different species, it showed that part circRNAs are conserved across species, for example, there are 273 circRNAs conserved between maize and rice. Although most of the circRNAs have low expression levels, we found 213 differential expressed circRNAs responding to heat, cold, or drought, and 1782 tissue-specific expressed circRNAs. The results showed that those circRNAs may have potential biological functions in specific situations. Finally, two different methods were used to search circRNA functions, which were based on circRNAs originated from protein-coding genes and circRNAs as miRNA decoys. 346 circRNAs could act as miRNA decoys, which might modulate the effects of multiple molecular functions, including binding, catalytic activity, oxidoreductase activity, and transmembrane transporter activity. Maize circRNAs were identified, classified and characterized systematically. We also explored circRNA functions, suggesting that circRNAs are involved in multiple molecular processes and play important roles in regulating of gene expression. Our results provide a rich resource for further study of maize circRNAs.
Biodynamics: A novel quasi-first principles theory on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular function/dysfunction and the pharmacological modulation thereof
Authors: Selvaggio Gianluca , Pearlstein Robert A 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTCellular function depends on heterogeneousdynamicintra-, inter-, and supramolecular structure-function relationships. However, the specific mechanisms by which cellular function is transduced from molecular systems, and by which cellular dysfunction arises from molecular dysfunction are poorly understood. We proposed previously that cellular function manifests as a molecular form of analog computing, in which specific time-dependent state transition fluxes within sets of molecular species (“molecular differential equations” (MDEs)) are sped and slowed in response to specific perturbations (inputs). In this work, we offer a theoretical treatment of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular analog computing (which we refer to as “biodynamics”), focusing primarily on non-equilibrium (dynamic) intermolecular state transitions that serve as the principal means by which MDE systems are solved (the molecular equivalent of mathematical “integration”). Under these conditions, bound state occupancy is governed bykonandkoff, together with the rates of binding partner buildup and decay. Achieving constant fractional occupancy over time depends on: 1) equivalence between konand the rate of binding site buildup); 2) equivalence betweenkoffand the rate of binding site decay; and 3) free ligand concentration relative tokoff/k0n(n · Kd, where n is the fold increase in binding partner concentration needed to achieve a given fractional occupancy). Failure to satisfy these conditions results in fractional occupancy well below that corresponding to n · Kd. The implications of biodynamics for cellular function/dysfunction and drug discovery are discussed.
Logistic services in the Caribbean region
Authors: Ruiz-Torres Alex J. , Cardoza Guillermo , Kuula Markku , Oliver Yuritza , Rosa-Polanco Henry 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the relationships between the capabilities and performance characteristics of logistic service providers (LSPs) in the Caribbean region. The study considers the organization’s process improvement (PI) performance as it relates to their innovation capabilities, their efforts into information sharing and collaboration with customers, their planning for contingencies and considering the uncertainty of their customer’s technology.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey was applied to 88 LSP firms with operations in the Caribbean region. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships.

Findings
The results indicate that the PI performance of LSPs is significantly related to their innovation capabilities, and that these capabilities are positively related to collaboration and exchange of relevant information. Furthermore, they indicate that information sharing between LSPs and their customers significantly improves the quality of contingency planning. However, the study showed that innovation capabilities are not directly related to the LSPs’ focus on contingency planning and that customers’ technology uncertainty does not have a significant effect on the LSPs’ innovation capabilities.

Research limitations/implications
The sample of LSP firms is limited to three countries of the Caribbean region. Further examination of the model in additional countries and across multiple industrial contexts would increase the validity of the findings and expand to settings such as manufacturing and services.

Originality/value
This study measures operational performance of LSPs from a different perspective: its PI performance, and considers how multiple factors affect this performance.
Job satisfaction among senior managers and employees
Authors: Lasierra Jose Manuel 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
Using selected personal and job-related variables, the purpose of this paper is to analyse job satisfaction among public sector senior managers and employees and then compare both cohorts with private-sector managers and employees.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors apply a General Linear Univariate Model with interactions that allows us to detect the influence of the independent variables based on the baseline reference value.

Findings
Results indicate that public employees differ considerably from employees in the private sector, while public sector managers’ behaviour and preferences are very similar to those of private-sector managers.

Research limitations/implications
One main conclusion is that the management function of senior managers is basically the same, whether they are in the public or private sectors, and, thus, private management techniques, such as new public management (NPM), can be applied to the public sector. The main shortcoming of the study is that a qualitative analysis does not allow us to observe the impact of ethical aspects that could guide value-oriented management.

Practical implications
Difficulties in management by public-sector managers may arise from public employees’ perceptions regarding the application of private management practices.

Social implications
High job-satisfaction ratings by public managers may indicate that, in spite of their lower wages compared to the private sector, there is no reason to conclude that a suboptimal staffing of public managers might occur that would jeopardise public services.

Originality/value
The authors are unaware of precedents that analyse differences between the public and private sectors in comparing employees and senior managers. Uniquely, the authors use a very large sample to draw conclusions. This paper can guide public senior managers who work in public administration.
Diversity management in three Latin American countries: an institutional theory perspective
Authors: Raineri Andrés 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to use an institutional theory (IT) approach to analyse the institutional context for diversity management (DM) in Chile, El Salvador and Guatemala, the influence of such a context on the DM issues that organisations’ face, and the DM practices that firms implement.Design/methodology/approachFocus groups and a survey are used to assess managers and workers’ perceptions about DM in their countries, while an analysis of the content of firms’ web pages is used to assess the formal public information about DM provided by firms.FindingsResults suggest prevalence of perceptions, among both managers and employees, of discrimination at the workplace, facilitated by cultural forces that undervalue human diversity. Firms’ DM responses seem to be led by multinational companies, and focussed on fighting discrimination, facilitating inclusion and pursuing external legitimacy.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to analyse DM in Latin American organisations. Furthermore, three studies, with different methodologies, support several IT propositions that emphasise the role of institutional forces in explaining organisations’ implementation of DM practices. The relevance and challenges of developing DM programmes in Latin America are discussed.
Immigrant entrepreneurs in Antofagasta, Chile
Authors: Rodrigo Luis Miguel , Romaní Gianni , Ricci Emilio 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to characterize the immigrant entrepreneurs of the Region of Antofagasta and identify their contribution to local development.Design/methodology/approachThis is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were carried out with a sample of 314 immigrant entrepreneurs in the city of Antofagasta. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and mean difference.FindingsThe results show a new type of entrepreneur that cannot be fully described by the theories developed for South–North immigrant entrepreneurs. The concept of the South–South entrepreneur is therefore proposed, in order to categorise these entrepreneurs and explain their behaviour, with the conclusion that this group makes a significant contribution to the local economy, both in terms of job and wealth creation and by broadening the availability of goods and services.Practical implicationsGiven that immigrant entrepreneurs are a valuable socio-economic asset to the city in terms of job and wealth creation and service diversification, public administrations should endeavour to support these individuals and attract them to the city.Social implicationsKnowledge of the contribution of this group will lead to a greater acceptance of immigrants who have recently been rejected by certain sectors of the population.Originality/valueThis study reveals the existence of a group of immigrant entrepreneurs whose characteristics and contribution to local development were previously not known.
Modelling the cancellation behaviour of hotel guests
Authors: Falk Martin , Vieru Markku 
Published: August 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the factors that influence cancellation behaviour with respect to hotel bookings. The data are based on individual bookings drawn from a hotel reservation system database comprising nine hotels.

Design/methodology/approach
The determinants of cancellation probability are estimated using a probit model with cluster adjusted standard errors at the hotel level. Separate estimates are provided for rooms booked offline, through online travel agencies and through traditional travel agencies.

Findings
Evidence based on 233,000 bookings shows that the overall cancellation rate is 8 per cent. Cancellation rates are highest for online bookings (17 per cent), followed by offline bookings (12 per cent) and travel agency bookings (4 per cent). Probit estimations show that the probability of cancelling a booking is significantly higher for early bookings, large groups that book offline, offline bookings during high seasons, bookings not involving children and bookings made by guests from specific countries (e.g. China and Russia). Among the factors, booking lead time and country of residence play the largest role, particularly for online bookings.

Research limitations/implications
The analysis is based on individual-level booking data from one hotel chain in Finland, and therefore cannot be generalised for the total population of hotels in the country under observation.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is a thorough investigation of the factors that influence cancellation behaviour at both the theoretical and empirical levels. Detailed and unique data from a hotel reservation system allow for new empirical insights into this behaviour.
Marketing for the project: project marketing by the contractor
Authors: Turner John Rodney , Lecoeuvre Laurence , Sankaran Shankar , Er Michael 
Published: August 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the marketing practices adopted by contractors in project-based industries to win new business and maintain relationships with existing clients.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed eight such contractors, and used activity theory as a lens to analyze the results. The authors investigated project marketing activities at four stages of the project contract life cycle, and against four enablers of collaboration.FindingsThe authors have identified that the service-dominant logic pervades project marketing. Through the project contract life cycle the marketing activity starts with a strategic focus, becomes tactical, then operational and returns to strategic. Project marketing involves executive managers, marketing, client or account managers and project managers. Project managers have a key responsibility for project marketing. The four enablers of collaboration, relationships, communication, going-with and trust, support each other and the entire project marketing activity.Research limitations/implicationsAs a contribution to theory, the authors have identified the practices adopted by contractors in project-based industries to market their competencies to clients to win new work and maintain relationships with existing clients. The authors have identified practices throughout the contract life cycle, and practices to develop collaboration. The next step will be to explain these practices in terms of traditional marketing theory.Practical implicationsThe results provide guidelines to contractors in project-based industries who wish to improve their marketing activity to achieve sustainable performance. Industry may also find it useful to train or coach their project managers to be conscious of their marketing role.Originality/valuePrevious work has been conceptual in nature and has speculated on the nature of the project marketing performed by contractors to win new projects, and set it against marketing done by the project. This research has empirically investigated the actual marketing practices adopted by project contracting organizations, shown how it varies through the project life cycle and shown how responsibility passes from senior management to the account team and then to project managers. It has also investigated the application of the four enablers of collaboration: relationships, communication, going-with and trust.