bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marker-assisted pyramiding of two major broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance genes,Xa21andXa33into an elite maintainer line of rice, DRR17B
Authors: Balachiranjeevi CH , Bhaskar Naik S , Abhilash Kumar V , Harika G , Mahadev Swamy H.K , Hajira Sk , Dilip Kumar T , Anila M , Kale R.R , Yugender A , Pranathi K , Koushik M.B.V.N , Suneetha K , Bhadana V.P , Hariprasad A.S , Prasad M.S , Laha G.S , Rekha G , Balachandran S.M , Madhav M.S , Senguttuvel P , Fiyaz A.R , Viraktamath B.C , Giri A , Swamy B.P.M , Ali J , Sundaram R.M 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBacterial blight (BB) disease reduces the yield of rice varieties and hybrids considerably in many tropical rice growing countries like India. The present study highlights the development of durable BB resistance into the background of an elite maintainer of rice, DRR17B, by incorporating two major dominant genes,Xa21andXa33through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). Through two sets of backcrosses, the two BB resistance genes were transferred separately to DRR17B. In this process, at each stage of backcrossing, foreground selection was carried out for the target resistance genes and for non-fertility restorer alleles concerning the major fertility restorer genesRf3andRf4, using gene-specific PCR-based markers, while background selection was done using a set of 61 and 64 parental polymorphic SSR markers respectively. Backcross derived lines possessing eitherXa21orXa33along with maximum genome recovery of DRR17B were identified at BC3F1generation and selfed to develop BC3F2s. Plants harboringXa21orXa33in homozygous condition were identified among BC3F2s and were intercrossed with each other to combine both the genes. The intercross F1plants (ICF1) were selfed and the intercross F2(ICF2) plants possessing bothXa21andXa33in homozygous condition were identified with the help of markers. They were then advanced further by selfing until ICF4generation. Selected ICF4lines were evaluated for their resistance against BB with eight virulent isolates and for key agro-morphological traits. Six promising two-gene pyramiding lines of DRR17B with high level of BB resistance and agro-morphological attributes similar or superior to DRR17B with complete maintenance ability have been identified. These lines with elevated level of durable resistance may be handy tool for BB resistance breeding.
Mammalian vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT1 reduces synaptic vesicle super-pool size and spontaneous release frequency
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Min , François Urielle , Silm Katlin , Angelo Maria Florencia , Busch Maria Victoria Fernández , Maged Mona , Martin Christelle , Cordelières Fabrice P. , Deshors Melissa , Pons Stéphanie , Maskos Uwe , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , Wojcik Sonja M. , El Mestikawy Salah , Humeau Yann , Herzog Etienne 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTGlutamate secretion at excitatory synapses is tightly regulated to allow for the precise tuning of synaptic strength. Vesicular Glutamate Transporters (VGLUT) accumulate glutamate into synaptic vesicles (SV) and thereby regulate quantal size. Further, the number of release sites and the release probability of SVs maybe regulated by the organization of active zone proteins and SV clusters. In the present work, we uncover a mechanism mediating an increased SV clustering through a tripartite interaction of VGLUT1, endophilinA1 and intersectin1. This strengthening of SV clusters results in a combined reduction of axonal SV super-pool size and miniature excitatory events frequency. Our findings support a model in which clustered vesicles are held together through multiple weak interactions between SH3 domains and proline rich sequences of synaptic proteins. In mammals, VGLUT1 gained a poly-proline sequence that recruits endophilinA1 and turns the transporter into a dual regulator of quantal release parameters at excitatory synapses.
A fish rots from the head down: how to use the leading digits of ecological data to detect their falsification
Authors: Cerri J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractManaging wildlife populations requires good data. Researchers and policy makers need reliable population estimates and, in case of commercial or recreational harvesting, also trustworthy information about the number of removed individuals. However, auditing schemes are often weak and political or economic pressure could lead to data fabrication or falsification. Time-series data and population models are crucial to detect anomalies, but they are not always available nor feasible. Therefore, researchers need other tools to identify suspicious patterns in ecological and environmental data, to prioritize their controls. We showed how the Benford’s law might be used to identify anomalies and potential manipulation in ecological data, by testing for the goodness-of-fit of the leading digits with the Benford’s distribution. For this task, we inspected two datasets that were found to be falsified, containing data about estimated large carnivore populations in Romania and Soviet commercial whale catches in the Pacific Ocean. In both the two datasets, the first and second digits numerical series deviated from the expected Benford’s distribution. In data about large carnivores, the first too digits, taken together, also deviated from the expected Benford’s distribution and were characterized by a high Mean Absolute Deviation. In Soviet whale catches, while the single digits deviated from the Benford’s distribution and the Mean Absolute Deviation was high, the first two digits were not anomalous. This controversy invites researchers to combine multiple measures of nonconformity and to be cautious in analyzing mixtures of data. Testing the distribution of the leading digits might be a very useful tool to inspect ecological datasets and to detect potential falsifications, with great implications for policymakers and researchers as well. For example, if policymakers revealed anomalies in harvesting data or population estimates, commercial or recreational harvesting could be suspended and controls strengthened. On the other hand, revealing falsification in ecological research would be crucial for evidence-based conservation, as well as for research evaluation.
Differential retention of transposable element-derived sequences in outcrossing Arabidopsis genomes
Authors: Legrand Sylvain , Caron Thibault , Maumus Florian , Schvartzman Sol , Quadrana Leandro , Durand Eléonore , Gallina Sophie , Pauwels Maxime , Mazoyer Clément , Huyghe Lucie , Colot Vincent , Hanikenne Marc , Castric Vincent 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTTransposable elements (TEs) have initially been viewed as pure genomic parasites but are now recognized as central genome architects and powerful agents of rapid adaptation. A proper evaluation of their evolutionary significance has been hampered by the paucity of short scale phylogenetic comparisons between closely related species. Here, we characterized the dynamics of TE accumulation at the micro-evolutionary scale by comparing two closely related plant species, Arabidopsis lyrata and A. halleri. Joint genome annotation in these two outcrossing species confirmed that both contain two distinct populations of TEs with either ‘recent’ or ‘old’ insertion histories. Identification of rare segregating insertions suggests that diverse TE families contribute to the ongoing dynamics of TE accumulation in the two species. TE fragments that have been maintained in both species, i.e. those that are orthologous, tend to be located on average closer to genes than those that are retained in one species only. Moreover, compared to non-orthologous TE insertions, those that are orthologous tend to produce fewer short interfering RNAs, are less heavily methylated when found within or adjacent to genes and these tend to have lower expression levels. These findings suggest that long-term retention of TE insertions reflects their frequent acquisition of adaptive roles and/or the deleterious effects of removing TE insertions when they are close to genes. Overall, our results indicate a rapid evolutionary dynamics of the TE landscape in these two outcrossing species, with an important input of a diverse set of new insertions with variable propensity to resist deletion.
Multiscale Adaptive Gabor Expansion (MAGE): Improved Detection of Transient Oscillatory Burst Amplitude and Phase
Authors: Canolty Ryan T. , Womelsdorf Thilo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSince Denis Gabor’s pioneering paper on the discrete Gabor Expansion (Gabor, 1946), time-frequency signal analysis has proven to be an important tool for many fields. In neurophysiology, time-frequency analysis has often been used to characterize and describe transient bursts in local field potential data. However, these transient bursts have a wide range of variable durations, suggesting that a time-frequency-scale dictionary composed of elementary signal “atoms” may prove useful to more accurately match recorded bursts. While overcomplete multiscale dictionaries are useful, generating a sparse code over such dictionaries is a difficult computational problem. Existing adaptive algorithms for discovering a sparse description are slow and computationally intensive. Here we describe the Multiscale Adaptive Gabor Expansion (MAGE), which uses an implicit dictionary of parametric time-frequency-scale Gabor atoms to perform fast parameter reassignment to accelerate discovery of a sparse decomposition. Using analytic expressions together with numerical computation, MAGE is a greedy pursuit algorithm similar to Matching Pursuit, restricted to a dictionary of multiscale Gaussian-envelope Gabor atoms. MAGE parameter reassignment is robust in the presence of moderate noise. By expressing a unknown signal as a weighted sum of Gabor atoms, MAGE permits a more accurate estimate of the amplitude and phase of transient bursts than existing methods.
Confidence boosts serial dependence in orientation estimation
Authors: Samaha Jason , Switzky Missy , Postle Bradley R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the absence of external feedback, a decision maker must rely on a subjective estimate of their decision accuracy in order to appropriately guide behavior. Normative models of perceptual decision making relate subjective estimates of internal signal quality (e.g. confidence) directly to the internal signal quality itself, thereby making it unknowable whether the subjective estimate or the underlying signal is what drives behavior. We constructed stimuli that dissociated human observer’s performance on a visual estimation task from their subjective estimates of confidence in their performance, thus violating normative principles. To understand whether confidence influences future decision making, we examined serial dependence in observer’s responses, a phenomenon whereby the estimate of a stimulus on the current trial can be biased towards the stimulus from the previous trial. We found that when decisions were made with high confidence, they conferred stronger biases upon the following trial, suggesting that confidence may enhance serial dependence. Critically, this finding was true also when confidence was experimentally dissociated from task performance, indicating that subjective confidence, independent of signal quality, can amplify serial dependence. These findings demonstrate an effect of confidence on future behavior, independent of task performance, and suggest that perceptual decisions incorporate recent history in an uncertainty-weighted manner, but where the uncertainty carried forward is a subjectively estimated and possibly suboptimal readout of objective sensory uncertainty.
The nexus between external debt, corruption and economic growth: evidence from five SSA countries
Authors: Shittu Waliu Olawale , Hassan Sallahuddin , Nawaz Muhammad Atif 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of external debt and corruption on economic growth in the selected five Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, from 1990 to 2015.

Design/methodology/approach
Panel unit root and panel cointegration tests are employed to test for stationarity of the series and the long-run relationship, respectively. Fully modified OLS and dynamic OLS techniques are also employed to examine the long-run coefficients of the variables of the model, as well as panel Granger causality test, in order to examine the direction of causality among the variables.

Findings
The results indicate that there is a negative relationship between external debt and economic growth, as well as a bi-directional causality between the two variables. The findings also indicate a positive relationship between corruption and economic growth, as well as a uni-directional causality running from economic growth through corruption.

Research limitations/implications
The study recommends that the governments of the selected countries should address the menace of rising external debt through the adoption of other sources of capital for investment. Such include more openness of the economy for more capital, by easing restrictions on genuine imports and exports of valuable goods and services. It also suggests that the issue of corruption be tackled head-on, by such penalties that tend to make corruption less attractive.

Originality/value
While the relationship between economic growth and external debt, on the one hand, and corruption and economic growth, on the other hand, have received considerable attentions, the trio of external debt, corruption and economic growth have not been found combined in a model, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Also, the countries under consideration, who jointly account for about 47 percent of the entire SSA countries’ stock of external debt, have not been jointly found in any recent panel studies involving the selected variables.
Corporate governance and firm value: a comparative analysis of state and non-state owned companies in the context of Pakistan
Authors: Bhat Kalim Ullah , Chen Yan , Jebran Khalil , Bhutto Niaz Ahmed 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how corporate governance instruments impact firm value in the context of Pakistan. This paper considers state- and non-state-owned enterprises and examines whether the influence of corporate governance on firm value varies across firms having different nature of ownership.Design/methodology/approachThis study opts for an unbalanced sample of state- and non-state-owned enterprises for the period 2010-2014. Panel data regression is adopted for estimation of main results. The suitable model, i.e. fixed and random effect model, is selected using Hausman specification test.FindingsThe notable findings show that board independence has a significant and positive relationship with firm value only for state-owned companies. Furthermore, the results show that market capitalization and return on assets have a significant and positive association with firm value for both state- and non-state-owned enterprises. All other variables are found insignificant for both state- and non-state-owned companies, but the results are consistent with those reported in previous studies.Practical implicationThe findings of the study suggest that fair induction of independent directors, appropriate board size and cost-benefit analysis to conduct frequent meetings can help corporations to improve their performance.Originality/valueThis study is adding to the current literature by providing new insights and shows that the impact of corporate governance on firm value varies across firms of different types of ownership, i.e. state- and non-state-owned enterprises.
Related party transactions, corporate governance and earnings management
Authors: Marchini Pier Luigi , Mazza Tatiana , Medioli Alice 
Published: July 2018

PurposeFollowing the contingency perspective, this paper aims to examine if a good corporate governance structure is able to reduce earnings management made through related party transactions. The authors expect that a high-quality corporate governance influences private benefit acquisition and reduces the positive association between related party transactions and earnings management.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage least squares instrumental variable approach is used to further address endogeneity concerns in this study. The model is organized into three parts: the construction of the corporate governance indicator, the first stage regression to compute the predicted corporate governance indicator and the second stage regression (ordinary least squares multivariate regressions) to analyze the relationship between related party transactions and earnings management. The analysis focuses on a sample of Italian listed companies over the period 2007-2012.FindingsThe study finds that the interaction between sales-related party transactions and corporate governance is negatively associated with abnormal accruals, signaling that corporate governance quality reduces the positive association between sales-related party transactions and earnings management, consistently with the contingency perspective.Originality/valueThe research contributes to literature by empirically testing the assumption of contingency perspective. In particular, the results provide new insights to the academic community, underlying that good corporate governance mechanism helps to reduce earnings management behavior through related party transactions.
Comparative learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities of developing nations in Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Uleanya Chinaza , Gamede Bongani Thulani 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the common learning challenges experienced by undergraduates in selected rural universities in Nigeria and South Africa. Rural universities are strategically established and expected to enhance sustainable development by meeting the needs of host communities. Hence, an attempt is made to trace factors hindering the attainment of the goals.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research method was adopted for data collection. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to 2,335 randomly selected third-year students.

Findings
The outcome of the study shows that six common learning challenges: cognitive learning challenges, easy loss of concentration, previous learning experiences, distance, student–lecturer relationship as well as policy making and implementation are experienced by undergraduates in the two universities.

Research limitations/implications
This research shows the common challenges experienced by undergraduates in rural universities. However, the study is limited to two selected universities in Nigeria and South Africa.

Practical implications
These results are useful in guiding education stakeholders in policy making and how quality education can be provided for rural-based undergraduates.

Originality/value
The research suggests various ways by which common learning challenges experienced by students in rural universities can be overcome. It will be of immense value to curriculum designers and implementers toward sustainable nation building.
Comparative case study: when brands handle online confrontations
Authors: Choy Christine Hiu Ying , Wu Fang 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This study aims to examine the theoretical links among three important variables by empirically testing the cases of two international brands.

Design/methodology/approach
By using a comparative case study design, this study conducts a content analysis of a total of 490 Facebook comments regarding online confrontational crises: Dolce & Gabbana’s photo fiasco and Laneige’s discriminative sales incident.

Findings
The findings suggest that when evaluating whether or not a company has shouldered responsibility in online confrontational crises, social media users tend to be more influenced by how timely, active and consistent the organization’s reaction is than by the organization’s mere use of concession crisis communication strategies (CCSs). The individual-level perception (perceived degree of organizational crisis responsibility-taking) is a stronger predictor of social media users’ reaction than organization strategies. The earlier that social media user has a perceived improvement in the organization, the more effective is the organization’s strategy to minimize the effects of social media as crisis mobilizer.

Originality/value
This study confirms theories formulated in a Western context with actual cases from Eastern cultures. Theoretically, this study sheds light on the importance of the individual-level perception for effective use of organization strategy in crisis. This study also suggests the relative significance of positive forms of crisis response, concessions CCSs and their relationship with the perceived degree of crisis responsibility-taking.
Eliciting and representing the supply chain strategy of a business unit
Authors: Perez-Franco Roberto Joaquin , Phadnis Shardul 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a practical method to elicit – in a manner grounded in fact – the “as is” supply chain strategy that a business unit currently has in place. It also proposes a framework to represent the supply chain strategy of a business unit in a clear and actionable manner.

Design/methodology/approach
A framework to represent the supply chain strategy of a business unit was developed through inductive theory generation. A method to elicit the current, “as is” supply chain strategy of a business unit was developed through collaborative management research projects and validated by several third-party projects.

Findings
In different projects – many conducted by third parties – the method was found to be a useful approach to elicit the “as is” supply chain strategy of a business unit. Practitioners found value in representing a supply chain strategy as a conceptual system serving as a logical bridge between the overall strategy and the supply chain operations of the business units.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed framework may have limited scalability beyond a single business unit. The proposed method may be less useful when the supply chain strategy is undergoing a dramatic transformation, or when the participants from the company are either not fully engaged in the exercise or knowledgeable about the strategic rationale behind activities.

Originality/value
The paper provides an innovative approach to tap into the tacit knowledge of the organization to reveal the patterns of decisions underpinning its current supply chain strategy and to characterize the supply chain strategy of a business unit as a conceptual system.