bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic analysis of the SERK3 elongated allele defines a role for BIR ectodomains in brassinosteroid signaling
Authors: Hohmann Ulrich , Nicolet Joël , Moretti Andrea , Hothorn Ludwig A. , Hothorn Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (LRR-RK) BRI1 requires a shape-complementary SERK co-receptor for brassinosteroid sensing and receptor activation. Interface mutations that weaken the interaction between receptor and co-receptor in vitro reduce brassinosteroid signaling responses. The SERK3 elongated (elg) allele maps to the complex interface and shows enhanced brassinosteroid signaling, but surprisingly no tighter binding to the BRI1 ectodomain in vitro. Here, we report that rather than promoting the interaction with BRI1, the elg mutation disrupts the ability of the co-receptor to interact with the ectodomains of BIR receptor pseudokinases, negative regulators of LRR-RK signaling. A conserved lateral surface patch in BIR LRR domains is required for targeting SERK co-receptors and the elg allele maps to the core of the complex interface in a 1.25 Å BIR3 - SERK1 structure. Collectively, our structural, quantitative biochemical and genetic analyses suggest that brassinosteroid signaling complex formation is negatively regulated by BIR receptor ectodomains.
Data-driven analysis of motor activity implicates 5-HT2A neurons in backward locomotion of larvalDrosophila
Authors: Park Jeonghyuk , Kondo Shu , Tanimoto Hiromu , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Nose Akinao 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTRhythmic animal behaviors are regulated in part by neural circuits called the central pattern generators (CPGs). Classifying neural population activities correlated with body movements and identifying the associated component neurons are critical steps in understanding CPGs. Previous methods that classify neural dynamics obtained by dimension reduction algorithms often require manual optimization which could be laborious and preparation-specific. Here, we present a simpler and more flexible method that is based on the pre-trained convolutional neural network model VGG-16 and unsupervised learning, and successfully classifies the fictive motor patterns inDrosophilalarvae under various imaging conditions. We also used voxel-wise correlation mapping to identify neurons associated with motor patterns. By applying these methods to neurons targeted by5-HT2A-GAL4, which we generated by the CRISPR/Cas9-system, we identified two classes of interneurons, termed Seta and Leta, which are specifically active during backward but not forward fictive locomotion. Optogenetic activation of Seta and Leta neurons increased backward locomotion. Conversely, thermogenetic inhibition of5-HT2A-GAL4neurons or application of a 5-HT2 antagonist decreased backward locomotion induced by noxious light stimuli. This study establishes an accelerated pipeline for activity profiling and cell identification in larvalDrosophilaand implicates the serotonergic system in the modulation of backward locomotion.
Genetic basis of transgressive segregation in rice heading phenotypes
Authors: Koide Yohei , Uchiyama Takashi , Ota Yuya , Sakaguchi Shuntaro , Tezuka Ayumi , Nagano Atsushi J. , Ishiguro Seiya , Takamure Itsuro , Kishima Yuji 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTTransgressive segregation produces hybrid progeny phenotypes that exceed parental phenotypes. Unlike heterosis, extreme phenotypes caused by transgressive segregation are heritably stable. We examined transgressive phenotypes of flowering time in rice. Our previous study examined days to flowering (heading; DTH) in six F2 populations for which the parents had distal DTH, and found very few transgressive phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that transgressive segregation in F2 populations occurred between parents with proximal DTH. DTH phenotypes of the A58 × Kitaake F2 progenies frequently exceeded those of both parents. Both A58 and Kitaake arejaponicarice cultivars adapted to Hokkaido, Japan, which is a high-latitude region, and have short DTH. Among the four known loci required for short DTH, three loci had common alleles in A58 and Kitaake, and only the one locus had different alleles. This result indicates that there is a similar genetic basis for DTH between the two varieties. We identified five new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with transgressive DTH phenotypes by genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Each of these QTLs showed different degrees of additive effects on DTH, and two QTLs had epistatic effect on each other. These results demonstrated that genome-wide SNP analysis facilitated detection of genetic loci associated with the extreme phenotypes and revealed that the transgressive phenotypes were produced by exchanging complementary alleles of a few minor QTLs in the similar parental genotypes.
Genomic prediction accounting for genotype by environment interaction offers an effective framework for breeding simultaneously for adaptation to an abiotic stress and performance under normal cropping conditions in rice
Authors: Ben Hassen M , Bartholomé J , Valè G , Cao TV , Ahmadi N 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDeveloping rice varieties adapted to alternate wetting and drying water management is crucial for the sustainability of irrigated rice cropping systems. Here we report the first study exploring the feasibility of breeding rice for adaptation to alternate wetting and drying using genomic prediction methods that account for genotype by environment interactions. Two breeding populations (a reference panel of 284 accessions and a progeny population of 97 advanced lines) were evaluated under alternate wetting and drying and continuous flooding management systems. The accuracy of genomic prediction for response variables (index of relative performance and the slope of the joint regression) and for multi-environment genomic prediction models were compared. For the three traits considered (days to flowering, panicle weight and nitrogen-balance index), significant genotype by environment interactions were observed in both populations. In cross validation, prediction accuracy for the index was on average lower (0.31) than that of the slope of the joint regression (0.64) whatever the trait considered. Similar results were found for across population validation (progeny validation). Both cross-validation and progeny validation experiments showed that the performance of multi-environment models predicting unobserved phenotypes of untested entrees was similar to the performance of single environment models with differences in accuracy ranging from - 6% to 4% depending on the trait and on the statistical model concerned. The accuracy of multi-environment models predicting unobserved phenotypes of entrees evaluated under both water management systems outperformed single environment models by an average of 30%. Practical implications for breeding rice for adaptation to AWD are discussed.
A distributed brain network predicts general intelligence from resting-state human neuroimaging data
Authors: Dubois Julien , Galdi Paola , Paul Lynn K. , Adolphs Ralph 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIndividual people differ in their ability to reason, solve problems, think abstractly, plan and learn. A reliable measure of this general ability, also known as intelligence, can be derived from scores across a diverse set of cognitive tasks. There is great interest in understanding the neural underpinnings of individual differences in intelligence, since it is the single best predictor of longterm life success. The most replicated neural correlate of human intelligence to date is total brain volume; however, this coarse morphometric correlate says little about function. Here we ask whether measurements of the activity of the resting brain (resting-state fMRI) might also carry information about intelligence. We used the final release of the Young Adult Human Connectome Project (N=884 subjects after exclusions), providing a full hour of resting-state fMRI per subject; controlled for gender, age, and brain volume; and derived a reliable estimate of general intelligence from scores on multiple cognitive tasks. Using a cross-validated predictive framework, we predicted 20% of the variance in general intelligence in the sampled population from their resting-state connectivity matrices. Interestingly, no single anatomical structure or network was responsible or necessary for this prediction, which instead relied on redundant information distributed across the brain.
Functional wiring of the human medial temporal lobe
Authors: Solomon E. A. , Stein J. M. , Das S. , Gorniak R. , Sperling M. R. , Worrell G. , Inman C. , Lega B. , Jobst B. C. , Rizzuto D. S. , Kahana M. J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe medial temporal lobe (MTL) is a locus of episodic memory in the human brain. It is comprised of cytologically distinct subregions that, in concert, give rise to successful encoding and retrieval of context-dependent memories. However, the functional connections between these subregions are poorly understood. To determine functional connectivity among MTL subregions, we had 126 subjects fitted with indwelling electrodes perform a verbal memory task, and asked how encoding or retrieval correlated with interregional synchronization. Using phase-based measures of connectivity, we found that synchronous theta (4-8 Hz) activity underlies successful episodic memory, whereas high-frequencies exhibit desynchronization. Moreover, theta functional connectivity during encoding aligned with key anatomic connections, including critical links between the entorhinal cortex, dentate gyrus, and CA1 of the hippocampus. Retrieval-associated networks demonstrated enhanced involvement of the subiculum, reflecting a substantial reorganization of the encoding-associated network. We posit that coherent theta activity within the MTL marks periods of successful memory, but distinct patterns of connectivity dissociate key stages of memory processing.Significance StatementThe brain functions through the interaction of its distinct parts, but little is known about how such connectivity dynamics relate to learning and memory. We used a large dataset of 126 human subjects with intracranial electrodes to assess patterns of electrical connectivity within the medial temporal lobe – a key region for memory processing – as they performed a memory task. We discovered that unique networks of time-varying, low-frequency interactions correlate with memory encoding and retrieval, specifically in the theta band. Simultaneously, we observed elevated spectral power at high frequencies in these same regions. The result is a complete map of physiological dynamics within the MTL, highlighting how a reorganization of theta networks support distinct memory operations.
Conserved noncoding elements influence the transposable element landscape inDrosophila
Authors: Manee Manee M. , Jackson John , Bergman Casey M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHighly conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) comprise a significant proportion of the genomes of multicellular eukaryotes. The function of most CNEs remains elusive, but growing evidence indicates they are under some form of purifying selection. Noncoding regions in many species also harbor large numbers of transposable element (TE) insertions, which are typically lineage specific and depleted in exons because of their deleterious effects on gene function or expression. However, it is currently unknown whether the landscape of TE insertions in noncoding regions is random or influenced by purifying selection on CNEs. Here we combine comparative and population genomic data inDrosophila melanogasterto show that abundance of TE insertions in intronic and intergenic CNEs is reduced relative to random expectation, supporting the idea that selective constraints on CNEs eliminate a proportion of TE insertions in noncoding regions. However, we find no difference in the allele frequency spectra for polymorphic TE insertions in CNEs versus those in unconstrained spacer regions, suggesting that the distribution of fitness effects acting on observable TE insertions is similar across different functional compartments in noncoding DNA. Our results provide evidence that selective constraints on CNEs contribute to shaping the landscape of TE insertion in eukaryotic genomes, and provide further evidence supporting the conclusion that CNEs are indeed functionally constrained and not simply mutational cold spots.
Comprehensive antibiotic-linked mutation assessment by Resistance Mutation Sequencing (RM-seq)
Authors: Guérillot Romain , Li Lucy , Baines Sarah , Howden Brian O. , Schultz Mark B. , Seemann Torsten , Monk Ian , Pidot Sacha J. , Gao Wei , Giulieri Stefano , da Silva Anders Gonçalves , D’Agata Anthony , Tomita Takehiro , Peleg Anton Y. , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAcquired mutations are a major mechanism of bacterial antibiotic resistance generation and dissemination, and can arise during treatment of infections. Early detection of sub-populations of resistant bacteria harbouring defined resistance mutations could prevent inappropriate antibiotic prescription. Here we present RM-seq, a new amplicon-based DNA sequencing workflow based on single molecule barcoding coupled with deep-sequencing that enables the high-throughput characterisation and sensitive detection of resistance mutations from complex mixed populations of bacteria. We show that RM-seq reduces both background sequencing noise and PCR amplification bias and allows highly sensitive identification and accurate quantification of antibiotic resistant sub-populations, with relative allele frequencies as low as 10-4. We applied RM-seq to identify and quantify rifampicin resistance mutations inStaphylococcus aureususing pools of 10,000in vitroselected clones and identified a large number of previously unknown resistance-associated mutations. Targeted mutagenesis and phenotypic resistance testing was used to validate the technique and demonstrate that RM-seq can be used to link subsets of mutations with clinical resistance breakpoints at high-throughput using large pools ofin vitroselected resistant clones. Differential analysis of the abundance of resistance mutations after a selection bottleneck detected antimicrobial cross-resistance and collateral sensitivity-conferring mutations. Using a mouse infection model and human clinical samples, we also demonstrate that RM-seq can be effectively appliedin vivoto track complex mixed populations ofS. aureusand another major human pathogen,Mycobacterium tuberculosisduring infections. RM-seq is a powerful new tool to both detect and functionally characterise mutational antibiotic resistance.
Health and human development in Kenya
Authors: Wekullo Caroline Sabina , Davis Elise Catherine , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia , Kash Bita A. 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to critically analyze the empirical literature on health and human development in high-, middle- and low-income countries to develop a sustainable model for investing in human health. The model is critical in building a comprehensive health-care system that fosters the stakeholders’ financial stability, economic growth and high-quality education for the local community.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was carried out on health, human development and sustainable health investment. After thoroughly examining theoretical frameworks underlying the strategies of successful human health systems, a summary of empirical articles is created. Summaries provided in this paper represent relevant health-care strategies for Kenya.FindingsBased on the empirical review of literature, a Nexus Health Care model focusing on human development, social and cultural development, economic development and environmental development in high-, middle- and low-income countries is proposed. The goal of this model is to enhance sustainable development where wealth creation is accompanied with environmental uplifting and protection of social and material well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to a comprehensive literature review presenting empirical evidence of human development and sustainability.Originality/valueKenya like other developing nations aspires to contribute significantly in improving health through development of health products but the approaches used have been limiting. In most cases, the use of Western theories, lack of empowering the community and dependence on donor support have hindered the country from achieving comprehensive health and human development. This papers seeks to develop a model for health-care investment and provide strategies, operations and structure of successful health systems and human development for a developing country, such as Kenya.
The role of supervisor support on employees’ training and job performance: an empirical study
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Kang Hye-Seung (Theresa) , Kim Eun-Jee 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among supervisor support, awareness of employees’ developmental needs, motivation to learn, training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance.Design/methodology/approachA total of 216 responses from educational organizations in the USA were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.FindingsThe findings indicate that supervisor support for training directly affected motivation to learn; both developmental needs awareness and motivation to learn had direct and significant effects on training readiness, motivation to transfer and job performance; developmental needs awareness directly affected motivation to learn; training readiness directly affected motivation to transfer.Research limitations/implicationsThis study investigated how supervisor support contributes to motivation, training and job performance. In addition, this study attempted to bridge the gap in the literature by investigating the relationships among supervisor support, developmental needs awareness, learning motivation, training readiness, transfer motivation and job performance.Practical implicationsBy conducting an initial needs assessment of participants, human resource development (HRD) practitioners can reflect on what participants want and need when designing and implementing professional development programs. HRD practitioners can also collaborate with participants’ supervisors to prepare for interventions to improve the quality and practicality of existing professional development programs.Originality/valueAlthough the extant literature suggests that organizational support, motivation and training transfer are distinct but highly interrelated constructs; little is known about the predictive properties of a supervisor’s role in the training literature. Supervisors play a crucial role in that they can influence their subordinates on whether to participate in training programs. The ability of supervisors to provide adequate support and engage in comfortable communication about training programs may lead to enhanced motivation to learn and to greater training transfer. These potentially desirable effects motivate the researchers to further explore the nature of this component and its relationship with other training outcome variables.
Leadership and management development post-war: exploring future trends
Authors: Megheirkouni Majd 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore and understand current challenges and future trends in leadership and management development that can help practitioners in post-wars periods, using evidence from Syrian public sector.Design/methodology/approachQualitative method design is used for data collection: semi-structured interviews with 24 senior managers in the public sector.FindingsThe findings revealed that the current challenges includes egos, technological hurdles, financial constraints, instability and the different expectations of new and old staff; future trends include developing collective leadership, technology literacy applications for effective leadership development, focusing on self-learning and development, focusing on creativity and innovation for transferring learning and development and targeting both vertical and horizontal learning and development.Research limitations/implicationsResearch data have been collected with managers working in an unstable environment. Only the public sector has been involved in the study. There were a number of limitations, e.g. selection of participant sample size and exploratory methodology, which affect generalizing the findings.Practical implicationsThe implication of the current study is practical in nature. Essentially, post-war governments can use the results of the current study to help leaders and managers develop and implement effective strategies to meet their enormous and urgent needs.Originality/valueLeadership/management development has become a strategic issue in post-war countries, acting as the key element in the stage of extensive reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the restoration and restructuring of social services in former conflict zones, and the restoration and restructuring of economy and many other roles.
The marketisation of the English higher education sector and its impact on academic staff and the nature of their work
Authors: Taberner Andrea Mary 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the impact of the marketisation of the English HE sector on academic staff and the nature of their professional work is felt to the same degree in different English universities. The study was conducted between November 2015 and April 2017.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative, inductive approach is adopted. In total, 12 semi-structured interviews of 60-90 min each were conducted with academics of six English university types (ancient, old and new civics, plate-glass, technological and post-1992). Participants who were identified by non-probability sampling included professors, principal, senior and lecturers and associate lecturers.

Findings
Six key themes emerged regarding the impact on academic staff and their work: efficiency and quantity over effectiveness; autocratic, managerialist ideology over academic democracy and debate; instrumentalism over intellectualism; de-professionalisation and fragmentation of the academy; increased incidence of performativity, bullying and workplace aggression; and work intensification. The ancient university is least impacted by marketisation in terms of academic staff and the nature of their work. Next are the old and new civic universities, followed by technological, plate-glass universities. The most impact is felt by academics (and the nature of their work) in the post-1992 universities.

Research limitations/implications
There is a relatively small number of interviews in this study; therefore, it is difficult to categorically correlate an academic biography with their opinion in the context of their university type. More male than female participants were interviewed. International staff were not interviewed, and this could bring a varying perspective to the narrative found in this study. A mixed approach in further research would aid this objective. Some of the questioning in the pilot study was not as focused as any further primary research would have to be.

Originality/value
A further area of study, which could have practical implications, add originality and value would be to investigate how good practice in “employee engagement” in the university context might pave the way forward. This has the potential to benefit academic staff directly and the institution, a win–win solution for all stakeholders.