bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryo-EM structure of Escherichia coli σ70 RNAP and promoter DNA complex revealed a role of σ non-conserved region during the open complex formation
Authors: Narayanan Anoop , Vago Frank S. , Li Kungpeng , Qayyum M. Zuhaib , Yernool Dinesh , Jiang Wen , Murakami Katsuhiko S. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTFirst step of gene expression is transcribing the genetic information stored in DNA to RNA by the transcription machinery including RNA polymerase (RNAP). In Escherichia coli, a primary σ70 factor form the RNAP holoenzyme to express housekeeping genes. The σ70 contains a large insertion at between the conserved regions 1.2 and 2.1, the σ non-conserved region (σNCR), but its function remains to be elucidated. In this study, we determined the cryo-EM structures of the E. coli RNAP σ70 holoenzyme and its complex with promoter DNA (open complex, RPo) at 4.2 and 5.75 Å resolutions, respectively, to reveal native conformations of RNAP and DNA. The RPo structure presented here found an interaction between R157 residue in the σNCR and promoter DNA just upstream of the −10 element, which was not observed in a previously determined E. coli RNAP transcription initiation complex (RPo plus short RNA) structure by X-ray crystallography due to restraint of crystal packing effect. Disruption of the σNCR and DNA interaction by the amino acid substitution (R157E) influences the DNA opening around the transcription start site and therefore decreases the transcription activity of RNAP. We propose that the σNCR and DNA interaction is conserved in proteobacteria and RNAP in other bacteria replace its role with a transcription factor.
Transcriptomic analyses reveal tissue-specific selection on genes related to apoptotic processes in the subterranean rodent,Ctenomys sociabilis
Authors: Lang Andrew , Kordonowy Lauren , Lacey Eileen , MacManes Matthew 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTSpecialization for a subterranean existence is expected to impact multiple aspects of an organism’s biology, including behavior, physiology, and genomic structure. While the phenotypic correlates of life underground have been extensively characterized, the genetic bases for these traits are not well understood, due in part to the challenges of generating large, multi-locus data sets using traditional DNA sequencing strategies. To begin exploring the genomic architecture of adaptation to a subterranean existence, we generated high-qualityde novotranscriptome assemblies for 8 different tissue types (hippocampus, hypothalamus, kidney, liver, spleen, ovary, testis, skin) obtained from the colonial tuco-tuco (Ctenomys sociabilis), a group-living species of subterranean rodent that is endemic to southwestern Argentina. From these transcriptomes, we identified genes that are evolving more rapidly in theC. sociabilislineage compared to other subterranean species of rodents. These comparisons suggest that genes associated with immune response, cell-cycle regulation, and heavy metal detoxification have been subject to positive selection inC. sociabilis. Comparisons of transcripts from different tissues suggest that the spleen and liver - organs involved in immune function and detoxification - may be particularly important sites for these adaptations, thereby underscoring the importance of including multiple tissue types in analyses of transcriptomic variation. In addition to providing an important resource for future genomic studies ofC. sociabilis, our analyses generate new insights into the genomic architecture of functionally significant phenotypic traits in free-living mammals.
Decomposing parasite fitness in a two-host, two-parasite system reveals the underpinnings of parasite specialization
Authors: Lievens Eva J. P. , Perreau Julie , Agnew Philip , Michalakis Yannis , Lenormand Thomas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe ecological specialization of parasites – whether they can obtain high fitness on very few or very many different host species – is a determining feature of their ecology. In order to properly assess specialization, it is imperative to measure parasite fitness across host species; to understand its origins, fitness must be decomposed into the underlying traits. Despite the omnipresence of parasites with multiple hosts, very few studies assess and decompose their specialization in this way. To bridge this gap, we quantified the infectivity, virulence, and transmission rate of two parasites, the horizontally transmitted microsporidiansAnostracospora rigaudiandEnterocytospora artemiae, in their natural hosts, the brine shrimpArtemia parthenogeneticaandArtemia franciscana. Our results demonstrate that each parasite performs well on one of the two host species (A. rigaudionA. parthenogenetica, andE. artemiaeonA. franciscana), and poorly on the other. This partial specialization is driven by high infectivity and transmission rates in the preferred host, and is associated with maladaptive virulence and large costs of resistance in the other. Our study represents a rare empirical contribution to the study of parasite evolution in multi-host systems, highlighting the negative effects of under- and over-exploitation when adapting to multiple hosts.
Inferring the probability of the derived versus the ancestral allelic state at a polymorphic site
Authors: Keightley Peter D. , Jackson Benjamin C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIt is known that the allele ancestral to the variation at a polymorphic nucleotide site cannot be assigned with certainty, and that the most frequently used method to assign the ancestral state – maximum parsimony – is prone to mis-inference. Estimates of counts of sites that have a certain number of copies of the derived allele (the unfolded site frequency spectrum, uSFS) made by parsimony are therefore also biased. We previously developed a maximum likelihood method to estimate the uSFS for a focal species, using information from two outgroups and assuming simple models of nucleotide substitution. Here, we extend this approach to infer the uSFS, allowing multiple outgroups, potentially any phylogenetic tree topology and more complex models of nucleotide substitution. We find, however, that two outgroups and assuming the Kimura 2-parameter model is adequate for uSFS inference in most cases. We show that using parsimony for ancestral state inference at a specific site seriously breaks down in two situations. The first is where the outgroups provide no information about the ancestral state of variation in the focal species. In this case, nucleotide variation will be under-estimated if such sites are removed from the data. The second is where the minor allele in the focal species agrees with the allelic state of the outgroups. In this situation, parsimony tends to over-estimate the probability of the major allele being derived, because it fails to account for the fact that sites with a high frequency of the derived allele tend to be rare in most data sets. We present a method that corrects this deficiency, which is capable of providing unbiased estimates of ancestral state probabilities on a site-by-site basis and the uSFS.
Cervejaria Noi: brewing a go-to-market strategy
Authors: Arthur Mauro Paulo , Ketne Daltoé Kateline , da Costa Lopes João Ricardo , Albergaria Freitas Flavia d , Almeida Victor M.C. 
Published: January 2018

Subject area
Marketing Channels.

Study level/applicability
The case was developed to stimulate the discussion about decisions and strategies of channel and was recommended for MBA students in courses such as Marketing Channels or Trade Marketing in Business Administration.

Case overview
The case reports the dilemma experienced in 2013 by Osmar Buzin, one of the partners of Cervejaria Noi, whose specialty beers had achieved prestige among their customers, mainly in the city of Niterói, RJ, where the company was born. This success aroused the interest of other markets that wanted to sell their products. The opportunity for expansion brought together the need to decide how to meet these new markets: deliver directly to the points of sale, as it did before; or use distributors. Osmar knew that he could count on Gilmar Gutbrodt, his partner and brewmaster, along with Bianca Buzin, the General Manager of the brewery to evaluate together the best strategy for reaching new markets.

Expected learning outcomes
It is expected that at the end of the discussion of the case, students will be able to achieve the following learning outcomes: to design the path-to-market, identifying the role of intermediaries; to identify distribution alternatives and key channel members; and to perceive the advantages and disadvantages of intermediation and its unfolding in channel management.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS: 8: Marketing.
The role of ideal self-congruence and brand attachment in consumers’ negative behaviour
Authors: Japutra Arnold , Ekinci Yuksel , Simkin Lyndon , Nguyen Bang 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of ideal self-congruence in instigating two types of negative consumer behaviours – compulsive buying and external trash-talking – and the mediating role of brand attachment on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach
Two studies were designed using a structural equation modelling methodology. Study 1a was based on a mail survey of 280 respondents, whereas Study 1b was based on an electronic survey of 152 respondents. Study 1b was conducted to test the external validity of the research model.

Findings
In Study 1a, ideal self-congruence affects emotional brand attachment and in turn emotional brand attachment affects compulsive buying behaviour and external trash-talking. The mediation analysis indicates that emotional brand attachment mediates the relationships. Study 1b offers support to the results of Study 1a.

Practical implications
From a practical point of view, this study is useful for policymakers seeking to regulate and prevent excessive consumerism. For marketers, they should understand that brand attachment leads to compulsive buying and external trash-talking, which may provide immediate benefit for the brand or the firm. However, marketers should understand that these two negative behaviours may harm the firm image and consumers’ well-being in the long run.

Social implications
Apart from practical implications, firms should consider alleviating compulsive buying, as it is harmful to society. Similarly, excessive external trash-talking may lead to physical aggression. Consumers expect firms to be socially responsible. Thus, firms should start conducting activities that promote responsible shopping and reduce external trash-talking.

Originality/value
The study highlights a dark side of ideal self-congruence and brand attachment. The results suggest that ideal self-congruence with the help of emotional brand attachment predicts compulsive buying behaviour and external trash-talking. This may not only damage brand image but also the consumers’ well-being.
A systematic review of risk variables for child abuse material offenders
Authors: Garrington Catherine , Rickwood Debra , Chamberlain Peter , P. Boer Douglas 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to collate the available research into the characteristics of child abuse material (CAM) offenders to inform future assessment and treatment options. This systematic review collates the contribution and directionality of variables from existing research assessing an offenders’ use of CAM.Design/methodology/approachBackground and definitions of terminology are reviewed, and a summary of sexual reoffending rates provided. Articles were then identified for inclusion through a systematic review using online searches, EBSCOHost and other databases. Articles were also identified from reference lists. After exclusions, the final sample (n=17) were reviewed for identified variables and their directional contribution to risk.FindingsInternet only (IO) offenders present with a range of similarities and differences. The demographic, psychological and offence-specific risk variables identified suggest IO offenders differ from other types of sexual offenders. Using the collated variables, IO offender profiles are suggested.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations have been identified in the availability of research in this area, the variety of terminology and the definitions in common usage. Additionally, there are challenges in ascertaining the truthfulness of self-reported data.Practical implicationsDevelopment of IO offender-specific risk assessment tools would contribute to advances in targeted supervision and treatment. In turn, this contributes to community safety by protecting children from online sexual victimisation.Originality/valueBased on identified gaps, this review contributes to ongoing research by signalling future pathways for IO offender-specific risk assessment.
Relationship orientation in banking and insurance services – a review of the evidence
Authors: Shetty Ankitha , Basri Savitha 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
This study aims to review the published empirical research on relationship orientation in banking and insurance services. The objective of the study is to understand whether a strong customer–sales representative relationship contributes to sales effectiveness and to know the significance of relational behaviors in developing and maintaining long-term relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
Through Boolean search, a systematic review with narrative synthesis was conducted. Relevant electronic bibliographic databases and reference lists of pertinent review articles were searched. Screening and eligibility of articles were based on participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes (PICO) model and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews) guidelines.

Findings
A total of 22 papers were finalized for the study, and results reveal that customer orientation behavior and adaptive selling behavior of sales representatives improve relationship quality, culminating in higher customer satisfaction, enhanced loyalty and escalated commitment, whereas selling orientation diminishes the relationship quality. The attributes of sales person especially contact intensity, contact frequency and client knowledge augment sales effectiveness and longstanding relationship with the customers.

Practical implications
This paper would provide valuable insights for financial sales representatives, academicians and practitioners of relationship marketing in the area of banking and insurance services. Personalization and customizations are important aspects of the provision of social benefits that strengthen competitive advantage.

Originality/value
Although the relevance of relationship marketing has been acknowledged, the conceptual base of relationship orientation in banking and insurance services has received only limited attention.
Satisfaction level and competitiveness in subsistence small businesses
Authors: Jardón Carlos M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose
Subsistence small businesses (SSBs) do not seek the maximum benefit; they only seek a benefit that enough satisfies their basic needs. In consequence, a dual behaviour of companies is expected and possibly the competitiveness of these companies is different. The purpose of this paper is to study the dual behaviour of SSBs and the differences about their competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained by conducting surveys with owners and managers of wood processing companies located in a region of Misiones (Argentina). The results were checked by interviews in 2012 and 2015. The research uses principal component analysis and K-means to classify the different behaviour and MANOVA analysis to study the relationships.

Findings
The findings suggest two types of SSBs and show that competitive advantages are different into two groups of companies.

Research limitations/implications
The data used refer to a certain period of time, with interviews in next periods. Sample is in a particular region and sector and generalisations should be done carefully. The variables are measured with subjective questions.

Practical implications
The findings suggest instruments to change the strategy of unsatisfied SSBs to grow.

Social implications
The growth of SSBs is very important in poorest areas. The paper suggest governments’ politics that facilitate a stable environment for improving competitiveness of SSBs.

Originality/value
SSBs are very important in developing countries, but they are not sufficiently studied. The research shows the importance of satisfying principle in the competitiveness of subsistence entrepreneurs.
Family control and innovativeness in private firms: the mediating role of board task performance
Authors: Deman Robin , Jorissen Ann , Laveren Eddy 
Published: January 2018

PurposeAlthough the majority of research explores the direct relationship between family control and innovativeness, the purpose of this paper is to investigate mediators that explain how family control is related to innovativeness. Grounded in agency theory, resource dependence theory, and the resource-based view of the firm, the authors suggest that this relationship operates through board task performance, that is, the level of directors’ involvement in control and service tasks.Design/methodology/approachTo test the hypotheses, structural equation modeling is applied to cross-sectional survey data collected from 329 private firms that are located in Belgium. Family control is defined as 50 percent family ownership in combination with at least one family member being involved in the management or board of directors of the firm.FindingsFour key results emerge from the analysis. First, family control is negatively associated with control task performance but does not affect service task performance. Second, control and service task performance positively influence innovativeness. Third, the negative relationship between family control and innovativeness is partially mediated by control task performance. Fourth, the presence of a family CEO and the percentage of family directors address heterogeneity among family controlled firms (FCFs).Originality/valueThis paper complements and extends existing research on the relationship between family control and innovativeness by adopting a governance perspective. The authors contribute to a deeper understanding of why FCFs are more or less innovative than nonfamily controlled firms and reveal underlying mechanisms previously uncovered.
Organizational climate and job satisfaction: do employees’ personalities matter?
Authors: Ahmad Kamarul Zaman Bin , Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Kee Wang Ling 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide some insights on the interplay of organizational climate and job satisfaction, taking personality traits as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the extant literature from which it develops a theoretical model which is then tested empirically in the Malaysian context, using hierarchical regression methodology.FindingsThe results imply that there are moderating effects of personality traits on the relationship between certain aspects of organizational climate and job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe cross-sectional nature of this study inhibits the testing of causality between the variables. The research model and hypotheses were tested, using data drawn only from companies operating in a single country.Practical implicationsThe paper provides valuable information to leaders and managers in understanding which personality works better in the potential casual linkage between organizational climate and overall job satisfaction. This paper also helps practitioners to understand better why the same climate can have different impacts on different people.Originality/valueIt contributes to the conceptualization of the organizational climate by emphasizing Litwin and Stringer’s (1968) dimensions of organizational climate as the important determinants of the job satisfaction. Moreover, it expands the traditional discussion by incorporating the personal traits that moderates the relationship between organizational climate and the job satisfaction.
Diffusion of internationalization in business group networks: evidence from India
Authors: Shukla Dhirendra Mani , Akbar M. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest that business group (BG) networks act as conduits for diffusion of information and resources pertaining to internationalization. It considers three types of BG networks arising from three different types of ties- director interlock, direct equity, and indirect equity. In particular, it examines the effects of cohesiveness of these BG networks on the diffusion of internationalization within a BG.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on social network perspective, it is hypothesized that, for each type of network, cohesiveness enhances within-BG similarity of the extent of internationalization. An empirical investigation is conducted on a sample of 55 Indian BGs for the period 2009-2013.FindingsResults support all the three hypotheses, suggesting that higher level of cohesiveness leads to higher level of within-BG similarity of the extent of internationalization, for all three network types.Originality/valueFindings of this study contribute to the BG literature by examining the effects of BG network cohesiveness on the diffusion of internationalization within a BG, for three types of BG networks.
Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws and Equitable Sharing Activity by the Police
Authors: Holcomb Jefferson E. , Williams Marian R. , Hicks William D. , Kovandzic Tomislav V. , Meitl Michele Bisaccia 
Published: January 2018

Research SummaryFor several decades, critics have argued that civil forfeiture laws create incentives for law enforcement to increase departmental revenue by “policing for profit.” By using data on federal equitable sharing payments to nearly 600 local law enforcement agencies between 2000 and 2012, we examine the relationship between the characteristics of state forfeiture laws and equitable sharing payments to local agencies. Our results indicate that agencies in states with state laws that are more restrictive or less rewarding to police collect more in federal equitable sharing. This finding supports the critics’ argument that police behavior in regard to forfeiture activities is influenced by the financial rewards and burdens involved.Policy ImplicationsOur results reveal that the findings of investigative journalism and case study research, that is, that police forfeiture activities are influenced by financial rewards, may be more generalizable to law enforcement than previously thought. Despite recent state‐level reforms, federal equitable sharing and most state forfeiture laws provide limited due process protections and have minimal accountability or reporting requirements. Concerns about the impact of civil forfeiture practices on perceptions of procedural justice and police legitimacy are discussed, and possible policy reforms are reviewed.