bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolutionary stability of plant antagonistic facilitation across environmental gradients and its ecological consequences: soil resource engineering as a case study
Authors: Cabal Ciro , Maciel Gabriel A. , Martinez-Garcia Ricardo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPlant interactions, understood as the net effect of an individual on the fitness of a neighbor, vary in strength and can shift from negative to positive as the environmental conditions change in time and space. Evolutionary theory questions the stability of non-reciprocal interactions in which one plant has a positive net effect on a neighbor, which in return has a negative net impact on its benefactor. This type of interaction is known as antagonistic facilitation.We develop a spatially explicit consumer-resource model for below-ground plant competition, including plants able to mine resources and make them available for any other plant in the community, termed ecosystem engineers. We use the model to assess whether and under which environmental conditions antagonistic facilitation via soil resource engineering is evolutionarily stable.We find that antagonistic facilitation is stable in highly stressful conditions, which supports the theory of ecosystem engineers as drivers of primary succession and provides a theoretical ground to investigate facilitation mechanistically in the context of the stress gradient hypothesis.Among all potential causes of stress considered in the model, the key environmental parameter driving changes in the interaction between plants is the proportion of the limiting resource available to plants without mining. This finding represents a challenge for empirical studies, which usually measure the resource input or loss in the system as a proxy for stress. We also find that the total root biomass and its spatial allocation through the root system, often used to measure the nature of the interaction between plants, do not predict facilitation reliably.Synthesis.Antagonistic facilitation established between an ecosystem engineer nurse plant and neighbor opportunistic individuals can be evolutionarily stable in stressful environments where ecosystem engineers’ self-benefits from mining resources outweigh the competition with opportunistic neighbors. These results align with theories of primary succession and the stress gradient hypothesis as they show that antagonistic facilitation is stable under environmental stress, but it evolves into mutual interference in milder environments. However, using inaccurate parameters to measure facilitation and stress gradients in empirical studies might mask these patterns.
Host-specific subtelomere: structural variation and horizontal transfer in asexual filamentous fungal pathogens
Authors: Huang Xiaoqiu 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSeveral asexual filamentous fungal pathogens contain supernumerary chromosomes carrying secondary metabolite (SM) or pathogenicity genes as well as transposons. Supernumerary chromosomes have been shown inin vitroexperiments to transfer from pathogenic isolates to non-pathogenic ones and between isolates whose fusion can result in vegetative or heterokaryon incompatibility (HET). However, much is still unknown about the extent of horizontal transfer of supernumerary chromosomes within and between asexual pathogenic populations in adaptation to their hosts. We investigated several asexual fungal pathogens for genomic elements involved in maintaining telomeres for supernumerary and core chromosomes during vegetative reproduction. We found that in vegetative populations or lineages with a nearly complete telomere-to-telomere genome assembly (e.g.Fusarium equisetiand fiveformae specialesof theF. oxysporumspecies complex), core and supernumerary chromosomes were flanked by highly similar subtelomeric sequences on the 3’ side and by their reverse complements on the 5’ side. This subtelomere sequence structure was specific to the host. We detected instances of recent horizontal transfer of regions of a supernumerary chromosome between distant populations in theF. oxysporumspecies complex, and we also found field isolates with two structurally different copies of a supernumerary chromosome in a young asexual population, raising the possibility that those copies originated from different lineages by intrastrain anastomosis. A large number of HET domain genes were located in SM/pathogenicity gene clusters, with a potential role in marking these gene clusters during vegetative reproduction. The emergence of novel asexual pathogenic populations by horizontal transfer of transposon-rich supernumerary chromosomes within and between populations poses challenges to the control and management of these pathogens.
Molecular evidence of anteroposterior patterning in adult echinoderms
Authors: Formery L. , Peluso P. , Kohnle I. , Malnick J. , Pitel M. , Uhlinger K. R. , Rokhsar D. S. , Rank D. R. , Lowe C. J. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe origin of the pentaradial body plan of echinoderms from a bilateral ancestor is one of the most enduring zoological puzzles. Since echinoderms are defined by morphological novelty, even the most basic axial comparisons with their bilaterian relatives are problematic. Here, we used conserved antero-posterior (AP) axial molecular markers to determine whether the highly derived adult body plan of echinoderms masks underlying patterning similarities with other deuterostomes. To revisit this classical question, we used RNA tomography andin situhybridizations in the sea starPatiria miniatato investigate the expression of a suite of conserved transcription factors with well-established roles in the establishment of AP polarity in bilaterians. We find that the relative spatial expression of these markers inP. miniataambulacral ectoderm shows similarity with other deuterostomes, with the midline of each ray representing the most anterior territory and the most lateral parts exhibiting a more posterior identity. Interestingly, there is no ectodermal territory in the sea star that expresses the characteristic bilaterian trunk genetic patterning program. This suggests that from the perspective of ectoderm patterning, echinoderms are mostly head-like animals, and prompts a reinterpretation of the evolutionary trends that made echinoderms the most derived animal group.
Distinct Aurora B pools at the inner centromere and kinetochore have different contributions to meiotic and mitotic chromosome segregation
Authors: Cairo Gisela , Greiwe Cora , Jung Gyu Ik , Blengini Cecilia , Schindler Karen , Lacefield Soni 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProper chromosome segregation depends on establishment of bioriented kinetochore-microtubule attachments, which often requires multiple rounds of release and reattachment. Aurora B and C kinases phosphorylate kinetochore proteins to release tensionless attachments. Multiple pathways recruit Aurora B/C to the centromere and kinetochore. We studied how these pathways contribute to anaphase onset timing and correction of kinetochore-microtubule attachments in budding yeast meiosis and mitosis. We find that the pool localized by the Bub1/Bub3 pathway sets the normal duration of meiosis and mitosis, in differing ways. Our meiosis data suggests that disruption of this pathway leads to PP1 kinetochore localization, which dephosphorylates Cdc20 for premature anaphase onset. For error correction, the Bub1/Bub3 and COMA pathways are individually important in meiosis but compensatory in mitosis. Finally, we find that the haspin and Bub1/3 pathways function together to ensure error correction in mouse oogenesis. Our results suggest that each recruitment pathway localizes spatially distinct kinetochore-localized Aurora B/C pools that function differently between meiosis and mitosis.
Foreign Ribosome Inactivating Proteins as immune effectors in insects
Authors: Lapadula Walter J. , Ayub Maximiliano Juri 
Published: February 2023

AbstractRibosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) are RNAN-glycosidases that depurinate an adenine residue in the conserved alpha-sarcin/ricin loop (SRL) of rRNA. This ribosomal modification inhibits protein synthesis. During the last years, we have reported the existence of these toxins in insects, where their presence is restricted to mosquitoes from the Culicinae subfamily (e.g. Aedes aegypti) and whiteflies from Aleyrodidae family (e.g. Bemisia tabaci). Combination of phylogeny and synteny analyses showed that both groups of genes are derived from two independent horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events. Interestingly, we found that RIP encoding genes have been evolving under purifying selection, indicating that they have a positive impact on fitness of host organisms. We also demonstrated thatA. aegyptiRIP genes are transcribed and their transcripts are polyadenylated. Although the biological roles of these toxins remain open to speculation, defense activities have been postulated for plant and bacterial RIPs. Based on these pieces of evidence, we hypothesize that RIPs play a similar protective role in insects. In this work, we report the occurrence of a third HGT event in Sciaroidea superfamily, supporting that RIP genes fulfill an important functional niche in insects. Analysis on transcriptomic experiments from the three groups of insects indicate a convergence in expression profiles which are compatible with immune effectors. Finally, we show the induction in RIP expression after infection with pathogens. Moreover, we show transcriptomic evidence of parasite SRL depurination. Altogether, our results strongly support the role of these foreign genes as immune effectors that confer fitness advantage to host insects.
Benchmarking Molecular Dynamics Force Fields for All-Atom Simulations of Biological Condensates
Authors: Sarthak Kumar , Winogradoff David , Ge Yingda , Myong Sua , Aksimentiev Aleksei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProteins containing intrinsically disordered regions are integral components of the cellular signaling pathways and common components of biological condensates. Point mutations in the protein sequence, genetic at birth or acquired through aging, can alter the properties of the condensates, marking the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and dementia. While the all-atom molecular dynamics method can, in principle, elucidate the conformational changes that arise from point mutations, the applications of this method to protein condensate systems is conditioned upon the availability of molecular force fields that can accurately describe both structured and disordered regions of such proteins. Using the special-purpose Anton 2 supercomputer, we benchmarked the efficacy of nine presently available molecular force fields in describing the structure and dynamics of a Fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein. Five-microsecond simulations of the full-length FUS protein characterized the effect of the force field on the global conformation of the protein, self-interactions among its side chains, solvent accessible surface area and the diffusion constant. Using the results of dynamic light scattering as a benchmark for the FUS radius of gyration, we identified several force fields that produced FUS conformations within the experimental range. Next, we used these force fields to perform ten-microsecond simulations of two structured RNA binding domains of FUS bound to their respective RNA targets, finding the choice of the force field to affect stability of the RNA–FUS complex. Taken together, our data suggest that a combination of protein and RNA force fields sharing a common four-point water model provides an optimal description of proteins containing both disordered and structured regions and RNA–protein interactions. To make simulations of such systems available beyond the Anton 2 machines, we describe and validate implementation of the best performing force fields in a publicly available molecular dynamics program NAMD. Our NAMD implementation enables simulations of large (tens of millions of atoms) biological condensate systems and makes such simulations accessible to a broader scientific community.
Experiencing defects: the moderating role of severity and warranty coverage on quality perceptions
Authors: Catenazzo Giuseppe , Paulssen Marcel 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study investigates two moderators of the effects of manufacturers' recovery efforts following a product defect on customers' perceptions of product quality: the severity of the product defect and whether the recovery efforts were covered under warranty or not.Design/methodology/approachA total of 478 USA customers who purchased a new car from a cooperating manufacturer participated in a survey. Customers reported the most important product defect (if any) the customers had experienced with the customers' vehicle during the past year. Three linear regressions (OLS) were used to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsDefect severity moderates the effects of recovery efforts on quality perceptions. The well-known recovery effect occurs only for product defects of minor severity. Experiencing a severe product defect damages the customers' perceptions of product quality even if the product defect is completely fixed. Double deviations (failed recovery of a product defect) do not damage quality perceptions for defects of minor severity. Finally, warranty coverage of repairs can attenuate the adverse effects of a failed recovery of severe defects on customers' quality perceptions. Additionally, only non-complainers who have experienced a severe product defect correspond to the prevailing conceptualization of an at-risk customer group.Originality/valueDespite the pervasiveness of product defects, research on the effects of experiencing product defects on customers' product quality perceptions is scarce. Furthermore, the authors' findings reconcile inconsistent results and provide a more nuanced understanding of the well-known recovery and double-deviation effects. Finally, the role of warranty coverage in the recovery process as a buffer for customers' perceptions of product quality is novel.
Firm performance as a mediator of the relationship between CEO narcissism and positive rhetorical tone
Authors: Tailab Mohamed M. , BenYoussef Nourhene , Al-Okaily Jihad 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how chief executive officers’ (CEOs) narcissism impacts firm performance and how this, in turn, affects a CEO’s positive rhetorical tone.Design/methodology/approachThe narcissism score is measured by using an analytical composite score for each CEO based on eight factors. The paper uses textual analysis on a sample of 848 CEO letters of US firms over the period 2010–2019. WarpPLS software, version 7.0 was used to conduct structural equation modeling through the partial least squares because a non-linear algorithm exists between CEO narcissism, firm performance and positive tone, and the values of path coefficients moved from non-significant to significant.FindingsThe results suggest that performance partially mediates the relationship between CEO narcissism and positive tone. This indicates that not all the positivity expressed by narcissistic CEOs is opportunism; some of it is indeed driven by better performance. The reported findings indicate that firm performance explains one-quarter of a CEO’s positive words, whereas some three-quarters of the positivity is driven by a narcissistic CEO (i.e. opportunism). A comparison of letters signed by highly narcissistic and less narcissistic leaders reveals that among those letters signed by highly narcissistic leaders, firm performance plays a significant mediating role between narcissistic tendencies and positive tone. However, among those with less narcissistic score, there is no evidence that performance mediates the tone and narcissism. Interestingly, both highly narcissistic and less narcissistic CEOs use positive words and optimistic expressions even when their firms perform poorly or negatively.Research limitations/implicationsThe results help shareholders be aware that CEOs may opportunistically use their personal characteristics and language to manipulate them. Data limitations about women CEOs were one of the reasons behind the small proportion of women CEOs in this study, making it low in generalizability.Originality valueA comprehensive review showed that none of previous studies examined the more ambiguous relationship between a CEO’s narcissist tendency, the firm’s performance, and CEO rhetorical tone. As one set of studies focused on Narcissism → Performance, and the other one on Performance → Tone, this current study completes the picture with Narcissism → Performance → Tone.
An empirical study on customers’ gambling intention in AI-supported casinos
Authors: Wong IpKin Anthony , Chau Keng Fong , Chan Heng U. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study aims to synthesize a research model based on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the casino setting. The model incorporates the technology acceptance model (TAM) along with three external drivers, including factors pertinent to personal traits (i.e. openness), AI technology (i.e. visibility, security and social influence) and context (i.e. monetary motivation).

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was conducted with 354 casino patrons. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings
The results reveal that openness, security and monetary motivation are significant antecedents of perceived usefulness. Visibility and social influence have significant direct effects on the intention to gamble in AI-supported casinos.

Originality/value
This study reinvestigates the TAM model from the casino customers’ AI decision support perspective to illustrate both the direct and mediating effects of perceived usefulness and ease of use on such a system. It highlights the salience of social influence, personality traits and monetary motivation on the propensity to adopt AI. It also contributes to the casino literature by showcasing the role of technology in directing patrons’ decisions.
How does IT capability affect knowledge acquisition in the presence of a dominant supplier?
Authors: Ma Shuang , Li Dahui , Wang Yonggui , Han Myat Su 
Published: February 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine how three types of information technology (IT) capability (supplier technological capability, customer technology-sensing capability and relatedness of IT infrastructure) facilitate knowledge acquisition by the customer when the supplier is dominant in the supplier-customer relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe unit of analysis was project. The authors designed two different questionnaires that were responded by the project manager of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software supplier and the contact person of the customer organization in the same project, respectively. The two questionnaires were matched by means of project name. The final sample included a total of 136 projects. The authors used ordinary least squares to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe authors found that supplier power advantage negatively influenced knowledge acquisition by the customer. The three types of IT capability did not have direct impacts on knowledge acquisition. The moderating effect of customer technology-sensing capability was not significant either. However, supplier technological capability and relatedness of IT infrastructure attenuated the negative effect of supplier power advantage on knowledge acquisition, indicating that both factors promoted knowledge acquisition.Originality/valueKnowledge acquisition is important for the success of software implementation in the supplier-customer relationship. There is limited evidence in the literature on how to apply externally oriented IT capability to enhance knowledge management, improve knowledge acquisition and manage the business relationship that is typically dominated by the software supplier. The authors provide evidence to examine related issues.
Commercial Bombus impatiens colonies function as ecological traps for wild queens
Authors: Miller Olivia , Hale Casey , Richardson Leeah , Sossa David , Iverson Aaron , McArt Scott , Poveda Katja , Grab Heather 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

In response to anthropogenic environmental change, the cues that animals use throughout their lifecycle to optimize fitness may become unreliable, resulting in an ecological trap.

Here we investigated whether commercial bumble bee Bombus impatiens colonies managed for early spring crop pollination act as ecological traps for wild nest‐searching Bombus queens by subverting their natural nest usurpation behaviour.

An average of 10 dead wild queens were recovered from each standard colony during the 2‐week period of the experiment, but colonies with queen excluders were successful in preventing wild queen deaths. The use of queen excluders did not impact colony performance in terms of resident queen survival, colony reproduction, colony weight gain or worker body size.

Sites where wild nest‐searching queens were small had higher rates of failed usurpation, suggesting smaller‐sized queens are disproportionately at risk from failed usurpation. Furthermore, sites where commercial colonies without queen excluders were introduced for spring crop pollination had fewer bumble bee visits to a later‐blooming crop compared to sites without commercial colonies.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which commercial colonies can negatively impact wild bumble bee populations and their pollination services. At the same time, we demonstrate a simple and inexpensive risk mitigation tool—a queen excluder—was 100% effective at eliminating this risk without compromising colony performance. Commercial colonies used outdoors during the bumble bee nest‐searching period should be fit with queen excluders to prevent negative impacts on wild pollinator communities and their services.
Perceived school support as a predictor of Singapore preschool teachers' inclusion of children with developmental needs
Authors: Tan Peng Chian , Poon Kenneth 
Published: February 2023

Teachers are more likely to include children with developmental needs (DN) in their classroom when they perceive that important people around them, such as principals, colleagues, and parents of children with and without DN, endorse inclusive education. Adequacy of resources and availability of training opportunities may also affect how teachers perceived being supported. This study examines Singapore preschool teachers' perception of support received from their working environment to include children with DN and how this predicts their intention to practice inclusive education and self‐reported implementation of inclusive practices in the classroom. The original Perceived School Support for Inclusive Education (PSSIE) scale, developed in Bangladesh, was reviewed for relevance and clarity by a panel of six experts familiar with Singapore preschool inclusion. 211 preschool teachers in Singapore completed the new 11‐item revised PSSIE – Singapore Version online. Perceived school support was found to be a single construct that significantly and reliably predicts both intention and self‐reported practices (alpha = 0.929). Stakeholders in Singapore can now use this newly validated instrument to reliably understand the support received by teachers and to re‐examine the strategies provided to support preschool teachers in this journey towards quality inclusive education.