bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Viroid-like RNAs Naturally Infect a Filamentous Fungus
Authors: Dong Kaili , Xu Chuan , Lv Ruiying , Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Jiang Jingjing , Kong Linghong , Li Shifang , Hong Ni , Wang Guoping , Coutts Robert H. A. , Xu Wenxing 
Published: August 2022

AbstractViroids have been found to naturally infect only plants, resulting in big losses for some crops, but whether viroids or viroid-like RNAs naturally infect non-plant hosts remains unknown. Here we report the existence of a set of exogenous, single-stranded circular RNAs, ranging in size between 157-450 nucleotides (nt), isolated from the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea and nominated Botryosphaeria dothidea circular RNAs (BdcRNAs). BdcRNA(s) replicate autonomously in the nucleus via a rolling-circle replication mechanism following symmetric pathways with distribution patterns depending on strand polarity and species. BdcRNAs can modulate to different degrees specific biological traits (e.g., alter morphology, decrease growth rate, attenuate virulence, and increase or decrease tolerance to osmotic stress and oxidative stress) of the host fungus by regulating related metabolic pathways. Overall, BdcRNA(s) have genome characteristics similar to those of viroids and exhibit pathogenic effects on the fungal hosts. These novel viroid-like RNAs infecting fungi are proposed to be termed as mycoviroids. BdcRNA(s) may be regarded as additional inhabitants at the frontier of life in terms of genomic complexity, and represent a new class of acellular entities endowed with regulatory functions, and novel epigenomic carriers of biological information.Significance statementSeveral viroids have been transfected into unicellular and filamentous fungi to assess whether they can replicate, but no natural infections of fungi with viroid or viroid-like RNAs have been reported before. Here we describe a set of exogenous circular RNAs (cRNAs) in a phytopathogenic fungus. These cRNAs display molecular and biological features which might represent a new class of viroid-like cRNAs endowed with regulatory functions, and novel epigenomic carriers of biological information. This is the first report of infectious viroid-like RNAs (or exogenous small cRNAs) in a life kingdom (fungi) other than plants. We also present a subcellular analysis of cRNAs in a fungus for the first time and provide useful understanding in how cRNAs replicate, move, and are distributed in fungal cells.
Competence remodels the pneumococcal cell wall providing resistance to fratricide and surface exposing key virulence factors
Authors: Minhas Vikrant , Domenech Arnau , Synefiaridou Dimitra , Straume Daniel , Brendel Max , Cebrero Gonzalo , Liu Xue , Costa Charlotte , Baldry Mara , Sirard Jean-Claude , Perez Camilo , Gisch Nicolas , Hammerschmidt Sven , Håvarstein Leiv Sigve , Veening Jan-Willem 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCompetence development in the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae controls several features such as genetic transformation, biofilm formation and virulence. Competent bacteria produce so called ‘fratricins’ such as CbpD, that kill non-competent siblings by cleaving peptidoglycan (PGN). CbpD is a choline-binding protein (CBP) that binds to phosphorylcholine residues found on wall- and lipoteichoic acids (WTA and LTA) that together with PGN are major constituents of the pneumococcal cell wall. Competent pneumococci are protected against fratricide by producing the immunity protein ComM. How competence and fratricide contribute to virulence is unknown. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPRi-seq screen, we show that genes involved in teichoic acid biosynthesis are essential during competence. We demonstrate that LytR is the major enzyme mediating the final step in WTA formation, and that, together with ComM, is essential for immunity against CbpD. Importantly, we show that key virulence factors PspA and PspC become more surface-exposed at midcell during competence, in a CbpD-dependent manner. Together, our work supports a model in which activation of competence is crucial for host adherence by increased surface exposure of its various CBPs.
Do governance capacity and legitimacy affect citizens' satisfaction with COVID-19 management? Some evidence from South Asia
Authors: Jamil Ishtiaq , Hossain Akram 
Published: August 2022

PurposeTheoretically, both democ/ratic legitimacy and government capacity are necessary for successful crisis management, like the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors argue that there are important variations for pandemic management in the developed and democratic world. However, are these equally needed in the developing world where democracy and capacity are present in varying degrees and in some countries with a vast deficit? This article analyzes how legitimacy and capacity affect citizens' satisfaction with the pandemic management in South Asia.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a survey of 3,423 randomly selected respondents from Facebook users in South Asia. The survey data are presented and discussed along with information derived from secondary sources to put the data in the broader context of the South Asian countries. The authors apply ordinary linear regression for statistical analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that citizens are content with the performance of government institutions in COVID-19 management. They emphasize material well-being, such as relief provisions and financial incentives during the crisis period. They are, however, less concerned about the legitimacy dimension, although democracy in South Asia is flawed with excessive restrictions on public freedom during the pandemic. The contradictory findings may be due to the public orientation towards authoritarian culture and their preference for strongman rule in crisis management.Practical implicationsThe governments in South Asia may systematically use army and police forces to manage crises as people are more satisfied with their performance during COVID-19 management.Originality/valueThis is the first time data across South Asia have been collected and analyzed about crisis management.
Effects of ball milling and load on transfer film formation of copper-based composites
Authors: Li Rongrong , Yin Yanguo , Zhang Kaiyuan , Song Ruhong , Chen Qi 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate how ball milling (BM) and load influence transfer film on counterbody and the correlation between transfer film and tribological properties of copper-based composites.

Design/methodology/approach
The copper-based mixed powders preprocessed by BM for different times were used to manufacture sintered materials. Specimens were tested by a custom pin-on-flat linear reciprocating tribometer and characterized prior and after tests by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Image J® and Taylor-hobson-6 surface roughness meter were used to quantify the coverage and thickness of the transfer film.

Findings
Main results show that an appropriate amount of BM time and applied load can contribute to the formation of the transfer film on counterbody and effectively improve the tribological properties of the copper-based material. The transfer film coverage is linearly related to the friction coefficient, thickness of transfer film and wear volume. As the transfer film coverage increases, the coefficient of friction decreases. As the thickness of the transfer film increases, the amount of wear increases.

Originality/value
This work intends to control and optimize the formation of transfer film, thereby helping improve the tribological properties of materials and providing a reference to guide the preparation of Cu-based composites with excellent tribological properties.
Building halal industry in Indonesia: the role of electronic word of mouth to strengthen the halal brand image
Authors: Fachrurazi Fachrurazi , Silalahi Sahat Aditua Fandhitya , Hariyadi Hariyadi , Fahham Achmad Muchaddam 
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This present study aims to investigate the effect of electronic word of mouth (e-WoM) behavior in Muslim social media on building a halal brand image (HBI) and its influence on purchase intention (PI). Also, Muslims’ altruism (ALT) and moral obligation (MO) were hypothesized as motivators to engage in e-WoM behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey involving 320 members of a Muslim halal forum was conducted. Further, structural equation modeling was used to assess the proposed hypotheses.

Findings
It is found that ALT and MO positively influence e-WoM behavior. Furthermore, E-WoM also significantly affects HBI and PI. Meanwhile, HBI has a positive effect on PI.

Practical implications
Indonesian halal marketers face difficulties developing a halal image as a critical differentiator, mainly due to the upsurging number of halal certifications and the consumer’s perception that all products available in the market are halal. This present study offers an alternative strategy for Indonesian marketers to strengthen the HBI through Muslim social media amidst the cluttering halal brands in the market.

Social implications
The development of HBI combined with social media interactions will accelerate the halal brand awareness and usage among society, especially in Indonesia, a Major Muslim country.

Originality/value
This present study provides empirical evidence that social media e-WoM, despite its lack of physical interaction and opportunity to scrutinize the halal features, effectively creates HBI and influences PI among Muslims.
Consumer ethnocentrism and buying intentions on electronic products: moderating effects of demographics
Authors: Alam Md. Ashraful , Roy Debashish , Akther Rehana , Hoque Rajidul 
Published: August 2022

PurposeConsumer ethnocentrism (CE) is a matter of interest for marketers over the decades. However, buying intentions toward domestically produced household electronic products in developing and underdeveloped countries have not been examined sufficiently. Hence, this study investigated the consumers' ethnocentrism and attitude toward domestically-produced household electronic goods. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of consumer demographic attributes on ethnocentrism and its moderating effect on choosing domestically produced household electronic goods in the context of Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data have been collected from a sample of 172 respondents using a mall-intercept survey. Consumers' ethnocentrism level has been measured using CETSCALE on a five-point Likert scale. ANOVA and t-test were performed to compare different demographic groups regarding ethnocentrism levels. This study also applied the qualitative method by applying a manual approach.FindingsThe result shows that consumers' ethnocentrism levels do not vary with gender and income level. However, other demographic attributes, like occupation, age and education level, play a considerable role in CE tendency.Originality/valueThe study is one of the few that examines the consumers' ethnocentrism and attitudes toward electronic products produced in a developing country. The researchers expect that the outcome of the study would contribute to the domestic manufacturer focusing more rigorously on producing electronic products that would be accepted locally as well as globally.
Tembo Global Industries Limited – financing dilemma for the COVID-19 project
Authors: Gandhi Pervin A. , Thomas Sujo 
Published: August 2022

Research methodology
The case proposes a discussion of the time value of money and capital budgeting concepts, including determining the effective overall cost of capital, estimating working capital requirements, consideration of all relevant cash flows – including opportunity costs, finding the present value of future cash flows (annuities and lump-sum cash flows) by linking the concepts of weighted average cost of capital and working capital and net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).

Case overview/synopsis
Jehan Wadia, a newly appointed finance manager of Tembo Global Industries Ltd., is facing a dilemma in recommending an investment decision to Mr Variava, Chief Finance Officer. Implementation of the project requires an investment of INR 82m. Ms Stella, funding division head, proposed financing through equity and term loans in the proportion of 3:2, respectively. Mr Shrinivasan, handling the short-term financial needs of the firm, suggested a finance mix having a higher weight-age of debt. Mr Variava desires to maximize the wealth by taping the opportunity. The case is written for an experience in the capital budgeting dichotomy faced by managers in real-life situations.

Complexity academic level
This case can be used in various contexts – as a preparatory case in a foundation course of Financial Management at the graduate level to instill the fundamentals for evaluating long-term investment decisions or in courses of Strategic Financial Management or Corporate Finance at the undergraduate or graduate level as a capstone case to reinforce the application of multiple concepts in strategic financial decision making.
Mannose binding lectin‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to human T‐lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) infection in blood donors from Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Aghamohammadi Akram , Rafatpanah Houshang , Maghsoodlu Mahtab , Tohidi Nastaran , Mollahosseini Farzad , Shahabi Majid 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMannose binding lectin‐associated serine protease 2 (MASP2) is the effector part of mannose binding lectin (MBL) that activates the complement system in an antibody‐independent manner. We aimed to investigate the role of genetic polymorphisms in the MASP2 gene and susceptibility to HTLV‐1 infection. A total of 172 HTLV‐1 infected individuals and 170 healthy blood donors were analyzed in this case–control study. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) encompassing different regions of the MASP2 gene were genotyped with a polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) assay. The relation between the SNPs genotype and the susceptibility to HTLV‐1 infection was investigated with a χ2 test considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant. Two of nine tested SNPs were associated with the risk of HTLV‐1 infection. The genotype TT at rs17409276 decreased the risk of HTLV‐1 (P = 0.005, OR = 0.301, 95% CI = 0.124–0.728). The genotypes CC and CT at rs2273346 were also associated with a higher risk of HTLV‐1 acquisition (P = 0.004, OR = 2.225, 95% CI = 1.277–3.877). These findings highlight the importance of MASP2 genetic polymorphisms in the lectin pathway of complement activation and susceptibility to HTLV‐1 infection.
Mentally Maimed, Differently Treated. Attitudes Towards Mentally Disabled Civil War Veterans in Finland 1918–39
Authors: LISKI VIRVA 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis article analyses the ideological, political and medical positioning of mentally ill veterans of the Finnish Civil War of 1918 in inter‐war Finland. Using pension applications, the writings of veteran activists, parliamentary debates, psychiatric examinations and military documents this article shows that war‐related mental disability was a locally and nationally politicised, sympathised and justified phenomenon in inter‐war Finland, as long as the maimed veteran had fought honourably on the White side of the internal conflict. White narrative also fuelled ideological interpretations of war neurosis and mental disability among doctors and even psychiatrists, many of whom had participated in the Civil War on the White side. Studying mental illness in a multiveteran cohort provides an important vantage point for understanding the values of hardiness and stamina as masculine ideals, and allows us to trace the flexible intersection of these demands with political identity, hegemonic ideological objectives, medical knowledge and class considerations after a civil war. It broadens our understanding of the influence that ideological and political forces have in the formation of medical understanding and diagnostic practice where mental health disabilities are concerned.
Association between high levels of comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms and decreased likelihood of birth without intervention: A longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Hulsbosch Lianne P. , Boekhorst Myrthe G. B. M. , Lodder Paul , Potharst Eva S. , Nyklíček Ivan , Bergink Veerle , Oei S. Guid , Verhoeven Corine J. M. , Pop Victor J. M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the association between trajectories of comorbid anxiety and depressive (CAD) symptoms assessed in each pregnancy trimester and physiological birth.DesignLarge longitudinal prospective cohort study with recruitment between January 2013 and September 2014.SettingPrimary care, in the Netherlands.PopulationDutch‐speaking pregnant women with gestational age at birth ≥37 weeks, and without multiple pregnancy, severe psychiatric disorder or chronic disease history.MethodsPregnancy‐specific anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured prospectively in each trimester of pregnancy using the negative affect subscale of the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale and Edinburgh (Postnatal) Depression Scale. Data on physiological birth were obtained from obstetric records. Multivariate growth mixture modelling was performed in MPLUS to determine longitudinal trajectories of CAD symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between trajectories and physiological birth.Main outcome measuresTrajectories of CAD symptoms and physiological birth.ResultsSeven trajectories (classes) of CAD symptoms were identified in 1682 women and subsequently merged into three groups: group 1—persistently low levels of symptoms (reference class 1; 79.0%), group 2—intermittently high levels of symptoms (classes 3, 6 and 7; 11.2%), and group 3—persistently high levels of symptoms (classes 2, 4 and 5; 9.8%). Persistently high levels of CAD symptoms (group 3) were associated with a lower likelihood of physiological birth (odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.95, P = 0.027) compared with the reference group (persistently low levels of symptoms), after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsThis study is the first showing evidence that persistently high CAD levels, assessed in each pregnancy trimester, are associated with a lower likelihood of physiological birth.
Evolutionary genomics analysis reveals gene expansion and functional diversity of arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferases in the Culicinae subfamily of mosquitoes
Authors: Tang Yu , Chen Huaqing , Lin Zhinan , Zhang Lei , Upadhyay Archana , Liao Chenghong , Merkler David J. , Han Qian 
Published: August 2022

AbstractArylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (aaNAT), considered a potential new insecticide target, catalyzes the acetylation of arylalkylamine substrates such as serotonin and dopamine and, hence, mediates diverse functions in insects. However, the origin of insect aaNATs (iaaNATs) and the evolutionary process that generates multiple aaNATs in mosquitoes remain largely unknown. Here, we have analyzed the genomes of 33 species to explore and expand our understanding of the molecular evolution of this gene family in detail. We show that aaNAT orthologs are present in Bacteria, Cephalochordata, Chondrichthyes, Cnidaria, Crustacea, Mammalia, Placozoa, and Teleoste, as well as those from a number of insects, but are absent in some species of Annelida, Echinozoa, and Mollusca as well as Arachnida. Particularly, more than 10 aaNATs were detected in the Culicinae subfamily of mosquitoes. Molecular evolutionary analysis of aaNAT/aaNAT‐like genes in mosquitoes reveals that tandem duplication events led to gene expansion in the Culicinae subfamily of mosquitoes more than 190 million years ago. Further selection analysis demonstrates that mosquito aaNATs evolved under strongly positive pressures that generated functional diversity following gene duplication events. Overall, this study may provide novel insights into the molecular evolution of the aaNAT family in mosquitoes.
Global disease burden of stroke attributable to high fasting plasma glucose in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Wenxin , Huang Xuewei , Zhang Xingyuan , Lin Lijin , Qin Juan‐Juan , Lei Fang , Cai Jingjing , Cheng Bo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundHigh fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) is the leading risk factor contributing to the increase of stroke burden in the past three decades. However, the global distribution of stroke burden specifically attributable to HFPG was not studied in depth. Therefore, we analyzed the HFPG‐attributable burden in stroke and its subtypes in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019.MethodsDetailed data on stroke burden attributable to HFPG were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The numbers and age‐standardized rates of stroke disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, years lived with disability, and years of life lost between 1990 and 2019 were estimated by age, sex, and region.ResultsIn 2019, the age‐standardized rate of DALYs (ASDR) of HFPG‐attributable stroke was 354.95 per 100 000 population, among which 49.0% was from ischemic stroke, 44.3% from intracerebral hemorrhage, and 6.6% from subarachnoid hemorrhage. The ASDRs of HFPG‐attributable stroke in lower sociodemographic index (SDI) regions surpassed those in higher SDI regions in the past three decades. Generally, the population aged over 50 years old accounted for 92% of stroke DALYs attributable to HFPG, and males are more susceptible to HFPG‐attributable stroke than females across their lifetime.ConclusionsSuccessful key population initiatives targeting HFPG may mitigate the stroke disease burden. Given the soaring population‐attributable fractions of HFPG for stroke burden worldwide, each country should assess its disease burden and determine targeted prevention and control strategies.
Chromosomal‐level assembly of Bactericera cockerelli reveals rampant gene family expansions impacting genome structure, function and insect‐microbe‐plant‐interactions
Authors: Kwak Younghwan , Argandona Jacob A. , Degnan Patrick H. , Hansen Allison K. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractLineage specific expansions and gene duplications are some of the most important sources of evolutionary novelty in eukaryotes. Although not as prevalent in eukaryotes compared to bacteria, horizontal gene transfer events can also result in key adaptations for insects, especially for those involved in insect‐microbe interactions. In this study we assemble the first chromosomal assembly of the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli and reveal that the B. cockerelli genome has experienced significantly more gene expansion events compared to other Hemipteran representatives with fully sequenced genomes. We also reveal that B. cockerelli's genome is the largest psyllid genome (567 Mb) sequenced to date and is ~15% larger than the other two psyllid species genomes sequenced (Pachypsylla venusta and Diaphorina citri). Structurally, B. cockerelli appears to have an additional chromosome compared to the distantly related psyllid species P. venusta due to a previous chromosomal fission or fusion event. The increase in genome size and dynamic nature of the B. cockerelli genome may largely be contributed to the widespread expansion of type I and II repeat elements that are rampant across all of B. cockerelli's. chromosomes. These repeat elements are distributed near equally in both euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Furthermore, significant gene family expansions and gene duplications were uncovered for genes that are expected to be important in its adaptation to insect‐plant and microbe interactions, which include transcription factors, proteases, odorant receptors, and horizontally transferred genes that are involved in the nutritional symbioses with their long‐term nutritional endosymbiont Carsonella.