bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The DNA methylation landscape of the human oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR): Recommendations for future research
Authors: Müller Svenja , Sicorello Maurizio , Moser Dirk , Frach Leonard , Limberg Alicia , Gumpp Anja M. , Ramo-Fernandez Laura , Köhler-Dauner Franziska , Fegert Joerg M. , Waller Christiane , Kumsta Robert , Kolassa Iris-Tatjana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is of interest when investigating the effects of early adversity on DNA methylation. However, there is heterogeneity regarding the selection of the most promising CpG sites to target for analyses. The goal of this study was to determine functionally relevant clusters of CpG sites within the OXTR CpG island in 113 mother-infant dyads, with 58 of the mothers having experienced childhood maltreatment (CM). OXTR DNA methylation and gene expression was analyzed in peripheral/umbilical blood mononuclear cells. Different complexity reduction approaches were used to reduce the 188 CpG sites into clusters of co-methylated sites. Furthermore, associations between OXTR DNA methylation (cluster- and site-specific level) and OXTR gene expression and CM were investigated. Results showed that, first, CpG sections differed strongly regarding their statistical utility for research of individual differences in DNA methylation. Second, cluster analyses and Partial Least Squares (PLS) suggested two clusters consisting of intron1/exon2 and the protein-coding region of exon 3, respectively, as most strongly associated with outcome measures. Third, cross-validated PLS regression explained 7% of variance in CM, with low cross-validated variance explained for the prediction of gene expression. Fourth, very high mother-child correspondence was observed in correlation patterns within the identified clusters, but only modest correspondence outside these clusters. This study characterized the DNA methylation landscape of the OXTR CpG island by highlighting clusters of CpG sites that show desirable statistical properties and predictive value. We provide a Companion Web Application to guide future studies in their choice of CpG sites.
Carbon dots boost dsRNA delivery in plants and increase local and systemic siRNA production
Authors: Delgado-Martín Josemaría , Delgado-Olidén Alejo , Velasco Leonardo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCarbon dots (CDs) have been proposed for nucleic acid delivery in many biological applications. In this work we have obtained carbon dots by a hydrothermal synthesis method for developing nanocomposites with dsRNA. These CDs were produced using glucose or saccharose as the nucleation source and passivated with branched polyethyleneimines for conferring positive charges. Hydrodynamic analyses and transmission electron microscopy TEM showed that they sized on average 4 and 5 nm, depending on the sugar. The CDs were fluorescent and showed a peak at 468 nm when excited with UV light. Physicochemical characteristics of their surfaces were revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The ζ potential determined that both types of CDs had positive charges as well as good electrophoretic mobility and conductivity. Coating of the CDs to dsRNA was efficient but did not protect from nucleases. DsRNA naked or coated with the CDs were delivered to leaves of cucumber plants by spraying at 2.5 bar. Quantitation of the dsRNA that entered the leaves showed that when coated with the CDs, 50-fold more dsRNA was detected than when naked dsRNA was applied. Moreover, specific siRNAs derived from the sprayed dsRNAs were 130 times more abundant when the dsRNA was coated with the CDs. Systemic dsRNAs were determined in distal leaves showing a dramatic increase in concentration when delivered as a nanocomposite. Similarly, systemic siRNAs were significantly more abundant in distal leaves when spraying with the CD-dsRNA nanocomposite. Furthermore, FITC-labeled dsRNA was shown to accumulate in the apoplast and increase its entry in the plant when coated with CDs. These results indicate that CDs obtained by hydrothermal synthesis are suitable for dsRNA foliar delivery in RNAi plant applications and provide insight into CD-dsRNA translocations.
The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex regulates matrix protein phosphorylation and mitophagic selectivity
Authors: Kolitsida Panagiota , Nolic Vladimir , Zhou Jianwen , Stumpe Michael , Niemi Natalie M. , Dengjel Jörn , Abeliovich Hagai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe mitophagic degradation of mitochondrial matrix proteins inS. cerevisiaewas previously shown to be selective, reflecting a pre-engulfment sorting step within the mitochondrial network. This selectivity is regulated through phosphorylation of mitochondrial matrix proteins by the matrix kinases Pkp1 and Pkp2, which in turn appear to be regulated by the phosphatase Aup1/Ptc6. However, these same proteins also regulate the phosphorylation status and catalytic activity of the yeast pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which is critical for mitochondrial metabolism. To understand the relationship between these two functions, we evaluated the role of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in mitophagic selectivity. Surprisingly, we identified a novel function of the complex in regulating mitophagic selectivity, which is independent of its enzymatic activity. Our data support a model in which the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex directly regulates the activity of its associated kinases and phosphatases. This regulatory interaction then determines the phosphorylation state of mitochondrial matrix proteins and their mitophagic fates.
Long-term T cell perturbations and waning antibody levels in individuals needing hospitalization for COVID-19
Authors: Govender Melissa , Hopkins Francis R. , Göransson Robin , Svanberg Cecilia , Shankar Esaki M. , Hjorth Maria , Augustinsson Åsa Nilsdotter , Sjöwall Johanna , Nyström Sofia , Larsson Marie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 is being extensively studied, and much remains unknown regarding the long-term consequences of the disease on immune cells. The different arms of the immune system are interlinked, with humoral responses and the production of high-affinity antibodies being largely dependent on T cell immunity. Here, we longitudinally explored the effect COVID-19 has on T cell populations and the virus-specific T cells, as well as neutralizing antibody responses, for 6-7 months following hospitalization. The CD8+ TEMRA and exhausted CD57+CD8+ T cells were markedly affected with elevated levels that lasted long into convalescence. Further, markers associated with T-cell activation were upregulated at the inclusion, and in the case of CD69+CD4+ T cells this lasted all through the study duration. The levels of T cells expressing negative immune checkpoint molecules were increased in COVID-19 patients and sustained for a prolonged duration following recovery. Within 2-3 weeks after symptom onset, all COVID-19 patients developed anti-nucleocapsid IgG and spike-neutralizing IgG as well as SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses. In addition, we found alterations in follicular T helper (TFH) cell populations, such as enhanced TFH-TH2 following recovery from COVID-19. Our study revealed significant and long-term alterations in T cell populations and key events associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Invasion genetics of the longhorn crazy ant: the global expansion of a double-clonal reproduction system
Authors: Tseng Shu-Ping , Darras Hugo , Hsu Po-Wei , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi , Lee Chow-Yang , Wetterer James K. , Keller Laurent , Yang Chin-Cheng Scotty 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTReproduction mode represents a key determinant for success of biological invasion as it influences the genetic variation and evolutionary potential of introduced populations. The world’s most widespread invasive ant, Paratrechina longicornis, was found to display an unusual double-clonal reproduction system, whereby both males and queens were produced clonally, while workers are produced sexually. Despite its worldwide distribution, the origin of this ant species and the prevalence of the double-clonal reproductive system across the ant’s geographic range remain unknown. To retrace the evolutionary history of this global invasive species and its reproductive system, we examined genetic variation and characterized the mode of reproduction of P. longicornis sampled worldwide using both microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial DNA sequencing approaches. Analyses of global genetic variations indicate that the Indian subcontinent is a genetic diversity hotspot of this species, suggesting that this geographic area is at least part of its native range. Our analyses revealed that inferred native and introduced populations both exhibit double-clonal reproduction. Remarkably, queens and males worldwide belong to two separate, non-recombining clonal lineages. Workers are highly heterozygous and first-generation inter- lineage hybrids, a pattern strongly supportive of a strict worldwide prevalence of double clonality. By maintaining heterozygosity in the worker force, this unusual genetic system allows P. longicornis to avoid inbreeding during colonization bottlenecks and may have acted as an adaptive trait linked to the species’ invasion success.
Barriers to external knowledge search for innovation: empirical evidence from the Korean manufacturing industry
Authors: Mun Hee Jin 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study focuses on resolving empirical inconsistencies in the relationship between external search breadth and innovation performance. Based on research on the knowledge-based view and innovation barriers, three internal barriers that weaken the effectiveness of external search breadth are discerned: information, rigidity and financial barriers.Design/methodology/approachFor empirical analysis, the Korean Innovation Survey 2016 of manufacturing firms was utilized. This study defines innovation performance as the number of patent applications and new product introduction that are analyzed through zero-inflated negative binomial and logistic regressions, respectively.FindingsThe empirical analysis showed three findings. First, external search breadth has a positive relationship with the number of patent applications but not with new product introduction. Second, financial barrier weakens the positive association of external search breadth with the number of patent applications. Third, the interactions of external search breadth with the three internal barriers are negatively related to new product introduction.Originality/valueThis study makes two theoretical contributions. First, by examining barriers to external knowledge search, this research helps identify potential bottlenecks in this search. Second, the study reveals that the effectiveness of external search breadth may have a boundary in firm innovation by showing that this search affects patent application and new product introduction differently.
Shared transformational leadership and emergent team processes: determinants of team viability and team satisfaction
Authors: Prabhu Nandan , Modem Roopa 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of shared transformational leadership and its components on team viability and team satisfaction through the mediating processes of workplace spirituality and team trust, the emergent states of team processes.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on software project teams working in India’s information technology sector. The study adopts a cross-sectional research design to investigate the relationships between the study’s constructs.

Findings
This study shows varying effects of the components of shared transformational leadership on team viability and team satisfaction. The study has shown empirical evidence for the mediating role of workplace spirituality in the relationship between shared transformational leadership components and team effectiveness components. This study reveals the intervening roles of workplace spirituality and team trust in the relationship between shared transformational leadership as a unidimensional construct and team viability and effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications
Team rewards and team autonomy can cultivate a sense of community and trust among team members. Team trust facilitates autonomy, and workplace spirituality helps develop connectedness among team members.

Originality/value
This study has contributed to the research discourse on team effectiveness by demonstrating that workplace spirituality and team trust act as mediators in the relationship between shared transformational leadership and team effectiveness. This study has shown the relative strength of the effects of the components of shared transformational leadership on workplace spirituality, team viability and team satisfaction.
Using single impact metrics to assess research in business and economics: why institutions should use multi-criteria systems for assessing research
Authors: Olavarrieta Sergio 
Published: March 2022

PurposeDespite the general recommendation of using a combination of multiple criteria for research assessment and faculty promotion decisions, the raise of quantitative indicators is generating an emerging trend in Business Schools to use single journal impact factors (IFs) as key (unique) drivers for those relevant school decisions. This paper aims to investigate the effects of using single Web of Science (WoS)-based journal impact metrics when assessing research from two related disciplines: Business and Economics, and its potential impact for the strategic sustainability of a Business School.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected impact indicators data for Business and Economics journals from the Clarivate Web of Science database. We concentrated on the IF indicators, the Eigenfactor and the article influence score (AIS). This study examined the correlations between these indicators and then ranked disciplines and journals using these different impact metrics.FindingsConsistent with previous findings, this study finds positive correlations among these metrics. Then this study ranks the disciplines and journals using each impact metric, finding relevant and substantial differences, depending on the metric used. It is found that using AIS instead of the IF raises the relative ranking of Economics, while Business remains basically with the same rank.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the research assessment literature by adding substantial evidence that given the sensitivity of journal rankings to particular indicators, the selection of a single impact metric for assessing research and hiring/promotion and tenure decisions is risky and too simplistic. This research shows that biases may be larger when assessment involves researchers from related disciplines – like Business and Economics – but with different research foundations and traditions.Practical implicationsConsistent with the literature, given the sensibility of journal rankings to particular indicators, the selection of a single impact metric for assessing research, assigning research funds and hiring/promotion and tenure decisions is risky and simplistic. However, this research shows that risks and biases may be larger when assessment involves researchers from related disciplines – like Business and Economics – but with different research foundations and trajectories. The use of multiple criteria is advised for such purposes.Originality/valueThis is an applied work using real data from WoS that addresses a practical case of comparing the use of different journal IFs to rank-related disciplines like Business and Economics, with important implications for faculty tenure and promotion committees and for research funds granting institutions and decision-makers.
UK Government controls and loan-to-deposit ratio
Authors: Mabwe Kumbirai , Jaffar Kalsoom 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to present an analysis of the UK bank loans and deposits in tandem, linking the loan-to-deposit (LTD) ratio to macroprudential policy and funding restrictions. LTD ratio is used by micro and macroprudential authorities to address both structural (long-term) and cyclical (short-term) liquidity risks. It is an outcome of several political and economic factors and should be evaluated against this background.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use trend analysis and panel regression to investigate LTD ratio of Major British Banking Groups from 1945 to 2012 in the midst of changing the UK Government policies.

Findings
The results show that wholesale funding, government intervention and repression were the major forces behind LTD trends.

Originality/value
The authors recommend the use of LTD as a complement to other liquidity ratios in micro and macro-prudential regulation, particularly in the context of current reforms to banking capital requirements.
Mistakes, mispleading and overreaching: understanding title registration and correcting the register
Authors: Dixon Martin 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether title to land is secure in England and Wales when registered under the Land Registration Act (LRA) 2002, in particular when a title is registered, where there has been a mistake and how that connects with the doctrine of overreaching.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses the reported judgments, with particular emphasis on the decision in Knight v Fernley (2021).

Findings
This paper explores the concepts of “mistake” and “overreaching” and concludes that LRA 2002 provides a complex, but complete answer to concerns about the application of these doctrines.

Practical implications
This paper will encourage certainty in the judicial decision-making process when “mistakes” occur in the land register. It will contribute to the resolution of difficult, and current, controversies.

Social implications
To enable legal advisers to be clear in their obligations and the advice they give to clients, and to further a better understanding of title registration in England and Wales.

Originality/value
The LRA 2002 replaces registration of title with title by registration. The real force of this is only now being realised and there are few reported judgments, and less consistency, working out what this means in practice. There are no other comments on this critical case, even though it helps elucidate the circumstances in which the title register may be altered.
“It is ok to be interrupted; it is my job” – perceptions on technology-mediated work-life boundary experiences; a sociomaterial analysis
Authors: De Alwis Sulakshana , Hernwall Patrik , Adikaram Arosha S. 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study aims to explore how and why employees perceive technology-mediated interruptions differently and the role of sociocultural factors in this process using sociomaterial analysis.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from 34 Sri Lankan knowledge workers using a series of workshop-based activities. The concept of sociomateriality is employed to understand how sociocultural elements are entangled with technology in work-life boundary experiences.FindingsThe findings of the thematic analyses suggest how culture is intertwined in the way employees perceive technology-mediated interruptions and how they manage information communication technologies (ICTs) to balance their work and nonwork demands. Participants have been unable to avoid technology-mediated boundary interruptions from work, as organisations have created norms to keep employees connected to organisations using information communication technologies. Traditional gender roles are specifically found to be entangled in employees' boundary management practices, disadvantaging women more.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight how national culture and gender norms create challenging work-life experiences for female employees than males. This could create a disadvantageous position for female employees in their career progression. It is crucial to consider factors such as boundary preferences and family concerns when deciding on family-friendly work policies. Also, organisations have to consider the development of explicit guidelines on after-hours communication expectations.Originality/valueUsing the lens of sociomateriality, researchers can understand the contextual entanglement of ICTs with national culture and gender norms in creating different work-life boundary experiences. It seems ICTs are creating a disadvantage for female employees when managing work–nonwork boundaries, especially in power distant and collectivist cultures where traditional gender norms are highly valued and largely upheld. This study also contributes to the current discourse on work-life boundaries by providing insights from non-western perspectives.
The Weaponising of Women's Bodies in the Wars of Reform and French Intervention in Mexico, 1857–67
Authors: Chassen‐López Francie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractActs of violence in war not only have individual effects on bodies, but they also have a social, collective impact on the social body. While recent works have recovered the participation of women in the War for Independence and the 1910 Revolution in Mexico, the role their bodies played in wartime has not been examined. Focusing on the decade of war between 1857 and 1867, which influenced the consolidation of national sovereignty and identity, this article explores how, while women's bodies can be targets themselves, they also can be transformed into weapons aimed at other targets. Consequently, their bodies were ‘weaponised’ and aimed at: women as individuals punished for transgressions, real or imagined, of traditional gender roles; at men, to damage or destroy their masculine honour, their failure to protect their women and the integrity of their families; and last, the survival of their vision of the nation (either Liberal or Conservative), or even the honour and survival of the nation itself in the case of a foreign intervention. However, which bodies were targeted, and how, depended on the intersection of gender, class, race, ethnicity, political identity and nationality.
Globalization and Economic Growth: A Sustainability Analysis for South Asian Countries
Authors: Liu Yuanzhi , Adejumo Akintoye Victor , Adejumo Oluwabunmi Opeyemi , Aderemi Timothy Ayomitunde 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe effect of globalization on national economies remain a subject of empirical interest. Owing to the spillovers via globalization effects, a number of economies in the South Asian region have recorded phenomenal economic growth. However, the extent to which economic growth can influence development outcomes remains the issue of interest. Therefore, this study adds to the literature by examining the time and modulative effects of economic globalization on some direct regressors of economic growth. The study focused on eight South Asian countries from 1996 to 2019 for which data on globalization were sourced from Konjunkturforschungsstelle Globalization index, World Governance Indicators and International country risk database. A pooled autoregressive‐distributed lag (ARDL) approach was utilized in addressing the objective of this study. Consequently, the findings suggest that while globalization influences economic growth positively, rising interest rates and inflationary pressures can unsustain this influence. Likewise, the modulated estimates show that economic globalization can be utilized as a tool to stimulate investment as well as to check corruption and subsequently sustain economic growth in South Asian economies.