bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Many paths to the same goal: metaheuristic operation of brains during natural behavior
Authors: Jackson Brian J. , Fatima Gusti Lulu , Oh Sujean , Gire David H.
Published: July 2019

During self-guided behaviors animals rapidly identify the constraints of the problems they face and adaptively employ appropriate cognitive strategies and heuristics to solve these problems1,2. This ability is currently an area of active investigation in artificial intelligence3. Recent work in computer science has suggested that this type of flexible problem solving could be achievable with metaheuristic approaches in which specific algorithms are selected based upon the identified demands of the problem to be solved4,5,6,7. Investigating how animals employ such metaheuristics while solving self-guided natural problems is a fertile area for biologically inspired algorithm development. Here we show that animals adaptively shift cognitive resources between sensory and memory systems during natural behavior to optimize performance under uncertainty. We demonstrate this using a new, laboratory-based discovery method to define the strategies used to solve a difficult optimization scenario, the stochastic “traveling salesman” problem5,8,9. Using this system we precisely manipulated the strength of prior information available to animals as well as the complexity of the problem. We find that rats are capable of efficiently solving this problem, even under conditions in which prior information is unreliable and the space of possible solutions is large. We compared animal performance to a Bayesian search and found that performance is consistent with a metaheuristic approach that adaptively allocates cognitive resources between sensory processing and memory, enhancing sensory acuity and reducing memory load under conditions in which prior information is unreliable. Our findings set the foundation for new approaches to understand the neural substrates of natural behavior as well as the rational development of biologically inspired metaheuristic approaches for complex real-world optimization.
Synaptic specificity is collectively determined by partner identity, location and activity
Authors: Valdes-Aleman Javier , Fetter Richard D. , Sales Emily C. , Doe Chris Q. , Landgraf Matthias , Cardona Albert , Zlatic Marta
Published: July 2019

Our nervous system is organized into circuits with specifically matched and tuned cell-to-cell connections that are essential for proper function. The mechanisms by which presynaptic axon terminals and postsynaptic dendrites recognize each other and establish the correct number of connections are still incompletely understood. Sperry’s chemoaffinity hypothesis proposes that pre- and postsynaptic partners express specific combinations of molecules that enable them to recognize each other. Alternatively, Peters’ rule proposes that presynaptic axons and postsynaptic dendrites use non-partner-derived global positional cues to independently reach their target area, and once there they randomly connect with any available neuron. These connections can then be further refined by additional mechanisms based on synaptic activity. We used the tractable genetic model system, the Drosophila embryo and larva, to test these hypotheses and elucidate the roles of 1) global positional cues, 2) partner-derived cues and 3) synaptic activity in the establishment of selective connections in the developing nerve cord. We altered the position or activity of presynaptic partners and analyzed the effect of these manipulations on the number of synapses with specific postsynaptic partners, strength of functional connections, and behavior controlled by these neurons. For this purpose, we combined developmental live imaging, electron microscopy reconstruction of circuits, functional imaging of neuronal activity, and behavioral experiments in wildtype and experimental animals. We found that postsynaptic dendrites are able to find, recognize, and connect to their presynaptic partners even when these have been shifted to ectopic locations through the overexpression of receptors for midline guidance cues. This suggests that neurons use partner-derived cues that allow them to identify and connect to each other. However, while partner-derived cues are sufficient for recognition between specific partners and establishment of connections;; without orderly positioning of axon terminals by positional cues and without synaptic activity during embryonic development, the numbers of functional connections are altered with significant consequences for behavior. Thus, multiple mechanisms including global positional cues, partner-derived cues, and synaptic activity contribute to proper circuit assembly in the developing Drosophila nerve cord.
Adintoviruses: An Animal-Tropic Family of Midsize Eukaryotic Linear dsDNA (MELD) Viruses
Authors: Starrett Gabriel J. , Tisza Michael J. , Welch Nicole L. , Belford Anna K. , Peretti Alberto , Pastrana Diana V. , Buck Christopher B.
Published: July 2019

Polintons (also known as Mavericks) were initially identified as a widespread class of eukaryotic transposons named for their hallmark type B DNA polymerase and retrovirus-like integrase genes. It has since been recognized that many polintons encode possible capsid proteins and viral genome-packaging ATPases similar to those of a diverse range of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses. This supports the inference that at least some polintons are viruses that remain capable of cell-to-cell spread. At present, there are no polinton-associated capsid protein genes annotated in public sequence databases. To rectify this deficiency, we used a data-mining approach to investigate the distribution and gene content of polinton-like elements and related DNA viruses in animal genomic and metagenomic sequence datasets. The results define a discrete family-like clade of animal-specific viruses with two genus-level divisions. We suggest the family name Adintoviridae, connoting similarities to adenovirus virion proteins and the presence of a retrovirus-like integrase gene. Although adintovirus-class PolB sequences were detected in datasets for fungi and various unicellular eukaryotes, sequences resembling adintovirus virion proteins and accessory genes appear to be restricted to animals. Degraded adintovirus sequences are endogenized into the germlines of a wide range of animals, including humans.
Modelling asymmetric count ratios in CRISPR screens to decrease experiment size and improve phenotype detection
Authors: Imkeller Katharina , Ambrosi Giulia , Boutros Michael , Huber Wolfgang
Published: July 2019

Pooled CRISPR screens are a powerful tool to probe genotype-phenotype relationships at genome-wide scale. However, criteria for optimal design are missing, and it remains unclear how experimental parameters affect results. Here, we report that random decreases in gRNA abundance are more likely than increases due to bottle-neck effects during the cell proliferation phase. Failure to consider this asymmetry leads to loss of detection power. We provide a new statistical test that addresses this problem and improves hit detection at reduced experiment size. The method is implemented in the open source package gscreend (submission to Bioconductor pending).
Identification of Disaggregated Hotspots of Child Morbidity in Bangladesh: An Application of Small Area Estimation Method
Authors: Das Sumonkanti , Kumar Bappi , Kawsar Luthful Alahi
Published: July 2019

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) and diarrhoea are two major causes of child morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. National and regional level prevalence of ARI and diarrhoea are calculated from nationwide surveys; however, prevalence at micro-level administrative units (say, district and sub-district) is not possible due to lack of sufficient data. In such case, small area estimation (SAE) methods can be applied by combining a survey data with a census data. Using a SAE method for dichotomous response variable, this study aims to estimate the proportions of under-5 children experienced with ARI and diarrhoea separately as well as either ARI or diarrhoea within a period of two-week preceding the survey. The ARI and diarrhoea information extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 are used to develop a random effect logistic model for each of the indicators, and then the prevalence is estimated adapting the World Bank SAE approach for the dichotomous response variable using the 5% data of the Census 2011. The estimated prevalence of each indicator significantly varied by district and sub-district (1.4-11.3% for diarrhoea, 2.2-11.8% for ARI and 4.3-16.5% for ARI/diarrhoea at sub-district level). In a number of districts and sub-district, the proportions are found double the national level. District and sub-district levels spatial distributions of the indicators might help the policy makers to identify the vulnerable disaggregated and remote hotspots. Particularly, aid industries can provide effective interventions at the highly vulnerable spots to overcome the gaps between micro and macro level administrative units.
The orphan nuclear receptor SHP regulates ER stress response by inhibiting XBP1s degradation
Authors: Sun Shengyi , Kelekar Sherwin , Kliewer Steven A. , Mangelsdorf David J.
Published: July 2019

The orphan nuclear receptor SHP (small heterodimer partner) is a well-known transcriptional corepressor of bile acid and lipid metabolism in the liver; however, its function in other tissues is poorly understood. Here, we report an unexpected role for SHP in the exocrine pancreas as a modulator of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. SHP expression is induced in acinar cells in response to ER stress and regulates the protein stability of the spliced form of X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s), a key mediator of ER stress response. Loss of SHP reduces XBP1s protein level and transcriptional activity, which in turn attenuates the ER stress response during the fasting–feeding cycle. Consequently, SHP-deficient mice also are more susceptible to cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Mechanistically, we show that SHP physically interacts with the transactivation domain of XBP1s, thereby inhibiting the polyubiquitination and degradation of XBP1s by the Cullin3–SPOP (speckle-type POZ protein) E3 ligase complex. Together, our data implicate SHP in governing ER homeostasis and identify a novel posttranslational regulatory mechanism for the key ER stress response effector XBP1.
Prioritizing agricultural, rural development and implementing the rural revitalization strategy
Authors: Han Jun
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify key missions in the “three nong” domain (i.e. issues related to agriculture, farmers and rural areas in China) that should be successfully accomplished to successfully implement the rural revitalization strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Specified objectives involved in the grand goal of “Completing the Building of a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects” and China’s current achievements in the “three nong” domain are systematically compared; weak points are discussed and priorities to address these weak points are outlined.

Findings

In this paper, four key missions are identified: first, to win the battle against poverty; second, to stabilize the bedrock of agricultural and rural development; third, to complete key missions (i.e. to build and develop thriving businesses, pleasant living environments, socialized etiquette and civility, effective governance and prosperous life) in the initial stage of rural revitalization; and finally, to establish an efficient policy framework for prioritizing agricultural and rural development and mobilize resources to support the four priorities in agricultural and rural development (i.e. priorities in personnel, resource, funding and public service allocation).

Originality/value

This paper is the first to systematically summarize and identify key missions that should be accomplished for the successful implementation of the rural revitalization strategy.
Numerical simulation of ship motion fully coupled with sloshing tanks by naoe-FOAM-SJTU solver
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Wan Decheng
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to verify the ability of our in-house solver naoe-FOAM-SJTU to solve the problem of exterior fluid field coupled with interior fluid field and discover the coupling effects between exterior field (ship motion) and interior field (sloshing tanks).

Design/methodology/approach

The solving equation is based on Navier–Stokes equation, by comparing two turbulence models [laminar model and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stocks (RANS)], of which RANS model are chosen to do the simulation. A unified approach is adopted to simulate exterior and interior fields simultaneously, keeping the pressure and velocity the same in external and internal fields. By adding a new function of calculating forces on different patches, the inner sloshing moments and external wave exciting moments can be output.

Findings

The in-house solver naoe-FOAM-SJTU had the ability to simulate this problem and showed well agreement with experimental results. By considering ship motion with and without sloshing, it was figured that with the existence of sloshing tank, the ship natural frequency will be changed. When the two tank fillings are the same, there will be another roll peak appeared, which is natural frequency of sloshing tanks. Considering wave height and different filling influence, the nonlinearity of sloshing in tank may give non-proportional response to ship motion.

Practical implications

With the ability to simulate well, the reality reference in the progress of FPSO or FLNG operation is obtained.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is a fully coupled CFD method which is adopted to solve the coupling effects, showing the ability to do the work well. It gives a referenced detailed information of inner and outer fluid field. Meanwhile, it carried out the impact pressure and damping force around the ship, which indicates the practical information in operations.
Selecting a text similarity measure for a content-based recommender system
Authors: Wijewickrema Manjula , Petras Vivien , Dias Naomal
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a journal recommender system, which compares the content similarities between a manuscript and the existing journal articles in two subject corpora (covering the social sciences and medicine). The study examines the appropriateness of three text similarity measures and the impact of numerous aspects of corpus documents on system performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Implemented three similarity measures one at a time on a journal recommender system with two separate journal corpora. Two distinct samples of test abstracts were classified and evaluated based on the normalized discounted cumulative gain.

Findings

The BM25 similarity measure outperforms both the cosine and unigram language similarity measures overall. The unigram language measure shows the lowest performance. The performance results are significantly different between each pair of similarity measures, while the BM25 and cosine similarity measures are moderately correlated. The cosine similarity achieves better performance for subjects with higher density of technical vocabulary and shorter corpus documents. Moreover, increasing the number of corpus journals in the domain of social sciences achieved better performance for cosine similarity and BM25.

Originality/value

This is the first work related to comparing the suitability of a number of string-based similarity measures with distinct corpora for journal recommender systems.
Numerical study on bi-phase coupled stress fluid in the presence of Hafnium and metallic nanoparticles over an inclined plane
Authors: Zeeshan A. , Ellahi R. , Mabood F. , Hussain F.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the simultaneous effects of Hafnium particles and partially submerged metallic particles for the flow of bi-phase coupled stress fluid over an inclined flat plane.

Design/methodology/approach

An unflinching free stream flow that stretches far from the surface of the plane with the possibility of containing some partially submerged metallic particles is considered. Innovative model has been proposed and designed using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method.

Findings

The findings show that the drag force resists the couple stress fluid, whereas the Newtonian flow is supported by increasing the velocity. For both types of flows, movement of the particle is retarded gradually against the drag force coefficient.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this model is reported for the first time.
Exploring perceived risk in building successful drone food delivery services
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Choe Ja Young (Jacey)
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the types of perceived risks involved with using drone food delivery services. Furthermore, this study investigates the relationship between perceived risk and image of drone food delivery services. Lastly, this study examines the effect of image of drone food delivery services on desire, intentions to use and willingness to pay more.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 331 respondents in Korea. Before the start of the survey, the respondents were given a video, which made it easier for them to understand drone food delivery services.

Findings

The three types of perceived risks (i.e. time risk, performance risk and psychological risk) have a negative influence on image of drone food delivery services and, thus, aids in increasing desire, intentions to use and willingness to pay more.

Originality/value

The concept of perceived risk was applied to the context of drone food delivery services in this study in combination with other understudied concepts, image, desire, intentions to use and willingness to pay more. This study is one of the first studies that applied those significant concepts to the context of drone food delivery services, even though there are a large number of papers in the technology field. Thus, the findings of this study will be important to foodservice companies when building successful drone food delivery services.
Ecological footprint: a tool for environmental management in educational institutions
Authors: Ortegon Katherine , Acosta Pilar
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, as few universities have assessed their ecological footprint (EF), a benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. Second, a practical calculation tool for measuring the EF in educational institutions (EIs) is developed. The purpose of this tool is to facilitate the process of assessing the EF in EIs that are starting sustainability initiatives and to unify criteria with those already involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of the Ecological Footprint for Educational Institutions (EFEI) calculator is detailed showing the seven categories analyzed and the adaptation to the Colombian context.

Findings

Results are presented from a case study of EFEI implementation at Universidad Icesi. Furthermore, the relation between these results and the action taken to mitigate EF at the university is detailed.

Practical implications

Colombian EIs have recently joined the sustainable campus movement. The EF methodology and this tool serve to assess impacts and identify what EIs can do to ameliorate their environmental stewardship.

Social implications

EIs are called on to lead by example in terms of sustainability, not only in teaching and researching cutting-edge technologies but also in being sustainable and transferring this knowledge to future generations.

Originality/value

First, an EF benchmark for Colombian universities is presented. In addition, a unified methodology for EIs is developed. The availability of a standard tool will encourage other EIs to move forward in the effort to achieve a sustainable campus.
Numerical and experimental studies on the thermal characteristics of the clutch hydraulic system with provision for oil flow
Authors: Ma Biao , Yu Liang , Chen Man , Li He Yan , Zheng Liang Jie
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal characteristics of the clutch hydraulic system under various oil flow conditions. Increasing the oil flow is one of the most important approaches to reduce the clutch temperature. However, the effect of the oil flow on the clutch temperature remains to be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal resistance network model and the lumped parameter method are used to study the thermal characteristics of the clutch hydraulic system. The predicted temperature variations of the clutch and the oil are compared with experimental data.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the larger the friction power is, the higher the temperatures of the clutch and the oil are. However, the temperature growth rates of the clutch and oil present different trends: the former decreases gradually and the latter increases constantly. Additionally, increasing the oil flow within a certain range gives rise to the decrease of clutch temperature and the increase of oil temperature; nevertheless, their variation trends are gradually weakening. When the oil flow is large enough, it brings a slight effect on the clutch temperature rise.

Originality/value

This paper extends the knowledge into the oil flow supply of the clutch hydraulic system. The conclusions can provide a theoretical guidance for the oil management of the transmission system. Additionally, the thermal resistance network model is also effective and efficient for other hydraulic equipment to predict the temperature variation.
Tribocorrosion behaviors of thermal spraying WC/Ni60 coated 316L stainless steel in artificial seawater
Authors: Liu Eryong , Zhang Yingxin , Wang Xiang , Zeng Zhixiang , Du Huiling , Qin Hongmei
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the tribocorrosion properties of 316L, thus WC/Ni60 coated 316L was prepared by thermal spraying technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Composition and microstructure of WC/Ni60 coating was investigated, and tribological properties of 316 L and WC/Ni60 coating were studied under dry sliding, deionized water and artificial seawater.

Findings

The results showed that WC/Ni60 coating was lamellar structure, and the phase composition consisted of γ-Ni solid solution, carbides and borides. Furthermore, the hardness and corrosion resistance of 316 L in static seawater and wear resistance in dry sliding were improved by WC reinforced nickel-based coating. Furthermore, tribocorrosion results demonstrated that wear resistance of WC/Ni60 coating was also significantly better than 316 L, especially for higher load at artificial seawater. The reason can be attributed to the fact that the passive film of WC/Ni60 coating consisted of tungsten carbide, Ni(OH)2 and FeOOH for WC/Ni60 coating and only FeOOH for 316 L.

Originality/value

According to this study, it can be concluded that WC phases acted as a role in resisting the wear damages. Meanwhile, Ni-based materials performed well in corrosion resistance. Thus, the combined-effect Ni-based alloys and WC phases in WC/Ni60 coating showed better tribocorrosion performance than 316 L.
Investment, financial sector development and the degree of emerging markets integration
Authors: Boamah Nicholas Addai
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the co-movements among emerging markets. The authors, additionally, investigate the driven force of the within emerging markets integration. The authors provide evidence of volatility clustering, leverage effect and time-varying integration of emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used dynamic conditional correlation techniques to estimate the time-varying conditional correlations among emerging markets. The cross-sectional and time series variations in the within emerging markets correlations are then described by various market and economic factors.

Findings

The authors show that investment, domestic credit to the private sector and import of financial services have a positive relation within emerging markets co-movements. However, claim on central government, current account balance and financial services exports have a negative relation with the integration among emerging markets. Evidence is also provided that liquidity and market depth explain the correlation between emerging markets.

Originality/value

The findings show that emerging markets ability to convert domestic assets into investments appears to be the single most important factor influencing with in emerging markets integration. The findings indicate that across-emerging markets diversification potential exists.
An IoT-based risk warning system for smart libraries
Authors: Xie Yi , Liu Jia , Zhu Shufan , Chong Dazhi , Shi Hui , Chen Yong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

When integrating smart elements offered by emergent technologies, libraries are facing the challenges of technological renovation and maintaining their operation using emerging technology. Given the importance of smart library, new technologies are needed in building new libraries or renovation of existing libraries. The purpose of this paper is to propose a risk warning system for library construction or renovation in the aspect of risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed Internet of Things (IoT)-based system consists of sensors that automatically monitor the status of materials, equipment and construction activities in real time. AI techniques including case-based reasoning and fuzzy sets are applied.

Findings

The proposed system can easily track material flow and visualize construction processes. The experiment shows that the proposed system can effectively detect, monitor and manage risks in construction projects including library construction.

Originality/value

Compared with existing risk warning systems, the proposed IoT-based system requires less data for making dynamic predictions. The proposed system can be applied to new builds and renovation of libraries.
Consumers’ CSR boycott: the mediating role of psychological contract violation
Authors: Deng Xinming , Long Xianyi
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Consumers may boycott firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, but little is known about when, why and how they would respond in this way. Based on psychological contract violation and discount principles, the purpose of this paper is to argue that timing and fit of CSR activities are the main dimensions of consumers’ psychological contract. It is posited that CSR activities would be boycotted if consumers perceived violation of their psychological contract, and their altruistic tendency would have a moderating effect on this mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the form of an empirical study using a sample of 434 respondents through scene-questionnaire survey in central China.

Findings

It is found that (1) low fit or reactive CSR activities would induce consumers’ psychological contract violation, and the latter has a more significant influence; (2) perceived CSR is negatively related with consumers’ boycott behaviors, but CSR activities would be boycotted if consumers’ psychological contracts are violated; (3) the negative relationship between perceived CSR and consumers’ boycott behaviors would be strengthened by consumers’ altruistic tendency, and the positive relationship between consumers’ psychological contract violation and their boycott behaviors would also be strengthened by their altruistic tendency.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has significant theoretical implications, as it answers the question that when, why and how CSR activities would be boycotted. Besides, it contributes to literature on psychological contract for applying it to CSR research field. Furthermore, the double-edged effect of consumers’ altruistic tendency extends literature on pro-social behaviors.

Social implications

This paper is of interests to corporate management and academics who wish to understand when and why consumers would boycott CSR activities and the factors that would relax consumers’ negative responses.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that investigates when, why and how CSR activities would be boycotted from the perspective of consumers’ psychological contract violation.
Loneliness in later life: a cross-sectional survey analysis of place-based factors in Ireland
Authors: Gibney Sarah , Moore Tara , Shannon Sinead
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the age-friendliness of local environments and self-reported loneliness for a representative sample of community-dwelling adults aged 55+ in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were from the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative Age friendly Cities and Counties Survey (n=10,540) (2016). Several age friendly indicators, as proposed by World Health Organisation, were included in this study: outdoor spaces and buildings; access to social services; social participation; respect and social inclusion; and transport. Loneliness was measured using five items from the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Informed by an ecological approach to ageing, multi-level negative binomial regression models were used to investigate the association between each age friendly indicator and social loneliness. Models were adjusted for known demographic, socio-economic and health correlates of loneliness.

Findings

Average loneliness scores were significantly higher for those in poorer health, who lived alone, were materially deprived and those never or formerly married. Lower ratings and poorer outcomes for several interrelated age friendly place-based factors were significantly associated with higher loneliness scores: difficulty with transport, difficulty accessing social services, barriers to community activities, lower social engagement, and experiences and perceptions of ageism in the community; however, the effect sizes were small.

Originality/value

This study identified several modifiable age friendly features of local environments that are associated with loneliness in this older population. The results of this study can inform coordinated local and national efforts to enhance the age-friendliness of local environments and reduce the risk and experience of loneliness among the ageing population in Ireland.
Does corporate social responsibility lead to improved firm performance? The hidden role of financial slack
Authors: Lin Woon Leong , Ho Jo Ann , Ng Siew Imm , Lee Chin
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance (CFP), as the findings on the relationship have been inconsistent and have led to calls to further examine this relationship. However, instead of investigating the connection between CSR and CFP, academics have stated that a contingency viewpoint must be used for uncovering the context and conditions which catalyse the relationship between both constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study acquired the CSR data from 100 companies listed in Fortune’s most admired US companies between 2007 and 2016. These data were used to investigate the CSR–CFP link with the help of the dynamic panel data system, which is the generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator.

Findings

The results indicate that CSR and CFP have a neutral relationship which characterises the effect between CFP and CSR. However, this study found that financial slack positively affected the CSR–CFP relationship, implying that companies will only benefit from CSR activities if they have excess financial resources.

Originality/value

This study offers a very distinctive perspective regarding the CSR–CFP link according to the financial slack perspective.
Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes in a Mexican population affected by periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study
Authors: Ayala Herrera José Luis , Apreza Patrón Luis , Martínez Martínez Rita Elizabeth , Domínguez Pérez Rubén Abraham , Abud Mendoza Carlos , Hernández Castro Berenice
Published: July 2019

Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes have been associated with the initiation and progression of periodontitis (PE). We determined and compared the frequency of both bacteria in patients with PE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and PE/RA simultaneously. Detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction in the subgingival biofilm. Bacteria were more frequent in patients with PE, and clinical periodontal parameters such as pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly higher in patients with PE/RA. F. alocis and D. pneumosintes could influence PD and CAL, hence participating in the initiation and progression of PE in patients with RA.
The attenuated Ricker wavelet basis for seismic trace decomposition and attenuation analysis
Authors: Zhang Xuebing , Liu Cai , Feng Xuan , Li Bonan , Li Kexin , You Qin
Published: July 2019

The widely used wavelets in the context of the matching pursuit are mostly focused on the time–frequency attributes of seismic traces. We propose a new type of wavelet basis based on the classic Ricker wavelet, where the quality factor Q is introduced. We develop a new scheme for seismic trace decomposition by applying the multi‐channel orthogonal matching pursuit based on the proposed wavelet basis. Compared with the decomposition by the Ricker wavelets, the proposed method could use fewer wavelets to represent the seismic signal with fewer iterations. Besides, the quality factor of the subsurface media could be extracted from the decomposition results, and the seismic attenuation could be compensated expediently. We test the availability of the proposed methods on both synthetic seismic record and field post‐stack data.
Nutraceutical Value of Pantelleria Capers (Capparis spinosa L.)
Authors: Lo Bosco Fabrizia , Guarrasi Valeria , Moschetti Marta , Germanà Maria Antonietta , Butera Daniela , Corana Federica , Papetti Adele
Published: July 2019

Unopened flower buds of Capparis spinosa L. (capers), generally used in the Mediterranean area as food flavoring, are known to be a good source of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the nutraceutical value of salt‐fermented capers collected from different areas of Pantelleria Island (Italy), testing their methylglyoxal and glyoxal trapping capacity and antioxidant activity by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), [2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylben‐ zothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)] diammonium salt (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Hydrophilic extracts were also characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. Among 24 detected compounds, several flavonol derivatives and glucosinolates were identified. The levels of kaempferol and quercetin derivatives varied considerably among the five accessions considered (6.46 to 267.93 and 22.39 to 367.14 mg kaempferol and quercetin equivalent /g fresh weight, respectively), with kaempferol derivatives more representative than quercetin ones. Person's coefficient indicated a high correlation between total phenolic content and anti‐DPPH radical capacity (R2 = 0.665), as well as between total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity (by ORAC assay; R2 = 0.888) and between total flavonoid content and glyoxal and methylglyoxal trapping capacity (R2 = 0.918). Results indicate that capers from Pantelleria Island represent a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential nutraceutical relevance.

Practical Application

The findings of this study highlight the health benefits of Pantelleria capers consumption due to their composition in antioxidants and their biological properties (antiradical and alpha‐dicarbonyls trapping) correlated with the development of a high number of chronic–degenerative diseases. These results are also important for the agricultural and commercial sectors involved in the production of capers from Pantelleria, which received the Protected Geographical Indications recognition.
Competitive cross‐subsidization
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Rey Patrick
Published: July 2019

Cross‐subsidization arises naturally when firms with different comparative advantages compete for consumers with heterogeneous shopping patterns. Firms then face a form of co‐opetition, as they offer substitutes for one‐stop shoppers and complements for multi‐stop shoppers. When intense competition for one‐stop shoppers drives total prices down to cost, firms subsidize weak products with the profits made on strong products. Moreover, firms have incentives to seek comparative advantages on different products. Finally, banning below‐cost pricing increases firms' profits at the expense of one‐stop shoppers, which calls for a cautious use of below‐cost pricing regulations in competitive markets.
Corporate governance and family firm performance during the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Aldamen Husam , Duncan Keith , Kelly Simone , McNamara Ray
Published: July 2019

We investigate the impact of corporate governance on accounting and market performance relationships of family firms during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). We expect the monitoring aspects of corporate governance to complement the long‐term orientation of family firms, improving the value relevance of accounting and market performance during times of exogenous financial shocks such as the GFC. We find that the family‐firm value is more sensitive to book value than earnings changes. We also find better corporate governance, irrespective of whether it is a family firm or non‐family firm, is associated with better accounting and market performance during the GFC.
Interleukin‐22 secreted by ectopic endometrial stromal cells and natural killer cells promotes the recruitment of macrophages through promoting CCL2 secretion
Authors: Mei Jie , Zhou Wen‐Jie , Li Shi‐Yuan , Li Ming‐Qing , Sun Hai‐Xiang
Published: July 2019

Problem

During endometriosis, there is an increase in the number of dysfunctional macrophages; however, the mechanisms underlying macrophage recruitment are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated secretion of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) from endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) in the recruitment of macrophages.

Method of study

Normal ESCs (nESC) and ectopic ESCs (eESCs) were separately co‐cultured with NK cells for a macrophage chemotaxis assay, and the number of chemotactic macrophages was counted. The expression of interleukin‐22 (IL‐22) and IL‐22 receptors was detected by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. eESCs were treated with 0.01, 0.1, and 1 ng/mL recombinant human IL‐22 (rhIL‐22) to determine the most effective concentration for stimulating CCL2 production. Following treatment with 1 ng/mL rhIL‐22, secretion of CCL2 was detected from both the eESC monoculture and the eESC/NK co‐culture.

Results

Compared with the eESC monoculture, the eESC/NK co‐culture recruited a significantly higher number of chemotactic macrophages. There was also an increase in the levels of IL‐22 and CCL2 secreted when eESCs were co‐cultured compared with the monoculture. Treatment with rhIL‐22 resulted in an increase in the levels of CCL2 secreted by eESCs, and the IL‐22‐induced CCL2 secretion was reversed by the IL‐22 antagonist, αIL‐22. Increased expression of IL‐22 resulted in an increase in the number of chemotactic macrophages, but was reversed by αIL‐22 and CCL2 antagonist (αCCL2).

Conclusion

Interleukin‐22 and CCL2 secretion by eESCs stimulated by NK cells contributes to the induction of macrophage recruitment and is thus implicated in the development of endometriosis.
High birthweight was not associated with altered body composition or impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood
Authors: Johnsson Inger Wahlström , Ahlsson Fredrik , Gustafsson Jan
Published: July 2019

Aim

To investigate whether a high birthweight was associated with an increased proportion of body fat or with impaired glucose tolerance in adulthood.

Methods

Our cohort comprised 27 subjects with birthweights of 4500 g or more, and 27 controls with birthweights within ±1 standard deviation scores, born at Uppsala University Hospital 1975‐1979. The subjects were 34‐40 years old at the time of study. Anthropometric data was collected, and data on body composition was obtained by air plethysmography and bioimpedance and was estimated with a three‐compartment model. Indirect calorimetry, blood sampling for fasting insulin and glucose as well as a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test were also performed. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using homoeostasis model assessment 2 and Matsuda index.

Results

There were no differences in body mass index, body composition or insulin sensitivity between subjects with a high birthweight and controls.

Conclusion

In this cohort of adult subjects, although limited in size, those born with a moderately high birthweight did not differ from those with birthweights within ±1 standard deviation scores, regarding body composition or glucose tolerance.
The Hand of God or the Work of the Devil? Spiritual Appraisals and Psychological Adjustment After the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Wong Serena , Waite Tabitha , Wasson Rachel S. , Artschwager Augustus , Pargament Kenneth I. , O'Brien William H.
Published: July 2019

To what extent do people perceive the election of President Trump as the work of evil forces, a violation of the sacred, or the will of God? Demonization and desecration are negative spiritual appraisals associated with psychological maladjustment across political and relational contexts. Sanctification refers to the imbuing of persons, objects, or events with sacred qualities or as manifestations of a higher power. The authors examined the prevalence and role of spiritual appraisals related to the 2016 U.S. presidential election result on psychological adjustment and behaviors using a cross‐sectional online sample of 252 American voters. Approximately one‐fifth of participants sanctified the election of President Trump to some degree. Conversely, approximately one‐third of participants endorsed some level of negative spiritual appraisals. Desecration and demonization also uniquely predicted maladjustment. Moreover, the interactive effect between vote and negative spiritual appraisals accounted for unique variance in maladjustment. At higher levels of demonization and desecration, those who voted for President Trump reported greater difficulties with emotion regulation than those who voted against President Trump. Negative spiritual appraisals also moderated the relations between vote and thought suppression, in addition to vote and information seeking behavior. For the small fraction of Trump voters with negative spiritual appraisals, their efforts to suppress misgivings, struggle with emotions, and seek information may be understood as attempts to reduce cognitive dissonance.
MAT2A/2B promote porcine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation through ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Cunzhen , Wu Haigang , Chen Peirong , Yi Benchi , Ma Yun , Deng Kaiwei
Published: July 2019

Intramuscular fat (IMF) content has been identified as a crucial factor of porcine meat quality. MAT2A and MAT2B coordinately catalyzes the synthesis of the major biological methyl donor S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe). However, the regulatory effect of MAT2A and MAT2B on porcine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of MAT2A and MAT2B and its potential mechanism during porcine intramuscular proliferation. We demonstrated that overexpression of MAT2A and MAT2B promoted the cell cycle progression of porcine preadipocyte by flow cytometry and EdU‐labeling assay, as well as promoted the expression of cell cycle marker genes including Cyclin B, Cyclin D, and Cyclin‐dependent kinase 4, but reduced the expression of cell cycle inhibitor P27. Consistently, knockdown of MAT2A and MAT2B inhibited cell cycle progression and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of the above genes. Furthermore, overexpression of MAT2A and MAT2B activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of U0126 (a specific ERK1/2 inhibitor) on the ERK1/2 activities was partially recovered by overexpression of MAT2A and MAT2B in porcine intramuscular preadipocytes. Taken together, our findings suggested that MAT2A and MAT2B promote porcine preadipocyte proliferation by ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Measuring preschool children's knowledge of the principle of static equilibrium in the context of building blocks: Validation of a test instrument
Authors: Weber Anke Maria , Leuchter Miriam
Published: July 2019

Background

Preschoolers’ knowledge of the principle of static equilibrium is an important research focus for understanding children's science content knowledge. Hitherto studies have mainly used behavioural observation with small samples. Thus, extending these studies with a validated test instrument is desirable.

Aims

The aim was to validate an instrument (the Centre‐of‐Mass Test), which is concerned with preschoolers’ knowledge of the principle of static equilibrium, using item response theory. In Study 1, the construct structure was tested, and in Study 2, its relationship with stabilities of symmetrical blocks, figural reasoning, figural perception, mental rotation, level of interest, self‐concept, motivation, and language capacity was investigated.

Samples

A total of 217 five‐ and six‐year‐old children participated in Study 1 and 166 five‐ and six‐year‐old children in Study 2.

Methods

All tests were administered as paper–pencil picture tests in groups and single interviews.

Results

In Study 1, the Centre‐of‐Mass Test's conformity with a 1PL‐testlet model with an overall knowledge of static equilibrium and with two subtests, estimation of stable and unstable constructions, was confirmed. Using a 95% binomial distribution, children were categorized into three knowledge categories: geometrical‐centre, centre‐of‐mass, and undifferentiated knowledge. In Study 2, knowledge of the principle of static equilibrium showed positive correlations with figural perception and reasoning, language capacity, and estimation of the stabilities of symmetrical objects.

Conclusions

The Centre‐of‐Mass Test measures knowledge of the principle of static equilibrium as a unidimensional construct and mirrors preschoolers’ estimations found in previous studies. The acquisition of a more sophisticated static equilibrium knowledge is related to spatial knowledge and language capacity.
Evaluation on types of invariance in studying extreme response bias with an IRTree approach
Authors: Jeon Minjeong , De Boeck Paul
Published: July 2019

In recent years, item response tree (IRTree) approaches have received increasing attention in the response style literature for their ability to partial out response style latent variables as well as associated item parameters. When an IRTree approach is adopted to measure extreme response styles, directional and content invariance could be assumed at the latent variable and item parameter levels. In this study, we propose to evaluate the empirical validity of these invariance assumptions by employing a general IRTree model with relaxed invariance assumptions. This would allow us to examine extreme response biases, beyond extreme response styles. With three empirical applications of the proposed evaluation, we find that relaxing some of the invariance assumptions improves the model fit, which suggests that not all assumed invariances are empirically supported. Specifically, at the latent variable level, we find reasonable evidence for directional invariance but mixed evidence for content invariance, although we also find that estimated correlations between content‐specific extreme response latent variables are high, hinting at the potential presence of a general extreme response tendency. At the item parameter level, we find no directional or content invariance for thresholds and no content invariance for slopes. We discuss how the variant item parameter estimates obtained from a general IRTree model can offer useful insight to help us understand response bias related to extreme responding measured within the IRTree framework.