bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanically activated Piezo channels control outflow tract valve development through Yap1 and Klf2-Notch signaling axis
Authors: Duchemin Anne Laure , Vignes Hélène , Vermot Julien
Published: January 2019

Mechanical forces are well known for modulating heart valve developmental programs. Yet, it is still unclear how genetic programs and mechanosensation interact during heart valve development. Here, we assessed the mechanosensitive pathways involved during zebrafish outflow tract (OFT) valve development in vivo. Our results show that the hippo effector Yap1, Klf2, and the Notch signaling pathway are all essential for OFT valve morphogenesis in response to mechanical forces, albeit active in different cell layers. Furthermore, we show that Piezo and TRP mechanosensitive channels are essential for regulating these pathways. In addition, live reporters reveal that piezo controls Klf2 and Notch activity in the endothelium and Yap1 expression in the smooth muscle progenitors to coordinate OFT valve morphogenesis. Together, this work identifies a unique morphogenetic program during OFT valve formation and places Piezo as a central modulator of the cell response to forces in this process.
Incomplete influenza A virus genomes are abundant but readily complemented during spatially structured viral spread
Authors: Jacobs Nathan T. , Onuoha Nina O. , Antia Alice , Antia Rustom , Steel John , Lowen Anice C.
Published: January 2019

Viral genomes comprising multiple distinct RNA segments can undergo genetic exchange through reassortment, a process that facilitates viral evolution and can have major epidemiological consequences. Segmentation also allows the replication of incomplete viral genomes (IVGs), however, and evidence suggests that IVGs occur frequently for influenza A viruses. Here we quantified the frequency of IVGs using a novel single cell assay and then examined their implications for viral fitness. We found that each segment of influenza A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) virus has only a 58% probability of being present in a cell infected with a single virion. These observed frequencies accurately account for the abundant reassortment seen in co-infection, and suggest that an average of 3.7 particles are required for replication of a full viral genome in a cell. This dependence on multiple infection is predicted to decrease infectivity and to slow viral propagation in a well-mixed system. Importantly, however, modeling of spatially structured viral growth predicted that the need for complementation is met more readily when secondary spread occurs locally. This expectation was supported by experimental infections in which the level spatial structure was manipulated. Furthermore, a virus engineered to be entirely dependent on co-infection to replicatein vivowas found to grow robustly in guinea pigs, suggesting that coinfection is sufficiently commonin vivoto support propagation of IVGs. The infectivity of this mutant virus was, however, reduced 815-fold relative wild-type and the mutant virus did not transmit to contacts. Thus, while incomplete genomes augment reassortment and contribute to within-host spread, the existence of rare complete IAV genomes may be critical for transmission to new hosts.
Dynamic control of pathway expression with riboregulated switchable feedback promoters
Authors: Glasscock Cameron J. , Lazar John T. , Biggs Bradley W. , Arnold Jack H. , Kang Min Kyoung , Tullman-Ercek Danielle , Tyo Keith , Lucks Julius B.
Published: January 2019

Dynamic pathway regulation has emerged as a promising strategy in metabolic engineering for improved system productivity and yield, and continues to grow in sophistication. Bacterial stress-response promoters allow dynamic gene regulation using the host’s natural transcriptional networks, but lack the flexibility to control the expression timing and overall magnitude of pathway genes. Here, we report a strategy that uses RNA transcriptional regulators to introduce another layer of control over the output of natural stress-response promoters. This new class of gene expression cassette, called a riboregulated switchable feedback promoter (rSFP), can be modularly activated using a variety of mechanisms, from manual induction to quorum sensing. We develop and apply rSFPs to regulate a toxic cytochrome P450 enzyme in the context of a Taxol precursor biosynthesis pathway and show this leads to 2.4x fold higher titers than from the best reported strain. We envision that rSFPs will become a valuable tool for flexible and dynamic control of gene expression in metabolic engineering, protein and biologic production, and many other applications.
Mapping of transgenic alleles in plants using a Nanopore-based sequencing strategy
Authors: Li Shengjun , Jia Shangang , Hou Lili , Nguyen Hanh , Sato Shirley , Holding David , Cahoon Edgar , Zhang Chi , Clemente Tom , Yu Bin
Published: January 2019

Transgenic technology was developed to introduce transgenes into various organisms to validate gene function and add genetic variation for the development of beneficial input or output trait over 40 years ago. However, the identification of the transgene insertion position in the genome, while doable, can be cumbersome in the organisms with complex genomes. Here, we report a Nanopore-based sequencing method to rapidly map transgenic alleles in the soybean genome. This strategy is high-throughput, convenient, reliable, and cost-efficient. The transgenic allele mapping protocol outlined herein can be easily translated to other higher eukaryotes with complex genomes.
Genetic analysis of the Arabidopsis TIR1/AFB auxin receptors reveals both overlapping and specialized functions
Authors: Prigge Michael J. , Platre Matthieu , Kadakia Nikita , Zhang Yi , Greenham Kathleen , Szutu Whitnie , Pandey Bipin K. , Bhosale Rahul , Bennett Malcolm J. , Busch Wolfgang , Estelle Mark
Published: January 2019

The TIR1/AFB auxin co-receptors mediate diverse responses to the plant hormone auxin. The Arabidopsis genome encodes six TIR1/AFB proteins representing three of the four clades that were established prior to angiosperm radiation. To determine the role of these proteins in plant development we performed an extensive genetic analysis involving the generation and characterization of all possible multiply mutant lines. We find that loss of all six TIR1/AFB proteins results in defects in embryogenesis as early as the 8-cell stage, and possibly earlier. Mutant embryos progress but exhibit frequent cell division errors followed by proliferation of the suspensor, and eventually seed abortion. Despite this dramatic phenotype, a single wild-type allele ofTIR1orAFB2is sufficient to support growth throughout plant development. Further, gametophytic expression of theTIR1/AFBgenes is not essential for development of the male or female gametophyte. Our analysis reveals extensive functional overlap between even the most distantly relatedTIR1/AFBgenes except forAFB1. Surprisingly, the AFB1 protein has a specialized function in rapid auxin-dependent inhibition of root growth and early phase of root gravitropism. This activity may be related to a difference in subcellular localization compared to the other members of the family.
Proteome and Secretome Dynamics of Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelium in Response to Acute and Chronic ROS
Authors: Meyer Jesse G. , Garcia Thelma , Schilling Birgit , Gibson Bradford W. , Lamba Deepak A.
Published: January 2019

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries, and is characterized by slow retinal degeneration linked to chronic oxidative stress in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The exact molecular mechanisms that lead to RPE death and dysfunction in response to chronic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are still unclear. In this work, human stem cell-derived RPE samples were treated with a low dose of paraquat (PQ) for 1 week or 3 weeks to induce chronic reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. Cells were then harvested and both the intracellular and secreted RPE proteomes were quantified by mass spectrometry. Inside the RPE, chronic ROS caused concerted increase of glycolytic proteins but decreased mitochondrial proteins, as well as decreased extracellular matrix proteins and membrane proteins required for endocytosis. From the secreted proteins, we found that stressed RPE secrete over 1,000 detectable proteins, and the composition of the proteins secreted from RPE changes due to chronic ROS. Notably, secreted APOE is decreased 4-fold due to 3 weeks of chronic ROS stress, and urotensin-II, the strongest known vasoconstrictor, doubles. Further, secreted TGF-beta is increased, and its cognate signaler BMP1 decreased in the secretome. Together, these alterations of the RPE proteome and protein secretome paint a detailed molecular picture of the retinal stress response in space and time.
Redefining the medicago sativa alphapartitivirus genome sequences
Authors: Bejerman Nicolás , Humberto Debat , Trucco Verónica , Breuil Soledad de , Lenardon Sergio , Giolitti Fabián
Published: January 2019

In alfalfa samples analyzed by hightroughput sequencing, four de novo assembled contigs encoding gene products showing identities to alphapartitiviruses proteins were found based on BlastX analysis. The predicted amino acid (aa) sequences of two contigs presented 99-100% identity to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and the capsid protein (CP) of the recently reported medicago sativa alphapartitivirus 1 (MsAPV1). In addition, the remaining two contigs shared only 56% (CP) and 70% (RdRp) pairwise aa identity with the proteins of MsAPV1, suggesting that these samples presented also a novel Alphapartitivirus species. Further analyses based on complete genome segments termini and the presence/absence of alphapartitivirus RNA in several samples and public alfalfa RNA datasets corroborated the identification of two different alphapartitivirus members. Our results also likely indicate that the reported MsAPV1 genome was previously reconstructed with genome segments of two different alphapartitiviruses. Overall, we not only revisited the MsAPV1 genome sequence but also report a new tentative alphapartitivirus species, which we propose the name medicago sativa alphapartitivirus 2. In addition, the RT-PCR detection of both MsAPV1 and MsAPV2 in several alfalfa cultivars suggests a broad distribution of both viruses.
Targeting extracellular glycans: Tuning multimeric boronic acids for pathogen-selective killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Guy Collette S. , Gibson Matthew I. , Fullam Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

Innovative chemotherapeutic agents that are active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are urgently required to control the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. The Mtb cell envelope has distinct (lipo)polysaccharides and glycolipids that play a critical role in Mtb survival and pathogenesis and disruption of pathways involved in the assembly of the Mtb cell envelope are the primary target of anti-tubercular agents. Here we introduce a previously unexplored approach whereby chemical agents directly target the extracellular glycans within the unique Mtb cell envelope, rather than the intracellular biosynthetic machinery. We designed and synthesised multimeric boronic acids that are selectivity lethal to Mtb and function by targeting these structurally unique and essential Mtb cell envelope glycans. By tuning the number of, and distance between, boronic acid units high selectivity to Mtb, low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells and no observable resistance was achieved. This non-conventional approach may prevent the development of drug-resistance and will act as a platform for the design of improved, pathogen-specific, next generation antibiotics.
Diffusional and chemical control in the tyrosine kinase network of platelet CLEC-2 signalling
Authors: Martyanov Alexey , Balabin Fyodor A , Dunster Joanne L , Panteleev Mikhail Aleksandrovich , Gibbins Jonathan , Sveshnikova Anastasia N
Published: January 2019

C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) is platelet membrane glycoprotein implicated in maintenance of blood vessel integrity and development of lymphatics. Organization and regulation of tyrosine kinase signalling network associated with CLEC-2 is poorly understood. Here we aimed to investigate CLEC-2 signal transduction using computational systems biology methods in combination with experimental approaches. We developed a 3D/stochastic multicompartmental computational model of CLEC-2 signalling, which was built around membrane-associated signalosome formation. The model predicted that both Syk and Src-family kinases phosphorylate CLEC-2, and that CLEC-2 ligation induces cytosolic calcium spiking. This was experimentally confirmed using flow cytometry and TIRF microscopy, respectively. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the CLEC-2 translocation to the signalosome region is one of the rate-limiting steps in the signal transduction process. In agreement with this prediction, CLEC-2-induced platelet activation was strongly temperature-dependent (unlike that mediated by G-protein coupled receptors) and was delayed by lipid raft disruption. Our results suggest a revised picture of the CLEC-2 signal transduction network functioning that emphasizes the crucial role of lipid raft structural rearrangement followed by tyrosine kinase feedback interplay.
Effects of flavorless electronic cigarette aerosol on the survival and growth of common oral commensal streptococci
Authors: Cuadra Giancarlo A. , Smith Maxwell , Nelson John M. , Loh Emma , Palazzolo Dominic
Published: January 2019

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECIG) has become very common. Consequently, critical analysis of the biological effects of ECIG aerosol deserves attention. Since the mouth is the first anatomical cavity exposed to aerosol, the oral bacteria within are also exposed. We hypothesize that while cigarette smoke has a detrimental effect on the survival and growth of oral commensal streptococci, flavorless ECIG aerosol does not. Survival and growth of several strains of commensal streptococci were measured after exposure to flavorless ECIG aerosol ± nicotine and smoke. Peristaltic pumps were used to transport flavorless aerosol ± nicotine or cigarette smoke into chambers containing recently seeded colony forming units of four strains of oral commensal streptococci on agar plates. Bacterial survival and growth, based on colony counts and sizes, were determined 24 hours post-exposure. Lastly, aerosol or smoke were delivered into chambers containing the four strains of streptococci pre-adhered to plastic coverslips. Bacterial survival and growth, as indicated by biofilm formation, were determined 24 hours post-exposure via scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that flavorless aerosol ± nicotine has a modest effect on bacterial growth both as colonies on agar and as biofilms. In contrast, smoke dramatically decrease bacterial survival and growth in all parameters measured. Therefore, unlike cigarette smoke, flavorless ECIG aerosol has only a small effect on the survival and growth of oral commensal streptococci.
Predicting diabetes second-line therapy initiation in the Australian population via timespan-guided neural attention network
Authors: Fiorini Samuele , Hajati Farshid , Barla Annalisa , Girosi Federico
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The first line of treatment for people with diabetes is metformin. However, over the course of the disease metformin may fail to achieve appropriate glycemic control, and a second-line therapy becomes necessary. In this paper we introduce Tangle, a timespan-guided neural attention model that can accurately and timely predict the upcoming need for a second-line diabetes therapy from administrative data in the Australian adult population. The method could be used to design automatic therapy review recommendations for patients and their providers without the need to collect clinical measures.

Data

We analyzed seven years of deidentified records (2008-2014) of the 10% publicly available linked sample of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) electronic databases of Australia.

Methods

By design, Tangle can inherit the representational power of pre-trained word embedding, such as GloVe, to encode sequences of claims with the related MBS codes. The proposed attention mechanism can also natively exploit the information hidden in the timespan between two successive claims (measured in number of days). We compared the proposed method against state-of-the-art sequence classification methods.

Results

Tangle outperforms state-of-the-art recurrent neural networks, including attention-based models. In particular, when the proposed timespan-guided attention strategy is coupled with pre-trained embedding methods, the model performance reaches an Area Under the ROC Curve of 90%, an improvement of almost 10 percentage points over an attentionless recurrent architecture.

Implementation

Tangle is implemented in Python using Keras and it is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/samuelefiorini/tangle.
Intra-species diversity ensures the maintenance of functional microbial communities under changing environmental conditions
Authors: García-García Natalia , Tamames Javier , Linz Alexandra M. , Pedrós-Alió Carlos , Puente-Sánchez Fernando
Published: January 2019

Intra-species diversity comprises different ecotypes within the same species. These are assumed to provide stability in time and space to those species. However, the role that microdiversity plays in the stability of whole microbial communities remains underexplored. Understanding the drivers of microbial community stability is necessary to predict community response to future disturbances. Here, we analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicons from eight different temperate bog lakes at OTU-97% and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) levels, and we found ecotypes within the same species with different distribution patterns in space and time. We observed that these ecotypes are adapted to different values of environmental factors such as water temperature and oxygen concentration. Our results showed that the existence of several ASVs within a species favored its persistence across changing environmental conditions. We propose that microdiversity aids the stability of microbial communities in the face of fluctuations in environmental factors.
Pou5f3, SoxB1, and Nanog remodel chromatin on high nucleosome affinity regions at zygotic genome activation
Authors: Veil Marina , Yampolsky Lev Y. , Grüning Björn , Onichtchouk Daria
Published: January 2019

The zebrafish embryo is transcriptionally mostly quiescent during the first 10 cell cycles, until the main wave of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs, accompanied by fast chromatin remodeling. At ZGA, homologs of the mammalian stem cell transcription factors (TFs) Pou5f3, Nanog, and Sox19b bind to thousands of developmental enhancers to initiate transcription. So far, how these TFs influence chromatin dynamics at ZGA has remained unresolved. To address this question, we analyzed nucleosome positions in wild-type and maternal-zygotic (MZ) mutants for pou5f3 and nanog by MNase-seq. We show that Nanog, Sox19b, and Pou5f3 bind to the high nucleosome affinity regions (HNARs). HNARs are spanning over 600 bp, featuring high in vivo and predicted in vitro nucleosome occupancy and high predicted propeller twist DNA shape value. We suggest a two-step nucleosome destabilization-depletion model, in which the same intrinsic DNA properties of HNAR promote both high nucleosome occupancy and differential binding of TFs. In the first step, already before ZGA, Pou5f3 and Nanog destabilize nucleosomes at HNAR centers genome-wide. In the second step, post-ZGA, Nanog, Pou5f3, and SoxB1 maintain open chromatin state on the subset of HNARs, acting synergistically. Nanog binds to the HNAR center, whereas the Pou5f3 stabilizes the flanks. The HNAR model will provide a useful tool for genome regulatory studies in a variety of biological systems.
Iterative screen optimization maximizes the efficiency of macromolecular crystallization
Authors: Jones Harrison G. , Wrapp Daniel , Gilman Morgan S. A. , Battles Michael B. , Wang Nianshuang , Sacerdote Sofia , Chuang Gwo-Yu , Kwong Peter D. , McLellan Jason S.
Published: January 2019

Advances in X-ray crystallography have streamlined the process of determining high-resolution three-dimensional macromolecular structures. However, a rate-limiting step in this process continues to be the generation of crystals that are of sufficient size and quality for subsequent diffraction experiments. Here, iterative screen optimization (ISO), a highly automated process in which the precipitant concentrations of each condition in a crystallization screen are modified based on the results of a prior crystallization experiment, is described. After designing a novel high-throughput crystallization screen to take full advantage of this method, the value of ISO is demonstrated by using it to successfully crystallize a panel of six diverse proteins. The results suggest that ISO is an effective method to obtain macromolecular crystals, particularly for proteins that crystallize under a narrow range of precipitant concentrations.
A survey of reverse mergers in the Chinese stock market
Authors: Xin Qingquan , Li Ruitao , Wong Sonia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the reverse mergers (RMs) conducted in the Chinese stock market by summarizing the regulatory system, surveying the literature on RMs and analyzing the major characteristics of 161 RM cases.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the characteristics and evolution of the regulatory framework governing RM activity in China. Then the paper reviews relevant academic studies on the RMs in China and other countries. Finally, the paper identifies and discusses the major characteristics of 161 RM cases in the Chinese stock market from 2006 to 2016.

Findings

Private companies that go public via RMs in China not only have superior asset quality but also demonstrate good accounting and stock price performance after listing, and these results are unlike those of studies on the quality of RMs in other countries.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on a survey of 161 RM cases in China’s stock market, with the major characteristics of the RMs being identified and analyzed. The limitations of previous studies and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper suggests that the relative superior performance of RMs in the Chinese stock market is caused by the interplay of market forces and regulatory oversight. The Chinese regulator’s pragmatic and flexible approach plays an important role in formulating regulatory policies that respond to the changing macroeconomic environment and financial markets.
Explaining user experience in mobile gaming applications: an fsQCA approach
Authors: Pappas Ilias O. , Mikalef Patrick , Giannakos Michail N. , Kourouthanassis Panos E.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In the complex ecosystem of mobile applications multiple factors have been used to explain users’ behavior, without though focusing on how different combinations of variables may affect user behavior. The purpose of this paper is to show how price value, game content quality, positive and negative emotions, gender and gameplay time interact with each other to predict high intention to download mobile games.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on complexity theory, the authors present a conceptual model followed by research propositions. The propositions are empirically validated through configurational analysis, employing fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on 531 active users of mobile games.

Findings

Findings identify ten solutions that explain high intention to download mobile games. Alternative paths are identified depending on the gender and the time users spend playing mobiles games. The authors highlight the role of price value and game content quality, as well as that of positive emotions, which are always core factors when present.

Originality/value

To identify complex interactions among the variables of interest, fsQCA is employed, differentiating from traditional studies using variance-based methods, leading to multiple solutions explaining the same outcome. None of the variables explains the intention to download on its own, but only when they combine with each other. The authors extend existing knowledge on how price value, game content quality, emotions, gender and gameplay time combine to lead to high intention to download mobile games; and present a methodology for how to bridge complexity theory with fsQCA, improving our understanding of intention to adopt mobile applications.
Inflation volatility, monetary policy signaling and clarity of the central bank communication
Authors: Nicolay Rodolfo , de Oliveira Ana Jordânia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Studies about the determinants of the clarity of central bank communication are still scarce. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no studies regarding emerging economies. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature in the following aspects: to analyze the determinants of the clarity of the central bank communication in an inflation targeting emerging economy; observe the influence of inflation volatility over the clarity; and observe the effect of the monetary policy signaling over the clarity.

Design/methodology/approach

The work uses readability indexes to measure the clarity of central bank communication. The empirical analysis uses ordinary least squares and the Generalized Method of Moments with one- and two-step estimations.

Findings

The findings suggest the inflation volatility reduces the clarity of central bank communication. Moreover, the monetary policy signaling also affects the clarity, but the effect depends on the direction of the signal.

Practical implications

This paper observes the determinants of the clarity considering an emerging economy environment. The clarity of central bank communications is an important tool to access transparency. Hence, the analysis of what determines the clarity of central bank communication is a debate about the level of transparency accessed by the central bank.

Originality/value

There are no studies about the determinants of the clarity of central bank communication in emerging economies. Moreover, the novelty are the effects of inflation volatility and monetary policy signaling over the clarity.
The role of the expectations channel in the quantitative easing in the Eurozone
Authors: Apergis Nicholas
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the direct and exclusive effects of this rather unconventional monetary policy on financial markets, economic activity and labor markets across the Eurozone.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a range of variables, the analysis employed the Markov-switching dynamic regression methodological approach.

Findings

The findings provided evidence in favor of the reduction of short- and log-term credit spreads, increased stock prices, improved market expectations, recovered labor market conditions and economic productivity, while the primary transmission channel of the quantitative easing policy is the expectations channel.

Originality/value

The novelties of this paper are twofold: it makes use of a wide data set to investigate the effect of economic and financial variables on productivity, labor markets, bond markets and equity markets in the Eurozone; and the analysis focuses on the direct effects of monetary base increases on the Eurozone economy, as well as on Eurozone financial markets.
The relationship between organizational commitment, knowledge transfer and knowledge management maturity
Authors: Marques Juliano Martins Ramalho , La Falce Jefferson Lopes , Marques Fernanda Machado Fonseca Ramalho , De Muylder Cristiana Fernandes , Silva Jersone Tasso Moreira
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the relationship between the organizational commitment, the knowledge transfer and the knowledge management maturity at a Brazilian public university. As indicated in the literature, the organizational commitment and the influence on knowledge management in the public sector, especially in developing countries, configures an important gap to be filled (Razzaq et al., 2018).

Design/methodology/approach

The research has a descriptive and quantitative nature, and to run the analysis, an exploratory factorial analysis was conducted and after that a structural equations modelling was carried out.

Findings

The results indicated a significant relationship between the organizational commitment to the knowledge transfer and, consequently, to the knowledge management maturity.

Originality/value

In the first place, the model including all dimensions of commitment: affective, calculative and normative with knowledge transfer and knowledge maturity was not tested before. Second, data on the public sector in developing countries are still rare and studies in this field encouraged (Razzaq et al., 2018). In this case, the present study contributes in this field, specifically in the education sector. Finally, understanding the individual commitment profile helps to understand the extent to which that person contributes both to the knowledge transfer, and therefore, in the same analogy, to the knowledge management maturity level.
Heuristic algorithm for optimal redundancy allocation in complex systems
Authors: Aggarwal Sudhanshu
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an efficient heuristic algorithm based on the 3-neighborhood approach. In this paper, search is made from sides of both feasible and infeasible regions to find near-optimal solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The algorithm performs a series of selection and exchange operations in 3-neighborhood to see whether this exchange yields still an improved feasible solution or converges to a near-optimal solution in which case the algorithm stops.

Findings

The proposed algorithm has been tested on complex system structures which have been widely used. The results show that this 3-neighborhood approach not only can obtain various known solutions but also is computationally efficient for various complex systems.

Research limitations/implications

In general, the proposed heuristic is applicable to any coherent system with no restrictions on constraint functions; however, to enforce convergence, inferior solutions might be included only when they are not being too far from the optimum.

Practical implications

It is observed that the proposed heuristic is reasonably proficient in terms of various measures of performance and computational time.

Social implications

Reliability optimization is very important in real life systems such as computer and communication systems, telecommunications, automobile, nuclear, defense systems, etc. It is an important issue prior to real life systems design.

Originality/value

The utilization of 3-neighborhood strategy seems to be encouraging as it efficiently enforces the convergence to a near-optimal solution; indeed, it attains quality solutions in less computational time in comparison to other existing heuristic algorithms.
Examination of the role of training and fidelity of implementation in the use of assistive communications for children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta‐analysis of the Picture Exchange Communication System
Authors: Lamb Richard , Miller Darcy , Lamb Rebekah , Akmal Tariq , Hsiao Yun‐Ju
Published: January 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 1.4% of children in the US. People with ASD have difficulty with social cues, eye contact, communication and engagement with others. The authors reviewed literature from 2010–2018 to fill in the gaps left by previous meta‐analyses and more specifically to examine the fidelity of implementation and the effectiveness of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) training. Two methods were used to examine and analyse the selected studies in this quantitative synthesis. Those two methods included analysis of moderators using a linear regression and analysis of effect size using Cohen’s d. A search of terms yielded 496 articles initially. The total number of studies (k) selected for the analysis was 19. The weighted average effect size for randomised experimental design when corrected for sample size is d = 0.339 (Small), and for the single case study designs the effect is d = 0.815 (Large).
Community‐consumerism: negotiating risk in online drug communities
Authors: Bilgrei Ola Røed
Published: January 2019

This study explores the social organisation of risk within online drug‐related communities. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with participants from two Norwegian Internet drug forums, the paper illustrates how participation in such forums influenced notions of risk, and how it supported notions of participants as being informed, responsible and empowered. First, the forums facilitated an easy exchange of user‐generated drug information, which helped members present themselves as informed and competent. Second, members used the communal resources on the forums to negotiate their drug‐using identities, in which they resisted stigma and argued for a responsible drug‐using identity. Third, the social inclusion and sense of community within the forums formed the basis for collective support, which helped empower those involved. Conceptualised as community‐consumerism, these findings highlight the social mechanisms involved in the information self‐sufficiency and decentralisation of authority on the Internet, in which members created an alternative frame of reference for drug use and associated health. The concept of community‐consumerism offers a perspective on the social organisation of risk within online communities and ought to be of relevance for future studies on online health‐related discourses, not only those related to drugs.
A systematic review of school‐based, mainstream, oral language interventions for key stage 1 children
Authors: Sedgwick Adrienne , Stothard Jan
Published: January 2019

Up to 50% of children starting mainstream school have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Furthermore, evidence links SLCN to poor academic performance and social, emotional and mental health needs. This research aimed to systematically review the literature for school‐based oral language interventions, intended for KS1 children, in a mainstream setting, to provide an evidence base of filtered information assessed for methodological quality and relevance. Studies were assessed using a quantitative assessment framework and data were reported using PRISMA guidelines. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, although just ten were classified as ‘best evidence’ and included in the final synthesis. Nine of the studies reported significant positive effects of the intervention, suggesting improvements to children’s general language skills/specific vocabulary acquisition are possible if deliverers are trained and adhere to the programme. Recommendations for future research also emerged from the review.
Towards an Archaeological‐Ethnographic Approach to Big Data: Rethinking Data Veracity
Authors: ZHANG SHAOZENG , ZHAO BO , VENTRELLA JENNIFER
Published: January 2019

For its volume, velocity, and variety (the 3 Vs), big data has been ever more widely used for decision‐making and knowledge discovery in various sectors of contemporary society. Since recently, a major challenge increasingly recognized in big data processing is the issue of data quality, or the veracity (4th V) of big data. Without addressing this critical issue, big data‐driven knowledge discoveries and decision‐making can be very questionable. In this paper, we propose an innovative methodological approach, an archaeological‐ethnographic approach that aims to address the challenge of big data veracity and to enhance big data interpretation. We draw upon our three recent case studies of fake or noise data in different data environments. We approach big data as but another kind of human behavioral traces in human history. We call to combine ethnographic data in interpreting big data, including problematic data, in broader contexts of human behaviors.
How Modes of Myth‐Making Affect the Particulars of DS/ML Adoption in Industry
Authors: MOSS EMANUEL , SCHÜÜR FRIEDERIKE
Published: January 2019

The successes of technology companies that rely on data to drive their business hints at the potential of data science and machine learning (DS/ML) to reshape the corporate world. However, despite the headway made by a few notable titans (e.g., Google, Amazon, Apple) and upstarts, the advances that are advertised around DS/ML have yet to be realized on a broader basis. The authors examine the tension between the spectacular image of DS/ML and the realities of applying the latest DS/ML techniques to solve industry problems. The authors discern two distinct ways, or modes, of thinking about DS/ML woven into current marketing and hype. One mode focuses on the spectacular capabilities of DS/ML. It expresses itself through one‐off, easy‐to‐grasp marketable projects, such as DeepMind's AlphaGo (Zero). The other mode focuses on DS/ML's potential to transform industry. Hampered by an emphasis on tremendous but as of yet unrealized potential, it markets itself through comparison, in particular the introduction and adoption of electricity. To the former, data is a mere ingredient, a current, but not a necessary, requirement for the training of smart machines. To the latter, data is a fundamental enabler, a digital, always‐giving resource. The authors draw on their own experiences as a data scientist and cultural anthropologist working within industry to study the impact of these modes of thinking on the adoption of DS/ML and the realization of its promise. They discuss one client engagement to highlight the consequences of each mode, and the challenges of communicating across modes.
Below the Surface of the Data Lake: An Ethnographic Case Study on the Detrimental Effect of Big Data Path Dependency at a Theme Park
Authors: WACHMANN JACOB , JUNI ANDREAS , BAIOCCHI DAVE , WELSER WILLIAM
Published: January 2019

This case‐study details how a team of anthropologists and a team of data scientists sought to help a Middle Eastern theme park make use of their big data platform to measure ‘the good customer experience'. Ethnographic research within the theme park revealed that visitors yearned to bond with the other members of their group, as they rarely got the chance during their busy everyday lives back home. However, trying to build a measurement of how the theme park delivered on bonding – through the development of a ‘bonding index’ – turned out to be unfeasible, because the big data platform focused on capturing operational data. The decision to focus on operational data had unintentionally created a path dependency that made the big data setup unfit for answering some of the theme park's most fundamental questions. This is a problem ReD Associates has observed across clients and to solve it this paper suggests that companies start with an open‐ended, ethnographic study of their big data needs before they build a big data platform. This will enable companies to be more strategic about their digitalization and thus maximize its impact.
Assessing the effects of body‐worn cameras on procedural justice in the Los Angeles Police Department*
Authors: McCluskey John D. , Uchida Craig D. , Solomon Shellie E. , Wooditch Alese , Connor Christine , Revier Lauren
Published: January 2019

In this article, we explore variations in procedural justice delivered in face‐to‐face encounters with citizens before and after the implementation of body‐worn cameras (BWCs). We draw on recent advances in the measurement of procedural justice using systematic social observation of police in field settings in the Los Angeles Police Department. Data collected on 555 police–citizen encounters are examined in bivariate and multivariate models exploring the primary hypothesis that BWCs affect procedural justice delivered by police directly and indirectly. Our results indicate that significant increases in procedural justice during police–citizen encounters were directly attributable to the effect of BWCs on police behavior as well as to the indirect effects on citizen disrespect and other variables. The implications for policy include explicit measurement and monitoring of procedural justice or elements such as officer discourtesy in departments adopting BWCs. Further research questions such as more detailed examination of citizens’ behavior changes under BWCs are also considered in the context of the findings.
Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in the treatment of thoracic cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Yuan‐dong , Zhang Hao , Liu Jing‐zhou , Xu Hui‐rong , Wu Hui‐yong , Zhai Hui‐zhuan , Lu Chang‐yan , Zhao Xia , Chen Ye‐qiang , Zhou Lin‐lin , Han Jian‐Jun
Published: January 2019

Background

Radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are frequently prescribed for thoracic cancer. However, few writers have been able to draw on any systematic research into the differences between the two ablation methods.

Methods

A literature search was carried out using Embase, PUBMED, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases, with additional searches carried out manually using terms associated with thoracic cancer and thermal ablation. Then we used Google Scholar for a complementary search. Data were extracted from studies of patients that underwent radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, and the investigator carried out efficacy evaluation and follow up. The data obtained from the literature were summarized and analyzed using Cochrane Revman software Version 5.3 and SPSS 22.0.

Results

There were seven comparative studies, but no randomized studies identified for data extraction; 246 patients received radiofrequency ablation therapy and 319 controls received microwave ablation. There was no significant difference in the six‐month, one‐year, two‐year, and three‐year survival rates, and adverse reactions were found in the two treatments. For patients’ long‐term survival rate, the two treatments can achieve a similar survival time.

Conclusion

In the treatment of thoracic cancer, microwave ablation can achieve the same efficacy as radiofrequency ablation.
Osmotic stress at membrane level and photosystem II activity in two C4 plants after growth in elevated CO2 and temperature
Authors: Bordignon Leandra , Faria Ana P. , França Marcel G. C. , Fernandes Geraldo W.
Published: January 2019

In the last two decades, several studies have evaluated plant physiology, growth and survival under forecasted climate changes and the effects of these environmental factors in plants are started to be understood. However, there are few studies evaluating such effects at the tissue or cellular level, especially for plants with photosynthetic C4 metabolism that are believed to respond less to elevated CO2 concentration. For this reason, we tested maize and pearl millet plants to consider cellular physiological responses to induce osmotic stress and acute heat shock. Plants were grown under elevated CO2 concentration and temperature, simulating global climate changes and then were subjected to osmotic stress and acute heat shock in vitro. The results indicated that the growth under elevated CO2 and temperature improved cellular tolerance to osmotic stress and acute heat shock for both species, but maize seemed to benefit more from increased CO2 concentration whereas pearl millet seemed to benefit more from increased temperature. Taken together, the results indicated that the current and expected global climate changes, besides operating differentially in these two species, can similarly affect other C4 plant species in different ecosystems whether undisturbed or managed.
Assessment of Extracellular Cytokines in the Hippocampus of the Awake Behaving Rat Using Large‐Molecule Microdialysis Combined with Multiplex Arrays After Acute and Chronic Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Gano Anny , Vore Andrew S. , Sammakia Maryam N. , Deak Terrence
Published: January 2019

Background

Studies have demonstrated persistent changes in central nervous system (CNS) cytokine gene expression following ethanol (EtOH) exposure. However, the low endogenous expression and short half‐lives of cytokines in the CNS have made cytokine protein detection challenging. The goal of these studies was to establish parameters for use of large‐molecule microdialysis and sensitive multiplexing technology for the simultaneous detection of brain cytokines, corticosterone (CORT), and EtOH concentrations in the awake behaving rat.

Methods

Adult (P75+) male Sprague Dawley rats that were either naïve to EtOH (Experiment 1) or had a history of adolescent chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE; Experiment 2) were given an acute EtOH challenge during microdialysis. Experiment 1 examined brain EtOH concentrations, CORT and a panel of neuroimmune analytes, including cytokines associated with innate and adaptive immunity. The natural time course of changes in these cytokines was compared to the effects of an acute 1.5 or 3.0 g/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) EtOH challenge. In Experiment 2, rats with a history of adolescent CIE or controls exposed to vehicle were challenged with 3.0 g/kg i.p. EtOH during microdialysis in adulthood, and a panel of cytokines was examined in parallel with brain EtOH concentrations and CORT.

Results

The microdialysis procedure itself induced a cytokine‐specific response that replicated across studies, specifically a sequential elevation of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and IL‐10. Surprisingly, acute EtOH did not significantly alter this course of cytokine fluctuations in the hippocampus. However, a history of adolescent CIE showed drastic effects on multiple neuroimmune analytes when rechallenged with EtOH as adults. Rats with a history of adolescent EtOH displayed a severely blunted neuroimmune response in adulthood, evinced by suppressed IL‐1β, IL‐10, and TNF‐α.

Conclusions

Together, these findings provide a methodological framework for assessment of cytokine release patterns, their modulation by EtOH, and the long‐lasting changes to neuroimmune reactivity evoked by a history of adolescent CIE.
A Critical Review of Homo Economicus from Five Approaches
Authors: Urbina Dante A. , Ruiz‐Villaverde Alberto
Published: January 2019

Neoclassical economics is based on and structured around the notion of homo economicus. The theory of consumer choice, the theory of the firm, industrial organization, and welfare theorems all require the assumption that agents act in accordance with the scheme of individualistic rational optimization. In this context, our contribution is threefold. First, we delimit the notion of homo economicus according to five characteristics or dimensions. Second, we critically review this anthropological scheme from five distinct approaches, namely, behavioral economics, institutional economics, political economy, economic anthropology, and ecological economics. Third, we conclude that the scheme of homo economicus is clearly inadequate and deficient. However, despite its inadequacies, it remains one of the fundamental pillars of the neoclassical paradigm in economics, which allows us to discuss why we have not yet overcome this paradigm.