bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit mechanisms underlying chronic epilepsy in a mouse model of focal cortical malformation
Authors: Yang Weiguo , Williams Anthony , Sun Qian-Quan
Published: April 2020

Highlights

Ectopic interlaminar excitatory inputs from infragranular layers to layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons is a key component of the hyperexcitable circuitry

Disrupted E/I balance was located far away from cortical malformations

Dendritic inhibition from somatostatin interneurons play a key role in epileptogenesis

Closed-loop optogenetic stimulation to activate remainder somatostatin interneurons irreversibly stops the spontaneous spike-wave discharges in vivo.

In Brief

Yang et al. report abnormal synaptic reorganization in an epileptogenesis zone in a mouse model of cortical malformation. The authors further demonstrate that spontaneous spike-wave discharges can be curbed by selectively activating somatostatin interneurons using close-loop fiber optogenetic stimulation to a small cortical region away from the microgyrus.

How aberrant neural circuits contribute to chronic epilepsy remains unclear. Using a mouse model of focal cortical malformation with spontaneous seizures, we dissected the circuit mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis. Spontaneous and optogenetically induced hyperexcitable burstsin vivowere present in a cortical region distal to (> 1mm) freeze-lesion induced microgyrus, instead of a region near it. ChR2-assisted circuit mapping revealed ectopic interlaminar excitatory inputs from infragranular layers to layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons as a key component of the hyperexcitable circuitry. This disrupted balance between excitation and inhibition was prominent in the cortical region distal to the microgyrus. Consistently, the synapses of both parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV) and somatostatin-positive interneurons (SOM) to pyramidal neurons were maladaptive in a layer- and site-specific fashion. Finally, closed-loop optogenetic stimulation of SOM, but not PV, terminated spontaneous spike-wave discharges. Together, these results demonstrate highly site- and cell-type specific synaptic reorganization underlying chronic cortical epilepsy and provide insights into potential treatment strategies for this devastating neurological disorder.
Electrical Oscillations of Isolated Brain Microtubules
Authors: Gutierrez Brenda C. , Cantiello Horacio F. , del Rocío Cantero María
Published: April 2020

Microtubules (MTs) are important cytoskeletal structures engaged in a number of specific cellular activities, including vesicular traffic and motility, cell division, and information transfer within neuronal processes. MTs also are highly charged polyelectrolytes. Recent in vitro electrophysiological studies indicate that different brain MT structures, including two-dimensional (2D) sheets (MT sheets) and bundles, generate highly synchronous electrical oscillations. However, no information has been heretofore available as to whether isolated MTs also engage in electrical oscillations, despite the fact that taxol-stabilized isolated MTs are capable of amplifying electrical signals. Herein we tested the effect of voltage clamping on the electrical properties of isolated non-taxol stabilized brain MTs. Electrical oscillations were observed on application of holding potentials between ±200 mV that responded accordingly with changes in amplitude and polarity. Frequency domain spectral analysis of time records from isolated MTs disclosed a richer oscillatory response as compared to that observed in voltage clamped MT sheets from the same preparation. The data indicate that isolated brain MTs are electrical oscillators that behave as “ionic-based” transistors whose activity may be synchronized in higher MT structures. The ability of MTs to generate, propagate, and amplify electrical signals may have important implications in neuronal computational capabilities.

Significance Statement

Microtubules (MTs) are important cytoskeletal structures engaged in a number of specific cellular activities. Recent in vitro electrophysiological studies indicate that different brain MT structures generate highly synchronous electrical oscillations. However, no information is available as to whether isolated MTs also engage in electrical oscillations. In the present study, we provide evidence that non-taxol stabilized isolated MTs generated electrical oscillations with richer frequency spectrum as compared to MT sheets. Thus, structured MT complexes may render more coherent responses at given oscillatory frequencies, suggesting entrainment in combined MT structures. The present study provides to our knowledge the first experimental evidence for electrical oscillations of single brain MTs.
Lymph Node Morphology in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Greenwood Annabelle , Keating John , Kenwright Diane , Shekouh Ali , Dalzell Alex , Dennett Elizabeth , Danielson Kirsty
Published: April 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. The local anti-tumour immune response is particularly important for patients with stage II where the tumour-draining lymph nodes have not yet succumbed to tumour spread. The lymph nodes allow for the expansion and release of B cell compartments such as primary follicles and germinal centres. A variation in this anti-tumour immune response may influence the observed clinical heterogeneity in stage II patients.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore tumour-draining lymph node histomorphological changes and tumour pathological risk factors including the immunomodulatory microRNA-21 (miR-21) in a small cohort of stage II CRC.

Methods

A total of 23 stage II colorectal cancer patients were included. Tumour and normal mucosa samples were analysed for miR-21 expression levels and B-cell compartments were quantified from Haematoxylin and Eosin slides of lymph nodes. These measures were compared to clinicopathological risk factors such as perforation, bowel obstruction, T4 stage and high-grade.

Results

We observed greater follicle density in patients with a lower tumour T stage and higher germinal centre density in patients with higher pre-operative carcinoembryonic antigen levels. Trends were also detected between tumours with deficiency in mismatch repair proteins, lymphatic invasion and both the density and size of B-cell compartments. Lastly, elevated tumour miR-21 was associated with decreased follicle and germinal centre size.

Conclusion

Variation in B-cell compartments of tumour-draining lymph nodes is associated with clinicopathological risk factors in stage II CRC patients.

What does this paper add to the literature?

This study demonstrates the variability of tumour draining lymph node morphological features in stage II CRC patients. This provides new scope for biomarker discovery in stage II CRC patients which is a research priority for this patient group.
What happens on islands, doesn’t stay on islands: Patterns of synchronicity in mosquito nuisance and host-seeking activity between a mangrove island and adjacent coastal development
Authors: Johnson Brian J. , Manby Russell , Devine Gregor J.
Published: April 2020

Coastal development is expanding globally in response to mass human migration, yet urban planning guidelines often overlook the problems that human encroachment on or near coastal mosquito habitat may cause. This study aimed at elucidating the frequency and magnitude of dispersal of highly vagile saltmarsh mosquitoes from productive off-shore bay islands to adjacent coastal human developments. Inter-population dynamics and daily host-seeking activity of saltmarsh mosquitoes were monitored daily at 15-minute intervals within a productive bay island and adjacent coastal development in southeast Queensland, Australia, using emerging smart trap technology over a 2-month period of high mosquito activity. The regulation of mosquito dispersal and host-seeking activity by local environmental factors, e.g. temperature, relative humidity and hourly wind patterns, were also investigated. The data show that the primary saltmarsh mosquitoesAedes vigilax(Skuse) andCulex sitiens(Wiedemann) disperse from offshore breeding sites to neighboring mainland areas in high numbers and in highly synchronized waves despite unfavorable wind patterns and the need to traverse a considerable expanse (ca. 1.4 km) of open water. Patterns of host-seeking activity within each site were also remarkably similar despite notable differences in the local environment demonstrating a consistency in host-seeking activity across disparate habitats. These findings demonstrate that distant saltmarsh habitats, including offshore breeding sites, are likely to be primary sources of mosquito nuisance for coastal housing developments. This observation highlights the need to develop new planning and regulatory guidelines that alert urban planners to the risks of encroaching on habitats close to the sources of highly vagile mosquito species.
Inspecting abundantly expressed genes in male strobili in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) via a highly accurate cDNA assembly
Authors: Wei Fu-Jin , Ueno Saneyoshi , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko , Saito Maki , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Higuchi Yuumi , Hirayama Satoko , Iwai Junji , Hakamata Tetsuji , Moriguchi Yoshinari
Published: April 2020

Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) is an important conifer used for afforestation in Japan. The field of functional genomics is rapidly developing. The genomics of this gymnosperm species is currently being studied. Although its genomic size is 11 Gbps, it is still too large to assemble well within a short period of time. Transcriptomics is the one another approach to address this. Moreover, it is a necessary step in obtaining the complete genomic data. Here we designed a three stages assembling workflow using the de novo transcriptome assembly tools, Oases and Trinity. The three stages in transcriptomics are independent assembly, automatic and semi-automatic integration, and refinement by filtering out potential contamination. We found a set of 49,795 cDNA and an equal number of translated proteins (CJ3006NRE). According to the benchmark of BUSCO, 87.01 % were complete genes, including very high “Complete and single-copy” genes–78.47%. Compared to other full-length cDNA resources, the extent of the coverage in CJ3006NRE suggests that it may be used as the standard for further studies. When two tissue-specific libraries were compared, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that there were significant differences between male strobili and leaf and bark sets. The highest three upregulated transcription factors stood out as orthologs to angiosperms. The identified signature-like domain of the transcription factors demonstrated the accuracy of the assembly. Based on the evaluation of different resources, we demonstrate that our transcriptome assembly output is valuable and useful for further studies in functional genomics and evolutionary biology.
The time of strong actomyosin binding depends on electrostatic interactions within the force generating region in human cardiac myosin
Authors: Gargey Akhil , Iragavarapu Shiril Bhardwaj , Grdzelishvili Alexander V. , Nesmelov Yuri E.
Published: April 2020

Two single mutations, R694N and E45Q, were introduced in the beta isoform of human cardiac myosin to remove permanent salt bridges E45:R694 and E98:R694 in the force-generating region of myosin head. Beta isoform-specific bridges E45:R694 and E98:R694 were discovered in the molecular dynamics simulations of the alpha and beta myosin isoforms. Alpha and beta isoforms exhibit different kinetics, ADP dissociates slower from actomyosin containing beta myosin isoform, therefore, beta myosin stays strongly bound to actin longer. We hypothesize that the electrostatic interactions in the force-generating region modulate affinity of ADP to actomyosin, and therefore, the time of the strong actomyosin binding. Wild type and the mutants of the myosin head construct (1-843 amino acid residues) were expressed in differentiated C2C12cells, and duration of the strongly bound state of actomyosin was characterized using transient kinetics spectrophotometry. All myosin constructs exhibited a fast rate of ATP binding to actomyosin and a slow rate of ADP dissociation, showing that ADP release limits the time of the strongly bound state of actomyosin. Mutant R694N showed faster rate of ADP release from actomyosin, compared to the wild type and the E45Q mutant, thus confirming that electrostatic interactions within the force-generating region of human cardiac myosin regulate ADP release and the duration of the strongly bound state of actomyosin.
Nanopore metagenomic sequencing of influenza virus directly from respiratory samples: diagnosis, drug resistance and nosocomial transmission
Authors: Xu Yifei , Lewandowski Kuiama , Downs Louise O , Kavanagh James , Hender Thomas , Lumley Sheila , Jeffery Katie , Foster Dona , Sanderson Nicholas D , Vaughan Ali , Morgan Marcus , Vipond Richard , Carroll Miles , Peto Timothy , Crook Derrick , Walker A Sarah , Matthews Philippa C , Pullan Steven T
Published: April 2020

Background

Influenza virus presents a significant challenge to public health by causing seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics. Nanopore metagenomic sequencing has the potential to be deployed for near-patient testing, providing rapid diagnosis of infection, rationalising antimicrobial therapy, and supporting interventions for infection control. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of this sequencing approach as a routine laboratory test for influenza in clinical settings.

Methods

We conducted Nanopore metagenomic sequencing for 180 respiratory samples from a UK hospital during the 2018/19 influenza season, and compared results to routine molecular diagnostic testing. We investigated drug resistance, genetic diversity, and nosocomial transmission using influenza sequence data.

Results

Metagenomic sequencing was 83% (75/90) sensitive and 93% (84/90) specific for detecting influenza A viruses compared with the diagnostic standard (Cepheid Xpress/BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel). We identified a H3N2 genome with the oseltamivir resistant S331R mutation in the NA protein, potentially associated with the emergence of a distinct intra-subtype reassortant. Whole genome phylogeny refuted suspicions of a transmission cluster in the infectious diseases ward, but identified two other clusters that likely reflected nosocomial transmission, associated with a predominant strain circulating in the community. We also detected a range of other potentially pathogenic viruses and bacteria from the metagenome.

Conclusion

Nanopore metagenomic sequencing can detect the emergence of novel variants and drug resistance, providing timely insights into antimicrobial stewardship and vaccine design. Generation of full genomes can contribute to the investigation and management of nosocomial outbreaks.
Cancer cell elimination by cytotoxic T cell cooperation and additive damage
Authors: Weigelin Bettina , den Boer Annemieke Th. , Wagena Esther , Broen Kelly , Dolstra Harry , de Boer Rob J , Figdor Carl G. , Textor Johannes , Friedl Peter
Published: April 2020

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) eliminate tumor target cells in an antigen and cell-contact dependent manner. Lethal hit delivery occurs as a rapid and binary, “yes/no” process when immunogenicity is very high1–3, howeverin vivoCTL often fail to kill solid tumor cells during 1:1 conjugations4–6. Using long-term time-lapse microscopy in three distinct tumor cytotoxicity models and statistical modeling, we here show that migrating CTL transit between target cells and initiate apoptosis by a series of sublethal interactions (‘additive cytotoxicity’), while individual conjugations rarely induced apoptosis. Sublethal damage included perforin-dependent membrane pore formation, nuclear lamina rupture and DNA damage, and these events resolved within minutes to hours. In immunogenic B16F10 melanoma tumorsin vivo, frequent serial engagements and sublethal hit delivery of CTL was largely confined to interstitial niches in the invasion front, resulting in eradication of invading tumor cells. Thus, additive cytotoxicity is a probabilistic process achieved by a series of CTL-target cell engagements and sublethal events. The need for additive “hits” has implications for the topographic mechanisms of elimination or immune evasion of tumor cells and microenvironmental regulation of CTL accumulation and cooperation by targeted therapy.
Expanding the depth and sensitivity of cross-link identification by differential ion mobility using FAIMS
Authors: Schnirch Lennart , Nadler-Holly Michal , Siao Siang-Wun , Frese Christian K. , Viner Rosa , Liu Fan
Published: April 2020

In cross-linking mass spectrometry, the depth and sensitivity is often limited by the low abundance of cross-links compared to non-cross-linked peptides in the digestion mixture. To improve the identification efficiency of low abundant cross-links, here we present a gas-phase separation strategy using high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) coupled to the Orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers. By enabling an additional peptide separation step in gas phase using the FAIMS device, we increase the number of cross-link identification by 23% for a medium complex sample and 56% for strong cation exchange-fractionated HEK293 cell lysate. Furthermore, we show that for medium complex samples, FAIMS enables the collection of single-shot cross-linking data with comparable depth to the corresponding sample fractionated by chromatography-based approaches. Altogether, we demonstrate FAIMS is highly beneficial for XL-MS studies by expanding the proteome coverage of cross-links while improving the efficiency and confidence of cross-link identification.
Compressive strain formation in surface-damaged crystals
Authors: Ferrari Claudio , Beretta Sara , Rotunno Enzo , Korytár Dusan , Zaprazny Zdenko
Published: April 2020

The mechanism of formation of residual strain in crystals with a damaged surface has been studied by transmission electron microscopy in GaAs wafers ground with sandpaper. The samples showed a dislocation network located near the sample surface penetrating to a depth of a few micrometres, comparable to the size of abrasive particles used for the treatment, and no other types of defects were observed. A simple model for the formation of a compressive strain induced by the dislocation network in the damaged layer is proposed, in satisfactory agreement with the measured strain. The strain is generated by the formation of dislocation half-loops at the crystal surface, having the same component of the Burgers vectors parallel to the surface of the crystal. This is equivalent to the insertion of extra half-planes from the crystal surface to the depth of the damaged zone. This model can be generalized for other crystal structures. An approximate calculation of the strain generated from the observed dislocation distribution in the sample agrees with the proposed model and permits the conclusion that this mechanism is in general sufficient to explain the observed compressive strain, without the need to consider other types of defects.
Developing the antecedents of social influence for Internet banking adoption through social networking platforms: evidence from conventional and Islamic banks
Authors: Naeem Muhammad
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper develops a conceptual model of social influence for Internet banking adoption (IBA) using social networking platforms (SNPs). It identifies the antecedents of social influence that can positively and negative influence the IBA among a targeted population of conventional and Islamic banks. Moreover, this paper contributes various factors to social influence theory with the purpose of enhancing its implication in the context of Internet banking uptake in developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a social constructivism approach to understand customer experiences, thoughts, knowledge, awareness and perceptions in relation to IBA. For this study, data were collected from 30 respondents using semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling.

Findings

Social influence comprises customer recommendations, suggestions, ratings, reviews, experiences and thoughts regarding the IBA of Islamic and conventional banks. The findings reveal that social reviews, social experts, social consensus, social responsibility and social perceptions are the key antecedents of social influence that can enhance IBA of SNPs. The research finds that positive social reviews, expert support, consensus, social responsibility and social perceptions are significant in relation to conventional Internet banking. The respondents revealed serious concerns about the privacy of their personal and financial information especially in relation to Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

The effective and well-organized use of SNPs can foster service reviews, word of mouth, higher levels of service awareness, interactive communication, social consensus and social trust to drive the adoption of Internet banking. This study proposes the conceptual model which has positive business implications and provides the banks direction to use the SNPs to their advantage to influxes their customers to adopt the use of Internet banking.

Originality/value

Most previous studies have used technology acceptance model, theory of planned behavior and unified theory of acceptance and the use of technology theories in the adoption of technology and IBA. These theories have not fully illuminated the role of social content as a way to enhance or decrease the number of customers in conventional and Islamic banks. This study develops social influence theory by exploring several dimensions (i.e. social reviews, awareness, consensus, cooperation and experts support) in the context of IBA for users of SNPs. Social influence can create more reviews and can lead to more prepurchase information. It can drive customer inquiries and engagement and can inform purchase decisions for IBA. On the other hand, it can motivate existing customers of Islamic banks to use conventional banking services due to effective word of mouth.
Suppression of secondary flows in a centrifugal impeller by optimisation design
Authors: Xie Xing , Li Zhenlin , Zhu Baoshan , Wang Hong
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to suppress secondary flows and improve aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal impeller.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-objective optimisation design system was described. The optimization design system was composed of a three-dimensional (3D) inverse design, multi-objective optimisation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. First, the control parameter ΔCp for the secondary flows was derived and selected as the optimisation objective. Then, aimed at minimising ΔCp, a 3D inverse design for impellers with different blade loading distributions and blade lean angles was completed and multi-objective optimisation was conducted. Lastly, the improvement in the distribution of secondary flows and aerodynamic performance of the optimal impeller was demonstrated by CFD analysis.

Findings

The study derived the control parameter ΔCp for the secondary flows. ΔCp can indicate the distribution of secondary flows both near the blade pressure and suction surfaces. As ΔCp decreased, secondary flows decreased. The blade loading distribution with fore maximum blade loading at the shroud and aft maximum blade loading at the hub, coupled with a small negative blade lean angle, could help suppress secondary flows and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Originality/value

A direct control method on internal flow field characteristic-secondary flows by optimisation design was proposed for a centrifugal impeller. The impeller optimisation design process saves time by avoiding substantial CFD sample calculations.
Impact of culture differences on performance of international construction joint ventures: the moderating role of conflict management
Authors: Liu Junying , Cui Zhipeng , Feng Yingbin , Perera Srinath , Han Jie
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Cultural differences have been frequently cited as a major source of risks for international joint ventures (IJVs). Cultural differences may cause extensive conflicts in technology, norms and emotion among the international joint venture (IJV) partners. The purpose of this study is to explore the interactive effects of national culture differences (NCDs) and conflict management approaches on the performance of international construction joint ventures (ICJV).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a questionnaire survey method with 143 valid responses. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that ICJV performance declined with a high degree of NCDs. The negative effect of NCDs on ICJV performance was mitigated by adopting the cooperative conflict management approach; while it was aggravated by adopting the competitive conflict management approach. The findings may provide an alternative way (i.e. adopting the cooperative conflict management approach rather than avoiding or competitive approaches) to address the cultural conflicts in the multicultural project management teams.

Practical implications

Firstly, as NCD negatively impacts performance of ICJVs, project managers should pay attention to cultural issues and learn how to manage them; Secondly, as cooperative and competitive conflict management approaches have different moderating effects on the relationship between NCD and ICJV performance, project managers must choose appropriate conflict management styles in multination teams. Thirdly, as the avoiding approach has no significant moderating effect on the negative relationship between NCD and ICJV performance, it is important for Chinese partners not to employ avoiding approach to deal with conflicts in ICJV.

Originality/value

This study uniquely adds to the literature on cultural issues in managing ICJVs by integrating the moderating effects of conflict management approaches. The interactive effects of conflict management approaches and national cultural differences on ICJV project performance may contribute to the theories regarding conflict management theory in the context of cross-cultural management.
Radical and incremental creativity: associations with work performance and well-being
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Jingjing , Song Yahui , Gong Zhenxing
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Previous studies have focused on exploring the factors that influence employees' two distinct types of creativity, that is, radical and incremental creativity, while very little attention has been paid to the outcomes of creativity and how the two types of creativity interact within individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study addresses this issue by adopting both variable-centered (correlation) and person-centered (latent profile analysis) approaches for three samples of supervisor–employee dyads data from China (n = 159, 213 and 273).

Findings

Using variable-centered analysis in sample 1, general creativity was positively associated with the four work performance dimensions, while there was no significant correlation between creativity and well-being. Using person-centered analysis, five very similar creativity profiles were found across samples 2 and 3 based on employees' radical and incremental creativity. These five classes differed in work performance dimensions and well-being, with classes characterized by a high level of incremental creativity profiles reporting a higher level of well-being and classes characterized by a high level of both incremental and radical creativity profiles reporting a higher level of the four work performance dimensions.

Practical implications

Managers are suggested to focus on factors that could promote employees' incremental creativity if they want to have happier and highly performing employees, and they could also focus on factors that could aid employees who may experience costs when engaging in radical creative activities.

Originality/value

The results of the present study contribute to uncover the potential outcomes related to employees' creativity by identifying distinct profiles of creativity types.
Applicability of the PTVA-4 model to evaluate the structural vulnerability of hospitals in Sri Lanka against tsunami
Authors: Harisuthan Sathiyanathan , Hasalanka Hashan , Kularatne Devmini , Siriwardana Chandana
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the specific parameters in developing a framework to assess the structural vulnerability of hospital buildings in Sri Lanka against tsunami. Along with that, the adaptability and suitability of the existing global frameworks in the Sri Lankan context are to be assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, Papathoma tsunami vulnerability assessment (PTVA)-4 model was used as the base in developing the abovementioned framework. Its adaptability and suitability in assessing hospital buildings in the country were considered under the case studies conducted in six selected hospitals in the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Under these case studies, data collection was done using the Rapid Visual Screening method where assessments were carried out through visual observations. The collected data were analyzed according to the aforementioned model for its suitability in evaluating the structural vulnerability of hospitals in Sri Lanka, against tsunami hazard.

Findings

From these case studies, it was identified that the use of the PTVA-4 model alone was insufficient to assess the structural vulnerability of the hospital buildings against the tsunami. Therefore, the model must be further improved with more relevant assessing attributes related to hospitals, suitable for the Sri Lankan context.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the specific structural assessment parameters required in assessing hospitals in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, considering tsunami as the main hazard condition.
Impact of financial liquidity and solvency on cost efficiency: evidence from US banking system
Authors: Sakouvogui Kekoura , Shaik Saleem
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the importance of financial liquidity and solvency on US commercial and domestic banks’ cost efficiency while accounting for internal and external factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Data Envelopment Analysis estimators are used to estimate the cost efficiency of 11,044  US commercial and domestic banks from 2005 to 2017. Using Tobit regression model, the importance of financial liquidity and solvency on cost efficiency is examined.

Findings

The results provide evidence that the financial liquidity and solvency negatively impact the cost efficiency of US commercial and domestic banks. Overall, US commercial and domestic banks were inefficient during the financial crisis in comparison to the tranquil period. The importance of financial solvency on the cost efficiency was not statistically significant, while the financial liquidity negatively collapsed because of contagion. Finally, the results provide evidence that the amount of total assets matters in the improvement of the cost efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper estimates and identifies the 2007-2009 financial crisis with liquidity, solvency or both financial factors.
Social media in aid of post disaster management
Authors: Malawani Ajree Ducol , Nurmandi Achmad , Purnomo Eko Priyo , Rahman Taufiqur
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine tweet posts regarding Typhoon Washi to contend the usefulness of social media and big data as an aid of post-disaster management. Through topic modelling and content analysis, this study examines the priorities of the victims expressed in Twitter and how the priorities changed over a year.

Design/methodology/approach

Social media, particularly Twitter, was where the data gathered. Using big data technology, the gathered data were processed and analysed according to the objectives of the study. Topic modelling was used in clustering words from different topics. Clustered words were then used for content analysis in determining the needs of the victims. Word frequency count was also used in determining what words were repeatedly used during the course period. To validate the gathered data online, government documents were requested and concerned government agencies were also interviewed.

Finding

Findings of this study argue that housing and relief goods have been the top priorities of the victims. Victims are seeking relief goods, especially when they are in evacuation centres. Also, the lack of legal basis hinders government officials from integrating social media information unto policymaking.

Research limitation

This study only reports Twitter posts containing keywords either, Sendong, SendongPH, Washi or TyphoonWashi. The keywords were determined based on the words that trended after Typhoon Washi struck.

Practical implication

For social media and big data to be adoptable and efficacious, supporting and facilitating conditions are necessary. Structural, technical and financial support, as well as legal framework, should be in place. Maintaining and sustaining positive attitude towards it should be taken care of.

Originality/value

Although many studies have been conducted on the usefulness of social media in times of disaster, many of these focused on the use of social media as medium that can efficiently spread information, and little has been done on how the government can use both social media and big data in collecting and analysing the needs of the victims. This study fills those gaps in social big data literature.
Primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, associated with lymphomatoid papulosis after a 9‐year follow up: A case report
Authors: Muraoka Kyoko , Fujimoto Masakazu , Iwahashi Yoshifumi , Matsuzaki Ibu , Yonei Nozomi , Murata Shin‐ichi , Jinnin Masatoshi
Published: April 2020

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a self‐limiting cutaneous T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder that may progress into malignant lymphoma. Most of the previously reported associated lymphomas are primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma and mycosis fungoides with a low mortality rate. We report a case of primary cutaneous peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (pcPTCL‐NOS), associated with LyP after long‐term follow up. The patient was a 79‐year old Japanese man followed up for 9 years. He suddenly developed a 3‐cm ulcerated lesion on his forehead, which was diagnosed as an exacerbation of LyP. The lesion regressed after conservative treatment, but the patient soon developed multifocal pcPTCL‐NOS. Thereafter, the patient developed pneumonia and cerebral infarction and died within a few months of the onset of malignant lymphoma. Aggressive cutaneous lymphoma may develop in LyP patients. The present case re‐emphasizes the need for careful follow up of patients with persistent LyP.
Sugar‐regulated susceptibility of tomato fruit toColletotrichumandPenicilliumrequires differential mechanisms of pathogenicity and fruit responses
Authors: Ziv Carmit , Kumar Dilip , Sela Noa , Itkin Maxim , Malitsky Sergey , Schaffer Arthur A. , Prusky Dov B.
Published: April 2020

Colletotrichum gloeosporioidesandPenicillium expansumcause postharvest diseases in tropical and deciduous fruit. During colonization,C. gloeosporioidesandP. expansumsecrete ammonia in hosts with low sugar content (LowSC) and gluconic acid in hosts with high sugar content (HighSC), respectively, as a mechanism to modulate enhanced pathogenicity. We studied the pathogens interactions with tomato lines of similar genetic background but differing in their sugar content.Colletotrichum gloeosporioidesshowed enhanced colonization of the LowSC line with differential expression response of 15% of its genes including enhanced relative expression of glycosyl hydrolases, glucanase and MFS‐transporter genes. Enhanced colonization ofP. expansumoccurred in the HighSC line, accompanied by an increase in carbohydrate metabolic processes mainly phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and only 4% of differentially expressed genes. Gene response of the two host lines strongly differed depending on the sugar level. Limited colonization of HighSC line byC. gloeosporioideswas accompanied by a marked alteration of gene expression compared the LowSC response to the same pathogen; while colonization byP. expansumresulted in a similar response of the two different hosts. We suggest that this differential pattern of fungal/host responses may be the basis for the differential of host range of both pathogens in nature.
What the pregnancy test is testing
Authors: Robinson Joan H.
Published: April 2020

Is the test result positive or negative? Tests that occur in labs and doctors’ offices pose specific questions to try to obtain specific information. But what happens in the social world when these tests never see the inside of a lab or doctor's office, and instead they are used in a house, in a Walmart bathroom, or in a dormitory bathroom stall? Putting the diagnosis aside, what does the presence of these tests do to social life? This paper examines one such test, the home pregnancy test, and specifically, its use in contemporary intimate life of people who do not want to be pregnant. Pregnancy tests test for pregnancy. But what else is the pregnancy test putting to the test? To investigate this, I spent 8 years studying American pregnancy tests using a qualitative mixed methods approach. This paper draws on some of my research materials, specifically, 85 life history interviews. Each participant was asked to recall, in full, all of their experiences with home pregnancy tests throughout their lives, resulting in well over 300 narratives of home pregnancy test usage which I qualitatively analyzed. I find that more than just a test for a pregnancy, the use of the home pregnancy test is a test of roles, relationships, and responsibilities in social life. These findings suggest implications for social life as more biomedical tests move out of the purview of the medical establishment.
Versatile simulations of admixture and accurate local ancestry inference with mixnmatch and ancestryinfer
Authors: Schumer Molly , Powell Daniel L. , Corbett‐Detig Russ
Published: April 2020

It has become clear that hybridization between species is much more common than previously recognized. As a result, we now know that the genomes of many modern species, including our own, are a patchwork of regions derived from past hybridization events. Increasingly researchers are interested in disentangling which regions of the genome originated from each parental species using local ancestry inference methods. Due to the diverse effects of admixture, this interest is shared across disparate fields, from human genetics to research in ecology and evolutionary biology. However, local ancestry inference methods are sensitive to a range of biological and technical parameters which can impact accuracy. Here we present paired simulation and ancestry inference pipelines, mixnmatch and ancestryinfer, to help researchers plan and execute local ancestry inference studies. mixnmatch can simulate arbitrarily complex demographic histories in the parental and hybrid populations, selection on hybrids, and technical variables such as coverage and contamination. ancestryinfer takes as input sequencing reads from simulated or real individuals, and implements an efficient local ancestry inference pipeline. We perform a series of simulations with mixnmatch to pinpoint factors that influence accuracy in local ancestry inference and highlight useful features of the two pipelines. mixnmatch is a powerful tool for simulations of hybridization while ancestryinfer facilitates local ancestry inference on real or simulated data.
The Macbeth Factor: The Dark Side of Achievement‐driving Analysts
Authors: Chan K. Hung , Wang Ray R. , Wang Ruixin
Published: April 2020

Heet al.(2018) find achievement‐striving analysts exert more effort and exhibit better performance. In this study, we also employ the facial width‐to‐height ratio (fWHR) of analysts as a proxy for achievement drive to re‐examine the performance of achievement‐striving analysts. We argue that achievement‐striving analysts’ superior performance can be alternatively explained by their opportunistic forecast issuances. We find analysts with greaterfWHRtend to issue downwardly biased last forecasts before firms’ announcement of actual earnings to curry favour with corporate managers. We also find that analysts with greaterfWHRissue more optimistic stock recommendations, especially to underwriting clients of their affiliated brokerage firms, and thus exhibit lower stock picking ability. High‐fWHRanalysts are also more likely to issue bold positive forecasts but less likely to convey bold negative news. The market shows its concern regarding such opportunistic forecasting behaviour and penalizes analysts with greaterfWHRby reacting less to the forecast revisions they issue.
Human rights unbound: An unrepentant call for a more complete application of human rights in relation to older persons—And beyond
Authors: Byrnes Andrew
Published: April 2020

This article argues that, in relation to ageing issues in Australian society, we need to more strongly embrace an explicit and comprehensive human rights framework in analysing what is going on in our society and to adopt a much more robust and demanding human rights approach to policy development and holding government accountable for its actions and inaction. This means not just the explicit invocation of existing human rights norms to ageing issues, but also the development of new norms and interpretations of human rights that more fully reflect the perspectives of older persons than current mainstream norms do. The argument is developed through an analysis of reports of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and into Violence against Persons with Disabilities. It maintains that these bodies and others engaged in policymaking relating to older persons in Australian society can enhance their work by systematically applying a comprehensive and robust human rights framework.
Single‐center experience with partial support device in destination therapy for end‐stage heart failure
Authors: Barbone Alessandro , Pagliaro Beniamino , Basciu Alessio , Iaccarino Alessandra , Droandi Ginevra , Romano Giorgio , Citterio Enrico , Fumero Andrea , Torracca Lucia , Pini Daniela
Published: April 2020

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are considered the standard of care for end‐stage heart failure (HF) patients. Despite increasing confidence in the technology, evidence data, endorsement by scientific societies and guidelines, the number of implants reached a steady state and is not increasing at the expected pace. This is most likely related to complications that are still burdening the technology and consequently excluding the most needy, ill, and fragile population. In this manuscript we are reporting a single‐center experience in a very fragile, elderly and end‐stage HF population, with a superficial, partial support device: the CircuLite Synergy. The patients were included in the pre‐CE mark clinical study and consequently the device underwent technical adjustment during the support, based on the complications recorded. At our institution were implanted 6 patients overall: 3 patients survived to discharge and 2 survived up to 5 years. Most of the complications recorded were due to patients’ frailty and overall clinical conditions. The initial experience with the CircuLite Synergy device is proving that a more “superficial” device might be more tolerable in an elderly, frail population. Partial support has proven hemodynamically efficacious and efficient in relieving heart failure symptoms, improving medical therapy tolerability, and improving quality of life. Unfortunately, the technology was not made available due to financial uncertainty and poor management, but we hope that once the concept has been proved someone will collect the legacy.
Monocular and binocular end‐points after epiretinal membrane surgery and their correlation to patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Krarup Therese , Nisted Ivan , Christensen Ulrik , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , la Cour Morten
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study evaluates current available endpoints for epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery and examine their correlation to patient reported outcomes (PRO).

Methods

Retrospective study including 38 eyes of 38 patients who underwent cataract extraction and subsequent vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM. The fellow eye was phakic with good visual acuity. The registered outcomes were monocular and binocular visual acuity, stereoacuity, M‐chart metamorphopsia score, aniseikonia and aniseikonia tolerance range (ATR). Two questionnaires were completed: the convergence insufficiency symptom survey and Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐39).

Results

Median total aniseikonia was 11% (range 0–35). There was a statistically significant correlation between the mean total M‐chart score of the study eye and VFQ‐Near (Spearman rho: VFQ‐Near: −0.54, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the project eye, binocular BCVA, stereoacuity, ATR or mean total aniseikonia and PRO (Spearman p‐values > 0.05). There was no correlation between mean total aniseikonia and mean total M‐chart score (Spearman rho: 0.21 p = 0.26). There was a large variation between the mean total M‐chart scores and questionnaire results.

Conclusion

The mean total M‐chart score is currently the best end‐points to predict PRO of ERM surgery; however, it is possible to have high M‐chart values and have no visual complaints.
Activated invariant natural killer T cells directly recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d‐independent manner
Authors: Aoki Takahiro , Takami Mariko , Takatani Tomozumi , Motoyoshi Kiwamu , Ishii Ayana , Hara Ayaka , Toyoda Takahide , Okada Reona , Hino Moeko , Koyama‐Nasu Ryo , Kiuchi Masahiro , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Kimura Motoko Y. , Nakayama Toshinori , Shimojo Naoki , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: April 2020

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate‐like CD1d‐restricted T cells that express the invariant T cell receptor (TCR) composed of Vα24 and Vβ11 in humans. iNKT cells specifically recognize glycolipid antigens such as α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) presented by CD1d. iNKT cells show direct cytotoxicity toward CD1d‐positive tumor cells, especially when CD1d presents glycolipid antigens. However, iNKT cell recognition of CD1d‐negative tumor cells is unknown, and direct cytotoxicity of iNKT cells toward CD1d‐negative tumor cells remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that activated iNKT cells recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d‐independent manner, however still in a TCR‐mediated way. iNKT cells degranulated and released Th1 cytokines toward CD1d‐negative leukemia cells (K562, HL‐60, REH) as well as αGalCer‐loaded CD1d‐positive Jurkat cells. The CD1d‐independent cytotoxicity was enhanced by natural killer cell‐activating receptors such as NKG2D, 2B4, DNAM‐1, LFA‐1 and CD2, but iNKT cells did not depend on these receptors for the recognition of CD1d‐negative leukemia cells. In contrast, TCR was essential for CD1d‐independent recognition and cytotoxicity. iNKT cells degranulated toward patient‐derived leukemia cells independently of CD1d expression. iNKT cells targeted myeloid malignancies more than acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These findings reveal a novel anti–tumor mechanism of iNKT cells in targeting CD1d‐negative tumor cells and indicate the potential of iNKT cells for clinical application to treat leukemia independently of CD1d.