bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse enzyme isotope effects in human purine nucleoside phosphorylase with heavy asparagine labels
Authors: Harijan Rajesh K. , Zoi Ioanna , Antoniou Dimitri , Schwartz Steven D. , Schramm Vern L.
Published: June 2018

Significance

Enzymes achieve catalytic efficiency by optimizing contacts between reactants and catalytic site amino acids. The transition state forms rarely, with a lifetime of a few femtoseconds. Femtosecond motions required for transition state formation are investigated with heavy enzymes containing
2
H,
13
C, and
15
N amino acids to alter bond vibrational modes. Asparagine is a critical amino acid at the catalytic site of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). PNP with heavy asparagine, or with all heavy amino acids except asparagine, yields PNPs more efficient at forming the transition state. Computational chemistry reveals that essential catalytic site contacts become more frequently optimized in the labeled enzymes than in the normal enzyme. Heavy enzymes provide unprecedented detail for understanding enzymatic catalysis.
Policy distortions, farm size, and the overuse of agricultural chemicals in China
Authors: Wu Yiyun , Xi Xican , Tang Xin , Luo Deming , Gu Baojing , Lam Shu Kee , Vitousek Peter M. , Chen Deli
Published: June 2018

Significance

Overuse of agricultural chemicals has resulted in enormous damages to environmental quality and human health in China. Reducing the use of agricultural chemicals to an optimal level is a crucial challenge for the sustainable development of agriculture. We demonstrate that small farm size (in China, typically ∼0.1 ha for each parcel) is strongly related to overuse of agricultural chemicals. Farm size increases with economic development in many other countries, but this is not observed in China due to national policies. Increasing farm size by removing policy distortions would substantially decrease both the use of agricultural chemicals and their environmental impact, while increasing rural income in China.
Antibody selection using clonal cocultivation of
Escherichia coli
and eukaryotic cells in miniecosystems
Authors: Zheng Tianqing , Xie Jia , Yang Zhuo , Tao Pingdong , Shi Bingbing , Douthit Lacey , Wu Peng , Lerner Richard A.
Published: June 2018

Significance

We constructed a library of miniecosystems that can translate the information from antibody phage display directly into signals of biological function, thereby allowing for rapid selection of antibodies with the function of interest. Compared with the conventional phage display platform that can only isolate antibodies based on their binding affinity toward antigens, our new method bypasses the step of affinity-based selection, and the selection is based purely on the activity of antibodies in a biological system without concern for their relative affinity for antigens. This new method bridges the gap, which has existed for almost three decades, between affinity- and activity-based antibody selection for phage display of combinatorial antibody libraries, thus advancing antibody drug discovery.
Tolerance of bitter stimuli and attenuation/accumulation of their bitterness in humans
Authors: Mura Emi , Yagi Minako , Yokota Kohei , Seto Eri , Matsumiya Kentaro , Matsumura Yasuki , Hayashi Yukako
Published: June 2018

Some components of bitterness make key flavor contributions to promote the palatability of foods, whereas other components are recognized as aversive signals to avoid consuming harmful substances. These contradictory behaviors suggest that humans tolerate tastes of bitterants based on certain criteria. Here, we investigated human taste tolerance and sensory cues leading to diverse taste tolerance of bitter compounds. Tolerance of eight bitter compounds, which are typically contained in foods, was evaluated by measuring detection and rejection thresholds. The results revealed that the level of tolerance of each compound was variable, and some compounds showed an acceptable concentration regarding the suprathreshold intensity. Tolerance did not depend on the nutritive value or attenuation and accumulation characteristics of bitterness and bitter taste receptors. These results suggest that the criteria controlling tolerance of bitter compounds may be derived from a complex relationship between the taste quality and cognitive process.
Narratives, climate change and agricultural policy processes in Malawi
Authors: Chinsinga Blessings , Chasukwa Michael
Published: June 2018

This paper focuses on interplay among narratives, climate change and agriculture policy processes in Malawi. The paper analyses emerging policy narratives about climate change and agriculture that are stimulating, shaping and influencing these debates. The motivation for this paper draws from an increasing number of government and non-government actors involved in climate change debates on agriculture with different starting points, narratives and goals. Based on extensive empirical data, the paper argues that prevailing narratives on climate change and agriculture in Malawi shape policy discussions and interventions that are implemented in both complementing and competing ways. Interests held by actors determine the policy trajectory in that where interests are colliding, policy interventions are competitive. Complementing policy interventions emerge where common interests exist among policy stakeholders. This is demonstrated by programmes that undermine ability of smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change whilst others advocate for crop diversification and agricultural subsidies. The paper concludes that policies and programme activities are framed in diverse way depending on how climate change and agriculture issues are perceived and narrated as well as how power is exercised among different players, mainly, policymakers, donors and civil society organizations.
Effector CD4 T cells with progenitor potential mediate chronic intestinal inflammation
Authors: Shin Boyoung , Kress Robert L. , Kramer Philip A. , Darley-Usmar Victor M. , Bellis Susan L. , Harrington Laurie E.
Published: June 2018

Dysregulated CD4 T cell responses are causally linked to autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, yet the cellular attributes responsible for maintaining the disease remain poorly understood. Herein, we identify a discrete population of effector CD4 T cells that is able to both sustain and confer intestinal inflammation. This subset of pathogenic CD4 T cells possesses a unique gene signature consistent with self-renewing T cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells, exhibits enhanced survival, and continually seeds the terminally differentiated IFNγ-producing cells in the inflamed intestine. Mechanistically, this population selectively expresses the glycosyltransferase ST6Gal-I, which is required for optimal expression of the stemness-associated molecule TCF1 by effector CD4 T cells. Our findings indicate that the chronicity of T cell–mediated inflammation is perpetuated by specific effector CD4 T cells with stem-like properties.
Final report on supplementary comparison EURAMET.M.P-S14 of hydraulic gauge pressure standards from 50 MPa to 1000 MPa
Authors: Könemann J , Sabuga W , Pražák D , Rabault T , Wüthrich C
Published: June 2018

The EURAMET.M.P-S14 supplementary comparison was organized for the purpose of determination of the degree of equivalence of the national standards for static high-pressure measurement over the range 0.05 GPa to 1 GPa. A collection of eight selected high-pressure transducers with different ranges was used as a transfer standard. Five National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) from EURAMET participated in this comparison—PTB (Germany), SMU (Slovakia), CMI (Czech Republic), LNE (France), METAS (Switzerland), and all participants reported independent traceability chains to the SI. The measurements were provided at prescribed reference pressure and temperature conditions. The comparison reference value (CRV) and its uncertainty were determined separately at each pressure point, pressure transducer and particular conditions (up- and downward pressure measurement and pressure range). All the CRV results were summarised to determine the degree of equivalence for each laboratory at each pressure. The calculated degrees of equivalence show all the laboratories to be consistent at all pressures. METAS has measured, but withdrawn its results at (600, 700 and 800) MPa. Moreover, SMU withdrew their results as well. The uncertainties of the laboratories' measurements were, in many cases, much higher than the uncertainties of the laboratories' standards, which indicate problems in calibration of high pressure transducers at high pressures.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
GIFT: Guided and Interpretable Factorization for Tensors with an application to large-scale multi-platform cancer analysis
Authors: Lee Jungwoo , Oh Sejoon , Sael Lee
Published: June 2018

Motivation

Given multi-platform genome data with prior knowledge of functional gene sets, how can we extract interpretable latent relationships between patients and genes? More specifically, how can we devise a tensor factorization method which produces an interpretable gene factor matrix based on functional gene set information while maintaining the decomposition quality and speed?

Results

We propose GIFT, a Guided and Interpretable Factorization for Tensors. GIFT provides interpretable factor matrices by encoding prior knowledge as a regularization term in its objective function. We apply GIFT to the PanCan12 dataset (TCGA multi-platform genome data) and compare the performance with P-Tucker, our baseline method without prior knowledge constraint, and Silenced-TF, our naive interpretable method. Results show that GIFT produces interpretable factorizations with high scalability and accuracy. Furthermore, we demonstrate how results of GIFT can be used to reveal significant relations between (cancer, gene sets, genes) and validate the findings based on literature evidence.

Availability and implementation

The code and datasets used in the paper are available at https://github.com/leesael/GIFT.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cross-Sectional Association of Frailty and Arterial Stiffness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Orkaby Ariela R , Lunetta Kathryn L , Sun Fangui J , Driver Jane A , Benjamin Emelia J , Hamburg Naomi M , Mitchell Gary F , Vasan Ramachandran S , Murabito Joanne M
Published: June 2018

Background

Frailty is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Underlying mechanisms to explain the connection between frailty and CVD are unclear. We sought to examine the association between frailty and arterial stiffness, a precursor of hypertension and CVD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of community-dwelling Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Omni participants ≥60 years of age examined in 2005–2008. Frailty was defined primarily according to the Fried physical phenotype definition, which identifies nonfrail, prefrail, and frail individuals. Arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV). Generalized linear regression was used to examine the association between frailty level and CFPWV (modeled as −1000/CFPWV in msec/m, then transformed back to the original scale, m/s), adjusted for age, sex, cohort, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, height, and smoking.

Results

Of 2,171 participants (55% women, 91% white), 45% were prefrail and 7% were frail. Mean ages were 67, 70, and 73 years, and adjusted CFPWV least squares means were 10.0 (95% CI, 9.9–10.1), 10.3 (10.2–10.5), and 10.5 m/s (10.1–11.0); p = .0002 for nonfrail, prefrail, and frail groups, respectively. Results were similar using the Rockwood cumulative deficit model of frailty, and in a sensitivity analysis adjusting for prevalent coronary heart disease and diabetes.

Conclusions

Prefrailty and frailty were associated with higher arterial stiffness in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults. Arterial stiffness may help explain the relationship between frailty and CVD.
Formation of a Malin 1 analogue in IllustrisTNG by stimulated accretion
Authors: Zhu Qirong , Xu Dandan , Gaspari Massimo , Rodriguez-Gomez Vicente , Nelson Dylan , Vogelsberger Mark , Torrey Paul , Pillepich Annalisa , Zjupa Jolanta , Weinberger Rainer , Marinacci Federico , Pakmor Rüdiger , Genel Shy , Li Yuexing , Springel Volker , Hernquist Lars
Published: June 2018

The galaxy Malin 1 contains the largest stellar disc known but the formation mechanism of this structure has been elusive. In this paper, we report a Malin 1 analogue in the 100 Mpc IllustrisTNG simulation and describe its formation history. At redshift zero, this massive galaxy, having a maximum circular velocity Vmax of 430 km s−1, contains a 100 kpc gas/stellar disc with morphology similar to Malin 1. The simulated galaxy reproduces well many observed features of Malin 1’s vast disc, including its stellar ages, metallicities, and gas rotation curve. We trace the extended disc back in time and find that a large fraction of the cold gas at redshift zero originated from the cooling of hot halo gas, triggered by the merger of a pair of intruding galaxies. Our finding provides a novel way to form large galaxy discs as extreme as Malin 1 within the current galaxy formation framework.
Optimizing Outcome Prediction Scores in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusions Using Collateral Grade on Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Ryu Chang-Woo , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Hyug-Gi , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Dong Joon , Kim Young Dae ,   collateral-based resetting of endovascular treatment for acute stroke; CoSETS investigators
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Although several outcome prediction scores incorporated with pretreatment variables have been developed for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, there is not currently a prediction score that includes pretreatment imaging that can show salvageable brain tissue.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether addition of the collateral grade on computed tomography angiography to previously published prediction scores could increase accuracy of clinical outcome prediction in endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for AIS.

METHODS

This study used a retrospective multicenter registry for patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Three previously published outcome prediction scores (Houston intra-arterial therapy 2, HIAT2; totaled health risks in vascular events, THRIVE; and Pittsburgh response to endovascular therapy, PRE scores) were tested in this study. Using 482 deprivation cohorts, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROCs) were compared between prediction scores with/without collateral grades in predicting the poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 4-6 at 3-mo follow-up) after EVT. We developed modified prediction scores by adding the collateral grade, and their advancement of outcome prediction was validated using 208 independent validation cohorts.

RESULTS

AUC-ROCs of HIAT2, THRIVE, and PRE scores that incorporated with collateral grade were superior in predicting poor outcomes when compared to that of the unmodified scores (P < 0.001). In modified prediction models, 3, 3, and 10 points were added for poor collateral grade to HIAT2, THRIVE, and PRE score. Modified models outperformed unmodified models in testing of the validation cohorts (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The addition of the collateral grade to outcome prediction scores resulted in better prediction of poor outcome after EVT for AIS compared to the prediction scores alone.
INtraoperative photoDYnamic Therapy for GliOblastomas (INDYGO): Study Protocol for a Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Dupont Clément , Vermandel Maximilien , Leroy Henri-Arthur , Quidet Mathilde , Lecomte Fabienne , Delhem Nadira , Mordon Serge , Reyns Nicolas
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by marked proliferation, major infiltration, and poor prognosis. Despite current treatments, including surgery, radiation oncology, and chemotherapy, the overall median survival is 15 mo and the progression-free survival is 7 to 8 mo. Because of systematic relapse of the tumor, the improvement of local control remains an issue. In this context, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may offer a new treatment modality for GBM.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of intraoperative PDT early after surgical resection of GBM without unacceptable and unexpected toxicities.

METHODS

The INDYGO clinical trial (INtraoperative photoDYnamic Therapy for GliOblastomas) treatment will be carried out in addition to the current standard of care (SOC) of glioblastoma: maximum resection surgery followed by concomitant radio-chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. PDT treatment will be delivered during surgery early, after the fluorescence-guided resection. Immunological responses and biomarkers will also be investigated during the follow-up. A total of 10 patients will be recruited during this study.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Clinical follow-up after the SOC with PDT is expected to be similar (no significant difference) to the SOC alone.

DISCUSSION

This INDYGO trial assesses the feasibility of intraoperative 5-aminolevulinic acid PDT, a novel seamless approach to treat GBM. The technology is easily embeddable within the reference treatment at a low-incremental cost. The safety of this new treatment modality is a preliminary requirement before a multicenter randomized clinical trial can be further conducted to assess local control improvement by treating infiltrating and nonresected GBM cells.
Avicta and Clariva Affect the Biology of the Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines
Authors: Jensen Jared P. , Kalwa Upender , Pandey Santosh , Tylka Gregory L.
Published: June 2018

Nematicidal seed treatments are a relatively new strategy for managing plant-parasitic nematodes in row crops. Two such seed treatments, Avicta (abamectin) and Clariva (Pasteuria nishizawae), are marketed by Syngenta for use against Heterodera glycines in soybean production in the upper Midwest. The specific effects of these seed treatments on the biology of the nematode have not been previously reported. The effects of Avicta and Clariva on H. glycines hatching, movement, attraction, penetration, development, and reproduction were determined in controlled-environment experiments. Avicta inhibited juvenile movement and penetration at the seed depth and 3 cm below the seed. Clariva inhibited juvenile movement and penetration 3 and 5 cm below the seed and nematode development within the roots of young plants. Both seed treatments affected nematodes in 10- and 20-day-old plants, but effects were not detected on nematodes developing in older plants (30 and 60 days) with larger root systems. These results provide details of the specific mechanisms of early-season protection provided by Avicta and Clariva seed treatments.
Survey of Heterodera glycines Population Densities and Virulence Phenotypes During 2015–2016 in Missouri
Authors: Howland Amanda , Monnig Nick , Mathesius Jeff , Nathan Manjula , Mitchum Melissa G.
Published: June 2018

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, is one of the most important pathogens of soybean. Periodic monitoring of SCN population densities and virulence phenotypes is necessary for developing management strategies utilizing resistant cultivars, the primary strategy used to combat this pest. Therefore, we conducted a statewide survey of Missouri to determine SCN population densities and virulence phenotypes during 2015–2016 and compared these results with a similar survey conducted in 2005. SCN population densities were determined for 393 soil samples representing 74 soybean-producing counties across eight geographical regions of Missouri. Eighty-eight percent of samples tested positive for SCN, up from 50% in 2005, and population densities ranged from 125 to 99,000 eggs per 250 cm3 of soil. The virulence phenotypes of 48 SCN populations also were determined. For this, female indices (FI) were calculated by dividing the mean number of females that develop on the roots of a set of resistant soybean indicator lines by the mean number of females that develop on the roots of susceptible cultivar Lee74 after 30 days in the greenhouse then multiplying by 100 to obtain a percentage. Notably, all SCN populations evaluated during 2015–2016 had a FI > 10 on PI 88788, the most widely used source of resistance in Missouri, in contrast to 78% in 2005. Moreover, 50% of these populations had a FI > 50 on PI 88788, up from 16% in 2005. Forty-three percent of populations tested also had a FI > 10 on Peking, the second most common source of resistance by farmers. Our results show that over the last decade, SCN has become more prevalent in Missouri fields. Additionally, the percentage of individuals within SCN field populations that are virulent on PI 88788 and Peking has markedly increased. The results stress the importance of rotating cultivars with different types of resistance when using resistant cultivars to manage SCN.
The multifaceted abstract brain
Authors: Desai Rutvik H. , Reilly Megan , van Dam Wessel
Published: June 2018

Abstract concepts play a central role in human behaviour and constitute a critical component of the human conceptual system. Here, we investigate the neural basis of four types of abstract concepts, examining their similarities and differences through neuroimaging meta-analyses. We examine numerical and emotional concepts, and two higher-order abstract processes, morality judgements and theory of mind. Three main findings emerge. First, representation of abstract concepts is more widespread than is often assumed. Second, representations of different types of abstract concepts differ in important respects. Each of the domains examined here was associated with some unique areas. Third, some areas were commonly activated across domains and included inferior parietal, posterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex. We interpret these regions in terms of their role in episodic recall, event representation and social–emotional processing. We suggest that different types of abstract concepts can be represented and grounded through differing contributions from event-based, interoceptive, introspective and sensory-motor representations. The results underscore the richness and diversity of abstract concepts, argue against single-mechanism accounts for representation of all types of abstract concepts and suggest mechanisms for their direct and indirect grounding.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain’.
Gender is not simply a matter of black and white, or is it?
Authors: Semin Gün R. , Palma Tomás , Acartürk Cengiz , Dziuba Aleksandra
Published: June 2018

Based on research in physical anthropology, we argue that brightness marks the abstract category of gender, with light colours marking the female gender and dark colours marking the male gender. In a set of three experiments, we examine this hypothesis, first in a speeded gender classification experiment with male and female names presented in black and white. As expected, male names in black and female names in white are classified faster than the reverse gender-colour combinations. The second experiment relies on a gender classification task involving the disambiguation of very briefly appearing non-descript stimuli in the form of black and white ‘blobs’. The former are classified predominantly as male and the latter as female names. Finally, the processes driving light and dark object choices for males and females are examined by tracking the number of fixations and their duration in an eye-tracking experiment. The results reveal that when choosing for a male target, participants look longer and make more fixations on dark objects, and the same for light objects when choosing for a female target. The implications of these findings, which repeatedly reveal the same data patterns across experiments with Dutch, Portuguese and Turkish samples for the abstract category of gender, are discussed. The discussion attempts to enlarge the subject beyond mainstream models of embodied grounding.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain’.
Dynamic grounding of emotion concepts
Authors: Winkielman Piotr , Coulson Seana , Niedenthal Paula
Published: June 2018

Emotion concepts are important. They help us to understand, experience and predict human behaviour. Emotion concepts also link the realm of the abstract with the realm of bodily experience and actions. Accordingly, the key question is how such concepts are created, represented and used. Embodied cognition theories hold that concepts are grounded in neural systems that produce experiential and motor states. Concepts are also contextually situated and thus engage sensorimotor resources in a dynamic, flexible way. Finally, on that framework, conceptual understanding unfolds in time, reflecting embodied as well as linguistic and cultural influences. In this article, we review empirical work on emotion concepts and show how it highlights their grounded, yet dynamic and context-sensitive nature. The conclusions are consistent with recent developments in embodied cognition that allow concepts to be linked to sensorimotor systems, yet be flexibly sensitive to current representational and action needs.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain’.
Boundaries to grounding abstract concepts
Authors: Pecher Diane , Zeelenberg René
Published: June 2018

Grounded theories of cognition claim that concept representation relies on the systems for perception and action. The sensory-motor grounding of abstract concepts presents a challenge for these theories. Some accounts propose that abstract concepts are indirectly grounded via image schemas or situations. Recent research, however, indicates that the role of sensory-motor processing for concrete concepts may be limited, providing evidence against the idea that abstract concepts are grounded via concrete concepts. Hybrid models that combine language and sensory-motor experience may provide a more viable account of abstract and concrete representations. We propose that sensory-motor grounding is important during acquisition and provides structure to concepts. Later activation of concepts relies on this structure but does not necessarily involve sensory-motor processing. Language is needed to create coherent concepts from diverse sensory-motor experiences.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain’.
Metacognition and abstract concepts
Authors: Shea Nicholas
Published: June 2018

The problem of how concepts can refer to or be about the non-mental world is particularly puzzling for abstract concepts. There is growing evidence that many characteristics beyond the perceptual are involved in grounding different kinds of abstract concept. A resource that has been suggested, but little explored, is introspection. This paper develops that suggestion by focusing specifically on metacognition—on the thoughts and feelings that thinkers have about a concept. One example of metacognition about concepts is the judgement that we should defer to others in how a given concept is used. Another example is our internal assessment of which concepts are dependable and useful, and which less so. Metacognition of this kind may be especially important for grounding abstract concepts.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Varieties of abstract concepts: development, use and representation in the brain’.
Modulatory effects of dynamic fMRI-based neurofeedback on emotion regulation networks in adolescent females
Authors: Zich Catharina , Johnstone Nicola , Lührs Michael , Lisk Stephen , Haller Simone P W , Lipp Annalisa , Lau Jennifer Y F , Kadosh Kathrin Cohen
Published: June 2018

Research has shown that difficulties with emotion regulation abilities in childhood and adolescence increase the risk for developing symptoms of mental disorders, e.g anxiety. We investigated whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based neurofeedback (NF) can modulate brain networks supporting emotion regulation abilities in adolescent females.

We performed three studies (total N=63). We first compared different NF implementations regarding their effectiveness of modulating prefrontal cortex (PFC)-amygdala functional connectivity (fc). Further we assessed the effects of fc-NF on neural measures, emotional/metacognitive measures and their associations. Finally, we probed the mechanism underlying fc-NF by examining concentrations of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.

Results showed that NF implementations differentially modulate PFC-amygdala fc. Using the most effective NF implementation we observed important relationships between neural and emotional/metacognitive measures, such as practice-related change in fc was related with change in thought control ability. Further, we found that the relationship between state anxiety prior to the MRI session and the effect of fc-NF was moderated by GABA concentrations in the PFC and anterior cingulate cortex.

To conclude, we were able to show that fc-NF can be used in adolescent females to shape neural and emotional/metacognitive measures underlying emotion regulation. We further show that neurotransmitter concentrations moderate fc-NF-effects.
Genome-scale metabolic reconstruction and metabolic versatility of an obligate methanotrophMethylococcus capsulatusstr. Bath
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Ahmad Ahmad , Chothwe Dipesh , Madhu Midhun K. , Srivastava Shireesh , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: June 2018

The increase in greenhouse gases with high global warming potential such as methane is a matter of concern and requires multifaceted efforts to reduce its emission and increase its mitigation from the environment. Microbes such as methanotrophs can assist in methane mitigation. To understand the metabolic capabilities of methanotrophs, a complete genome-scale metabolic model of an obligate methanotroph,Methylococcus capsulatusstr. Bath was reconstructed. The model contains 535 genes, 898 reactions and 784 unique metabolites and is namediMC535. The predictive potential of the model was validated using previously-reported experimental data. The model predicted the Entner-Duodoroff (ED) pathway to be essential for the growth of this bacterium, whereas the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway was found non-essential. The performance of the model was simulated on various carbon and nitrogen sources and found thatM. capsulatuscan grow on amino acids. The analysis of network topology of the model identified that six amino acids were in the top-ranked metabolic hubs. Using flux balance analysis (FBA), 29% of the metabolic genes were predicted to be essential, and 76 double knockout combinations involving 92 unique genes were predicted to be lethal. In conclusion, we have reconstructed a genome-scale metabolic model of a unique methanotrophMethylococcus capsulatusstr. Bath. The model will serve as a knowledge-base for deeper understanding, as a platform for exploring the metabolic potential, and as a tool to engineer this bacterium for methane mitigation and industrial applications.
Z-score to evaluate the absolute quality of macromolecular models based on SAXS data
Authors: Guzenko Dmytro , Strelkov Sergei V.
Published: June 2018

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a highly popular technique to assess the native three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules in solution. Here we introduce a statistical criterion, Z-score, as a novel quality measure of SAXS-based structural models which positively correlates with data quality. We propose that, besides a goodness-of-fit (GOF) measure such as reduced χ2, the Z-score reflecting the ability of a given SAXS curve to differentiate between possible models should always be reported.
Identification of anti-norovirus genes in mouse and human cells using genome-wide CRISPR activation screening
Authors: Orchard Robert C. , Sullender Meagan E. , Dunlap Bria F. , Balce Dale R. , Doench John G. , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: June 2018

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a leading cause of gastroenteritis world-wide, yet host factors that restrict NoV replication are not well understood. Here, we use a CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) genome-wide screening to identify host genes that can inhibit murine norovirus (MNoV) replication in either mouse or human cells. Our screens identified with high confidence 57 genes that can inhibit MNoV infection when overexpressed. A significant number of these genes are in interferon and immune regulation signaling networks, but surprising, the majority of the genes identified are not associated with innate or adaptive immunity nor with any antiviral activity. Confirmatory studies of eight of the genes in validate the initial screening data. Mechanistic studies on TRIM7 demonstrated a conserved role of the molecule in mouse and human cells in restricting MNoV in a step of infection after viral entry. Furthermore, we demonstrate that two isoforms of TRIM7 have differential antiviral activity. Taken together these data provide a resource for understanding norovirus biology and demonstrate a robust methodology for identifying new antiviral molecules across cell types and species.

Author Summary

Norovirus is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness world-wide. Despite its prevalence, our understanding of norovirus biology is limited due to the difficulty in growing human norovirus in vitro and a lack of an animal model. Murine norovirus (MNoV) is a model norovirus system because MNoV replicates robustly in cell culture and in mice. To identify host genes that can restrict norovirus replication when overexpressed we performed genome-wide CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) screens to induce gene overexpression at the native locus through recruitment of transcriptional activators to individual gene promoters. We found 57 genes could block murine norovirus replication in either mouse or human cells. Several of these genes are associated with classical immune signaling pathways, while many of the molecules we identified have not been previously associated with antiviral activity. Our data is a resource for those studying norovirus and we provide a robust approach to identify novel antiviral genes.
Evaluation of N—H...S and N—H...π interactions inO,O′-diethylN-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)thiophosphate: a combination of X-ray crystallographic and theoretical studies
Authors: Torabi Farkhani Elham , Pourayoubi Mehrdad , Izadyar Mohammad , Andreev Pavel V. , Shchegravina Ekaterina S.
Published: June 2018

In the crystal structure ofO,O′-diethylN-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)thiophosphate, C13H22NO2PS, two symmetrically independent thiophosphoramide molecules are linked through N—H...S and N—H...π hydrogen bonds to form a noncentrosymmetric dimer, withZ′ = 2. The strengths of the hydrogen bonds were evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) at the M06-2X level within the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set, and by considering the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). It was found that the N—H...S hydrogen bond is slightly stronger than the N—H...π hydrogen bond. This is reflected in differences between the calculated N—H stretching frequencies of the isolated molecules and the frequencies of the same N—H units involved in the different hydrogen bonds of the hydrogen-bonded dimer. For these hydrogen bonds, the corresponding charge transfers,i.e.lp (or π)→σ*, were studied, according to the second-order perturbation theory in natural bond orbital (NBO) methodology. Hirshfeld surface analysis was applied for a detailed investigation of all the contacts participating in the crystal packing.
Application of combined MADM methods as MOORA and PSI for ranking of FMS performance factors
Authors: Jain Vineet
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Due to the increasing demand of customer and competitive market pressure, manufacturing organizations should be modernized in strategies, production operations, processes and its procedures to remain competitive. So, a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) was adopted by the manufacturing system to fight with competitive pressure. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the performance of manufacturing system, with a focus on its factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the ranking of the performance factor of FMSs is done by using multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods as multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis (MOORA) and preference selection index (PSI). Weights of attributes are defined by the AHP method.

Findings

Ranking of performance factor is done on the basis of six variables which affect three elements of performance of FMS, i.e. productivity, flexibility and quality. MOORA is applied in three ways such as the ratio-based, reference point and full multiplicative method. In the MOORA method, ranking was done considering weights of attributes and also without it. A PSI method is used to find the best factor among the factors. The results of these methodologies, i.e. MOORA and PSI, are same, i.e. productivity is the primary factor in the manufacturing system. The ranking is validated by the result of different methodology used in this research.

Practical implications

This research has evaluated the important factors and performance variables which can enhance the performance of manufacturing organizations. So, the manufacturing persons can focus on these to enhance its performance.

Originality/value

Combined MADM methods, i.e. MOORA and PSI methodologies, are used in this paper to deal with the ranking of performance factors of the FMS considering qualitative characteristics. These approaches show the conversion of a qualitative attribute to quantitative attributes by using fuzzy logic.
Measuring the invisible
Authors: Ying Fei , Tookey John , Seadon Jeff
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Construction logistics is an essential part of Construction Supply Chain Management for both project management and cost aspects. The quantum of money that is embodied in the transportation of materials to site could be 39–58 per cent of total logistics costs and between 4 and 10 per cent of the product selling price for many firms. However, limited attention has been paid to measure the logistics performance at the operational level in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge about managing logistics costs by setting a key performance indicator (KPI) based on the number of vehicle movements to the construction site.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was adopted with on-site observations and interviews. Observations were performed from the start of construction until “hand-over” to the building owner. A selection of construction suppliers and subcontractors involved in the studied project were interviewed.

Findings

Data analysis of vehicle movements suggested that construction transportation costs can be monitored and managed. The identified number of vehicle movements as a KPI offers a significant step towards logistics performance management in construction projects.

Originality/value

This research paper demonstrates that framework of using vehicular movements meet the criterion of effective KPI and is able to detect rooms for improvements. The key findings shed valuable insight for industry practitioners in initiating the measurement and monitor “the invisible logistics costs and performance”. It provides a basis for benchmarking that enables comparison, learning and improvement and thereby continuous enhancement of best practice at the operational level, which may accelerate the slow SCM implementation in the construction industry.
Multi-principal collaboration and supplier’s compliance with codes-of-conduct
Authors: Delbufalo Emanuela , Bastl Marko
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to articulate propositions on how collaborating multi-national corporations (MNCs) can manage their supplier base in order to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance with shared codes-of-conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a conceptual theory development approach. In doing so, it utilises key tenets of agency theory that are applied in a multi-principal–supplier relationship context and synthesised in a series of propositions.

Findings

The study shows that MNCs have a variety of mechanisms for reducing the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance by decreasing information asymmetry, increasing their bargaining power and simultaneously use of both rewards/sanctions, and reputation-based safeguards.

Research limitations/implications

This is a conceptual theory development study, offering testable propositions, which have then to be empirically validated.

Practical implications

The study showcases that managers of MNCs who find themselves in relationships with non-compliant suppliers have at their disposal a variety of mechanisms to reduce the risk of suppliers’ non-compliance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that explore suppliers’ non-compliance with codes-of-conduct at the level of a relationship, rather than a single firm. In this way it proposes a theoretical framework grounded in agency theory on managing relationships between multi-principal collaborators and their suppliers.
Silver lining of envy on social media? The relationships between post content, envy type, and purchase intentions
Authors: Lin Ruoyun
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of benign and malicious envy on social media, and to examine the relationships between shared content (experiential vs material purchases), envy type (benign vs malicious), and purchase intention (toward the same vs a superior object).

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies (N=622) were conducted to ask participants to recall the last time they experienced envy due to browsing social media, report an envy-triggering post about either an experiential or a material purchase shared by others and read a post about a friend’s newly bought MacBook in either an experiential or a material phrasing. The degrees of benign and malicious envy were measured, as well as the future purchase intentions toward the same and a superior object.

Findings

The results showed that most of the envious emotions were actually benign envy. Although there was no main effect of purchase type on envy type, both experiential purchases and phrasings were less likely to be perceived as showing off, and therefore triggered less malicious envy. Furthermore, benign envy was positively associated with the purchase intention of the same envied purchase, and malicious envy was positively associated with the purchase intention of something even superior.

Originality/value

As browsing other’s social news sometimes evokes envy, people were concerned about the negative effects of envy on consumers. However, this paper addressed the positive effects of envy which comes along with a motivation of moving up. This positive motivation can also be utilized for social media advertising.
Mean reverting leverage policy in China: theory and evidence from industrial and sectorial level unit root analysis
Authors: Rehman Ajid ur
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to apply unit root test to investigate the behavior of Chinese firms toward their leverage policy. The study is based on two influential and competing theories of capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies unit root test to investigate the behavior of Chinese firms toward their leverage policy. The study is based on two influential and competing theories of capital structure. Trade off theory advocates that firms have a target level of leverage ratio and that firms try to achieve that optimal leverage ratio, whereas pecking order theory argues that firms have no target level of leverage and that they follow a specific pattern of leverage. For this purpose, this study applies a Fisher type unit root test to 12,808 firm level observations. The data are unbalanced and cover a period from 1991 to 2014.

Findings

The results reveal the presence of a stationary behavior across short-term, long-term and total leverage policies. For short-term leverage policy, 21 per cent firms show stationary behavior, while for long-term, 20 per cent show a targeting behavior; for the total leverage policy 17 per cent of firms are found to follow a tradeoff model. To make the findings more interesting sample was further classified into profit and loss making firms. The study finds that loss making firms do not follow a target level of leverage in China. Furthermore, unit root is applied to all firms before and after crises-2008. It is revealed that stationary behavior is more prevalent before crises-2008.

Originality/value

This study is highly important from the point of view that it quantifies firms into distinct categories of following specific model of capital structure. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the findings of this study add to current research knowledge about Chinese firms with respect to adjustment behavior toward a target capital structure.
Advertising skepticism, need for cognition and consumers’ attitudes
Authors: Raziq Muhammad Mustafa , Ahmed Qazi Mohammed , Ahmad Mansoor , Yusaf Saquib , Sajjad Aymen , Waheed Salman
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of advertising skepticism and need for cognition with consumers’ attitudes toward brand. There is currently limited understanding on how advertising skepticism and need for cognition relate to the consumers’ attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a “within-brand-comparison” strategy, a mock print advertisement of a telecom brand is shown to 204 cellular services users in Pakistan. This is followed by a survey. Data are analyzed using a variance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The relationship of advertising skepticism with attitude toward brand is negative and partially mediated by the sequence of brand image, advertisement believability and attitudes toward advertisement. In contrast, the relationship between need for cognition and attitude toward brand is positive and fully mediated by the sequence of brand image, advertisement believability and attitudes toward advertisement.

Originality/value

The paper fills some theoretical as well as empirical gaps by showing how (in a within-brand comparative advertisement context) advertising skepticism and need for cognition relate to the consumers’ attitudes toward brand.