bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional advantages of Lévy walks emerging near a critical point
Authors: Abe Masato S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA special class of random walks, so-called Lévy walks, has been observed in a variety of organisms ranging from cells, insects, fishes, and birds to mammals, including humans. Although their prevalence is considered to be a consequence of natural selection for higher search efficiency, some findings suggest that Lévy walks might also be epiphenomena that arise from interactions with the environment. Therefore, why they are common in biological movements remains an open question. Based on some evidence that Lévy walks are spontaneously generated in the brain and the fact that power-law distributions in Lévy walks can emerge at a critical point, we hypothesized that the advantages of Lévy walks might be enhanced by criticality. However, the functional advantages of Lévy walks are poorly understood. Here, we modeled nonlinear systems for the generation of locomotion and showed that Lévy walks emerging near a critical point had optimal dynamic ranges for coding information. This discovery suggested that Lévy walks could change movement trajectories based on the magnitude of environmental stimuli. We then showed that the high flexibility of Lévy walks enabled switching exploitation/exploration based on the nature of external cues. Finally, we analyzed the movement trajectories of freely movingDrosophilalarvae and showed empirically that the Lévy walks may emerge near a critical point and have the large dynamic range and high flexibility. Our results suggest that the commonly observed Lévy walks emerge near a critical point and could be explained on the basis of these functional advantages.
The brain’s hedonic valuation system’s resting-state connectivity predicts weight loss and correlates with leptin
Authors: Schmidt Liane , Medarwar Evelyn , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Genser Laurent , Poitou Christine , Clément Karine , Plassmann Hilke 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWeight gain is often associated with the pleasure of eating foods rich in calories and lack of willpower to reduce such food cravings, but empirical evidence is sparse. Here we investigated the role that connectivity within the brain’s hedonic valuation system (BVS, the ventral striatum and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) at rest plays (1) to predict weight gain or loss over time and (2) for homeostatic hormone regulation. We found that intrinsic connectivity within the BVS at rest (RSC) predicted out-of-sample weight changes over time in lean and obese participants. Counterintuitively, such BVS RSC was higher in lean versus obese participants before the obese participants underwent a drastic weight loss intervention (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, RYGB). The RYGB surgery increased BVS RSC in the obese after surgery. The obese participants’ increase in BVS RSC correlated with decreases in fasting state systemic leptin, a homeostatic hormone signalling satiety that has been previously linked to dopamine functioning. Taken together, our results indicate a first link between brain connectivity in reward circuits in a more tonic state at rest, homeostatic hormone regulation involved in dopamine functioning and ability to lose weight.Significance statementWith obesity rates on the rise, advancing our understanding of what factors drive people’s ability to lose and gain weight is crucial. This research is the first to link what we know about the brain’s hedonic valuation system (BVS) to weight loss and homeostatic hormone regulation. We found that connectivity at rest (RSC) within the BVS system predicted changes in weight, differentiated between lean and obese participants, and increased after a weight loss intervention (gastric bypass surgery). Interestingly, the extent to which BVS RSC improved after surgery correlated to decreases in circulating levels of the satiety hormone leptin. These findings are the first to reveal the neural and hormonal determinants of weight loss, combining hedonic and homeostatic drivers of (over-)eating.
HASLR: Fast Hybrid Assembly of Long Reads
Authors: Haghshenas Ehsan , Asghari Hossein , Stoye Jens , Chauve Cedric , Hach Faraz 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThird generation sequencing technologies from platforms such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences have paved the way for building more contiguous assemblies and complete reconstruction of genomes. The larger effective length of the reads generated with these technologies has provided a mean to overcome the challenges of short to mid-range repeats. Currently, accurate long read assemblers are computationally expensive while faster methods are not as accurate. Therefore, there is still an unmet need for tools that are both fast and accurate for reconstructing small and large genomes. Despite the recent advances in third generation sequencing, researchers tend to generate second generation reads for many of the analysis tasks. Here, we present HASLR, a hybrid assembler which uses both second and third generation sequencing reads to efficiently generate accurate genome assemblies. Our experiments show that HASLR is not only the fastest assembler but also the one with the lowest number of misassemblies on all the samples compared to other tested assemblers. Furthermore, the generated assemblies in terms of contiguity and accuracy are on par with the other tools on most of the samples.AvailabilityHASLR is an open source tool available athttps://github.com/vpc-ccg/haslr.
Quantitative assessment of morphology and sub-cellular changes in macrophages and trophoblasts during inflammation
Authors: Singh Rajwinder , Dubey Vishesh , Wolfson Deanna , Ahmad Azeem , Butola Ankit , Acharya Ganesh , Mehta Dalip Singh , Basnet Purusotam , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDuring inflammatory condition in pregnancy, the macrophages present at the feto-maternal junction release an increased amount of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-αand INF-γ, which can disturb the trophoblast functions and thereby the pregnancy outcome. Measurement of the cellular and sub-cellular morphological modifications associated with inflammatory responses are important in order to quantify the extent of trophoblast dysfunction for clinical implication. With this motivation, we investigated morphological, cellular and sub-cellular changes in externally inflamed RAW264.7 (macrophage) and HTR-8/SVneo (trophoblast) using structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and quantitative phase microscopy (QPM). We monitored the production of nitric oxide (NO), changes in cell membrane and mitochondrial structure of macrophages and trophoblasts when exposed to different concentration of pro-inflammatory agents (LPS and TNF-α).In vitroNO production by LPS-induced macrophages increased 22-folds as compared to controls, whereas no significant NO production was seen after TNF-αchallenge. Under similar conditions as with macrophages, trophoblasts did not produce NO following either LPS or TNF-αchallenge. Super-resolution SIM imaging showed changes in the morphology of mitochondria and plasma membrane in macrophages following LPS challenge and in trophoblasts following TNF-αchallenge. Label-free QPM showed a decrease in the optical thickness of the LPS-challenged macrophages while TNF-αhaving no effect. The vice-versa is observed for the trophoblasts. We further exploited machine learning approaches on QPM dataset to detect and to classify the inflammation with an accuracy of 99.9% for LPS-challenged macrophages and 98.3% for TNF-α-challenged trophoblasts. We believe that the multi-modal advanced microscopy methodologies coupled with machine learning approach could be an alternative way for early detection of pregnancy related inflammation after clinical studies.
The effect of drug dose and timing of treatment on the emergence of drug resistancein vivoin a malaria model
Authors: Acosta Monica M. , Bram Joshua T. , Sim Derek , Read Andrew F. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBackground and objectivesThere is significant interest in identifying clinically effective drug treatment regimens that minimize thede novoevolution of antimicrobial resistance in pathogen populations. However,in vivostudies that vary treatment regimens and directly measure drug resistance evolution are rare. Here, we experimentally investigate the role of drug dose and treatment timing on resistance evolution in an animal model.MethodologyIn a series of experiments, we measured the emergence of atovaquone-resistant mutants ofPlasmodium chabaudiin laboratory mice, as a function of dose and timing of treatment with the antimalarial drug atovaquone.ResultsIncreasing the concentration of atovaquone increased the likelihood of high-level resistance emergence. Treating very early or late in infection reduced the risk of resistance, likely as a result of population size at time of treatment, but we were not able to exclude influence of the immune response in the latter. When we varied starting inoculum, resistance was more likely at intermediate inoculum sizes, but this did not correlate directly with population sizes at time of treatment.Conclusions and implications(i) Higher doses do not always minimize resistance emergence and can result in competitive release of parasites with high-level resistance. (ii) Altering treatment timing affects the risk of resistance emergence, but not as a simple function of population size at the time of treatment. (iii) Finding the ‘right’ dose and ‘right’ time to maximize clinical gains and limit resistance emergence can vary depending on biological context and was non-trivial even in our simplified experiments.
Symmetry structures in dynamic models of biochemical systems
Authors: Ohlsson Fredrik , Borgqvist Johannes , Cvijovic Marija 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSymmetries provide a powerful concept for the development of mechanistic models by describing structures corresponding to the underlying dynamics of biological systems. In this paper, we consider symmetries of the non-linear Hill model describing enzymatic reaction kinetics, and derive a class of symmetry transformations for each ordernof the model. We consider a minimal example consisting in the application of symmetry based methods to a model selection problem, where we are able to demonstrate superior performance compared to ordinary residual-based model selection. Finally, we discuss the role of symmetries in systematic model building in systems biology.
Fine-tuning biosensor dynamic range based on rational design of cross-ribosome-binding sites in bacteria
Authors: Ding Nana , Zhou Shenghu , Yuan Zhenqi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Jing , Deng Yu 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTCurrently, predictive translation tuning of regulatory elements to the desired output of transcription factor based biosensors remains a challenge. The gene expression of a biosensor system must exhibit appropriate translation intensity, which is controlled by the ribosome-binding site (RBS), to achieve fine-tuning of its dynamic range (i.e., fold change in gene expression between the presence and absence of inducer) by adjusting the translation initiation rate of the transcription factor and reporter. However, existing genetically encoded biosensors generally suffer from unpredictable translation tuning of regulatory elements to dynamic range. Here, we elucidated the connections and partial mechanisms between RBS, translation initiation rate, protein folding and dynamic range, and presented a rational design platform that predictably tuned the dynamic range of biosensors based on deep learning of large datasets cross-RBSs (cRBSs). A library containing 24,000 semi-rationally designed cRBSs was constructed using DNA microarray, and was divided into five sub-libraries through fluorescence-activated cell sorting. To explore the relationship between cRBSs and dynamic range, we established a classification model with the cRBSs and average dynamic range of five sub-libraries to accurately predict the dynamic range of biosensors based on convolutional neural network in deep learning. Thus, this work provides a powerful platform to enable predictable translation tuning of RBS to the dynamic range of biosensors.
Migration and sustainable development in Thailand
Authors: Bhula-or Ruttiya 
Published: January 2020

PurposePrevious studies have focused on migration and development from an economic perspective. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate sustainable migration and development in an integrative manner, including economic, social and environmental perspectives linking theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA framework of migration and sustainable development was developed in a structured and integrative manner, and the shift in migration and development patterns in Thailand was examined from an empirical and theoretical standpoint.FindingsMigration contributes to Thailand’s economy in many ways. Migrant workers help to grow the economy, especially in labor-intensive sectors. This helps reduced income inequalities at the household level through remittances. Climate change will enhance migration, especially from neighboring countries and within Thailand itself, thus helping to reduce poverty and income inequality. Possible economic gains from migration, as well as circulating workers and international retirement migrants are highlighted.Research limitations/implicationsOnly studies published in English or Thai were included, which may have resulted in the omission of some research. A need for rethinking policy design and implementation as a source of sustainable development is required.Originality/valueDespite the recent influences of political and environmental changes, there has previously been no analysis of migration and sustainable development in Thailand in a structured and integrative manner as in this study. The impact of migration on the diffusion of new technology and brain drain issues was also addressed.
One-to-four-wing hyperchaotic fractional-order system and its circuit realization
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhijun , Wen Zihao 
Published: January 2020

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce a novel 4D hyperchaotic fractional-order system which can produce one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors. In the study of chaotic systems with variable-wing attractors, although some chaotic systems can generate one-to-four-wing attractors, none of them are hyperchaotic attractors, which is incomplete for the dynamic characteristics of chaotic systems.Design/methodology/approachA novel 4D fractional-order hyperchaotic system is proposed based on the classical three-dimensional Lü system. The complex and abundant dynamic behaviors of the fractional-order system are analyzed by phase diagrams, bifurcation diagrams and the corresponding Lyapunov exponents. In addition, SE and C0algorithms are used to analyze the complexity of the fractional-order system. Then, the influence of orderqon the system is also investigated. Finally, the circuit is implemented using physical components.FindingsThe most particular interest is that the system can generate one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors with only one parameter variation. Then, the hardware circuit experimental results tally with the numerical simulations, which proves the validity and feasibility of the fractional-order hyperchaotic system. Besides, under different initial conditions, coexisting attractors can be obtained by changing the parameterdor the orderq. Then, the complexity analysis of the system shows that the fractional-order chaotic system has higher complexity than the corresponding integer-order chaotic system.Originality/valueThe circuit structure of the fractional-order hyperchaotic system is simple and easy to implement, and one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors can be observed in the circuit. To the best of the knowledge, this unique phenomenon has not been reported in any literature. It is of great reference value to analysis and circuit realization of fractional-order chaotic systems.
Challenges of privatizing academic medical centers in Saudi Arabia and appropriate strategies for implementation
Authors: Kuwaiti Ahmed Al , Al Muhanna Fahd A. 
Published: January 2020

PurposeA crisis in the financial sustainability of the public healthcare sector often compels governments to consider privatization. The purpose of this paper is to summarize various strategies to overcome the challenges facing the privatization of academic medical centers (AMCs) in Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the authors discuss the challenges faced in privatizing AMCs in delivering their core functions such as patient care, medical education and research. Further, the appropriate strategies are listed to overcome these challenges in privatization of AMCs.FindingsThe authors described the benefits of privatization that include a reduction in the financial burden on government healthcare expenditure, quick decision making and creation of new financial models to improve healthcare services. On the other hand, the profit motive of private management could create pressure on patients and may divert AMCs from their primary objectives. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to develop and implement appropriate strategies that balance the benefits of privatizing AMCs with eliminating the negative impact of privatization on patient care, medical education and research.Originality/valueThough AMCs privatization is currently feasible in Saudi Arabia, appropriate strategies are essential to overcome the challenges of its implementation. The government should frame a uniform rules and regulations prior to privatizing public hospitals so that it will fulfill the purpose in an efficient manner.
Markets need morality: perspectives from Islam, Christianity, and China
Authors: Leightner Jonathan Edward 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to argue that markets need a foundation of morality to promote the long-run success of an economy.

Design/methodology/approach
Three types of ethical theories are discussed and compared with what the sacred scriptures of Islam and Christianity say and with what economic theory says. Examples from China are provided.

Findings
Markets need morality.

Research limitations/implications
There are more religions in the world than just Islam and Christianity; however, space limitations force me to only consider those two religions. Furthermore, there are more countries in the world than just China. However, space limitations force me to only pull examples from China.

Practical implications
Economists should recognize that markets need morality, and they should start teaching that to their students.

Social implications
If markets are built on a foundation of ethics, then society prospers. In the absence of that foundation, societies falter. When a government, business and religious institutions see each other as complementary forces, then ethics can evolve.

Originality/value
The author knows of no other studies that explain the three types of ethical theories, compares those theories to what the sacred scriptures of Islam and Christianity say and to what economic theory says, and then uses examples from China to illustrate the need for morality.
How are overtourism and host–guest relationships portrayed by the Portuguese print media?
Authors: Guizi Alan , Breda Zélia , Costa Rui 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the main perceived impacts of overtourism in Portugal and the reactions of tourism stakeholders in the main Portuguese cities, especially the host.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of news published in Portuguese newspapers between March 2018 and March 2019, applying Bardin’s (2011) content analysis and matching with the theory as proposed by Laville and Dionne (1999).

Findings
The study reveals that the main perceived impacts are the evictions and transformation of old residence into short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) and small hotels, besides other impacts such as garbage in the streets, gentrification, loss of security and others.

Research limitations/implications
The study considered the period of one year, being a limitation of analysis for contexts within that period, as well as the possible partiality of how the context of overtourism is dealt by newspapers.

Practical implications
This study seeks to understand the context of overtourism and its perception by the hosts and aims to present a basis of tourism planning for public and private sector stakeholders, in order to provide a better visit experience to the tourist, without losing the hosts’ quality of life.

Originality/value
Studies using newspapers as sources of data are rare. The newspapers are considered local witnesses; therefore, they bear important information for several purposes, not just for tourism but for other realities or contexts.
A generic investigation process for South African commercial forensic practitioners
Authors: Nortje Jacobus Gerhardus J. , Bredenkamp Daniel P. 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse and discuss the identification of a generic investigation process to be followed by the commercial forensic practitioner in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a cross-sectional design that commenced with a review of the current available literature, highlighting the different approaches, processes and best practices used in local and international forensic practices. The methodology includes primary data collected with questionnaires from commercial forensic practitioner (N = 75) process users.

Findings
This paper identifies the following five distinct categories in the forensic investigation process, with sub-processes, namely, initiation, planning, execution, reporting and reflection.

Research limitations/implications
The study focuses only on the South African members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) fraternity in South Africa as the ICFP is a leading body that, through membership, offers a recognised professional qualification in commercial forensics.

Practical implications
An investigation process for commercial forensic practitioners in South Africa could be used by the ICFP that would provide a governance structure for the ICFP.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in setting out of an account of forensic accounting processes and best practices nationally and internationally. The missing knowledge is that no such research is known to have been conducted in South Africa. Currently, to the authors’ knowledge, no formalised investigation process exists. The contribution of the study is that by using an investigation process, it may enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa that will be beneficial to all stakeholders.