bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different α2δ Accessory Subunits Regulate Distinctly Different Aspects of Calcium Channel Function in the Same Drosophila Neurons
Authors: Heinrich Laurin , Ryglewski Stefanie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVoltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) regulate neuronal excitability and translate activity into calcium dependent intracellular signaling. The pore forming α1subunit of high voltage activated (HVA) VGCCs operates not in isolation but associates with α2δ accessory subunits. α2δ subunits can affect calcium channel biophysical properties, surfacing, localization and transport, but theirin vivofunctions are incompletely understood. In vertebrates, it is largely unknown whether different combinations of the four α2δ and the 7 α1subunits mediate different or partially redundant functions or whether different α1/α2δ combinations regulate different aspects of VGCC function. This study capitalizes on the relatively simpler situation in the Drosophila genetic model that contains only two genes for HVA calcium channels, one Cav1 homolog and one Cav2 homolog, both with well-described functions in different compartments of identified motoneurons. We find that both dα2δ1and dα2δ3(stj) are broadly but differently expressed in the nervous system. Both are expressed in motoneurons, but with differential subcellular localization. Functional analysis reveals that dα2δ3is required for normal Cav1 and Cav2 current amplitudes and for correct Cav2 channel function in all neuronal compartments, axon terminal, axon, and somatodendritic domain. By contrast, dα2δ1does not affect Cav1 or Cav2 current amplitudes or presynaptic function, but it is required for correct Cav2 channel allocation to the axonal versus the dendritic domain. Therefore, different α2δ subunits are required in the same neurons to precisely regulate distinctly different functions of HVA calcium channels, which is in accord with specific α2δ mutations causing different brain diseases.Significance StatementCalcium influx through the pore forming α1-subunit of voltage gated calcium channels serves essential neuronal functions, such as synaptic vesicle release, control of action potential shape and frequencies, synaptic input computations, and transcriptional control. Localization and function of α1-calcium channel subunits depend on interactions with α2δ accessory subunits. Here we presentin vivoanalysis of Drosophila motoneurons revealing that different α2δ subunits independently regulate distinctly different aspects of calcium channel function in the same neuron, such as current amplitude and dendritic versus axonal channel localization. Our findings start unraveling how different α1/α2δ combinations regulate functional calcium channel diversity in different sub-neuronal compartments, and may provide an entry point toward understanding how mutations of different α2δ genes underlie brain diseases.
Promotion of hyperthermic-induced rDNA hypercondensation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Shen Donglai , Skibbens Robert V. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTRibosome biogenesis is tightly regulated through stress-sensing pathways that impact genome stability, aging and senescence. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, ribosomal RNAs are transcribed from rDNA located on the right arm of chromosome XII. Numerous studies reveal that rDNA decondenses into a puff-like structure during interphase and condenses into a tight loop-like structure during mitosis. Intriguingly, a novel and additional mechanism of increased mitotic rDNA compaction (termed hypercondensation) was recently discovered that occurs in response to temperature stress (hyperthermic-induced) and is rapidly reversible. Here, we report that neither changes in condensin nor cohesin binding dynamics appear to play a critical role in hyperthermic-induced rDNA hypercondensation – differentiating this architectural state from normal mitotic condensation (requiring cohesins and condensins) and the premature condensation (requiring condensins) that occurs during interphase in response to nutrient starvation. A candidate genetic approach revealed that deletion of either Hsp82 or Hsc82 (Hsp90 heat shock paralogs) result in significantly reduced hyperthermic-induced rDNA hypercondensation. Intriguingly, Hsp inhibitors do not impact rDNA hypercondensation. In combination, these findings suggest that Hsp90 either stabilizes client proteins, which are sensitive to very transient thermic challenges, or directly promotes rDNA hypercondensation during preanaphase. Our findings further reveal that the high mobility group protein Hmo1 is a negative regulator of mitotic rDNA condensation, distinct from its role in promoting premature-condensation of rDNA during interphase upon nutrient starvation.
An automatic approach to constrained quadrilateral mesh generation
Authors: Ma Xinwu , Sun Lu 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Arbitrary constraints might be included into the problem domain in many engineering applications, which represent specific features such as multi-domain interfaces, cracks with small yield stresses, stiffeners attached on the plate for reinforcement and so on. To imprint these constraints into the final mesh, additional techniques need to be developed to treat these constraints properly.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an automatic approach to generate quadrilateral meshes for the geometric models with complex feature constraints. Firstly, the region is decomposed into sub-regions by the constraints, and then the quadrilateral mesh is generated in each sub-region that satisfies the constraints. A method that deals with constraint lines and points is presented. A distribution function is proposed to represent the distribution of mesh size over the region by using the Laplace equation. The density lines and points can be specified inside the region and reasonable mesh size distribution can be obtained by solving the Laplace equation.

Findings
An automatic method to define sub-regions is presented, and the user interaction can be avoided. An algorithm for constructing loops from constraint lines is proposed, which can deal with the randomly distributed constraint lines in a general way. A method is developed to deal with constraint points and quality elements can be generated around constraint points. A function defining the distribution of mesh size is put forward. The examples of constrained quadrilateral mesh generation in actual engineering analysis are presented to show the performance of the approach.

Originality/value
An automatic approach to constrained quadrilateral mesh generation is presented in this paper. It can generate required quality meshes for special applications with complex internal feature constraints.
Selecting project delivery methods for water treatment plants
Authors: Feghaly Jeffrey , El Asmar Mounir , Ariaratnam Samuel , Bearup Wylie 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify key project delivery method selection factors to assist water industry decision-makers in selecting the most appropriate delivery method for their water treatment plant projects.Design/methodology/approachThe selection factors were identified by compiling and validating key project delivery selection factors across various industries through an extensive literature review and two industry expert workshops. This resulted in the development of a web-based decision-support tool to facilitate project delivery method selection within the water industry.FindingsThe research effort led to the identification of 13 key project delivery method selection factors (seven primary factors and six secondary factors) for water treatment plant projects. These factors were utilized to develop EXPRSS-TP, a pioneering web-based project delivery method decision-support tool for the water industry.Practical implicationsA project delivery method selection process is typically an informal process that may range from days to weeks at a time. Based on this work, the assessment can now be completed in about one hour and provides decision-makers with the most favorable delivery method for their project. And with the new tool that encompasses the new knowledge, not only is the decision reached at an accelerated pace, EXPRSS-TP also documents the entire selection process, allowing for a written and retained record of this key decision and its procedure.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the exisiting body of knowledge by identifying key project delivery selection factors across numerous industries, assessing and combining them, and finally incorporating them into one comprehensive process. EXPRSS-TP improves the traditional project delivery method selection process and provides evidence-based project delivery method selection recommendations.
Time-dependent reliability analysis of the motor hanger for EMU based on stochastic process
Authors: Zhi Pengpeng , Xu Yue , Chen Bingzhi 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
Most of the previous work on reliability analysis was based on the traditional reliability theory. The calculated results can only reflect the reliability of components at a specific time, which neglects the uncertainty of load and resistance over time. The purpose of this paper is to develop a time-dependent reliability analysis approach based on stochastic process to deal with the problem and apply it to the structural design of railway vehicle components.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the parametric model of motor hanger for electric multiple unit (EMU) is established by ANSYS parametric design language, and its structural stress is analyzed according to relevant standards. The Latin hypercube method is used to analyze the sensitivity of the structure, and the uncertainty parameters (sizes and loads) which have great influence on the structural strength are determined. The D-optimal experimental design is carried out to establish the polynomial response surface function, which characterizes the relationship between uncertainty parameters and structural stress. Second, the Poisson stochastic process is adopted to describe the number of loads acting, and the Monte Carlo method is used to obtain the load acting history according to its probability distribution characteristics. The load history is introduced into the response surface function and the uncertainty of other parameters is considered at the same time, and the stress history of the motor hanger is obtained. Finally, the degradation process of structural resistance is described by a Gamma stochastic process, and the time-dependent reliability of the motor hanger is calculated based on the reliability theory.

Findings
Time and the uncertainties of parameters have great impact on reliability. The results of reliability decrease with time fluctuation are more reasonable, stable and credible than traditional methods.

Practical implications
In this paper, the proposed method is applied to the structural design of the motor hanger for EMU, which has a good guiding significance for accurately evaluating whether if the design meets the reliability requirements.

Originality/value
The value of this paper is that the method takes both the randomness of load over time and the uncertainty of structural parameters in the design and manufactures process into consideration, and describes the monotonous degradation characteristics of structural resistance. At the same time, the time-dependent reliability of mechanical components is calculated by a response surface method. It not only improves the accuracy of reliability analysis, but also improves the analysis efficiency and solves the problem that the traditional reliability analysis method can only reflect the static reliability of components.
Why ostracized full-time faculty should not be labeled as “low performer”? A qualitative insight from higher education in Pakistan
Authors: Bilal Ahmad Raza , Fatima Tehreem , Imran Muhammad Kashif 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how the exclusionary work environment characterized by ostracism impacts full-time faculty experiences and responses in higher educational institutions working in eastern and collectivist culture of Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative phenomenological approach, the data were gathered form 25 ostracized full-time faculty working in the public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan via in-depth semi-structured interviews. The interviews are subsequently recorded, transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis using NVivo 11 Plus software.FindingsProsocial work outcomes coupled with high intensity of negative psychological impacts were traced based on the re-inclusion expectations, long-term relational contract, the socially interdependent, collaborative and collectivist culture of academic settings. However, the faculty indicated, in case of chronic exposure to ostracism they will engage in negative outcomes such as withdrawal, decrease in performance and resignation.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study can be used by the university administration to develop an inclusive and non-discriminatory culture. This can be done by devising policies for information sharing, better formal and informal relationships in full-time teaching faculty along with grievance mechanism to minimize the occurrence of workplace ostracism.Originality/valueThe study promotes the understating of exclusionary work environments in academic settings. It has shown that the full-time faculty from all levels, specifically lecturers, experience workplace ostracism. This study has highlighted the specific contextual factors and temporal trends that shape the unique nature and responses (i.e. more social exclusion, prosocial responses and higher psychological distress) to ostracism in scantly researched academic settings in Pakistan.
Leadership in the safety sense: where does perceived organisational support fit?
Authors: Addo Seth Ayisi , Dartey-Baah Kwasi 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine leaders’ influence on the safety behaviours of employees and the possible mediating role of perceived organisational support (POS), focussing on transformational and transactional leadership.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered through a survey from 264 engineers and technicians in the power transmission subsector in Ghana and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings
The analyses revealed that transformational leadership influenced safety behaviours positively while transactional leadership had no significant influence on employees’ safety behaviours. POS also mediated between the leadership styles and safety behaviours.

Practical implications
Supervisors need to exhibit more transformational leadership behaviours and organisations need to show support for their employees’ wellbeing in order to aid supervisors’ influence on employees’ safety behaviours, especially if the leaders are more transactional in nature.

Originality/value
The study addresses a dearth in literature and highlights the influences of leadership styles on the safety behaviours of the employees, as well as the importance of the organisation to commit to employees’ support and safety so as to enhance their good perceptions and consequently elicit better performance from them.
Energetic constraints on mammalian home‐range size
Authors: Boratyński Zbyszek 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

The metabolic theory of ecology predicts that rates of metabolic processes play a central role in constraining important fitness traits such as home‐range size. Locomotory behaviours are physiologically expensive, yet the relative importance of the animal's energetics in determining their home ranges is unknown.

It is tested here whether maintenance costs (BMR; basal metabolic rate), energetic capacity (VO2max; maximum metabolic rate) or available energy above self‐maintenance (aerobic scope) are related to the size of mammalian home ranges using phylogenetic comparative methods.

The first quantitative support for the hypothesis that home‐range size is limited by metabolic rates, accounting for variation in body mass, is presented. In particular, the negative effect of BMR, along with the positive effect of VO2max, on home‐range size revealed that aerobic scope plays a prominent role in constraining home ranges.

These findings suggest optimization of energy allocation where past selection promoted an increase in mobility at the lowest possible body maintenance costs. High aerobic capacity is needed to operate large home ranges. However, in habitats of limited productivity, the associated increase in self‐maintenance constrains energy allocation to locomotory behaviours, reinforcing the importance of metabolic processes in ecology.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Reverse time migration of ground‐penetrating radar with full wavefield decomposition based on the Hilbert transform
Authors: Zhong Shichao , Wang Yibo , Zheng Yikang , Chang Xu 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThe conventional reverse time migration of ground‐penetrating radar data is implemented with the two‐way wave equation. The cross‐correlation result contains low‐frequency noise and false images caused by improper wave paths. To eliminate low‐frequency noise and improve the quality of the migration image, we propose to separate the left‐up‐going, left‐down‐going, right‐up‐going and right‐down‐going wavefield components in the forward‐ and backward‐propagated wavefields based on the Hilbert transform. By applying the reverse time migration of ground‐penetrating radar data with full wavefield decomposition based on the Hilbert transform, we obtain the reverse time migration images of different wavefield components and combine correct imaging conditions to generate complete migration images. The proposed method is tested on the synthetic ground‐penetrating radar data of a tilt‐interface model and a complex model. The migration results show that the imaging condition of different wavefield components can highlight the desired structures. We further discuss the reasons for incomplete images by reverse time migration with partial wavefields. Compared with the conventional reverse time migration methods for ground‐penetrating radar data, low‐frequency noise can be eliminated in images generated by the reverse time migration method with full wavefield decomposition based on the Hilbert transform.
Comparative effectiveness of different antiplatelet agents at reducing TNF‐driven inflammatory responses in a mouse model
Authors: Lee Hae‐Ri , Park Kyung‐Yeon , Jeong Young‐Jin , Heo Tae‐Hwe 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAntiplatelet drugs are conventionally used as treatments because of their anti‐coagulation functions. However, their pleiotropic effects are of great significance to the treatment of ischaemic cardiovascular diseases. Many studies have reported that an excessive amount of inflammation driven by tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is closely related to the prevalence of atherosclerosis. As the drug selection criteria and evaluation methods related to the anti‐TNF activity of antiplatelet drugs remain limited, our investigation of these drugs should prove beneficial. In this study, we compared the anti‐TNF activity of three antiplatelet agents, namely clopidogrel, sarpogrelate, and cilostazol, using the TNF‐induced inflammatory mouse model. After the oral administration of these drugs, acute inflammation was induced via injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or D‐galactosamine (D‐gal) and TNF. Serum TNF levels, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF in mouse heart tissue, macrophage accumulation in aortic lesions, and mouse survival were analysed to compare the anti‐TNF effects of the three antiplatelet agents. Of the three antiplatelet agents, cilostazol significantly reduced the different levels under the most effective observation. In addition, cilostazol was found to attenuate the TNF‐stimulated phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cell (NF‐κB) p65 in the aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line, MOVAS‐1 and the D‐gal plus TNF‐challenged heart tissue of mouse. Therefore, cilostazol is the most ideal of the three antiplatelet drugs for the treatment of TNF‐mediated inflammatory disorders.
A problem‐based approach to understanding public support for referendums
Authors: WERNER HANNAH , MARIEN SOFIE , FELICETTI ANDREA 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA prominent explanation of widespread popular support for referendums is dissatisfaction with the functioning of representative democracy. In this article, the aim is to gain a better understanding of how dissatisfaction affects support for referendums. Drawing on previous research, it is argued here that citizens follow a problem‐based approach in their support for referendums, in that referendums are considered a suitable solution to address some specific problems in a political system but not all. Survey data from the 2012 European Social Survey (29 countries; N = 37,070) is used to show that citizens’ expectations towards and evaluations of representatives relate to support for referendums. In particular, dissatisfaction with the ability of governments to listen to their citizens is associated with higher support for referendums. In contrast, citizens dissatisfied with the government's ability to lead are less supportive of referendums. Furthermore, the relationship between dissatisfaction with governments’ ability to listen varies across countries depending on the level of experience with decision making via referendum. In countries where referendums are used more often, the expectation of referendums being able to solve the problem of unresponsive government is weaker. This study offers important insights into the different ways in which preferences and evaluations of representative practices relate to popular support for referendums.
Hospitalists staffing levels and hospital performance
Authors: Al‐Amin Mona , Li Kate 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjective (or Study Question)To examine the association between hospitalists staffing levels and contract type with CMS Total Performance Score (TPS).Data Sources/Study SettingTotal performance scores were obtained from CMS, hospital‐level data from the 2015 American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database, and unemployment rates from the Area Resource Health File.Study DesignWe used cluster analysis to classify hospitals based on the distribution of various hospitalist contracts, and we used regression analysis to examine the association between TPS and hospitalist staffing levels and contract distributions. Hospital‐level predictors included hospitalists staffing levels, RN staffing levels, and Magnet status. Market‐level variables were unemployment rates and competition.Principal FindingsHigher staffing levels of employed hospitalists or hospitalists with a group contract are associated with higher TPS (with coefficient estimates of 0.85 and 0.83, respectively, and the same standard error of 0.22). Higher staffing levels of hospitalists under individual contract are negatively associated with TPS (with coefficient estimate of −0.43 and standard error of 0.21). Based on the regression analysis using hospital clusters as independent variables, hospitals with individual contracts or without hospitalists providing care had significantly worse TPS compared to hospitals that predominantly employ hospitalists (with coefficient estimate of −1.80 and standard error of 0.61). Magnet status, RN staffing levels, and small and medium size were positively associated with TPS. Medicare share of inpatient days, teaching status, AMCs, and for‐profit and public nonfederal ownership were negatively associated with TPS.ConclusionsAdequate hospitalist staffing level is important for hospitals to achieve better performance. Hospitals need to consider the mix of arrangements or contracts that they have with hospitalists.