bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Ultrafast Wave-CAIPI 3D FLAIR in the Visualization and Volumetric Estimation of Cerebral White Matter Lesions
Authors: Ngamsombat Chanon , Gonçalves Filho Augusto Lio M. , Figueiro Longo M. Gabriela , Cauley Stephen F. , Setsompop Kawin , Kirsch John E. , Tian Qiyuan , Fan Qiuyun , Polak Daniel , Liu Wei , Lo Wei-Ching , González R. Gilberto , Schaefer Pamela W. , Rapalino Otto , Conklin John , Huang Susie Y. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUND AND PURPOSETo evaluate an ultrafast 3D-FLAIR sequence using Wave-CAIPI encoding (Wave-FLAIR) compared to standard 3D-FLAIR in the visualization and volumetric estimation of cerebral white matter lesions in a clinical setting.MATERIALS AND METHODS42 consecutive patients underwent 3T brain MRI including standard 3D-FLAIR (acceleration factor R=2, scan time TA=7:15 minutes) and resolution-matched ultrafast Wave-FLAIR sequences (R=6, TA=2:45 minutes for the 20-ch coil; R=9, TA=1:50 minutes for the 32-ch coil) as part of clinical evaluation for demyelinating disease. Automated segmentation of cerebral white matter lesions was performed using the Lesion Segmentation Tool in SPM. Student’s t-test, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), relative lesion volume difference (LVD) and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were used to compare volumetric measurements between sequences. Two blinded neuroradiologists evaluated the visualization of white matter lesions, artifact and overall diagnostic quality using a predefined 5-point scale.RESULTSStandard and Wave-FLAIR sequences showed excellent agreement of lesion volumes with an ICC of 0.99 and DSC of 0.97±0.05 (range 0.84 to 0.99). Wave-FLAIR was non-inferior to standard-FLAIR for visualization of lesions and motion. The diagnostic quality for Wave-FLAIR was slightly greater than standard-FLAIR for infratentorial lesions (p<0.001), and there was less pulsation artifact on Wave-FLAIR compared to standard FLAIR (p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSUltrafast Wave-FLAIR provides superior visualization of infratentorial lesions while preserving overall diagnostic quality and yields comparable white matter lesion volumes to those estimated using standard-FLAIR. The availability of ultrafast Wave-FLAIR may facilitate the greater use of 3D-FLAIR sequences in the evaluation of patients with suspected demyelinating disease.
IL-33 promotes innate lymphoid cell-dependent IFN-γ production required for innate immunity toToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Clark Joseph T. , Christian David A. , Gullicksrud Jodi A. , Perry Joseph A. , Park Jeongho , Jacquet Maxime , Tarrant James C. , Radaelli Enrico , Silver Jonathan , Hunter Christopher A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIL-33 is an alarmin required for resistance to the parasiteToxoplasma gondii, but its role in innate resistance to this infection is unclear.T. gondiiinfection promotes increased stromal cell expression of IL-33 and levels of parasite replication correlate with IL-33 release. In response to infection, a subset of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) emerges composed of IL-33R+NK cells and ILC1s. In Rag-/-mice, where NK cells and ILC1 provide an innate mechanism of resistance toT. gondii, the loss of IL-33R reduced ILC responses and increased parasite replication. Furthermore, administration of IL-33 to Rag-/-mice resulted in a marked decrease in parasite burden, increased production of IFN-γ and the recruitment and expansion of inflammatory monocytes associated with parasite control. These protective effects of exogenous IL-33 were dependent on endogenous IL-12p40 and the ability of IL-33 to enhance ILC production of IFN-γ. These results highlight that IL-33 synergizes with IL-12 to promote ILC-mediated resistance toT. gondii.
Rapid mechanical stimulation of inner-ear hair cells by photonic pressure
Authors: Abeytunge Sanjeewa , Gianoli Francesco , Hudspeth A.J. , Kozlov Andrei S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHair cells, the receptors of the inner ear, detect sounds by transducing mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. From the top surface of each hair cell protrudes a mechanical antenna, the hair bundle, which the cell uses to detect and amplify auditory stimuli, thus sharpening frequency selectivity and providing a broad dynamic range. Current methods for mechanically stimulating hair bundles are too slow to encompass the frequency range of mammalian hearing and are plagued by inconsistencies. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a method to move individual hair bundles with photonic force. This technique uses an optical fiber whose tip is tapered to a diameter of a few micrometers and endowed with a ball lens to minimize divergence of the light beam. Here we describe the fabrication, characterization, and application of this optical system and demonstrate the rapid application of photonic force to vestibular and cochlear hair cells.
Computationally scalable regression modeling for ultrahigh-dimensional omics data with ParProx
Authors: Ko Seyoon , Li Ginny X. , Choi Hyungwon , Won Joong-Ho 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStatistical analysis of ultrahigh-dimensional omics scale data has long depended on univariate hypothesis testing. With growing data features and samples, the obvious next step is to establish multivariable association analysis as a routine method for understanding genotype-phenotype associations. Here we present ParProx, a state-of-the-art implementation to optimize overlapping group lasso regression models for time-to-event and classification analysis, guided by biological priors through coordinated variable selection. ParProx not only enables model fitting for ultrahigh-dimensional data within the architecture for parallel or distributed computing, but also allows users to obtain interpretable regression models consistent with known biological relationships among the independent variables, a feature long neglected in statistical modeling of omics data. We demonstrate ParProx using three different omics data sets of moderate to large numbers of variables, where we use genomic regions and pathways to arrive at sparse regression models comprised of biologically related independent variables. ParProx is naturally applicable to a wide range of studies using ultrahigh-dimensional omics data, ranging from genome-wide association analysis to single cell sequencing studies where multivariable modeling is computationally intractable.
Manipulating base quality scores enables variant calling from bisulfite sequencing alignments using conventional Bayesian approaches
Authors: Nunn Adam , Otto Christian , Fasold Mario , Stadler Peter F. , Langenberger David 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCalling germline SNP variants from bisulfite-converted sequencing data poses a challenge for conventional software, which have no inherent capability to dissociate true polymorphisms from artificial mutations induced by the chemical treatment. Nevertheless, SNP data is desirable both for genotyping and to understand the DNA methylome in the context of the genetic background. The confounding effect of bisulfite conversion can be resolved by observing differences in allele counts on a per-strand basis, whereby artificial mutations are reflected by non-complementary base pairs. Herein, we present a computational pre-processing approach for adapting sequence alignment data, thus indirectly enabling downstream analysis in this manner using conventional variant calling software such as GATK or Freebayes. In comparison to specialised tools, the method represents a marked improvement in precision-sensitivity based on high-quality, published benchmark datasets for both human and model plant variants.
Transcriptomic analyses of MYCN-regulated genes in anaplastic Wilms’ tumour cell lines reveals oncogenic pathways and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities
Authors: Szemes Marianna , Melegh Zsombor , Bellamy Jacob , Park Ji Hyun , Chen Biyao , Greenhough Alexander , Catchpoole Daniel , Malik Karim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTheMYCNproto-oncogene is deregulated in many cancers, most notably in neuroblastoma whereMYCNgene amplification identifies a clinical subset with very poor prognosis. Gene expression and DNA analyses have also demonstrated over-expression ofMYCNmRNA, as well as focal amplifications, copy number gains and presumptive change of function mutations ofMYCNin Wilms’ tumours with poorer outcome, including tumours with diffuse anaplasia. Surpisingly, however, the expression and functions of the MYCN protein in Wilms’ tumours still remain obscure.In this study, we assessed MYCN protein expression in primary Wilms’ tumours using immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays. We found MYCN protein to be expressed in tumour blastemal cells, and absent in stromal and epithelial components. For functional studies, we used two anaplastic Wilms’ tumour cell-lines, WiT49 and 17.94, to study the biological and transcriptomic effects of MYCN depletion. We found that MYCN knockdown consistently led to growth suppression but not cell death. RNA sequencing identified 561 MYCN-regulated genes shared by WiT49 and 17.94 cell-lines. As expected, numerous cellular processes were downstream of MYCN. MYCN positively regulated the miRNA regulator and known Wilms’ tumour oncogeneLIN28B, the genes encoding methylosome proteins PRMT1, PRMT5 and WDR77, and the mitochondrial translocase genesTOMM20andTIMM50. MYCN repressed genes included the developmental signalling receptorROBO1and the stromal markerCOL1A1.Importantly, we found that MYCN also repressed the presumptive Wilms’ tumour suppressor geneREST, with MYCN knockdown resulting in increased REST protein and concomitant repression of REST target genes. Together, our study identifies regulatory axes that interact with MYCN, providing novel pathways for potential targeted therapeutics for poor prognosis Wilms’ tumour.
Revisiting the measurement of financial inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Adegbite Olayinka O. , Machethe Charles L. , Anderson C. Leigh 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis study aims to develop and apply a multidimensional measure of financial inclusion (FI) to address measurement issues and determine the level of FI of rural smallholder farmers and the contribution of domain indicators to the level of FI in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adapts the Alkire–Foster method to develop a multidimensional FI index (MFII). A stratified two-stage sampling procedure is used to select 2,300 rural respondents from the 2016 Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) Smallholder Household Survey.FindingsResults indicate that 78% of rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria are financially excluded. In addition, owning a formal account is significantly different (p < 0.00) from being financially adequate. The financial capability domain contributes the least (29.66%) to the multidimensional FI (MFI) of rural smallholder farmers relative to financial participation and financial well-being. Financial literacy, consumer protection, overcoming barriers such as high transaction costs and financial planning indicators contribute the least to FI relative to formal access.Practical implicationsResults of the study lead to policy recommendations for increasing the FI of rural smallholder farmers in Nigeria, which may be applicable to other countries.Social implicationsAchieving sustainable FI requires that interventions increase the FI of rural smallholder farmers by strengthening financial capability, participation and well-being and not only focus on formal account owners.Originality/valueThe study provides a new methodological and empirical contribution to the FI literature on rural smallholder farmers.
Developing a model for mental health services for children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism in North West England
Authors: Wee Christine , Mottershead Trixie , Wright Sarah , Jaydeokar Sujeet , Odiyoor Mahesh 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to improve community care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism. Lack of coordination between agencies leads to children and young people with the most complex needs falling between services. The North West Operational Delivery Network (ODN) for learning disability and autism set out to develop a model of care for mental health services for children and young people with ID and/or autism in North West England that would improve coordination between services and lead to better community care.

Design/methodology/approach
The ODN held a series of good practice events and consultations with stakeholders in North West England to look at gaps in service provision, national guidelines and agree on a pathway for services.

Findings
The ODN decided to use the THRIVE framework as the basis for a specific model of care. Interventions were mapped against the THRIVE groupings, including pathways and team specifications for assessment and support for children with autism, and models for child and adolescent mental health service support for ID and/or autism, for keeping children and young people with behaviour that challenges in the community and transition.

Originality/value
This model aims to provide the North West England region with a clear multi-agency approach for supporting the needs of this population and supports multi-agency commissioning, gap analysis, earlier intervention and improving health outcomes for this population.
Relative effectiveness of celebrity and product match-up for two high consumer involvement situations
Authors: Hussain Danish , Adnan Arham , Khan Maaz Hasan 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe study attempted to gauge the relative effectiveness of celebrity and product image match-up in comparison to non-celebrity attractive endorsers for two distinct high involvement situations. Also, due to the expected demographic diversity among target consumers, the study aimed at assessing the impact of respondent's age and gender on the effectiveness of image match-up.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the three-order hierarchy model, two experiments were conducted (utilising celebrity and non-celebrity endorsers) for two high involvement hierarchies, i.e. standard learning and dissonance/attribution. Through fictitious print advertisement, the experiments assessed the effectiveness of the match-up in terms of consumer attitudes towards advertisement and brand and intentions to purchase.FindingsThe match-up consistently and significantly outperformed non-celebrity attractive endorser in case of standard learning hierarchy. The same conclusion was not established for dissonance/attribution hierarchy due to the lack of significant results. The findings also suggest that the match-up subdues the impact of consumer's gender and age on consumer attitudes only in case of standard learning hierarchy.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides interesting theoretical implication by challenging a widely held postulation about the applicability of celebrity and product match-up under high involvement.Practical implicationsThe research provides the practitioners with a better understanding of important issues, mainly, whether to use a celebrity endorser and selecting the right celebrity, especially if high involvement is expected.Originality/valuePrevious research concerning celebrity endorsements has largely considered consumer involvement as unitary, i.e. either high or low. However, the multifaceted aspect of consumer involvement is well established in the field of consumer psychology. The present research, therefore, is a pioneering attempt as it studies the effectiveness of match-up for two distinct high involvement situations. Moreover, unlike the majority of previous studies that have focused on the performance of “celebrity match” versus “celebrity mismatch”, the impact of match-up was studied in comparison to a non-celebrity attractive endorser.
The application of digital technology in gambling industry
Authors: Liu Matthew Tingchi , Dong Shiying , Zhu Mingxia 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe study aims to integrate the insights gained from the gambling industry into a value creation conceptual framework for analyzing the influence of digital technology application. Both primary and secondary data from industry practitioners are examined and discussed.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews covering top management from six major casinos in Macau were conducted with industry experts, who provided the pioneering feedback on digitalization technology implemented with examples from major casino cities, including Macau, Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, Singapore, Seoul and some others.FindingsThe study provides an overview of the current status of the application of digital technology in the gambling industry and the level of the feasibility, practicability and profitability of this development on the casino floor. Digital technologies are found to augment the gambling industry in aspects of the product, service and operational structure. Research also discovers that benefits and values gained by the casino can be categorized in three dimensions: (1) value perceived by the customer, (2) value obtained from the customer and (3) value gained by the firm.Originality/valueThe research serves as a reference for Macau policymakers regarding regulations on emerging digital technologies in the gambling industry, as well as for casino management seeking to understand new potential business opportunities and future developments in digitalization.
‘Welcome on board’: resource dependency and agency theoretic evidence from the South African life insurance market
Authors: Alhassan Abdul Latif , Zyambo Kalwani , Afua Boakye Mary-Ann 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper examines the role of corporate governance on the financial performance of life insurers in South Africa. Specifically, the paper tests two competing hypotheses on the role of boards as effective monitors of opportunistic behaviour of executives, as prescribed by the agency theory or as an effective resource, as advocated by the resource dependency view.Design/methodology/approachThe paper estimates both static and dynamic panel data of 68 insurers from 2007 to 2014 using random effects, panel corrected standard error ordinary least squares and generalized method of moment’s estimation techniques. Board size, audit committee size, board independence and audit committee independence are used as the governance indicators while profitability is measured as returns on assets and equity.FindingsThe findings support both the resource dependency and agency theoretic views of boards. Specifically, the results indicate that large board and audit committees improve financial performance which supports the view of boards as effective resources for insurers. In addition, the role of non-executive directors in addressing agency conflict is reflected in the positive effect of board independence on financial performance. However, the long-run causal positive effect is only reported for audit committee size on return on assets. In addition, the paper also finds evidence of profitability persistence in the life insurance market. Finally, reinsurance usage, insurer size and market concentration were found to have a negative effect on financial performance.Practical implicationsThe findings re-enforce the important role of boards in their oversight responsibilities and as effective resources in the operations of highly specialized insurance businesses.Originality/valueAs far as the authors are concerned, this empirical analysis documents the first evidence of the linkages between governance mechanisms and financial performance of an insurance market in Africa.
Elite maintenance work across the Covid-19 crisis: a critical view on power and language
Authors: Riaz Suhaib , Buchanan Sean 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to present a critical interpretation of unfolding events related to corporate and policymaking elites during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic crisis to serve as a point of contrast to mainstream views.Design/methodology/approachDrawing upon literature on elite maintenance and power, learning from recent previous crises and emerging evidence during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, this study develops arguments to question and problematize the exercise of power by elites toward maintenance of existing systems across the pandemic.FindingsCritical examination points attention to three related but analytically distinct strategies in the exercise of elite power: reinforcing myths, redirecting blame and reclaiming positions, all directed to maintain the system and preserve power. The potential effects of this ongoing elite maintenance are highlighted, revealing the old and new forms of power likely to emerge at the corporate, national and global levels across the pandemic crisis and endure beyond it.Social implicationsIt is hoped that the critical examination here may build more awareness about the deep and complex nature of elite power and systems across the globe that preclude meaningful system change to address societal challenges. It may thereby provide more informed engagement toward system change.Originality/valueThe main originality of the paper lies in its attempt to tie together the various types of elite maintenance works and their potential effects into an overarching narrative. Making these connections and interpreting them from a critical perspective provides a rare large-canvas picture of elite power and system maintenance, particularly across a global crisis.
Identifying impact of variables in deep learning models on bankruptcy prediction of construction contractors
Authors: Jang Youjin , Jeong Inbae , Cho Yong K. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeThe study seeks to identify the impact of variables in a deep learning-based bankruptcy prediction model, which has achieved superior performance to other prediction models but cannot easily interpret hidden processes.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed three LSTM-RNN–based models that predicted the probability of bankruptcy before 1, 2 and 3 years using financial, the construction market and macroeconomic variables as input variables. Then, the impacts of the input variables that affected prediction accuracy in each model were identified by using Shapley value and compared among the three models. This study also investigated the prediction accuracy using variants of input variables grouped sequentially by high-impact ranking.FindingsThe results showed that the prediction accuracies were largely impacted by “housing starts” in all models. As the prediction period increased, the effects of macroeconomic variables on prediction accuracy increased, whereas the impact of “return on assets” on prediction accuracy decreased. It also found that the “current ratio” and “debt ratio” significantly influenced the prediction accuracies in all models. Also, the results revealed that similar prediction accuracies could be achieved using only 8, 10, and 10 variables out of a total of 18 variables for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year prediction models, respectively.Originality/valueThis study provides a Shapley value-based approach to identify how each input variable in a deep-learning bankruptcy prediction model. The findings of this study can not only assist in obtaining better insights into the underlying concept of bankruptcy but also use to select variables by removing those identified as less significant.