bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered Relationship between Soluble TREM2 and Inflammatory Markers in Young Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Weber Grace E. , Koenig Katherine , Khrestian Maria , Shao Yvonne , Tuason Elizabeth D. , Gramm Marie , Lal Dennis , Leverenz James B. , Bekris Lynn M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIndividuals with Down syndrome (DS) develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) - related neuropathology, characterized by amyloid plaques with amyloid β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles with tau accumulation more frequently and at an earlier age than their neurotypical counterparts. Peripheral inflammation and the innate immune response are elevated in DS. Triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) genetic variants are risk factors for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. A soluble cleavage product of TREM2 (sTREM2) has been described as elevated in AD cerebrospinal fluid and positively correlates with Aβ and cognitive decline. There is relatively little information about TREM2 in DS. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sTREM2 and inflammatory markers in DS, prior to the development of dementia symptoms. Since TREM2 plays a role in the innate immune response and has been associated with dementia, the hypothesis of this exploratory study was that young adults with DS pre-dementia (n=15, mean age 29.5 years) would exhibit a different relationship between sTREM2 and inflammatory markers in plasma, compared to neurotypical, age-matched controls (n=16, mean age 29.6 years). Indeed, young adults with DS had significantly elevated plasma sTREM2 and inflammatory markers. In addition, in young adults with DS, sTREM2 correlated positively with 24 of the measured cytokines, while there were no significant correlations in the control group. Hierarchical clustering of sTREM2 and cytokine concentrations also differed between the group with DS and controls, supporting the hypothesis that its function is altered in people with DS pre-dementia. This exploratory study provides a basis for future studies investigating the relationship between TREM2 and the broader immune response pre-dementia.
A multivariate phylogenetic comparative method incorporating a flexible function between discrete and continuous traits
Authors: Haba Yuki , Kutsukake Nobuyuki 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOne major challenge of using the phylogenetic comparative method (PCM) is the analysis of the evolution of interrelated continuous and discrete traits in a single multivariate statistical framework. In addition, more intricate parameters such as branch-specific directional selection have rarely been integrated into such multivariate PCM frameworks. Here, originally motivated to analyze the complex evolutionary trajectories of group size (continuous variable) and social systems (discrete variable) in African subterranean rodents, we develop a flexible approach using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). Specifically, our multivariate ABC-PCM method allows the user to flexibly model an underlying latent evolutionary function between continuous and discrete traits. The ABC-PCM also simultaneously incorporates complex evolutionary parameters such as branch-specific selection. This study highlights the flexibility of ABC-PCMs in analyzing the evolution of phenotypic traits interrelated in a complex manner.
KMT5C displays robust retention and liquid-like behavior in phase separated heterochromatin
Authors: Strickfaden Hilmar , Missiaen Kristal , Hendzel Michael J. , Underhill D. Alan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe pericentromere exists as a distinct chromatin compartment that is thought to form by a process of phase separation. This reflects the ability of the heterochromatin protein CBX5 (aka HP1α) to form liquid condensates that encapsulate pericentromeres.1,2 In general, phase separation compartmentalizes specific activities within the cell, but unlike membrane-bound organelles, their contents rapidly exchange with their surroundings.3 Here, we describe a novel state for the lysine methyltransferase KMT5C where it diffuses within condensates of pericentromeric heterochromatin but undergoes strikingly limited nucleoplasmic exchange, revealing a barrier to exit similar to that of biological membranes. This liquid-like behavior maps to a discrete protein segment with a small number of conserved sequence features and containing separable determinants for localization and retention that cooperate to confer strict spatial control. Accordingly, loss of KMT5C retention led to aberrant spreading of its catalytic product (H4K20me3) throughout the nucleus. We further found that KMT5C retention was reversible in response to chromatin state, which differed markedly for CBX5 and the methyl-CpG binding protein MeCP2, revealing considerable plasticity in the control of these phase separated assemblies. Our results establish that KMT5C represents a precedent in the biological phase separation4 continuum that confers robust spatial constraint of a protein and its catalytic activity without progression to a gel or solid.
ConnectedReads: machine-learning optimized long-range genome analysis workflow for next-generation sequencing
Authors: Su Chung-Tsai , Weng Sid , Li Yun-Lung , Chang Ming-Tai 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCurrent human genome sequencing assays in both clinical and research settings primarily utilize short-read sequencing and apply resequencing pipelines to detect genetic variants. However, theses mapping-based data analysis pipelines remains a considerable challenge due to an incomplete reference genome, mapping errors and high sequence divergence. To overcome this challenge, we propose an efficient and effective whole-read assembly workflow with unsupervised graph mining algorithms on an Apache Spark large-scale data processing platform called ConnectedReads. By fully utilizing short-read data information, ConnectedReads is able to generate assembled contigs and then benefit downstream pipelines to provide higher-resolution SV discovery than that provided by other methods, especially in high diversity against reference and N-gap regions of reference. Furthermore, we demonstrate a cost-effective approach by leveraging ConnectedReads to investigate all spectra of genetic changes in population-scale studies.
Differential geometry of autonomous wheel-legged robots
Authors: Bulut Vahide 
Published: September 2019

Purpose The purpose of this study is to obtain the differential geometric analysis of autonomous wheel-legged robots and their trajectories on the terrain.

Design/methodology/approach The author uses a wheel using the osculating sphere of the curve on rough terrain. Additionally, the author expresses a triple osculating sphere wheel by taking advantage of differential geometry. Moreover, the author examined the consecutive wheel center-curves to obtain the optimum posture of a micro-hydraulic toolkit (MHT) robot.

Findings The author examined the terrain path, which is crucial for trajectory planning in terms of the geometric perspective. The author designed the triple MHT wheel using the osculating sphere of the MHT robot trajectory by taking advantage of local differential geometric properties of this curve on the terrain. The consecutive wheel center-curves were expressed and studied based on differential geometry.

Originality/value The author provides a novel approach for the optimum posture of an MHT robot using consecutive wheel-center curves and provides an original perspective to MHT robot and its trajectory by using differential geometry.
Success and agency: localizing women’s leadership in Oman
Authors: Hallward Maia , Bekdash-Muellers Hania 
Published: September 2019

Purpose This study aims to examine women’s leadership in Oman, seeking to empirically determine whether and how local perceptions of “success” and lifestyle preferences are related to women’s agency and propensity for leadership.

Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the literature, this paper qualitatively analyzes 32 semi-structured interviews of diverse Omani women leaders, identifying their conceptions of success as predominantly subjective or objective. At the same time, the study uses Hakim’s (2006) lifestyle preference model to explore women's agency.

Findings Contrary to the literature on the central importance of domestic responsibilities for Arab Muslim women, more women in leadership positions are identified as career-centered (14/32, 44%); those who did identify as family-centered (6/32, 19%) did not cite Islam to justify that preference, and success is envisioned more subjectively (19/32, 59%).

Research limitations/implications The sample has an urban bias and does not claim to be representative of all Omani women. Interviews were conducted in English; most women leaders in Oman are required to speak English.

Practical implications By analyzing work-life balance preferences as a proxy for agency and interrogating Omani women's own conceptions of success, the study may lead to more robust and culturally aware policies to support women’s leadership.

Social implications Defining in subjective terms suggests that success is not necessarily equated with achieving a high level position for Omani women. Further, only 6/32 were identified as home-centered, thus indicating the critical importance of domestic support from hired labor or family members.

Originality/value This study contributes new empirical findings on women leaders in Oman that illustrates the role of personal agency and lifestyle preference in contrast to many studies that treat culture as a constant.
A coupled LES-Monte Carlo method for simulating aerosol dynamics in a turbulent planar jet
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Chan Tat Leung 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the evolution and growth of aerosol particles in a turbulent planar jet by using the newly developed large eddy simulation (LES)-differentially weighted operator splitting Monte Carlo (DWOSMC) method.

Design/methodology/approach
The DWOSMC method is coupled with LES for the numerical simulation of aerosol dynamics in turbulent flows.

Findings
Firstly, the newly developed and coupled LES-DWOSMC method is verified by the results obtained from a direct numerical simulation-sectional method (DNS-SM) for coagulation occurring in a turbulent planar jet from available literature. Then, the effects of jet temperature and Reynolds number on the evolution of time-averaged mean particle diameter, normalized particle number concentration and particle size distributions (PSDs) are studied numerically on both coagulation and condensation processes. The jet temperature and Reynolds number are shown to be two important parameters that can be used to control the evolution and pattern of PSD in an aerosol reactor.

Originality/value
The coupling between the Monte Carlo method and turbulent flow still encounters many technical difficulties. In addition, the relationship between turbulence, particle properties and collision kernels of aerosol dynamics is not yet well understood due to the theoretical limitations and experimental difficulties. In the present study, the developed and coupled LES-DWOSMC method is capable of solving the aerosol dynamics in turbulent flows.
Filling in the gaps in higher education quality
Authors: Cavallone Mauro , Manna Rosalba , Palumbo Rocco 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
It is not easy to grasp the concept of “value” in the higher education context. In fact, different stakeholders generally hold diverging perspectives about the value generated by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The purpose of this paper is to disentangle the value expectations and perceptions of current and former students (i.e. the main stakeholders) of a medium-sized university established in Northern Italy.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed, qualitative–quantitative case study was undertaken. A semi-structured survey was delivered through a computer-assisted web interview technique to a sample of 2,572 people. Inter alia, the interviewees were asked to express their value perceptions and value expectations toward the case institution and to rate their own assessment of educational services’ quality.

Findings
The respondents felt that the university was effective in delivering functional, extrinsic and intrinsic value; conversely, they perceived several gaps in the case institution’s ability to accomplish emotional and relational value. Moreover, the interviewees argued that the institution was unsuccessful in establishing a bridge between higher education and the labor market, focussing on conceptual issues, rather than on experiential learning and soft skills.

Practical implications
The gap between the students’ value expectations and perceptions hampers the perceived quality of educational services. The lack of awareness of this gap is thought to trigger organizational inertia, which contributes to the impoverishment of educational services’ quality.

Originality/value
The paper sheds light on different value perceptions and expectations held by students of a medium-sized HEI; also, it provides some insights into the organizational and management implications of diverging value perceptions and expectations of students.
Impact evaluation of Literacy Boost Project Model on reading skills of early grade students in Ethiopia
Authors: Kumsa Kassahun , Tesfahun Azmeraw Ayehu , Legas Habtamu Adane 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of Literacy Boost Project Model implemented by World Vision on reading skills of early grade students in Ethiopia. It intended to examine whether the intervention contributed to improving students’ achievement in reading comprehension.

Design/methodology/approach
Difference in difference with propensity score matching impact estimation model was used in the study. Baseline and end line data collected by World Vision Ethiopia in four districts in Oromia region, where the project had been operational, were used for the research. A total of 1,418 students (685 control and 733 intervention) were selected using random sampling technique and assessed based on the core reading skill components.

Findings
The result of the analysis indicated significant improvement in the core reading skills of treated students. The ultimate outcome of reading comprehension skill from the previous evaluation was found inflated. Variables related to the home literacy environment and community activities were found significantly impacting the students reading achievement.

Research limitations/implications
Policies and strategies intended to improve the quality of education, particularly the reading skills of early grade students, in the study area and scaling up the literacy boost project to areas with similar context, thus should give due attention to the variables related to the home literacy environment and community activities.

Originality/value
This study is important in providing valuable information on early grade education quality improvement interventions, especially to development practitioners and policymakers to make informed decisions regarding education sector reform and development in the study area.
The transition of small Spanish wineries toward multi-channel distribution
Authors: Calderón Haydeé , Fayos Teresa , Frasquet Marta 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to analyses the development of exploitation and exploration capabilities, and the role of ambidexterity, in the evolution of small Spanish wineries toward multi-channel distribution systems.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative methodology based on the analyses of multiple cases supported by a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software with an abductive approach was used to study the relationship between ambidexterity and the multi-channel integration of six wineries.FindingsCompanies with more advanced multi-channel distribution systems have more developed ambidexterity capabilities. This ambidexterity stems fundamentally from the ability to simultaneously maintain relations with distributors and innovate and search for creative ways to satisfy new customers.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based on insights from companies based in Spain.Practical implicationsSpanish small and medium enterprises in the sector are in an underdeveloped phase of multi-channel integration. To be successful in this process, these companies must combine exploitation and exploration capabilities.Social implicationsIf the company is able to develop an integrated multi-channel distribution system leading to an omnichannel system, consumers will benefit from it, getting complete information at each specific stage of shopping.Originality/valueThis study provides the first description in academic literature of the usefulness of the concept of ambidexterity as a dynamic capability to explain the degree of development and multi-channel integration.
Implementation of a Web interface for hybrid intelligent systems
Authors: Sakamoto Shinji , Barolli Admir , Barolli Leonard , Okamoto Shusuke 
Published: September 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to implement a Web interface for hybrid intelligent systems. Using the implemented Web interface, this paper evaluates two hybrid intelligent systems based on particle swarm optimization, hill climbing and distributed genetic algorithm to solve the node placement problem in wireless mesh networks (WMNs).Design/methodology/approachThe node placement problem in WMNs is well-known to be a computationally hard problem. Therefore, the authors use intelligent algorithms to solve this problem. The implemented systems are intelligent systems based on meta-heuristics algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Hill Climbing (HC) and Distributed Genetic Algorithm (DGA). The authors implement two hybrid intelligent systems: WMN-PSODGA and WMN-PSOHC-DGA.FindingsThe authors carried out simulations using the implemented Web interface. From the simulations results, it was found that the WMN-PSOHC-DGA system has a better performance compared with the WMN-PSODGA system.Research limitations/implicationsFor simulations, the authors considered Normal distribution of mesh clients. In the future, the authors need to consider different client distributions, patterns, number of mesh nodes and communication distance.Originality/valueIn this research work, the authors implemented a Web interface for hybrid intelligent systems. The implemented interface can be extended for other metaheuristic algorithms.
What affects length of hospital stay? A case study from Malta
Authors: Abela Lorraine , Pace Adriana , Buttigieg Sandra C. 
Published: September 2019

PurposeHospital length of stay (LOS) is not only a function of patient- and disease-related factors, but is also determined by other health system-wide variables. Managers and clinicians strive to achieve the best possible trade-off between patients’ needs and efficient utilisation of hospital resources, while also embracing ethical decision making. The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of the hospital’s major stakeholders as to what affects the duration of LOS of inpatients.Design/methodology/approachUsing a data-triangulated case study approach, 50 semi-structured interviews were performed with management, doctors, nurses and patients. Additionally, the hospitals’ standard operating procedures, which are pertinent to the subject, were also included in the thematic analysis.FindingsThis study shows that LOS is a multi-dimensional construct, which results from a complex interplay of various inputs, processes and outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings emerging from a single case study approach cannot be generalised across settings and contexts, albeit being in line with the current literature.Practical implicationsThe study concludes that a robust hospital strategy, which addresses deficient organisational processes that may unnecessarily prolong LOS, is needed. Moreover, the hospital’s strategy must be sustained by providing good primary care facilities within the community set-up, as well as by providing more long-term care and rehabilitation beds to support the hospital turnover.Originality/valueThe subject of LOS in hospitals has so far been tackled in a fragmented manner. This paper provides a comprehensive and triangulated account of the complexities surrounding the duration in which patients are kept in hospital by key stakeholders, most of whom were hands-on in the day-to-day running of the hospital under study.
Leadership self-efficacy: review and leader development implications
Authors: Dwyer Laura Paglis 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper, on self-efficacy and leadership, has two objectives. First, it comprehensively reviews approximately 25 years of research on leadership self-efficacy (LSE), beginning with LSE measurement and related criticisms. Findings concerning LSE’s relationships with leader effectiveness criteria, as well as individual and contextual influences on LSE, are presented. Second, it examines the evidence on efficacy enhancement interventions and offers some preliminary recommendations for increasing LSE through leadership development programs.

Design/methodology/approach
The author conducted a comprehensive literature review of the existing research on LSE, covering the main contributors to this research stream and their findings.

Findings
The review revealed substantial diversity in LSE construct development and measurement approaches. Regarding LSE and leader effectiveness, many studies reported positive relationships with potential, performance and behavioral ratings of leaders. Collective (team) efficacy has emerged as a significant mediator between LSE and group performance. Influences on LSE include several of the Big Five personality traits, while contextual antecedents are under-researched, and potentially fruitful areas for further study. Executive coaching and mentoring, as well as cognitive modeling techniques and training in constructive thought patterns, received support for enhancing LSE in developing leaders.

Originality/value
This paper’s review and implications should be of substantial value to current and future LSE researchers, as it summarizes past research, synthesizes the findings to draw out common themes and consistent, corroborated findings, and identifies opportunities for future research. For practitioners, the reviewed research on interventions for increasing LSE through leadership development programs provides practical guidance.