bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivostudy of gene expression with an enhanced dual-color fluorescent transcriptional timer
Authors: He Li , Binari Richard , Huang Jiuhong , Falo-Sanjuan Julia , Perrimon Norbert 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFluorescent transcriptional reporters are widely used as signaling reporters and biomarkers to monitor pathway activities and determine cell type identities. However, a large amount of dynamic information is lost due to the long half-life of the fluorescent proteins. To better detect dynamics, fluorescent transcriptional reporters can be destabilized to shorten their half-lives. However, applications of this approachin vivoare limited due to significant reduction of signal intensities. To overcome this limitation, we enhanced translation of a destabilized fluorescent protein and demonstrate the advantages of this approach by characterizing spatio-temporal changes of transcriptional activities inDrosophila. In addition, by combining a fast-folding destabilized fluorescent protein and a slow-folding long-lived fluorescent protein, we generated a dual-color transcriptional timer that provides spatio-temporal information about signaling pathway activities. Finally, we demonstrate the use of this transcriptional timer to identify new genes with dynamic expression patterns.
A Novel Ensemble-Based Machine Learning Algorithm To Predict The Conversion From Mild Cognitive Impairment To Alzheimer’s Disease Using Socio-demographic Characteristics, Clinical Information And Neuropsychological Measures
Authors: Grassi Massimiliano , Rouleaux Nadine , Caldirola Daniela , Loewenstein David , Schruers Koen , Perna Giampaolo , Dumontier Michel ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite the increasing availability in brain health related data, clinically translatable methods to predict the conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are still lacking. Although MCI typically precedes AD, only a fraction of 20-40% of MCI individuals will progress to dementia within 3 years following the initial diagnosis. As currently available and emerging therapies likely have the greatest impact when provided at the earliest disease stage, the prompt identification of subjects at high risk for conversion to full AD is of great importance in the fight against this disease. In this work, we propose a highly predictive machine learning algorithm, based only on non-invasively and easily in-the-clinic collectable predictors, to identify MCI subjects at risk for conversion to full AD.MethodsThe algorithm was developed using the open dataset from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), employing a sample of 550 MCI subjects whose diagnostic follow-up is available for at least 3 years after the baseline assessment. A restricted set of information regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, neuropsychological test scores was used as predictors and several different supervised machine learning algorithms were developed and ensembled in final algorithm. A site-independent stratified train/test split protocol was used to provide an estimate of the generalized performance of the algorithm.ResultsThe final algorithm demonstrated an AUROC of 0.88, sensitivity of 77.7%, and a specificity of 79.9% on excluded test data. The specificity of the algorithm was 40.2% for 100% sensitivity.DiscussionThe algorithm we developed achieved sound and high prognostic performance to predict AD conversion using easily clinically derived information that makes the algorithm easy to be translated into practice. This indicates beneficial application to improve recruitment in clinical trials and to more selectively prescribe new and newly emerging early interventions to high AD risk patients.
Active role of free RNA during the early phase of proteostasis stress
Authors: Alriquet Marion , Martínez-Limón Adrían , Hanspach Gerd , Hengesbach Martin , Tartaglia Gian G. , Calloni Giulia , Vabulas R. Martin 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTTransient sequestration of proteins and RNA is an essential principle of cellular reaction to stress. Compared to polypeptides, less is known about the role of RNA released from polysomes during acute proteostasis stress. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified a set of proteins assembled by free RNA in the heat-shocked mammalian cytosol. RNA-associated proteins displayed higher disorder and larger size, which supports the role of multivalent interactions during the initial phase of the RNA granule formation. Structural features of the free RNA interactors defined them as a subset of RNA-binding proteins. The interactome contained preferentially the active form of eIF2α. The interaction between assembled proteinsin vivorequired RNA. The reconstitution of the association processin vitroindicated to the multimolecular basis for the increased binding to RNA upon heat shock in the cytosol. Our results reveal how free RNA can participate in reorganization of cellular functions during proteostasis stress.
Effects of age, BMI and sex on the glial cell marker TSPO - a multicentre [11C]PBR28 HRRT PET study
Authors: Tuisku Jouni , Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Gaiser Edward C. , Airas Laura , Al-Abdulrasul Haidar , Brück Anna , Carson Richard E. , Chen Ming-Kai , Cosgrove Kelly P. , Ekblad Laura , Esterlis Irina , Farde Lars , Forsberg Anton , Halldin Christer , Helin Semi , Kosek Eva , Lekander Mats , Lindgren Noora , Marjamäki Päivi , Rissanen Eero , Sucksdorff Marcus , Varrone Andrea ,   HRRT [11C]PBR28 study group, Rinne Juha , Matuskey David , Cervenka Simon ,   Members of HRRT [11C]PBR28 study group
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effects of ageing, sex and body mass index (BMI) on translocator protein (TSPO) availability in healthy subjects using positron emission tomography (PET) and the radioligand [11C]PBR28.Methods[11C]PBR28 data from 140 healthy volunteers (72 males and 68 females; n=78 with HAB and n=62 MAB genotype; age range 19-80 years; BMI range 17.6 - 36.9) were acquired with High Resolution Research Tomograph at three centres: Karolinska Institutet (n=53), Turku PET centre (n=62) and Yale University PET Center (n=25). The total volume of distribution (VT) was estimated in global grey matter, frontal, temporal, occipital and parietal cortices, hippocampus and thalamus using multilinear analysis 1. The effects of age, BMI and sex on TSPO availability were investigated using linear mixed effects model, with TSPO genotype and PET centre specified as random intercepts.ResultsThere were significant positive correlations between age and VT in the frontal and temporal cortex. BMI showed a significant negative correlation with VT in all regions. Additionally, significant differences between males and females were observed in all regions, with females showing higher VT. A subgroup analysis revealed a positive correlation between VT and age in all regions in male subjects, whereas age showed no effect on TSPO levels in female subjects.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that individual biological properties may contribute significantly to the high variation shown in TSPO binding estimates, and suggest that age, BMI and sex can be confounding factors in clinical studies.
Effective Public Apologies
Authors: Kim Hoh , Kralik Jerald D. , Yun Kyongsik , Chung Yong-an , Jeong Jaeseung 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCommunicating with the public after corporate crises is often necessary, yet little evidence provides guidance. To address this, our theoretical and content analyses of public apologies revealed 12 key content elements. From these, we developed a basic apology, and tested its effectiveness alone, and with additional content. In two experiments involving river contamination, the basic apology was effective and improved with additional content. In Experiment 1, effectiveness involved actions taken to reduce harm and reoccurrence. Experiment 2 increased the hazard to carcinogenic chemicals, and one apology was superior: the basic apology plus statements of recovery efforts and defense of company actions. The two experiments show that crisis severity influences apology effectiveness. Experiment 3 found that clarifying causality helps convince people that the crisis source is identified and the problem resolved. Our findings show that an optimal public apology is comprehensive, and details the causes and actions taken to prevent reoccurrence.
A decision support system (DSS) for facilitating the scenario selection process of the renegotiation of PPP contracts
Authors: Shalaby Amira , Hassanein Amr 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Public private partnership contracts tend to have longer contract durations compared to other conventional procurement methods. A contract renegotiation becomes inevitable in most of the cases. The renegotiation process usually develops a number of scenarios in order to regain the contract equilibrium. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate the renegotiation process by offering an automated system to select the optimum renegotiation scenario that preserves the rights and the interests of the project stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach
The common renegotiation scenarios used are: increasing the service charges, increasing the concession period or paying a lump sum amount to the party of concern in order to maintain a fixed rate of return and keep the return on equity constant. In this paper, a method of selecting the optimum scenario among the different scenarios is proposed. This is done using a weighted sum model to calculate the weights and ranks of a number of factors influencing the stakeholders’ decisions. A DSS is developed with the aid of Microsoft Excel, VBA programming language, and the Precision Tree 5.5 for Excel add-in.

Findings
The renegotiation process has been facilitated by using an automated system that maximizes the benefits of both the public sector and the private sector. The optimum renegotiation scenario has been selected for the case of the model.

Originality/value
The developed framework is of great benefit to project stakeholders, including the private sector, the public sector and the users of the service. It saves time and money invested in lengthy negotiations, and it enforces transparency and mutual trust between the different parties by providing a tool that significantly minimizes conflicts during the renegotiation process and defines clear steps to be followed in order to reach an agreement that will maximize the benefits for both the private and the public sectors.
Identification of space management problems in public hospitals
Authors: Prugsiganont Supuck , Jensen Per Anker 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
In the past decades, public hospitals in Thailand have developed gradually and been characterized by an incremental development of hospital facilities. First, this study aims to investigate the factors that have caused the incremental development and how such development has affected the hospital’s architectural layout. Second, the paper assesses the functional quality of nonclinical areas in the Maharaj Hospital to identify space management problems.

Design/methodology/approach
The first part of the study is based on a literature review of the Thai health-care landscape. The second part includes the functional quality assessment of nonclinical areas, walk-through observations and documentation. Obtained data were synthesized using building quality method and measurement criteria and analytical drawing techniques for design assessment.

Findings
The first part identified three factors: the lack of local general practitioners, the limited number of public hospitals and the implementation of Thailand’s universal coverage scheme. These factors have resulted in a dramatically high number of patients in public hospitals. The second part identified problems regarding poor accessibility, a low level of spatial flexibility and poor spatial orientation. These problems are related to a lack of appropriate strategic space planning and lack of integration of the Thai culture into hospital design processes.

Practical implications
An identification of space management problems is a prerequisite to the improvement of hospital facilities.

Originality/value
This paper presents the first study of space management problems concerning nonclinical areas in Asian hospitals.
Recognition of prior learning as an access tool
Authors: Hlongwane Ike 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of recognition of prior learning (RPL) as an alternative tool for access into learning programmes in South African Library and Information Science (LIS) schools.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted quantitative methods, and utilised questionnaires and document analysis to collect data.

Findings
The study found that despite an institutional “will” among the LIS schools to open up access to learners who come from diverse backgrounds; there are still aspects that inhibit the use of RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training.

Research limitations/implications
In-depth interviews were not conducted to ascertain the veracity of the findings.

Practical implications
This study was valuable for institutions, policy makers, government and other stakeholders to assess the impact of RPL implementation in higher education and training.

Originality/value
Despite there been very little published concerning RPL implementation in higher education and training, use of RPL, as an alternative route to access into higher education and training is generally low. The paper seeks to highlight and promote RPL as an alternative route of access into higher education and training especially for non-matriculants from diverse backgrounds.
Developing a hierarchical model to enhance business excellence in hotel industry of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mahbubar , Islam Rafikul , Wan Husain Wan Rohaida , Ahmad Khaliq 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The study aims to develop a hierarchical model based on the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award to enable the ranking of quality dimensions required for achieving business excellence in the hotel industry of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a sequential mix method approach in which semi-structured interviews with 24 participants were initially conducted during the qualitative stage to identify the quality dimensions. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 40 industry experts to prioritise the identified elements using the relative measurement of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). In total, 32 respondents were further surveyed to evaluate a selected number of hotels in Bangladesh using the absolute measurement of AHP.

Findings
The study uncovered eight criteria, together with 23 corresponding sub-criteria during the qualitative stage. Quality management emerged as the most crucial criterion, while health and safety-security measures were the most important sub-criteria in addressing the quality management criterion. In Bangladesh, five-star hotels were observed to be performing better than three-star and four-star hotels.

Originality/value
The developed model is unique and can be used by Bangladeshi practitioners to measure the performance of hotels. Moreover, it can also be applied to measure the performance of hotels in other countries just by incorporating minor modification to the model framework.
Characters’ persuasion effects in advergaming
Authors: Choi Yung Kyun 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore advergaming to identify how users respond to characters in terms of forming brand trust and purchase intentions. The study shows that users will tend to trust brands when characters are congruent with product type and trust propensity.

Design/methodology/approach
In a 2×2×2 factorial design, the character presence/absence condition and product type (high vs low involvement) are between-subject, manipulated and dichotomous variables. Trust propensity is a measured, continuous variable.

Findings
Findings indicate that character presence contributes to brand trust, leading to higher purchase intentions. Character presence is more effective for promoting products of low involvement; character absence is more effective for promoting products of high involvement. Moreover, in the low-involvement product condition, consumers who have low-trust propensity are more persuaded by characters. In the high-involvement product condition, consumers who have high or low-trust propensity respond similarly to both character presence and absence.

Originality/value
Although characters potentially affect how gamers react to online gaming, surprisingly few studies have attempted to identify how the characters and their interactions influence consumers’ emotions and behaviors in advergaming contexts. The current study fills the gap by focusing on the effects of characters and the interactions among other influences related to characters. This study makes new theoretical and practical contributions to the literature by showing that brand trust plays a mediating role and demonstrates that game characters can stimulate purchase intentions more persuasively depending on gamers’ trust propensity and involvement in the advertised products. The findings contribute to theory regarding congruency effects of game characters and the theory of brand trust.
Engineering manipulation at nanoscale: further functional specifications
Authors: Mekid Samir , Bashmal Salem 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Novel nanomaterials and nano-devices require further functional aspects that can be designed and supported using new nanomanipulation techniques allowing specific functions at the design phase. The nano-manipulator becomes a key instrument for technology bridging sub-nano to mesoscale. The integration of various operations in nano-devices requires sub-nanometer precision and highly stable manipulator. This paper aims to review various design concepts of recent nanomanipulators, their motion characteristics, basic functions, imagine and automation with control techniques for the sake of establishing new design features based on recent requirements.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews various existing nanomanipulators, their motion characteristics, basic functions, imagine and automation with control techniques. This will support precision machine design methodology and robotics principles.

Findings
The availability of a nano-precision instrument with integrated functions has proved to be extremely helpful in addressing various fundamental problems in science and engineering such as exploring, understanding, modeling and testing nano-machining process; exact construction of nano-structure arrays; and inspection of devices with complex features.

Originality/value
New functional specifications have emerged from this review to support the design and make of new advanced nanomanipulators with more features availability to support manipulation within the same reference datum needed for research and education.
Healthcare scandals and the failings of doctors
Authors: Mannion Russell , Davies Huw , Powell Martin , Blenkinsopp John , Millar Ross , McHale Jean , Snowden Nick 
Published: March 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore whether official inquiries are an effective method for holding the medical profession to account for failings in the quality and safety of care.Design/methodology/approachThrough a review of the theoretical literature on professions and documentary analysis of key public inquiry documents and reports in the UK National Health Service (NHS) the authors examine how the misconduct of doctors can be understood using the metaphor of professional wrongdoing as a product of bad apples, bad barrels or bad cellars.FindingsThe wrongdoing literature tends to present an uncritical assumption of increasing sophistication in analysis, as the focus moves from bad apples (individuals) to bad barrels (organisations) and more latterly to bad cellars (the wider system). This evolution in thinking about wrongdoing is also visible in public inquiries, as analysis and recommendations increasingly tend to emphasise cultural and systematic issues. Yet, while organisational and systemic factors are undoubtedly important, there is a need to keep in sight the role of individuals, for two key reasons. First, there is growing evidence that a small number of doctors may be disproportionately responsible for large numbers of complaints and concerns. Second, there is a risk that the role of individual professionals in drawing attention to wrongdoing is being neglected.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first theoretical and empirical study specifically exploring the role of NHS inquiries in holding the medical profession to account for failings in professional practice.
Barriers to growth of SMEs in Western Balkan countries
Authors: Ur Rehman Naqeeb , Çela Arjona , Morina Fatbardha , Sulçaj Gura Kriselda 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
Western Balkans countries (WBCs) have a great potential for growth and among the main focuses of entrepreneurial activity is small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector. Moreover, SMEs are believed to contribute in the economy by stimulating employment, increasing production, transferring new technologies and so forth. Due to this crucial importance the purpose of this paper is to analyze the barriers that hinder labor productivity (LP) of SMEs in WBCs.

Design/methodology/approach
The research method employed to discover solution to this research problem is quantitative analysis by using survey data of World Bank. Research methodology applied in this paper found it correctly to use cross-sectional data and conducts a factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the best procedure for this type of data.

Findings
The results show variability for different countries access to finance, tax rates, tax administration, corruption, inadequately educated labor force, competition in informal sector and political instability appear to be some of the main obstacles that are negatively affecting LP of SMEs in WBC.

Research limitations/implications
Although this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis better results could be obtained with larger samples and panel data.

Practical implications
The policy implications of this study suggest that in order to boost productivity of these firms there must be a reduction of the barriers and improvement of business environment. Although, this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis and contributes as insight to policy makers, better results could be obtained with larger samples using panel data.

Originality/value
Differently from previous studies this work uses explanatory factor analysis and method OLS to estimate regressions for all barriers in each country of Western Balkan region.