bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental changes in the processing of faces as revealed by EEG decoding
Authors: Mares Inês , Ewing Louise , Farran Emily K. , Smith Fraser W , Smith Marie L 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRapidly and accurately processing information from faces is a critical human function that is known to improve with developmental age. Understanding the underlying drivers of this improvement remains a contentious question, with debate continuing as to the presence of early vs. late maturation of face-processing mechanisms. Recent behavioural evidence suggests an important ‘hallmark’ of expert face processing – the face inversion effect – is present in very young children, yet neural support for this remains unclear. To address this, we conducted a detailed investigation of the neural dynamics of face-selective processing in children spanning a range of ages (6 – 11 years) and adults. Uniquely, we applied multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) to the electroencephalogram signal (EEG) to test for the presence of a distinct neural profile associated with canonical upright faces when compared both to other objects (houses) and to inverted faces. Results revealed robust discrimination profiles, at the individual level, of differentiated neural activity associated with broad face categorization and further with its expert processing, as indexed by the face inversion effect, from the youngest ages tested. This result is consistent with an early functional maturation of broad face processing mechanisms. Yet, clear quantitative differences between the response profile of children and adults is suggestive of age-related refinement of this system with developing face and general expertise. Standard ERP analysis also provides some support for qualitative differences in the neural response to inverted faces in children in contrast to adults. This neural profile is in line with recent behavioural studies that have reported impressively expert early face abilities during childhood, while also providing novel evidence of the ongoing neural specialisation between child and adulthood.
Deciphering the structural intricacy in virulence effectors for proton-motive force mediated unfolding and type-III protein secretion
Authors: Khanppnavar Basavraj , Roy Anupam , Chandra Kousik , Maiti Nakul Chandra , Datta Saumen 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTMany gram-negative pathogenic bacteria use type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject virulence effectors directly into the cytosol of targeted host cells. Given that the protein unfolding requisite for secretion via nano-size pore of T3SS injectisome is an energetically unfavorable process, “How do pathogenic bacteria unfold and secrete hundreds of toxic proteins in seconds” remain largely unknown. In this study, first, from an in-depth analysis of folding and stability of T3SS effector ExoY, we show that the proton-concentration gradient (∼pH 5.8-6.0) generated by proton-motive force (PMF) can significantly amortize tertiary structural folding and stability of effectors without significant entropic cost. Strikingly, it was found that the lower energetic cost associated with the global unfolding of ExoY is mainly due to its weakly folded geometry and abundance of geometrical frustrations stemming from buried water molecules and native-like folded intermediates in the folded cores. From in-silico structural analysis of 371 T3SS effectors, it can be curtained that T3SS effectors belong to typical class (disorder globules) of IDPs and have evolved similar conserved intrinsic structural archetypes to mediate early-stage unfolding. The slower folding kinetics in effector proteins requisite for efficient T3SS-mediated secretion mostly stems from reduced hydrophobic density and enhanced polar-polar repulsive interactions in their sequence landscapes. Lastly, the positively evolved histidine-mediated stabilizing interactions and gate-keeper residues in effector proteins shed light on collaborative role of evolved structural chemistry in T3SS effectors and PMF in the spatial-temporal regulation of effector folding and stability essential for maintaining balance in secretion and function trade-off.
Cardiolipin-Dependent Properties of Model Mitochondrial Membranes from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Wilson Blake A. , Ramanathan Arvind , Lopez Carlos F. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTCardiolipin is a unique anionic lipid found in mitochondrial membranes where it contributes to various mitochondrial functions, including metabolism, mitochondrial membrane fusion/fission dynamics, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of cardiolipin synthesis and remodeling have also been implicated in several diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and Barth Syndrome. Although cardiolipin’s structural and dynamic roles have been extensively studied in binary mixtures with other phospholipids, the biophysical properties of cardiolipin in ternary lipid mixtures are still not well resolved. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the cardiolipin-dependent properties of ternary lipid bilayer systems that mimic the major components of mitochondrial membranes. We found that changes to cardiolipin concentration only resulted in minor changes to bilayer structural features, but that the lipid diffusion was significantly affected by those alterations. We also found that cardiolipin position along the bilayer surfaces correlated to negative curvature deflections, consistent with the induction of negative curvature stress in the membrane monolayers. This work contributes to a foundational understanding of the role of CL in altering the properties in ternary lipid mixtures composed of the major mitochondrial phospholipids, providing much needed insights to help understand how cardiolipin concentration modulates the biophysical properties of mitochondrial membranes.
High-resolution cryo-EM structures of the E. coli hemolysin ClyA oligomers
Authors: Peng Wei , Souza Santos Marcela de , Li Yang , Tomchick Diana R. , Orth Kim 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPore-forming proteins (PFPs) represent a functionally important protein family, that are found in organisms from viruses to humans. As a major branch of PFPs, bacteria pore-forming toxins (PFTs) permeabilize membranes and usually cause the death of target cells. E. coli hemolysin ClyA is the first member with the pore complex structure solved among α-PFTs, employing α-helices as transmembrane elements. ClyA is proposed to form pores composed of various numbers of protomers. With high-resolution cryo-EM structures, we observe that ClyA pore complexes can exist as newly confirmed oligomers of a tridecamer and a tetradecamer, at estimated resolutions of 3.2 Å and 4.3 Å, respectively. The 2.8 Å cryo-EM structure of a dodecamer dramatically improves the existing structural model. Structural analysis indicates that protomers from distinct oligomers resemble each other and neighboring protomers adopt a conserved interaction mode. We also show a stabilized intermediate state of ClyA during the transition process from soluble monomers to pore complexes. Unexpectedly, even without the formation of mature pore complexes, ClyA can permeabilize membranes and allow leakage of particles less than ∼400 Daltons. In addition, we are the first to show that ClyA forms pore complexes in the presence of cholesterol within artificial liposomes. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the dynamic process of pore assembly for the prototypical α-PFT ClyA.
Forest change within and outside protected areas in the Dominican Republic, 2000-2016
Authors: Lloyd John D. , León Yolanda M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe used Landsat-based estimates of tree cover change to document the loss and gain of forest in the Dominican Republic between 2000 and 2016. Overall, 2,795 km2 of forest were lost, with forest gain occurring on only 393 km2, yielding a net loss of 2,402 km2 of forest, a decline of 11.1% or 0.7% per year. Deforestation occurred in all of the major forest types in the country, and ranged from a 13% decline in the area of semi-moist broadleaf forest to a 5.9% loss of cloud forest, mostly attributed to agriculture. Fire was a significant driver of forest loss only in Hispaniolan pine (Pinus occidentalis) forests and, to a lesser extent, in adjacent cloud forest. Deforestation rates were lower within protected areas, especially in dry and semi-moist broadleaf forests at lower elevations. Protected areas had a smaller, and generally negligible, effect on rates of forest loss in pine forest and cloud forest, largely due to the effects of several large wildfires. Overall, rates of deforestation in the Dominican Republic were higher than regional averages from across the Neotropics and appeared to have accelerated during the later years of our study period. Stemming deforestation will likely require enforcement of prohibitions on large-scale agricultural production within protected areas and development of alternatives to short-cycle, shifting agriculture.
Students’ commuting pattern from the viewpoint of environmentalism: comparing Australia with China
Authors: Soltani Ali , Allan Andrew , Nguyen Ha Anh , Berry Stephen 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to clarify the differences between students’ travel behaviours in Australia and China and the association between students’ environmental attitudes and their travel behaviours in both countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper extensively reviewed most of existing literature work on commuting patterns of higher education students with referring to different studies around the world and then used it to build a theoretical framework and conceptual model to relate the travel patterns of students to built environment, personal demographics and environmental knowledge/consideration. An online survey was used with 230 students at Mawson Lakes campus of University of South Australia and Beiyangyuan campus of Tianjin University (China). Statistical tests (i.e. mean test, one-way analysis of variance, factor analysis) were used to analyse the data.

Findings
The study reveals that a high dependence on private vehicles amongst students at the Mawson Lakes campus, whilst a more environmentally sustainable modal choice dominated at the Beiyangyuan campus. Those who studied at Mawson Lakes campus tended to have stronger involvement in environmental activities than their counterparts at Beiyangyuan campus, which presented a clear association between environmental awareness and the travel behaviours of the sampled students.

Research limitations/implications
The study focussed on two respective campuses of both universities in Australia and China. Future work could be expanded with students at all campuses of two universities.

Practical implications
The study affirmed the value of nurturing environmental awareness for students in both universities to encourage more environmentally sustainable travel behaviours amongst students. The paper provides policy recommendations such as establishing infrastructure, and facilities for new stream of mobility included sharing bike schemes, which would be very practical due to flexibility and cost effectiveness within University campuses. The paper attempted to transfer lessons from Chinese bike friendly society to Adelaide’s car dominated campus.

Originality/value
This study brings remarkable contributions as comparing university students’ travel behaviours in two different nations. It is the first one in Australia, which links the environmental concerns among university students with their travel behaviours. The paper was successful in getting the gap between theory and practice filled to some extent. The paper has a capability to be used as an evidence-base work in the area of sustainability education.
Personality, belief in a just world, and attitudes toward criminal responsibility defenses: a preliminary study
Authors: Mooney Robyn 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
In Canada, if it can be proven that a defendant was suffering from a mental disorder at the time they committed an offense, they can be found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder (NCRMD). These cases are often decided by jury. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the dark triad (DT), social dominance orientation (SDO) and belief in a just world (BJW) on undergraduate students’ attitudes toward the NCRMD defense.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 421 undergraduate students completed questionnaires measuring SDO and the DT. After being primed for high, low or neutral BJW, they indicated their attitudes toward NCRMD.

Findings
The BJW manipulation had no effect on attitudes. High-SDO/DT participants held less favorable attitudes toward NCRMD than participants who scored low on these variables, F(1, 420)=20.65, p<0.01,

η

p

2

=
0.05

. Psychology and criminology students had significantly more favorable attitudes toward NCRMD than business students.

Practical implications
This study can be helpful in improving jury impartiality in trials involving mental illness and criminal responsibility; assessment of SDO and the DT; awareness of career roles relating to insanity defense bias; and improving the voir dire process.

Originality/value
The results of this study may be used to improve the voir dire process in trials involving the issue of mental illness and criminal responsibility and to preserve the impartiality of the jurors selected for these trials.
Information Intermediary or De Facto Standard Setter? Field Evidence on the Indirect and Direct Influence of Proxy Advisors
Authors: HAYNE CHRISTIE , VANCE MARSHALL 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTWe examine whether proxy advisory firms (PAs) serve primarily an information intermediary role by providing research and voting recommendations to shareholders, or directly influence executive compensation by exerting pressure on firms to adopt preferred pay practices. Through a field study, we find that PAs are perceived as both information intermediaries and agenda setters and that these roles provide leverage to enable PAs to exercise significant influence over executive pay practices. Boards feel, and sometimes yield to, pressure to conform to PA “best” practices despite their own preferred compensation philosophies, even in the absence of overt PA scrutiny or negative shareholder votes. We also find that PAs are susceptible to conflicts of interest and generally use a “one‐size‐fits‐all” approach to voting recommendations. Overall, however, PAs are viewed as improving compensation practices by increasing transparency and accountability and fostering dialogue between firms and their shareholders.
Larger tumors are associated with inferior progression‐free survival of first‐line EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors and a lower abundance of EGFR mutation in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pan Yingying , Gao Guanghui , Chen Xiaoxia , Tian Qinrui , Wu Fengying , Liu Qian , Wang Yan , Jiang Tao , Liu Yiwei , Li Xuefei , Yang Shuo , Xu Chuan , Su Chunxia , Zhou Fei , Ren Shengxiang , Zhou Caicun 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe impact of primary tumor size on the therapeutic outcomes of EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutation remains unclear.MethodsA total of 291 consecutive patients with advanced EGFR‐mutant NSCLC administered first‐line EGFR‐TKIs were enrolled. Computed tomography was used to assess primary tumor diameter. The amplification refractory mutation system plus was used to quantitatively evaluate the abundance of EGFR mutations. Associations between depth of response, abundance of EGFR mutations, and tumor size was investigated.ResultsPatients were divided into three groups according to T classification: ≤ 3 cm (n = 109), 3–5 cm (n = 121), and > 5 cm (n = 61). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the ≤ 3 cm and 3–5 cm groups compared to the > 5 cm group (10.8 vs. 10.5 vs. 7.1 months; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed a consistent result in patients with exon 19 deletion and 21 L858R mutation. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size was an independent predictive factor for PFS (hazard ratio 1.528, 95% confidence interval 1.104–2.115; P = 0.010). Larger tumors (> 5 cm) were marginally significantly less EGFR‐mutant abundant than smaller tumors (≤ 5 cm) (mean ± standard deviation 30.5 ± 29.5% vs. 45.8 ± 43.1%; P = 0.08).ConclusionLarger tumors (> 5 cm) were associated with inferior PFS of first‐line EGFR‐TKI therapy in advanced NSCLC patients with activating EGFR mutations. A potential explaination might be that EGFR mutations are less abundant in larger tumors.
The financial distress pricing puzzle in banking firms
Authors: Kim Dongcheol , Lee Inro 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper examines whether the financial distress pricing puzzle observed for non‐financial firms is also observed for financial firms and how this puzzle differs according to the extent of short‐sale constraints. By using the eight distress measures developed for financial firms, we find that there is a strong negative relation in the cross‐section between financial distress and subsequent bank stock returns, regardless of adjustment for risk. However, this distress pricing puzzle is statistically significant only for high short‐sale constrained banks, but not for low short‐sale constrained banks. Thus, short‐sale constraints are at least one non‐risk attribute that causes the distress pricing puzzle for financial firms. We also find that despite its simple form, compared to the other complex distress measures, non‐performing loans (NPLs) are the most informative in predicting future bank stock returns as well as bankruptcy and failure.
Factors affecting species richness and distribution spatially and temporally within a protected area using multi‐season occupancy models
Authors: Moore J. F. , Hines J. E. , Mulindahabi F. , Masozera M. K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractExploring trends in species richness and the distribution of individual species over time as well as the factors affecting these trends informs conservation priorities in protecting species and ecosystems as a whole. We used data from 41 park‐wide line transect surveys in 2009 and 2014 and multi‐season occupancy models with multi‐species data to explore trends in species richness and distribution of individual species and factors affecting these trends in Nyungwe National Park (NNP), Rwanda. Mammalian species richness and the distributional range of 5 of the 7 species increased between 2009 and 2014 in NNP. The probability of colonization of a species into a new area in 2014, where it was not present in 2009, was highest in sites with a lower probability of poaching activity, close to tourist trails, and at lower elevations. The probability of colonization with no poaching activity was about 50% but dropped to about 10% with a 100% chance of poaching activity. Duiker species had the largest increase in distribution during the study, while there was a decrease in the distribution of the eastern chimpanzee and blue monkey. Our results suggest that increased patrols could be implemented in areas of the park with low species richness and areas with a low probability of occurrence for species of conservation concern to combat poaching activity and thus increase the probability of a species moving into a new area. Our use of a single multi‐season model for multiple species explicitly accounts for imperfect detection and species‐specific identities, while allowing for inferences to be made about rarely detected species by sharing covariates with common species. These results can be used to improve conservation planning in NNP for species management and ranger patrol protocols, and our modelling framework is broadly applicable to any protected area with presence/absence species field data.
A stereological analysis on the calculation of the volume values of thoracic segments in ducks
Authors: Cakmak Gamze , Cetin Ragbetli Murat 
Published: February 2019

AbstractStereology is a method for examining two‐dimensional objects as three‐dimensional objects. The aim of this study was to offer volume values for thoracic segments in ducks by means of stereological methods. This study examined the data obtained from stereological analysis of the total volume and grey and white matter volume values of the thoracic segment, a part of the adult duck spinal cord with a weight of 3–4 kg. In the study, study samples consisted of 10 adult ducks (Anas) used without gender discrimination. To perfuse all of the animals, 10% formaldehyde was utilised. The perfused animals were kept in 10% formaldehyde for one week. The spinal cord was uncovered following the removal of arcus vertebrae parts of thoracic vertebrae in the thoracic part of dissected ducks. Tissue samples of thoracic segments were taken; 5‐µm‐thick cross sections from these tissue samples were taken via microtome. Attention was paid to obtaining samples at the ratio of 1/250 by taking 12 cross sections from each segment. The cross sections were subjected to haematoxylin‐eosin staining. Photographs of all cross sections were taken using a microscope. The volume values of all tissue and grey and white matter structures in each thoracic segment of the spinal cord were calculated. The total volume, grey and white matter volume densities in thoracic segments of ducks, as well as the data obtained as a result of proportioning volume values of one another are represented in the conclusion section of this study.
Prediction models for determining the success of labor induction: A systematic review
Authors: Meier Kennedy , Parrish Jacqueline , D'Souza Rohan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe purpose of this study was to systematically identify and compare clinical models using universally accessible clinical and demographic factors that were derived and/or validated to predict the success of labor induction with a view to making recommendations for practice.Material and methodsMEDLINE, Embase, www.clinicaltrials.gov, and PubMed (for non‐MEDLINE and studies in‐progress) were searched from inception to November 2017. Only studies that derived and/or validated clinical prediction models using variables obtained through antenatal history and digital cervical examination were included. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted data from eligible studies into a standardized form. Extracted data included: participant characteristics, sample size, variables considered and included, endpoint definitions, study design and model performance. The Prediction Study Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) was used to appraise included studies. In view of clinical and methodologic heterogeneity between studies, only descriptive analysis was possible. The protocol was registered with the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews [CRD42017081548].ResultsThe search identified 16 studies describing 14 prediction models derived between 1966 and 2018. Models varied and demonstrated major limitations with regard to methodology, scope and performance. Of the derived models, six were internally validated and three were externally validated. Performance was most commonly measured using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.68 to 0.79, 0.67 to 0.77 and 0.61 to 0.73 for derived, internally validated and externally validated models, respectively. The risk‐of‐bias of included studies ranged from some studies fulfilling only 36% and some others fulfilling 86% of eligible PROBAST items.ConclusionsNo published model can be recommended for use at the bedside to determine the success of vaginal birth after labor induction. Based on the limitations of included models, a list of recommendations for improving model performance and utilization is provided, as well as measures for encouraging appropriate use of prediction models. The attitudes of women and care providers, and the clinical and resource implications must be explored prior to recommending the use of prediction models for determining the success of labor induction.