bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmia Mechanisms and Spontaneous Calcium Release: I - Multi-scale Modelling Approaches
Authors: Colman Michael A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMotivationSpontaneous sub-cellular calcium release events (SCRE), controlled by microscopic stochastic fluctuations of the proteins responsible for intracellular calcium release, are conjectured to promote the initiation and perpetuation of rapid arrhythmia associated with conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation: SCRE may underlie the emergence of spontaneous excitation in single cells, resulting in arrhythmic triggers in tissue. However, translation of single-cell data to the tissue scale is non-trivial due to complex substrate considerations. Computational modelling provides a viable approach to dissect these multi-scale mechanisms, yet there remains a significant challenge in accurately and efficiently modelling this probabilistic behaviour in large-scale tissue models. The aim of this study was to develop an approach to overcome this challenge.MethodsThe dynamics of SCRE under multiple conditions (pacing rate, beta-stimulation, disease remodelling) in a computational model of stochastic, spatio-temporal calcium handling were analysed in order to develop Spontaneous Release Functions, which capture the variability and properties of SCRE matched to the full cell model. These functions were then integrated with tissue models, comprising idealised 2D sheets as well as full reconstructions of ventricular and atrial anatomy.ResultsThe Spontaneous Release Functions accurately reproduced the dynamics of SCRE and its dependence on environment variables under multiple different conditions observed in the full single-cell model. Differences between cellular models and conditions where enhanced at the tissue scale, where the emergence of a focal excitation is largely an all-or-nothing response. Generalisation of the approaches was demonstrated through integration with an independent cell model, and parameterisation to an experimental dataset.ConclusionsA novel approach has been developed to dynamically model SCRE at the tissue scale, in-line with behaviour observed in detailed single-cell models. Such an approach allows evaluation of the potential importance of SCRE in arrhythmia in both general mechanistic and disease-specific investigation.
Comprehensive proteomic and metabolomic profiling of mcr-1 mediated colistin resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Yingyu , Meng Qingshi , Wang Yang , Xia Guoliang , Xia Xi , Shen Jianzhong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe spread of mcr-1 in human and veterinary medicine has jeopardized the use of polymyxins, the last-resort antibiotics against life-threatening multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. As a lipid-modified gene, whether mcr-1 brings proteomic and metabolomic changes in the bacteria and affects the corresponding metabolic pathway is largely unknown. Herein, we used label-free quantitative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics to profile comprehensive proteome and metabolome characteristics of mcr-1-mediated colistin-resistant and -sensitive Escherichia coli and further insight the resistant mechanism of colistin. We identified large sets of differential expression proteins and metabolites that contributed to mcr-1-mediated antibiotic resistance predominantly in the different growth conditions with and without colistin. mcr-1 could cause the down-regulated expression of most proteins to adapt drug pressure. Pathway analysis showed that metabolic process was significantly affected, mainly related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, thiamine metabolism, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. The substrate phosphatidylethanolamine for mcr-1 to mediate colistin resistance is accumulated in colistin-resistant E. coli. Notably, mcr-1 can not only cause the phosphoethanolamine modification of bacterial cell membrane lipid A, but also affect the biosynthesis and transport of lipoprotein in colistin resistance through disturbing the expression of efflux pump proteins involved in cationic antibacterial peptide resistance pathway. Overall, the disturbed glycerophospholipid metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the accumulation of the substrate phosphatidylethanolamine is closely related with mcr-1-mediated colistin resistance and these findings can further provide valuable information to inhibit colistin resistance by blocking this metabolic process.
Schlafen 11 Restricts Flavivirus Replication
Authors: Valdez Federico , Salvador Julienne , Palermo Pedro , Mohl Jonathon E. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Watts Douglas , Llano Manuel 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTSchlafen 11 (Slfn11) is a ubiquitously expressed interferon stimulating gene (ISG) that controls synthesis of proteins by regulating tRNA abundance. Likely through this mechanism, Slfn11 has previously been shown to impair human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection and the expression of codon-biased open reading frames. Because replication of positive-sense single-stranded RNA [(+)ssRNA viruses] requires the immediate translation of the incoming viral genome whereas negative sense, single stranded [(−)ssRNA] viruses carry at infection an RNA replicase that makes multiple translation competent copies of the incoming viral genome, we reasoned that (+)ssRNA viruses will be more sensitive to the effect of Slfn11 on protein synthesis than (−)ssRNA viruses. To evaluate this hypothesis, we tested the effects of Slfn11 on the replication of a panel of ssRNA viruses in the human glioblastoma cell line A172, which naturally expresses Slfn11. Depletion of Slfn11 in this cell line significantly increased the replication of (+)ssRNA viruses from theFlavivirus family, including West Nile (WNV), dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) but had no significant effect on the replication of the (−)ssRNA viruses vesicular stomatitis (VSV,Rhabdoviridae family) and Rift Valley fever (RVFV,Phenuiviridae family). Despite that WNV titers in Slfn11-deficient cells were almost 100-fold higher than in cells expressing this protein; they produced approximately two-fold less viral particles, as determined by PCR-based quantification of virion-associated WNV RNA in the cell culture supernatant. These data indicated that Slfn11 impairs WNV fitness but does not affect other steps of the viral life cycle including entry, viral RNA replication and translation, and budding. Similarly to the proposed anti-HIV-1 mechanism of Slfn11, this protein prevented WNV-induced down-regulation of a subset of tRNAs implicated in the translation of 19% of the viral polyprotein. Importantly, we provided evidence suggesting that the broad anti-viral activity of Slfn11 requires other cellular proteins, since overexpression of Slfn11 in cells that naturally lack the expression of this protein, did not impair WNV or HIV-1 infection. In summary, this study demonstrates that Slfn11 restricts flaviviruses replication by impairing viral fitness.AUTHOR SUMMARYThe host targets mechanisms that viruses have evolved to optimize replication. We provide evidence that the cellular protein Schlafen 11 (Slf11) impairs replication of flaviviruses, including West Nile (WNV), dengue (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). However, replication of single-stranded, negative RNA viruses was not affected. Specifically, Slf11 decreases the fitness of WNV potentially by preventing virus-induced modifications of the host tRNA repertoire that could lead to enhanced viral protein folding. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Slf11 is not the limiting factor of this novel broad anti-viral pathway.
Microbial dormancy improves predictability of soil respiration at the seasonal time scale
Authors: Salazar A. , Lennon J.T. , Dukes J.S 
Published: October 2018

AbstractClimate change is accelerating global soil respiration, which could in turn accelerate climate change. The biological mechanisms through which soil carbon (C) responds to climate are not well understood, limiting our ability to predict future global soil respiration rates. As part of a climate manipulation experiment, we tested whether differences in soil heterotrophic respiration driven by season or climate treatment (RH) are linked to 1) relative abundances of microbes in active and dormant metabolic states, 2) net changes in microbial biomass and/or 3) changes in the relative abundances of microbial groups with different C-use strategies. We used a flow-cytometric single-cell metabolic assay to quantify the abundance of active and dormant microbes, and the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) method to determine microbial biomass and ratios of fungi:bacteria and Gram-positive:Gram-negative bacteria. RH did not respond to climate treatments but was greater in the warm and dry summer than in the cool and less-dry fall. These dynamics were better explained when microbial data were taken into account compared to when only physical data (temperature and moisture) were used. Overall, our results suggest that RH responses to temperature are stronger when soil contains more active microbes, and that seasonal patterns of RH can be better explained by shifts in microbial activity than by shifts in the relative abundances of fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings contribute to our understanding of how and under which conditions microbes influence soil C responses to climate.
Emerging countries’ dilemmas in multilateral frameworks: the case of the Japanese “miracle”
Authors: Shibata Shigeki 
Published: October 2018

PurposeRegardless of economic interdependence, there is possibility that two countries occasionally have severe international stress. This is especially true between rising and ruling countries, which is referred to as “Thucydides’s Trap.” In order to analyze how a rising country can manage its growing presence in the world, the purpose of this paper is to examine the case of Japan as a rising power in the past.Design/methodology/approachThere seem to be similarities between the “Japan problem” and the “China problem” such as the economic ascendance of a rising country and the failures of American leadership in spite of different time periods. Thus, analyzing Japan’s experience in the past can help understand how the growing international presence of a rising country can be managed.FindingsWhen Japan created international economic policies, it aimed for the following three effects: for its trade liberalization to reduce western countries’ restrictions on its export products, for its economic assistance to contribute to developing countries’ stabilization and for its trade liberalization and its economic assistance to contribute to promoting its international trade and upgrading its international status. To accommodate an emerging country into the international system smoothly, not only the country itself but also others require comprehensive measures while considering policy interactions.Originality/valueMost previous studies that analyze the relationship between a rising and a ruling country examine conflicts between the two parties from a bilateral perspective. However, since the conflicts do not only involve the two countries, but also other countries in the world, it is important to consider how the two countries and other affected countries manage the growing presence of a rising power. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze how an emerging country integrates itself into the existing international system from a multilateral perspective based on the case of Japan.
Economy-wide impact of drought induced productivity losses
Authors: Kilimani Nicholas , van Heerden Jan , Bohlmann Heinrich , Roos Louise 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a drought which initially affects agricultural productivity can ultimately affect an entire economy. The study aims to assess the magnitude of the impact as well as highlight key issues that can inform the implementation of drought mitigation programmes.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents the literature on the economic impact of drought and uses a computable general equilibrium model where productivity shocks are applied to the agricultural industries following which the resulting impacts on the rest of the sectors of the economy are obtained.

Findings
The findings show that the key macroeconomic variables, namely, real GDP, industry output, employment, the trade balance and household consumption are negatively affected by the drought shock.

Practical implications
The results point to the fact that in the absence of drought mitigation mechanisms, the occurrence of even a short drought as modelled in this paper can impose substantial socioeconomic losses.

Originality/value
First, a general equilibrium framework which uses climate and economic data when evaluating the social-economic impacts of drought is used. Most studies employ partial equilibrium analysis in analysing drought impacts on specific sectors or crops within a limited geographical area. Others use global or multi-regional models which impose averages on the observed impacts. The current study provides valuable insights on the potential damage which droughts can impose on a single economy. This gives a basis for decision making to support drought mitigation policies and programmes.
Developing organizational capabilities to deliver lean and green project outcomes using BIM
Authors: Ahuja Ritu , Sawhney Anil , Arif Mohammed 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the process through which an organization develops organizational capabilities by tapping the technical skills and social skills of its employees in the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to deliver lean and green project outcomes. The resulting framework for BIM-based organizational capabilities development comprising of three hierarchical layers – technology, process and outcomes – is explained.

Design/methodology/approach
For this study, BIM has been identified as an enabler and a process for achieving lean and green outcomes on construction projects. Based on a detailed literature review, this paper identifies the organizational capabilities needed by the architecture, engineering and construction organizations to effectively implement BIM on construction projects. The study has been conducted through a sequential mixed-method approach involving semi-structured interviews, focus groups and qualitative comparative analyses.

Findings
It was discovered that to attain desired project outcomes, an organization needs to embrace an underlying BIM adoption culture not only within its project teams but also within the organization as a whole. The study also concluded that an integrated approach to BIM usage – connecting it with lean and green initiatives – on construction projects resulted in improved project outcomes, especially ones targeting lean and green aspects of improvements.

Practical implications
The proposed outline for BIM-based organizational capabilities will help the organizations focus on the “human factors” along with the technical factors while striving for successful usage within their organizations.

Originality/value
Using the organizational capabilities matrix, this paper highlights the importance of technical and social skill sets of an individual employee and their role in developing the organizational capabilities to gain the desired lean and green outcomes.
Multinational contracting and the eclectic paradigm of internationalization
Authors: Rahman Azmeri , Bridge Adrian J. , Rowlinson Steve , Hubbard Bryan , Xia Bo 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel version of Dunning’s eclectic paradigm of internationalisation (OLI framework) to explain both inbound and outbound Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in multinational contracting.Design/methodology/approachThe OLI factors and hypothesis are significantly developed to address a weakness in the OLI framework in its application to settings, such as multinational contracting, with extreme heterogeneity arising from extreme location specificity.FindingsThese developments advance Dunning’s seminal contribution and bring this to life in construction research that has barely applied the framework and, when doing so, has focused only on outbound FDI by multinational contractors (MCs).Research limitations/implicationsThe power of the OLI framework is increased on explaining and predicting FDI in contexts that exhibit extreme heterogeneity associated with extreme location specificity. Furthermore, the operationalisation of key theories representing the framework’s OLI factors is made far more precise.Practical implicationsEngineering, construction and architectural managers, can now more reliably apply the OLI framework both in MCs’ outbound FDI decisions and in governments’ decisions to attract new MCs – or inbound FDI.Originality/valueA significant advance is made in the OLI framework in settings with extreme location specificity, along with the operationalisation of key theories associated with the OLI factors, including the first steps to operationalise Coase’s Nobel prize-winning transaction cost thesis.
Review of methods for evaluating adaptability of buildings
Authors: Rockow Zoraya Roldán , Ross Brandon , Black Anna K. 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of existing models and tools for evaluating the adaptability of buildings. A baseline of the current state of the art in adaptability evaluation and adaptation decision support is established; from this baseline, gaps for future research are recommended.

Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was conducted to identify papers describing adaptability models and tools. The identified models were characterized based on their focus (new buildings, existing buildings, building life cycle), considered variables (physical and/or context features) and degree/type of validation.

Findings
Models can be grouped as those focusing on: evaluating adaptation decisions for existing buildings; the design of new buildings for future adaptation; and understanding adaptation throughout a building life cycle. Models focusing on existing building evaluation are further in development and validation than the other model types; as such, they are more suitable for use by practitioners. Another finding is that modeling of adaptability in buildings is still in its nascent stage and that data-driven quantitative modeling is a prime area for future research.

Originality/value
This paper is the first comprehensive review of models and tools for evaluating adaptability. Other works have evaluated the topic of adaptability more broadly, but this is the first paper to systematically characterize existing models and tools. Based on the review future, research topics are recommended.
Critical links detection in stochastic networks: application to the transport networks
Authors: Guettiche Mourad , Kheddouci Hamamache 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study a multiple-origin-multiple-destination variant of dynamic critical nodes detection problem (DCNDP) and dynamic critical links detection problem (DCLDP) in stochastic networks. DCNDP and DCLDP consist of identifying the subset of nodes and links, respectively, whose deletion maximizes the stochastic shortest paths between all origins–destinations pairs, in the graph modeling the transport network. The identification of such nodes (or links) helps to better control the road traffic and predict the necessary measures to avoid congestion.Design/methodology/approachA Markovian decision process is used to model the shortest path problem under dynamic traffic conditions. Effective algorithms to determine the critical nodes (links) while considering the dynamicity of the traffic network are provided. Also, sensitivity analysis toward capacity reduction for critical links is studied. Moreover, the complexity of the underlying algorithms is analyzed and the computational efficiency resulting from the decomposition operation of the network into communities is highlighted.FindingsThe numerical results demonstrate that the use of dynamic shortest path (time dependency) as a metric has a significant impact on the identification of critical nodes/links and the experiments conducted on real world networks highlight the importance of sensitive links to dynamically detect critical links and elaborate smart transport plans.Research limitations/implicationsThe research in this paper also revealed several challenges, which call for future investigations. First, the authors have restricted our experimentation to a small network where the only focus is on the model behavior, in the absence of historical data. The authors intend to extend this study to very large network using real data. Second, the authors have considered only congestion to assess network’s criticality; future research on this topic may include other factors, mainly vulnerability.Practical implicationsTaking into consideration the dynamic and stochastic nature in problem modeling enables to be effective tools for real-time control of transportation networks. This leads to design optimized smart transport plans particularly in disaster management, to improve the emergency evacuation effeciency.Originality/valueThe paper provides a novel approach to solve critical nodes/links detection problems. In contrast to the majority of research works in the literature, the proposed model considers dynamicity and betweenness while taking into account the stochastic aspect of transport networks. This enables the approach to guide the traffic and analyze transport networks mainly under disaster conditions in which networks become highly dynamic.
Improving distribution and business performance through lean warehousing
Authors: Abushaikha Ismail , Salhieh Loay , Towers Neil 
Published: October 2018

PurposeRecent literature recognizes the role of warehouses in enhancing the overall logistics performance. Thus, lean thinking has recently found its way in supporting warehouse and distribution centre operations. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among warehouse waste reduction practices, warehouse operational performance, distribution performance and business performance.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage study was conducted. First, a Delphi technique was adopted to develop a relevant questionnaire. Second, this questionnaire was used to measure the degree of waste reduction in the different warehouse activities and to test the developed research hypotheses. The authors test the hypotheses with a sample of Middle Eastern warehouse operators.FindingsThere exists a positive relationship between warehouse waste reduction level and both warehouse operational performance and distribution performance. There was no direct relationship between warehouse waste reduction level and business performance. However, results revealed that the relationship between warehouse waste reduction level and business performance was mediated by warehouse operational performance and distribution performance.Practical implicationsThe developed instrument provides a guide for logistics managers as to understand how to reduce waste in each warehousing activity. The results also inform logistics managers of how distribution performance can be improved through lean warehousing. The resulting performance improvements in the distribution operations will ultimately be reflected in the logistics performance of downstream retailers.Originality/valueThe study develops an original instrument for measuring waste reduction in warehouses, and provides insights into the evolving lean warehousing research area. This is the first scholarly work to uncover the relationships among warehouse waste reduction practices, warehouse operational performance, distribution performance and business performance.