bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A predictive model of intercellular tension and cell-matrix mechanical interactions in a multicellular geometry
Authors: Scott Lewis E. , Griggs Lauren A. , Narayanan Vani , Conway Daniel E. , Lemmon Christopher A. , Weinberg Seth H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEpithelial cells form continuous sheets of cells that exist in tensional homeostasis. Homeostasis is maintained through cell-to-cell adhesions that distribute tension and balance forces between cells and their underlying matrix. Disruption of tensional homeostasis can lead to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), which is a transdifferentiation process in which epithelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype, where cell-cell adhesion is lost and individual cell migration is acquired. This process is critical during embryogenesis and wound healing, but is also dysregulated in many disease states. To further understand the role of intercellular tension in spatial patterning of epithelial cell monolayers, we developed a multicellular computational model of cell-cell and cell-substrate forces. This work builds on a hybrid Cellular Potts-finite element model to evaluate cell-matrix mechanical feedback of an adherent multicellular cluster. Thermodynamically-constrained cells migrate by generating traction forces on a finite element substrate to minimize the total energy of the system. Junctional forces at cell-cell contacts balance these traction forces, thereby producing a mechanically stable epithelial monolayer. Simulations were compared to in vitro experiments using fluorescence-based junction force sensors in clusters of cells undergoing EMT. Results indicate that the multicellular CPM model can reproduce many aspects of EMT, including epithelial monolayer formation dynamics, changes in cell geometry, and spatial patterning of cell geometry and cell-cell forces in an epithelial colony.Author summaryEpithelial cells line all organs of the human body and act as a protective barrier by forming a continuous sheet. These cells exert force on both their neighboring cells as well as the underlying extracellular matrix, which is a network of proteins that creates the structure of tissues. Here we develop a model that encompasses both cell-cell forces and cell-matrix forces in an epithelial cell sheet. The model accounts for cell migration and proliferation, and regulates how cell-cell adhesions are formed. We demonstrate how the interplay between cell-cell forces and cell-matrix forces can regulate the formation of the epithelial cell sheet, the organization of cells within the sheet, and the pattern of cell geometries and cell forces within the sheet. We compare computational results with experiments in which epithelial cell sheets are disrupted and cell-cell junction forces are measured, and demonstrate that the model captures many aspects of epithelial cell dynamics observed experimentally.
Assessing the performance of genome-wide association studies for predicting disease risk
Authors: Patron Jonas , Serra-Cayuela Arnau , Han Beomsoo , Li Carin , Wishart David Scott 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo date more than 3700 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been published that look at the genetic contributions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to human conditions or human phenotypes. Through these studies many highly significant SNPs have been identified for hundreds of diseases or medical conditions. However, the extent to which GWAS-identified SNPs or combinations of SNP biomarkers can predict disease risk is not well known. One of the most commonly used approaches to assess the performance of predictive biomarkers is to determine the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (AUROC). We have developed an R package called G-WIZ to generate ROC curves and calculate the AUROC using summary-level GWAS data. We first tested the performance of G-WIZ by using AUROC values derived from patient-level SNP data, as well as literature-reported AUROC values. We found that G-WIZ predicts the AUROC with <3% error. Next, we used the summary level GWAS data from GWAS Central to determine the ROC curves and AUROC values for 569 different GWA studies spanning 219 different conditions. Using these data we found a small number of GWA studies with SNP-derived risk predictors that have very high AUROCs (>0.75). On the other hand, the average GWA study produces a multi-SNP risk predictor with an AUROC of 0.55. Detailed AUROC comparisons indicate that most SNP-derived risk predictions are not as good as clinically based disease risk predictors. All our calculations (ROC curves, AUROCs, explained heritability) are in a publicly accessible database called GWAS-ROCS (http://gwasrocs.ca). The G-WIZ code is freely available for download athttps://github.com/jonaspatronjp/GWIZ-Rscript/.
The methodological quality of animal studies: A cross-sectional study based on the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Jiang Yanbiao , Shang Zhizhong , Zhang Nan , Tao Gongcai , Zhang Ting , Hu Kaiyan , Li Yanfei , Shi Xiue , Zhang Yanying , Yang Jiao , Ma Bin , Yang Kehu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the methodological quality of animal studies published in China and abroad using the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool, and to provide references to improve the methodological quality of animal studies to encourage high quality preclinical studies.MethodsAn electronic search was performed in the Chinese Scientific Citation Database (CSCD) and Web of Science from 2014 to October 2018. Document screening and data extraction were performed independently by four researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS23.ResultsA total of 2764 animal studies were included. Of the studies, 984 were published in English and 1780 were in Chinese. The citation frequency of more than 90% of the included studies was less than 5. The results of methodological quality assessment showed that 36.36% (8/22) of the sub-items were rated as “low risk” in more than 50% of the included studies, of which 75% (6/8) were rated as “low risk” in more than 80% of the included studies. A total of 59.09% (13/22) of the sub-items were rated as “low risk” in less than 30% of the included studies, of which 92.31% (12/13) were rated as “low risk” in less than 10% of the included studies. The incidence of “low risk” Chinese studies regarding performance bias, detection bias and reporting bias were lower than English studies. For foreign studies, more attention should be paid to selection bias, attrition bias, and reporting bias.ConclusionWe identified limitations in the methodological quality of animal experiment studies published in China and abroad. We therefore suggest that it is necessary to take targeted measures to popularize the SYRCLE’s risk of bias tool to effectively improve the design and implementation of animal experiments, and guide study development.
Tissue micro-RNAs associated with colorectal cancer prognosis: a systematic review
Authors: Lopes dos Santos Igor , Greick Batista Dias Penna Karlla , Aparecida dos Santos Carneiro Megmar , Silva Dalla Libera Larisse , Enocencio Porto Ramos Jéssica , Aparecida Saddi Vera 
Published: July 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a multifactorial disease commonly diagnosed worldwide, with high mortality rates. Several studies demonstrate important associations between differential expression of micro-RNAs (miRs) and the prognosis of CRC. However, only a few systematic reviews emphasize the most relevant miRs able to contribute to the establishment of new prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed tissue miRs associated with prognostic factors in CRC patients, through a systematic review of the Literature. Using the PubMed database, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, studies published in English evaluating miRs differentially expressed in tumor tissue and significantly associated with the prognostic aspects of CRC were selected. All the included studies used RT-PCR (Taqman or SYBR Green) for miR expression analysis and the period of publication was from 2009 to 2018. A total of 115 articles accomplished the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The studies investigated the expression of 102 different miRs associated with prognostic aspects in colorectal cancer patients. The most frequent oncogenic miRs investigated were miR-21, miR-181a, miR-182, miR-183, miR-210 and miR-224 and the hyperexpression of these miRs was associated with distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis and worse survival in patients with CRC. The most frequent tumor suppressor miRs were miR-126, miR-199b and miR-22 and the hypoexpression of these miRs was associated with distant metastasis, worse prognosis and a higher risk of disease relapse (worse disease-free survival). Specific tissue miRs are shown to be promising prognostic biomarkers in patients with CRC, given their strong association with the prognostic aspects of these tumors, however, new studies are necessary to establish the sensibility and specificity of the miRs in order to use them in clinical practice.
Preparing graduates for work readiness: an overview and agenda
Authors: Winterton Jonathan , Turner Jason J. 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the concept of graduate work readiness (GWR) from a stakeholder perspective. The research attempts to pull together the various multidisciplinary themes from the literature into a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between graduates and the labour market, considering the international dimension of what is a global phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe critical review is divided into four distinct sections, the first is to contextualise the concept of GWR and graduate employability taking into account recent academic discussion, particularly in the EU and ASEAN; second, to explore the different perspectives of stakeholders in the “triple helix” of universities, governments and the corporate world; third, critically to assess the arguments that educational provision is poorly aligned with labour market needs; and finally, to investigate the implications of the fourth industrial revolution for graduate jobs and skills and propose an agenda for future research.FindingsDespite the apparent consensus between stakeholders over the central importance of graduate employability, there is considerable diversity in how each imagines GWR is best assured.Research limitations/implicationsAny review is limited by the extant literature and whilst it is not uncommon that most research has been done in North America, Western Europe and Australasia, this is a serious limitation. GWR is a global concern and this review shows the need for more research that extends beyond the dominant geographical focus and its attendant paradigms. The implication is that geography is important and local research is needed to develop solutions that fit specific cultural, economic and institutional contexts.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the need to reconcile different stakeholder perspectives on GWR and ensure that they work together on shared agendas to improve graduate transition to the labour market. At the same time, the profound changes being brought about by the fourth industrial revolution suggest that more attention should be paid to the employability of existing employees.Originality/valueThis review should prove useful to both academics and practitioners because it emphasises the need to treat GWR as a concept that varies according to context and stakeholder interests, rather than a homogeneous phenomenon.
Supporting distance-taught students in the workplace
Authors: MacQueen Hilary , Aiken Fiona Jane 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of workplace support measures offered by employers on the academic performance and satisfaction of distance-taught paramedic students.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a combination of quantitative, qualitative and open text data, the authors identified factors important for student success.

Findings
Dedicated study time was not a significant predictor of student pass rate, but was related to the quality of achievement as measured by pass grade. More important for success were less tangible factors such as relationship with a mentor and being part of a supportive peer group.

Research limitations/implications
The number of respondents to the survey of graduates in the second part of the investigation was small (n=30; 8.9 per cent) and limited to one profession (Emergency care).

Practical implications
The support measures the authors have identified should be overtly built into new course design. Placements undertaken away from the primary workplace should be well organised, and students proactively supported while undertaking them.

Originality/value
The value of these findings is that they inform, and can be used to enhance, the experience of students on work-based learning programmes and also on degree apprenticeships.
Building resilience against food insecurity through social networks
Authors: Olawuyi Seyi Olalekan 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
Many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria have initiated programmes targeted at addressing food insecurity, but without any major significant breakthrough. This necessitates the call for inclusion of social network institutional framework into the food and nutrition security policy of many developing countries. This is touted as an important social safety net needed for farming households’ economic advancement and welfare. Consequent on this, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of social networks in building resilience against food insecurity among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
Data collected from a sample of 297 smallholder farmers during 2015/2016 agricultural production season were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe farmers’ notable characteristics. However, Foster–Greer–Thorbecke indices vis-à-vis food consumption expenditure-metrics technique was used to evaluate the food security profile of the respondents. Similarly, ordinary least square and two-stage least square (2SLS) models were applied to investigate the effects and “reverse causality” in the social networks food security model.

Findings
The study findings indicated that about 48.15 per cent of the smallholder farmers are food insecure. Similarly, the study revealed that age (p<0.01), years of formal education (p<0.05), marital status (p<0.05), number of persons in the family (p<0.01), executive status in social groups (p<0.05), aggregate social networks (p<0.1) and non-food consumption expenditure (p<0.01) made significant contributions to food security status of farming households. Importantly, 2SLS estimation indicated non-existence of reverse causality effect of social networks components and households’ food security status.

Social implications
There is an urgent need for pragmatic policies that support systematic and organized social groups and networks formation in the rural/agrarian areas across Nigeria.

Originality/value
A widely accepted view of economic theory posits that traditional capitals (physical, economic/financial and human) drive households’ welfare including food security status. However, this study has established the relevance of social networks as an important component of human well-being. Apparently, this study also established the exogeneity of social networks in the framework of households’ food security status.
Investments in the Brazilian Space Agency and the patenting process: a correlation analysis
Authors: Vaz Vitor Hugo da Silva , Batista Jorge Maikel Alves , Paixão Ana Eleonora Almeida 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
This study aims to analyze the correlation between the investments in the Brazilian Space Agency (BSA) and the patenting process.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used was a statistical analysis through correlation and linear regression between the secondary data of investments made by the federal government, retrieved from the Transparency Portal, in the BSA and the patenting process, taking into consideration the number of invention, utility model and certificate of addition of invention.

Findings
After a brief presentation of the emergence of innovation and patent applications with the investments of governments in space agencies, this study presents the analysis of information in different times of investment that showed positive correlation between the two variables adopted.

Originality/value
One can point to the value of this study as strategic investments in space agencies to boost the filing of patents in a nation in the most diverse areas.
A nonparametric Bayesian approach to term structure fitting
Authors: Lapshin Victor 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to illustrate how a Bayesian approach to yield fitting can be implemented in a non-parametric framework with automatic smoothing inferred from the data. It also briefly illustrates the advantages of such an approach using real data.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses an infinite dimensional (functional space) approach to inverse problems. Numerical computations are carried out using a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo algorithm with several tweaks to ensure good performance. The model explicitly uses bid-ask spreads to allow for observation errors and provides automatic smoothing based on them.

Findings
A non-parametric framework allows to capture complex shapes of zero-coupon yield curves typical for emerging markets. Bayesian approach allows to assess the precision of estimates, which is crucial for some applications. Examples of estimation results are reported for three different bond markets: liquid (German), medium liquidity (Chinese) and illiquid (Russian).

Practical implications
The result shows that infinite-dimensional Bayesian approach to term structure estimation is feasible. Market practitioners could use this approach to gain more insight into interest rates term structure. For example, they could now be able to complement their non-parametric term structure estimates with Bayesian confidence intervals, which would allow them to assess statistical significance of their results.

Originality/value
The model does not require parameter tuning during estimation. It has its own parameters, but they are to be selected during model setup.
Bitcoin, Litecoin, and the Euro: an annualized volatility analysis
Authors: Miglietti Cynthia , Kubosova Zdenka , Skulanova Nicole 
Published: July 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to empirically investigate the volatility of Bitcoin, Litecoin and the Euro.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use quantitative methodologies to assess the annualized volatility of two cryptocurrencies and one international fiat currency. The exchange rate of the currencies is monitored on a daily basis using 1,460 observations from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. The models used include the augmented Dickey–Fuller test, Akaike Information Criteria, autocorrelation function and exchange rate changes determining which currency is the most volatile.

Findings
The findings indicate, based on the statistical measures used, including the standard deviation of selected currencies and annualized volatility, that Litecoin is more volatile than Bitcoin and the Euro and that Bitcoin is more volatile than the Euro. This furthers previous research on cryptocurrency volatility.

Originality/value
The paper provides compelling evidence about the volatility of Litecoin and Bitcoin. The volatility of cryptocurrencies is furthered with data that are more current. The findings are important for investors, financial markets and central banks.
Wildfire alters the structure and seasonal dynamics of nocturnal pollen‐transport networks
Authors: Banza Paula , Macgregor Callum J. , Belo Anabela D. F. , Fox Richard , Pocock Michael J. O. , Evans Darren M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Wildfires drive global biodiversity patterns and affect plant–pollinator interactions, and are expected to become more frequent and severe under climate change. Post‐fire plant communities often have increased floral abundance and diversity, but the effects of wildfires on the ecological process of pollination are poorly understood. Nocturnal moths are globally important pollinators, but no previous study has examined the effects of wildfire on nocturnal pollination interactions.

We investigated the effects of wildfire on nocturnal pollen‐transport networks. We analysed the abundance and species richness of moths and flowers, and the structure of these networks, at three burned and three unburned sites in Portugal for two years, starting eight months after a large fire.

Nocturnal pollen‐transport networks had lower complexity and robustness following the fire than at nearby unburned sites. Overall, 70% of individual moths carried pollen, and moths were found to be transporting pollen from 83% of the flower species present. Burned sites had significantly more abundant flowers, but less abundant and species‐rich moths. Individual moths transported more pollen in summer at burned sites, but less in winter; however, total pollen transport by the moth assemblage at burned sites was just 20% of that at unburned sites. Interaction turnover between burned and unburned networks was high.

Negative effects of fire upon moths will likely permeate to other taxa through loss of mutualisms. Therefore, if wildfires become more frequent under climate change, community resilience may be eroded. Understanding the responses of ecological networks to wildfire can inform management that promotes resilience and facilitates whole‐ecosystem conservation.