bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase A Negatively Regulates Ca2+ signaling in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Uboldi Alessandro D. , Wilde Mary-Louise , McRae Emi A. , Stewart Rebecca J. , Dagley Laura F. , Yang Luning , Katris Nicholas J , Hapuarachchi Sanduni V. , Coffey Michael J , Lehane Adele M. , Botte Cyrille Y , Waller Ross F. , Webb Andrew I. , Tonkin Christopher J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe phylum Apicomplexa comprises a group of obligate intracellular parasites that alternate between intracellular replicating forms and actively motile extracellular forms that move through tissue. Parasite cytosolic Ca2+ signalling activates motility, but how this is switched off after invasion is not understood. Here we show that the cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase A catalytic subunit 1 (PKAc1) of Toxoplasma is responsible for suppression of Ca2+ signalling upon host cell invasion. We demonstrate that that PKAc1 is sequestered to the parasite periphery by dual acylation of its regulatory subunit PKAr1. Newly invaded PKAc1-deficient parasites exit host cells shortly thereafter in a perforin-like protein 1 (PLP-1)-dependent fashion. We demonstrate that loss of PKAc1 results in an inability to rapidly downregulate cytosolic Ca2+ levels shortly after invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PKAc1 also specifically negatively regulates resting cytosolic Ca2+ in conditions that mimic intracellularity. We also show that cAMP and cGMP have opposing role in microneme secretion, further supporting evidence that cAMP signalling has a suppressive role during motility. Together, this work provides a new paradigm in understanding how Toxoplasma and related apicomplexan parasites regulate infectivity.
RD5-mediated lack of PE_PGRS and PPE-MPTR export in BCG vaccine strains results in strong reduction of antigenic repertoire but little impact on protection
Authors: Ates Louis S. , Sayes Fadel , Frigui Wafa , Ummels Roy , Damen Merel P. M. , Bottai Daria , Behr Marcel A. , Bitter Wilbert , Majlessi Laleh , Brosch Roland 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTuberculosis is the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. Although the BCG vaccine is widely used, it does not efficiently protect against pulmonary tuberculosis and an improved tuberculosis vaccine is therefore urgently needed.Mycobacterium tuberculosisuses different ESX/Type VII secretion (T7S) systems to transport proteins important for virulence and host immune responses. We recently reported that secretion of T7S substrates belonging to the mycobacteria-specific Pro-Glu (PE) and Pro-Pro-Glu (PPE) proteins of the PGRS (polymorphic GC-rich sequences) and MPTR (major polymorphic tandem repeat) subfamilies required both a functional ESX-5 system and a functional PPE38/71 protein for secretion. Inactivation ofppe38/71and the resulting loss of PE_PGRS/PPE-MPTR secretion were linked to increased virulence ofM. tuberculosisstrains. Here, we show that a predicted total of 89 PE_PGRS/PPE-MPTR surface proteins are not exported by certain animal-adapted strains of theM. tuberculosiscomplex includingM. bovis.This Δppe38/71-associated secretion defect therefore also occurs in theM. bovis-derived tuberculosis vaccine BCG and could be restored by introduction of theM. tuberculosisppe38-locus. Epitope mapping of the PPE-MPTR protein PPE10, further allowed us to monitor T-cell responses in splenocytes from BCG/M.tuberculosisimmunized mice, confirming the dependence of PPE10-specific immune-induction on ESX-5/PPE38-mediated secretion. Restoration of PE_PGRS/PPE-MPTR secretion in recombinant BCG neither altered global antigenic presentation or activation of innate immune cells, nor protective efficacy in two different mouse vaccination-infection models. This unexpected finding stimulates a reassessment of the immunomodulatory properties of PE_PGRS/PPE-MPTR proteins, some of which are contained in vaccine formulations currently in clinical evaluation.
Real-time in vivo Global Transcriptional Dynamics During Plasmodium falciparum Blood-stage Development
Authors: Painter Heather J. , Chung Neo Christopher , Sebastian Aswathy , Albert Istvan , Storey John D. , Llinás Manuel 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTGenome-wide analysis of transcription in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum has revealed robust variation in steady-state mRNA abundance throughout the 48-hour intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC) suggesting that this process is highly dynamic and tightly regulated. However, the precise timing of mRNA transcription and decay remains poorly understood due to the utilization of methods that only measure total RNA and cannot differentiate between newly transcribed, decaying and stable cellular RNAs. Here we utilize rapid 4-thiouracil (4-TU) incorporation via pyrimidine salvage to specifically label, capture and quantify newly-synthesized P. falciparum RNA transcripts at every hour throughout the IDC following erythrocyte invasion. This high resolution global analysis of the transcriptome captures the timing and rate of transcription for each newly synthesized mRNA in vivo, revealing active transcription throughout all stages of the IDC. To determine the fraction of active transcription and/or transcript stabilization contributing to the total mRNA abundance at each timepoint we have generated a statistical model to fit the data for each gene which reveals varying degrees of transcription and stabilization for each mRNA corresponding to developmental transitions and independent of abundance profile. Finally, our results provide new insight into co-regulation of mRNAs throughout the IDC through regulatory DNA sequence motifs associated with these processes, thereby expanding our understanding of P. falciparum mRNA dynamics.
A new approach in animal diet using grey system theory
Authors: Salookolaei Davood Darvishi , Liu Sifeng , Nasseri Sayed Hadi 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the animal diet problem in grey environment which is adapted to the real situations. In particular, a new approach to solve these problems is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach
With the objective to produce the least-cost diet, in the traditional model for optimizing the diet problem, the price of foods, the nutrients requirements and the necessity of foods requirement have been considered as grey interval numbers. Grey linear programming approach has been employed to solve the grey diet problem. Grey linear programming with flexibility in selection of the coefficients can be more effective for solving the diet problems. In this research, only the positioned method has been used. The grey diet model is solved by using GAMS software based on the positioned method.

Findings
The main contribution of this work is to introduce a new model in the practical case that is concerned with diet problem under a kind of uncertainty environment and furthermore, proposing a novel method to solve the formulated problem. In this way, using a grey model and applying all restrictions, the least cost for one kilogram of total mixed ration was 6,893-10,163 Rials, and at this level, cow’s nutrient requirement was met. Based on the numerical examination, which was done on the real case, the achieved results have showed that the uncertainty of foods requirement and nutrients requirements had slight effect on the animal budget diet.

Originality/value
This problem must be viewed from another perspective because of the uncertainty regarding the amount of nutrients per unit of foods and the diversity of animals’ daily needs to receive them. In particular, a new method to optimize the fully mixed diet of lactating cows in early lactation that are readily available in the northeast of Iran in uncertainty environment has been proposed.
New axiomatic approach to the concept of grey information
Authors: Mierzwiak Rafal , Xie Naiming , Nowak Marcin 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
Considering current development of Grey Systems Theory (GST), we can come up with the following thesis: practical applications are a dominant subject of research. Thus, what seems to be symptomatic for relatively young knowledge disciplines, the authors observe the presence of imbalance between the development of GST application tools and theory’s epistemological and methodological background. As for GST, epistemological and methodological problems are becoming visible especially in the issues of determining a clear criterion of demarcation of this kind of a theory from others. In other words, this problem can be reduced to the issue of a precise determination of what the category of a grey system and grey information is. This problem is of great importance for further development and popularisation of GST in the world of science. Realising its significance, the purpose of this paper is to create a general overview of Grey Systems epistemology and afterwards create axiomatic and formal frames for a category of greyness.

Design/methodology/approach
In order to achieve set goals, two research approaches were accepted. In the area of inference about epistemology of GST an approach characteristic of an analytical philosophy was used, whereas in the case of axiomatic and formal frames for a category of greyness the authors referred to terms of a set theory and the principles of a pragmatic logic.

Findings
The result of research is to formulate a concept of a grey system and a concept of grey information in the context of a process of cognition. Moreover, a function of greyness and other fundamental categories of GST will be defined in an axiomatic way.

Originality/value
The paper presents a new consistent frame for the issues of methodological and epistemological backgrounds of GST. An original concept is to refer in considerations to a newly proposed grey space. This space was used for a formal justification of such elementary categories as grey numbers, a weight function of whitenization or grey sequences. The value of achievements shown in the paper is underlined by the fact that proposed theoretical constructions require further development and they can potentially open up new research trends in the GST.
Maximum entropy methods for weighted grey incidence analysis and applications
Authors: Quan Jing , Zeng Bo , Wang LuYun 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
Equally weighted factors and initial data from behavioural sequences are used for calculating the degree of grey incidence in Deng’s grey incidence analysis. However, certain grey information cannot be directly obtained, and the correlation coefficients of each sequence at different times are of different importance to the system. The purpose of this paper is to propose an improved grey incidence model with new grey incidence coefficients and weighted degree of grey incidence. Some grey information can be obtained more easily by using the grey transformation sequences, and the maximum entropy method is used to calculate the weights of new grey incidence coefficients, so the new degree of grey incidence was distinguished more effectively by the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach
New grey incidence coefficients are defined using transformation sequences of the initial data. To overcome the shortcomings arising from the use of equal weights, the maximum entropy method is proposed for determining the weights of the grey incidence coefficients. The resulting model optimises the classical models and evaluates the influencing factors more effectively. The effectiveness of the model was verified by a numerical example. Furthermore, the model was used for analysing the main influencing factors of the tertiary industry in China.

Findings
The proposed model optimises the classical models, and the application example shows that urbanisation has the greatest effect on employment in the tertiary sector.

Originality/value
An improved grey incidence model is proposed that improves the grey incidence coefficients and their weights, and has better performance than the classical models. The model was successfully used in the analysis of the influence factors of the tertiary industry in China. The results indicate that the model can reflect the significance of incidence coefficients at different time points; therefore, their fluctuation can be effectively controlled.
Middle-range theorizing on logistics customer service
Authors: Pellathy Daniel A. , In Joonhwan , Mollenkopf Diane A. , Stank Theodore P. 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate how a systematic application of middle-range theorizing, which pays particular attention to contexts and mechanisms, can be used to extend current knowledge on logistics customer service (LCS) in a number of critical areas.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies Stanket al.’s (2017) framework for middle-ranging theorizing in logistics to develop a research framework and agenda that can guide future LCS research. Results are generated through a review of the LCS literature and an application of the main concepts of middle-range theorizing.FindingsThe paper outlines opportunities for middle-range research that would extend LCS knowledge in the areas of human and behavioral factors, time-based competition, supply chain complexity, and digitization and technological innovation.Research limitations/implicationsDescribing the main characteristics of middle-range theorizing and how middle-range theorizing can be fruitfully applied to LCS research should help to stimulate new knowledge creation in this important area of supply chain logistics management.Practical implicationsBy focusing on why and when questions, middle-range theorizing engages with the practical realities of LCS that interest managers and students. Middle-range theorizing moves researchers toward developing a detailed understanding of what actually has to change in order for desired LCS-related outcomes to occur and the contextual factors likely impacting the change process. The paper should, therefore, allow managers to better translate LCS theory into action.Originality/valueMiddle-range theorizing remains new to the supply chain logistics field. The application of middle-range theorizing to LCS research, and logistics research more generally, demands new perspectives on established relationships with the potential to drive original research in areas most relevant to managers.
Modeling median will-cost estimates for defense acquisition programs
Authors: Trudelle Ryan , White Edward D. , Ritschel Dan , Koschnick Clay , Lucas Brandon 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The introduction of “should cost” in 2011 required all Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) to create efficiencies and improvements to reduce a program’s “will-cost” estimate. Realistic “will-cost” estimates are a necessary condition for the “should cost” analysis to be effectively implemented. Owing to the inherent difficulties in establishing a program’s will-cost estimate, this paper aims to propose a new model to infuse realism into this estimate.

Design/methodology/approach
Using historical data from 73 Departments of Defense programs as recorded in the selected acquisition reports (SARs), the analysis uses mixed stepwise regression to predict a program’s cost from Milestone B (MS B) to initial operational capability (IOC).

Findings
The presented model explains 83 per cent of the variation in the program acquisition cost. Significant predictor variables include: projected duration (months from MS B to IOC); the amount of research development test and evaluation (RDT&E) funding spent at the start of MS B; whether the program is considered a fixed-wing aircraft; whether a program is considered an electronic system program; whether a program is considered ACAT I at MS B; and the program size relative to the total program’s projected acquisition costs at MS B.

Originality/value
The model supports the “will-cost and should-cost” requirement levied in 2011 by providing an objective and defensible cost for what a program should actually cost based on what has been achieved in the past. A quality will-cost estimate provides a starting point for program managers to examine processes and find efficiencies that lead to reduced program costs.
Analysis of performance on a modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test for the military
Authors: Moten Cardy , Kennedy Quinn , Alt Jonathan , Nesbitt Peter 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
Current Army doctrine stresses a need for military leaders to have the capability to make flexible and adaptive decisions based on a future unknown environment, location and enemy. To assess a military decision maker’s ability in this context, this paper aims to modify the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test which assesses cognitive flexibility, into a military relevant map task. Thirty-four military officers from all service branches completed the map task.

Design/methodology/approach
The purpose of this study was to modify a current psychological task that measures cognitive flexibility into a military relevant task that includes the challenge of overcoming experiential bias, and understand underlying causes of individual variability in the decision-making and cognitive flexibility behavior of active duty military officers on this task.

Findings
Results indicated that non-perseverative errors were a strong predictor of cognitive flexibility performance on the map task. Decomposition of non-perseverative error into efficient errors and random errors revealed that participants who did not complete the map task changed their sorting strategy too soon within a series, resulting in a high quantity of random errors.

Originality/value
This study serves as the first step in customizing cognitive psychological tests for a military purpose and understanding why some military participants show poor cognitive flexibility.
Drivers of value management in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aghimien Douglas Omoregie 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The paper aims to determine the possible drivers of value management (VM) in the construction industry with a view of providing better-quality construction and achieving value for money through its usage.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a survey design, and construction professionals from various strata in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria are assessed using a convenience sample through the use of a structured questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, mean score and one-sample t-test are used for analysing the data gathered.

Findings
Result revealed that although knowledge regarding VM practices is high, its adoption in the industry is average and the involvement of construction professionals in VM workshops is low. Government involvement through the introduction of VM policy, client commitment and proper understanding of VM methodology aid the adoption of VM practices.

Practical implications
This research was conducted across six geopolitical zones of the country as against common practice of selecting a particular region or state to represent the entire country. The findings therefore show a true reflection of the VM drivers in the country. Its recommendations can, to a large extent, increase the use of VM in the country and also other developing countries where construction projects are executed through a similar method, style and approach.

Originality/value
This paper highlights the possible ways of increasing the use of VM in the construction industry with a view to achieve better-quality construction and value for money.
Analysis of runway pavement response under aircraft moving load by FEM
Authors: Shafabakhsh Gholamali , Kashi Ehsan , Tahani Mojtaba 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
Given the importance of airports and the need to develop this issue in runway, the purpose of this study, pavement response values under loading of different aircraft have been obtained using tire and pavement modeling by finite element method (FEM). To predict the actual behavior of pavements under aircraft loading, dynamic analysis of runway flexible pavement was performed using Abaqus software version 6.10.

Design/methodology/approach
The method is based on finite element analysis and software simulation. And the main goal to obtain the amount of pavement stress and deflection at different speeds.

Findings
The results of modeling showed that aircraft movement at a speed of 5-8 km/h leads to the highest stresses and deflections in the pavement. Moreover, the effect of elastic modulus variations of the asphalt concrete on the tensile strain under advisory circular layer was calculated for Airbus A380 by using FEM. To validate the results of the runway pavement dynamic analysis, the results of modeling have been compared with the field test results of National Airport Pavement Test Facility.

Originality/value
Stresses and deflections of pavement during aircraft movement at different speeds of 5, 8 and 20 km/h on the runway have been presented, and the critical points in length, width and depth of runway pavement, as well as the most critical speed of aircraft in terms of induced damage to the pavement, have been obtained.
Monitoring joint quality: Taguchi approach and structure investigation
Authors: Reda Reham , Saad Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed Zaky , Abd-Elkader Hoda 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to monitor, evaluate and adjust the joint quality of dissimilar friction stir welded AA2024-T3 and AA7075-T6 Al alloys.

Design/methodology/approach
Taguchi analysis for design of experiments and ANOVA analysis were applied. Tensile test, visual inspection and macro and microstructure investigations were carried out at each welding condition. In addition, the grain size of stir zone and the value of heat input were measured.

Findings
Using Taguchi analysis, the optimum values of tool rotary speed, welding speed and axial load were 1,200 rpm, 100 mm/min and 1,300 kg, respectively, yielding the maximum tensile strength of the joints of 427 MPa. ANOVA analysis indicated that the most significant parameter on the joint strength is the tool rotary speed, followed by welding speed and axial load, with contributions of 67, 27 and 2 per cent, respectively. Best mixing between Al alloys in the stir zone with no defects was observed at moderate speeds because of proper heat input and grain size, resulting in high strength.

Originality/value
A relation between structure characteristics of the joint, the process parameters and the joint strength was established to control the joint quality.