bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Assay for the Detection of Network Connectivity in Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cultures
Authors: Gamble Jeffrey R , Zhang Eric T , Iyer Nisha , Sakiyama-Elbert Shelly , Barbour Dennis L 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTStem cell transplantation holds great promise as a repair strategy following spinal cord injury. Embryonic stem cell (ESC) transplantation therapies have elicited encouraging though limited improvement in motor and sensory function with the use of heterogeneous mixtures of spinal cord neural progenitors and ESCs. Recently, transgenic lines of ESCs have been developed to allow for purification of specific candidate populations prior to transplantation, but the functional network connectivity of these populations and its relationship to recovery is difficult to examine with current technological limitations. In this study, we combine an ESC differentiation protocol, multi-electrode arrays (MEAs), and previously developed neuronal connectivity detection algorithms to develop an in vitro high-throughput assay of network connectivity in ESC-derived populations of neurons. Neuronal aggregation results in more consistent detection of individual neuronal activity than dissociated cultures. Both aggregated and dissociated culture types exhibited synchronized bursting behaviors at days 17 and 18 on MEAs, and thousands of statistically significance functional connections were detected in both culture types. Aggregate cultures, however, demonstrate a tight linear relationship between the inter-neuron distance of neuronal pairs and the time delay of the neuronal pair functional connections, whereas dissociated cultures do not. These results suggest that ESC-derived aggregated cultures may reflect some of the spatiotemporal connectivity characteristics of in vivo tissue and prove to be useful models of investigating potentially therapeutic populations of ESC-derived neurons in vitro.NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCEPrevious investigations of stem cell-derived network connectivity on multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) have been limited to characterizations of bursting activity or broad averages of overall temporal network correlations, both of which overlook neuronal level interactions. The use of spike-sorting and short-time cross-correlation histograms along with statistical techniques developed specifically for MEAs allows for the characterization of functional connections between individual stem cell-derived neurons. This high-throughput connectivity assay will open doors for future examinations of the differences in functional network formation between various candidate stem cell-derived populations for spinal cord injury transplantation therapies—a critical inquiry into their therapeutic viability.
Water quality and microbial load: a double-threshold identification procedure intended for space applications
Authors: Amalfitano Stefano , Levantesi Caterina , Garrelly Laurent , Giacosa Donatella , Bersani Francesca , Rossetti Simona 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDuring longer-lasting future space missions, water renewal by ground-loaded supplies will become increasingly expensive and unmanageable for months. Space exploration by self-sufficient space-crafts is thus demanding the development of culture-independent microbiological methods for in-flight water monitoring to counteract possible contamination risks. In this study, we aimed at evaluating microbial load data assessed by selected techniques with current or promising perspectives in space applications (i.e., HPC, ATP-metry, qPCR, flow cytometry), through the analysis of water sources with constitutively different contamination levels (i.e., chlorinated and unchlorinated tap waters, groundwaters, river waters, wastewaters). Using a data-driven double-threshold identification procedure, we identified and presented new alternative standards of water quality based on the assessment of the total microbial load. Our approach is suitable to provide an immediate alert of microbial load peaks, thus enhancing the crew responsiveness in case of unexpected events due to water contamination and treatment failure. Finally, the backbone dataset could help in managing water quality and monitoring issues for both space and Earth-based applications.
Unraveling the genetic architecture of grain size in einkorn wheat through linkage and homology mapping, and transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Yu Kang , Liu Dongcheng , Chen Yong , Wang Dongzhi , Yang Wenlong , Yang Wei , Yin Lixin , Zhang Chi , Zhao Shancen , Sun Jiazhu , Liu Chunming , Zhang Aimin 
Published: July 2018

HighlightGenome-wide linkage and homology mapping revealed 17 genomic regions through a high-density einkorn wheat genetic map constructed using RAD-seq, and transcription levels of 20 candidate genes were explored using RNA-seq.AbstractUnderstanding the genetic architecture of grain size is a prerequisite to manipulate the grain development and improve the yield potential in crops. In this study, we conducted a whole genome-wide QTL mapping of grain size related traits in einkorn wheat by constructing a high-density genetic map, and explored the candidate genes underlying QTL through homologous analysis and RNA sequencing. The high-density genetic map spanned 1873 cM and contained 9937 SNP markers assigned to 1551 bins in seven chromosomes. Strong collinearity and high genome coverage of this map were revealed with the physical maps of wheat and barley. Six grain size related traits were surveyed in five agro-climatic environments with 80% or more broad-sense heritability. In total, 42 QTL were identified and assigned to 17 genomic regions on six chromosomes and accounted for 52.3-66.7% of the phenotypic variations. Thirty homologous genes involved in grain development were located in 12 regions. RNA sequencing provided 4959 genes differentially expressed between the two parents. Twenty differentially expressed genes involved in grain size development and starch biosynthesis were mapped to nine regions that contained 26 QTL, indicating that the starch biosynthesis pathway played a vital role on grain development in einkorn wheat. This study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of grain size in einkorn wheat, the underlying genes enables the understanding of grain development and wheat genetic improvement, and the map facilitates the mapping of quantitative traits, map-based cloning, genome assembling and comparative genomics in wheat taxa.
Filopodome mapping identifies p130Cas as a mechanosensitive regulator of filopodia stability
Authors: Jacquemet Guillaume , Saup Rafael , Hamidi Hellyeh , Miihkinen Mitro , Ivaska Johanna 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFilopodia are adhesive cellular protrusions specialised in the detection of extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived cues. While ECM engagement at focal adhesions is known to trigger the recruitment of hundreds of proteins (“adhesome”) to fine-tune cellular behaviour, the components of the filopodia adhesions remain undefined. Here, we performed a structured illumination microscopy-based screen to map the localisation of 80 target proteins, linked to cell adhesion and migration, within filopodia. We demonstrate preferential enrichment of several adhesion proteins to either filopodia tips, filopodia shafts, or shaft subdomains suggesting divergent, spatially restricted functions for these proteins. Moreover, proteins with phospho-inositide (PI) binding sites are particularly enriched in filopodia. This, together with the strong localisation of PI(3,4)P2 in filopodia tips, predicts critical roles for PIs in regulating filopodia ultra-structure and function. Our mapping further reveals that filopodia adhesions consist of a unique set of proteins, the filopodome, that are distinct from classical nascent adhesions, focal adhesions and fibrillar adhesions. Using live imaging, we observe that filopodia adhesions can give rise to nascent adhesions, which, in turn, form focal adhesions. Finally, we demonstrate that p130Cas (BCAR1) is recruited to filopodia tips via its CCHD domain and acts as a mechanosensitive regulator of filopodia stability.
Sexual behavior of the desert locust during intra-and inter-phase interactions
Authors: Golov Y. , Rillich J. , Douek M. , Harari A.R. , Ayali A 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMating and reproduction behaviors and strategies are fundamental aspects of an organism’s evolutionary and ecological success. In locusts, intra- as well as inter-phase reproductive interactions among gregarious and solitarious locust populations have a major impact on the locust population dynamics. However, practically all previous work on locust sexual behavior has been limited to the gregarious phase. Here we provide a first detailed description of pre-copulatory behavior of solitarious desert locusts. We compare our findings with those of previous reports of pre-copulatory behavior of gregarious locusts, focusing on the behavioral elements that serve in inter-sex signaling and communication. We also studied inter-phase (mixed pairs) reproductive interactions. Solitarious males were found to invest more in pre-copulatory courtship and signaling compared to their gregarious counterparts; and the solitarious females played a comparatively more dominant role in the inter-sex communication. The solitarious females were also less prone to demonstrate the typical rejection-related behavioral patterns displayed by the gregarious females. As a consequence of the particular characteristic behavior of each phase, the most successful among intra- and inter-phase pairs were gregarious males with solitary females. Least successful were solitary males encountered with gregarious females, indicating a strong asymmetry in inter-phase reproductive interactions. We discuss these results in the context of non-random or assortative mating in locust mixed or sympatric solitarious-gregarious populations.
Structural insight into the mechanism of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant mutations in human-infecting H10N8 Influenza A virus
Authors: Oladejo Babayemi O. , Bi Yuhai , Vavricka Christopher J. , Li Chunrui , Chai Yan , Xu Kun , Li Liqiang , Lu Zhe , Li Jiandong , Wong Gary , Mohan Sankar , Pinto B. Mario , Jiang Haihai , Qi Jianxun , Gao George Fu , Tien Po , Wu Yan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe emergence of drug resistance in avian influenza virus (AIV) is a serious concern for public health. Neuraminidase (NA) isolated from a fatal case of avian-origin H10N8 influenza virus infection was found to carry a drug-resistant mutation, NA-Arg292Lys (291 in N8 numbering). In order to understand the full potential of H10N8 drug resistance, the virus was first passaged in the presence of the most commonly used neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), oseltamivir and zanamivir. As expected, the Arg292Lys substitution was detected after oseltamivir treatment, however a novel Val116Asp substitution (114 in N8 numbering) was selected by zanamivir treatment. Next generation sequencing (NGS) confirmed that the mutations arose early (after passages 1-3) and became dominant in the presence of the NAI inhibitors. Extensive crystallographic studies revealed that N8-Arg292Lys resistance results mainly from loss of interactions with the inhibitor carboxylate, while rotation of Glu276 was not impaired as observed in the N9-Arg292Lys, a group 2 NA structure. In the case of Val116Asp, the binding mode between oseltamivir and zanamivir is different. Asp151 forms stabilized hydrogen bond to guanidine group of zanamivir, which may compensate the resistance caused by Val116Asp. By contrast, the amino group of oseltamivir is too short to maintain this hydrogen bond, which result in resistant. Moreover, the oseltamivir-zanamivir hybrid inhibitor MS-257 displays higher effectiveness to Val116Asp than oseltamivir, which support this notion.Author SummaryAside from vaccination, NAIs are currently the only alternative for the clinical treatment and prophylaxis of influenza. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance is critical to guide in drug development. In this study, two drug-resistant NA substitutions, Val116Asp and Arg292Lys, were discovered from oseltamivir and zanamivir treatment of H10N8 virus. Crystal structural analyses revealed two distinct mechanisms of these two resistant mutations and provide the explanation for the difference in susceptibility of different NAIs. Zanamivir and laninamivir were more effective against the resistant variants than oseltamivir, and Arg292Lys results in more serious oseltamivir resistance in N9 than N8 subtype. This study is well-correlated to influenza pandemic/epidemic pre-warning, as the discovery of inhibitor resistant viruses will help for new drug preparedness.
Venoms of related mammal-eating species of taipans (Oxyuranus) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja) differ in composition of toxins involved in mammal poisoning
Authors: Skejic Jure , Steer David L. , Dunstan Nathan , Hodgson Wayne C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundTaipans of the genusOxyuranusare predominately mammal-eating specialists and a majority of Australian brown snakes of the sister genusPseudonajaare generalist predators, feeding on mammals, lizards and frogs. In this paper, venom composition of several related mammal-eating species was compared using shotgun proteomics.ResultsVenom ofOxyuranus temporalisconsisted predominately of α-neurotoxins (three-finger toxin family) and was deficient in phospholipase A2neurotoxins. In contrast, PLA2neurotoxins (taipoxin and paradoxin) were abundant in the venoms of other mammal-eating taipan species –Oxyuranus scutellatusandO. microlepidotus. Variation in neurotoxic PLA2expression was also recorded in mammal-eating brown snakes, some species having high venom levels of textilotoxin or related homologues, for examplePseudonaja textilisandP. nuchalis, and others, such asP. ingrami, lacking them. Venom prothrombinase proteins (fX and fV) were expressed in most mammalivorous lineages, being particularly abundant in somePseudonajaspecies. Notably,Oxyuranus temporalisvenom was deficient in venom prothrombinase despite a mammal-based diet. Expression of an α-neurotoxin that is lethal to rodents (pseudonajatoxin b) was profoundly down-regulated inPseudonaja textilisvenom sample from Queensland and highly up-regulated in the sample from South Australia despite a report that the snake feeds on rodents in both regions.ConclusionRelated species of taipans and brown snakes that feed on small mammals express different sets of venom proteins toxic to this vertebrate group. This suggests an involvement of factors other than prey type selection in shaping venom proteome composition.
Quality assessment methods for index of community sustainability
Authors: Lobato-Calleros Maria Odette , Fabila Karla , Shaw Pamela , Roberts Brian 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design and test a user satisfaction model to evaluate the contribution of biodiesel production and consumption to the sustainability of a semi-urban community in the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia Canada. This case study is part of a larger research study whose purpose is to create a model for an index of sustainable community production and consumption.

Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical approach selected was the national indices of consumer satisfaction models. The methodology was qualitative and quantitative, in-depth interviews were used to learn the opinion of active and non-active consumers of biodiesel. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed with specialized software for qualitative studies. A structural equation model, whose innovation is the inclusion of the sustainability variables, was designed and analyzed with statistical technique partial least squares.

Findings
The designed model and methodology were useful to identify the principal cause variables of consumer satisfaction of biodiesel in two types of users: active users and non-active users. The determination coefficient R2 of the latent variables satisfaction and loyalty for the prediction of biodiesel active users model is 0.82 and 0.72, respectively, while the result for the non-active users model is 0.90 for satisfaction and 0.73 for loyalty. Sustainable consumption at community level is statistically significant as a direct cause of the variable sustainability of the community for both models, and in turn the sustainability of the community variable has a significant impact on loyalty for the active users model.

Originality/value
This case study is part of a larger research study whose purpose is to create a model for an index of sustainable community production and consumption which will be measured longitudinally to detect changes in the sustainable consumption of the community members.
Intelligent autonomous vehicles in digital supply chains
Authors: Tsolakis Naoum , Bechtsis Dimitrios , Srai Jagjit Singh 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to discuss key challenges associated with the use of either simulation or real-world application of intelligent autonomous vehicles (IAVs) in supply network operations; and second, to provide a theoretical and empirical evidence-based methodological framework that supports the integrated application of conceptualisation, simulation, emulation and physical application of IAVs for the effective design of digital supply networks.Design/methodology/approachFirst, this study performs a critical review of the extant literature to identify major benefits and shortcomings related to the use of either simulation modelling or real-word application of physical IAVs. Second, commercial and bespoke software applications, along with a three-dimensional validation and verification emulation tool, are developed to evaluate an IAV’s operations in a conceptual warehouse. Third, a commercial depth-sensor is used as a test bed in a physical setting.FindingsThe results demonstrate that conceptual and simulation modelling should be initially used to explore alternative supply chain operations in terms of ideal performance while emulation tools and real-world IAV test beds are eminent in validating preferred digital supply chain design options.Research limitations/implicationsThe provided analysis framework was developed using literature evidence along with experimental work and research experience, without consulting any industry experts. In addition, this study was developed based on the application of a single physical device application as a test bed and, thus, the authors should further progress with the testing of a physical IAV in an industrial warehouse.Practical implicationsThe study provides bespoke simulation modelling and emulation tools that can be useful for supply chain practitioners in effectively designing network operations.Originality/valueThis work contributes in the operations management field by providing both a multi-stage methodological framework and a practical “toolbox” for the proactive assessment and incorporation of IAVs in supply network operations.
Smallholder preferences and willingness-to-pay measures for microcredit
Authors: Ding Zhao , Abdulai Awudu 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine smallholders’ preferences and willingness to pay for microcredit products with varying attribute combinations, in order to contribute to the debate on the optimal design of rural microcredit.

Design/methodology/approach
Data used in this study are based on a discrete choice experiment from 552 randomly selected respondents. Mixed logit and latent class models are estimated to examine the choice probability and sources of preference heterogeneity. Endogenous attribute attendance models are applied to account for attribute non-attendance (ANA) phenomenon, focusing on separate non-attendance probability as well as joint non-attendance probability.

Findings
The results demonstrate that preference heterogeneity and ANA exist in the smallholder farmers’ microcredit choices. Averagely, smallholder farmers prefer longer credit period, smaller credit size, lower transaction costs and lower interest rate. Guarantor collateral method and installment repayment positively affect their preferences as well. Moreover, respondents are found to be willing to pay more for the attributes they consider important. The microcredit providers are able to attract new customers under the current interest rates, if the combination of attributes is appropriately adjusted.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the debate by assessing the preference trade-off of different microcredit attributes more comprehensively than in previous analyses, by taking preference heterogeneity and ANA into account.
Understanding online knowledge community user continuance
Authors: Zhou Tao 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw on the social cognitive theory to identify the determinants of online knowledge community user continuance, which reflects a user’s continued use.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the 271 valid responses collected from a survey, structural equation modelling was employed to examine the research model.

Findings
The results indicated that the cognitive factors of outcome expectation and the environmental factors of system quality and knowledge quality significantly affect a user’s continuance intention, which, in turn, affects continuance usage.

Research limitations/implications
The results imply that service providers need to enhance community platforms and improve knowledge quality in order to retain users and facilitate their continuance.

Originality/value
Although previous research has examined online knowledge community user behaviour from multiple perspectives such as the social exchange theory and the motivational theory, it has seldom explored the relative effects of personal cognitions and environmental factors on user behaviour. This research fills the gap.
CSFs for Six Sigma in service and manufacturing companies: an insight on literature
Authors: Pathiratne Sonali Udeeka , Khatibi Ali , Md Johar Md Gapar 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to identify and review the critical success factors (CSFs) for successful Six Sigma implementation in service and manufacturing companies given in published literature.

Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by future research opportunities. Studies published on the topic of Six Sigma during 2005-2016 are reviewed to retrieve identified CSFs.

Findings
From published literature, 48 CSFs vital for Six Sigma implementation were identified. The identified CSFs were classified under eight core categories. As per the categorization, 35 out of 48 CSFs identified are either Company Strategy related, Six Sigma Project related or Human Resources related. Only a limited number of studies are carried out mainly focusing on the stated three core areas. Hence, it is vital that these three core areas are further explored in future research.

Originality/value
With the outcome of this paper, the identified CSFs for Six Sigma will be taken for further studies, where they will be applied to service and manufacturing companies based in Sri Lanka. Hence, it would provide Sri Lankan service and manufacturing companies guidelines for successful implementation of Six Sigma for future endeavors.