bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Genetics of Lesion and Nodal Resistance in Pea (Pisum sativumL.) toSclerotinia sclerotiorumUsing Genome-wide Association Studies and RNA-Seq
Authors: Chang Hao-Xun , Sang Hyunkyu , Wang Jie , McPhee Kevin E. , Zhuang Xiaofeng , Porter Lyndon D. , Chilvers Martin I. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe disease white mold caused by the fungusSclerotinia sclerotiorumis a significant threat to pea production and improved resistance to this disease is needed. Nodal resistance in plants is a phenomenon where a fungal infection is prevented from passing through a node and the infection is limited to an internode region. Nodal resistance has been observed in some pathosystems such as the pea (Pisum sativumL.)-S. sclerotiorumpathosystem. Other than nodal resistance, different pea lines display different levels of stem lesion size restriction, referred to as lesion resistance. It is unclear whether the genetics of lesion resistance and nodal resistance are identical or different. This study applied genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and RNA-Seq to understand the genetic makeup of these two types of resistance. The time series RNA-Seq experiment consisted of two pea lines (the susceptible ‘Lifter’ and the partially resistant PI 240515), two treatments (mock samples andS. sclerotioruminoculated samples), and three time points (12, 24, and 48 hours post-inoculation). Integrated results from GWAS and RNA-Seq analyses identified different redox-related transcripts for lesion and nodal resistances. A transcript encoding a glutathione S-transferase was the only shared resistance source for both phenotypes. There were more leucine rich-repeat containing transcripts found for lesion resistance, while different candidate resistance transcripts such as a VQ motif-containing protein and a myo-inositol oxygenase were found for nodal resistance. This study demonstrated the robustness of combining GWAS and RNA-Seq for identifying white mold resistance in pea, and results suggest different genetics underlying lesion and nodal resistance.
Rapid adaptation in large populations with very rare sex: scalings and spontaneous oscillations
Authors: Pearce Michael T. , Fisher Daniel S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGenetic exchange in microbes and other facultative sexuals can be rare enough that evolution is almost entirely asexual and populations almost clonal. But the benefits of genetic exchange depend crucially on the diversity of genotypes in a population. How very rare recombination together with the accumulation of new mutations shapes the diversity of large populations and gives rise to faster adaptation is still poorly understood. This paper analyzes a particularly simple model: organisms with two asexual chromosomes that can reassort during rare matings that occur at a rater. The speed of adaptation for large population sizes,N, is found to depend on the ratio ~ log(Nr)/log(N). For larger populations, the r needed to yield the same speed deceases as a power ofN. Remarkably, the population undergoes spontaneous oscillations alternating between phases when the fittest individuals are created by mutation and when they are created by reassortment, which—in contrast to conventional regimes—decreases the diversity. Between the two phases, the mean fitness jumps rapidly. The oscillatory dynamics and the strong fluctuations this induces have implications for the diversity and coalescent statistics. The results are potentially applicable to large microbial populations, especially viruses that have a small number of chromosomes. Some of the key features may be more broadly applicable for large populations with other types of rare genetic exchange.
Tissue architectural cues drive organ targeting of human tumor cells in zebrafish
Authors: Paul Colin D. , Bishop Kevin , Devine Alexus , Paine Elliott L. , Staunton Jack R. , Thomas Sarah M. , Jenkins Lisa M. Miller , Morgan Nicole Y. , Sood Raman , Tanner Kandice 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTSites of metastasis are non-random, with certain types of cancers showing organ preference during distal colonization. Using multiple brain- and bone marrow-seeking human and murine breast cancer subclones, we determined that tumor cells that home to specific murine organs (brain and bone marrow) ultimately colonized analogous tissues (brain and caudal vein plexus [CVP]) in larval zebrafish. We then exploited the zebrafish model to delineate factors leading to differential cell homing and extravasation. Bone marrow-tropic clones showed higher expression of integrins and focal adhesions associated with mechanosensing machinery than brain-tropic clones and were more sensitive to vessel topography during extravasation. Knockdown of β1 integrin reduced extravasation and redistributed organ targeting from disordered vessels in the CVP to the brain. Our results show that organ selectivity is driven by topography- and cell type-dependent extravasation at the tumor-endothelial interface in the larval zebrafish and provide important insights into the early stages of metastasis.
Characterizing the response to face pareidolia in human category-selective visual cortex
Authors: Wardle Susan G , Seymour Kiley , Taubert Jessica 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe neural mechanisms underlying face and object recognition are understood to originate in ventral occipital-temporal cortex. A key feature of the functional architecture of the visual ventral pathway is its category-selectivity, yet it is unclear how category-selective regions process ambiguous visual input which violates category boundaries. One example is the spontaneous misperception of faces in inanimate objects such as the Man in the Moon, in which an object belongs to more than one category and face perception is divorced from its usual diagnostic visual features. We used fMRI to investigate the representation of illusory faces in category-selective regions. The perception of illusory faces was decodable from activation patterns in the fusiform face area (FFA) and lateral occipital complex (LOC), but not from other visual areas. Further, activity in FFA was strongly modulated by the perception of illusory faces, such that even objects with vastly different visual features were represented similarly if all images contained an illusory face. The results show that the FFA is broadly-tuned for face detection, not finely-tuned to the homogenous visual properties that typically distinguish faces from other objects. A complete understanding of high-level vision will require explanation of the mechanisms underlying natural errors of face detection.
Haploinsufficiency of Parkinsonism Gene SYNJ1 Contributes to Dopamine neuron Vulnerability in Aged Mice
Authors: Pan Ping-Yue , Sheehan Patricia , Wang Qian , Zhang Yuanxi , Wang Jing , El Gaamouch Farida , Zhu Li , Cai Dongming , Yue Zhenyu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in ventral midbrain (MB). Identification of interactions between aging and the known risk variants is crucial to understanding the etiology of PD. Recessive mutations in SYNJ1 have recently been linked to familial early-onset atypical Parkinsonism. We now show an age-dependent decline of SYNJ1 expression in the striatum as well as in striatal DAergic terminals of aged mice. Heterozygous deletion of SYNJ1 in mice causes selective elevation of PIP2 in the MB, and manipulation of PIP2 levels also impairs synaptic vesicle recycling preferentially in MB neurons. SYNJ1+/− mice display progressive PD-like behavioral alterations and DAergic terminal degeneration. Furthermore, we found down-regulation of human SYNJ1 transcripts in a subset of sporadic PD brains, corroborating the role of an age-dependent decrease in SYNJ1 in predisposing DAergic neuron vulnerability and PD pathogenesis.
The complement system supports normal postnatal development and gonadal function in both sexes
Authors: Lee Arthur S. , Rusch Jannette , Usmani Abul , Lima Ana C. , Wong Wendy S.W. , Huang Ni , Lepamets Maarja , Vigh-Conrad Katinka A. , Worthington Ronald E. , Mägi Reedik , Niederhuber John E. , Wu Xiaobo , Atkinson John P. , Hess Rex A. , Conrad Donald F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMale and female infertility are clinically managed and classified as distinct diseases, and relatively little is known about mechanisms of gonadal function common to both sexes. We used genome-wide genetic analysis on 74,896 women and men to find rare genetic variants that modulate gonadal function in both sexes. This uncovered an association with variants disrupting CSMD1, a complement regulatory protein located on 8p23, in a genomic region with an exceptional evolution. We found that Csmd1 knockout mice display a diverse array of gonadal defects in both sexes, and in females, impaired mammary gland development that leads to increased offspring mortality. The complement pathway is significantly disrupted in Csmd1 mice, and further disruption of the complement pathway from joint inactivation of C3 leads to more extreme reproductive defects. Our results can explain a novel human genetic association with infertility and implicate the complement system in the normal development of postnatal tissues.
The genomic and ecological context of hybridization affect the probability that symmetrical incompatibilities drive hybrid speciation
Authors: Comeault Aaron A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDespite examples of homoploid hybrid species, theoretical work describing when, where, and how we expect homoploid hybrid speciation to occur remains relatively rare. Here I explore the probability of homoploid hybrid speciation due to “symmetrical incompatibilities” under different selective and genetic scenarios. Through simulation, I test how genetic architecture and selection acting on traits that do not themselves generate incompatibilities interact to affect the probability that hybrids evolve symmetrical incompatibilities with their parent species. Unsurprisingly, selection against admixture at ‘adaptive’ loci that are linked to loci that generate incompatibilities tends to reduce the probability of evolving symmetrical incompatibilities. By contrast, selection that favors admixed genotypes at adaptive loci can promote the evolution of symmetrical incompatibilities. The magnitude of these outcomes is affected by the strength of selection, aspects of genetic architecture such as linkage relationships and the linear arrangement of loci along a chromosome, and the amount of hybridization following the formation of a hybrid zone. These results highlight how understanding the nature of selection, aspects of the genetics of traits affecting fitness, and the strength of reproductive isolation between hybridizing taxa can all be used to inform when we expect to observe homoploid hybrid speciation due to symmetrical incompatibilities.
netSmooth: Network-smoothing based imputation for single cell RNA-seq
Authors: Ronen Jonathan , Akalin Altuna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSingle cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) experiments suffer from a range of characteristic technical biases, such as dropouts (zero or near zero counts) and high variance. Current analysis methods rely on imputing missing values by various means of local averaging or regression, often amplifying biases inherent in the data. We present netSmooth, a network-diffusion based method that uses priors for the covariance structure of gene expression profiles on scRNA-seq experiments in order to smooth expression values. We demonstrate that netSmooth improves clustering results of scRNA-seq experiments from distinct cell populations, time-course experiments, and cancer genomics. We provide an R package for our method, available at: https://github.com/BIMSBbioinfo/netSmooth.
Detection and estimation of mental fatigue in manual assembly process of complex products
Authors: Xiao Hong , Duan Yugang , Zhang Zhongbo , Li Ming 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate an approach for mental fatigue detection and estimation of assembly operators in the manual assembly process of complex products, with the purpose of founding the basis for adaptive transfer and demonstration of assembly process information (API), and eventually making the manual assembly process smarter and more human-friendly.

Design/methodology/approach
The proposed approach detects and estimates the mental state of assembly operators by electroencephalography (EEG) signal recording and analysis in an engine assembly experiment. When the subjects perform assembly tasks, their EEG signal is recorded by a portable EEG recording system called Emotiv EPOC+ headset. The feature set of the EEG signal is then extracted by calculating its power spectrum density (PSD), followed by data dimension reduction based on principal component analysis (PCA). The dimension-reduced data are classified by using support vector machines (SVMs), and hence, the mental state of assembly operators can be estimated during the assembly process.

Findings
The experimental result shows that the proposed approach is able to estimate the mental state of assembly operators within an acceptable accuracy range, and the PCA-based dimension reduction method performs very well by representing the high-dimensional EEG feature set with just a few principal components.

Originality/value
This paper provides theoretical and experimental basis for the API transfer and demonstration based on human cognition. It provides a new idea to seek balance between the improvement of production efficiency and the sustainable utilization of human resources.
Physical deformation configuration of a spatial clamped cable based on Kirchhoff rods
Authors: Du Hongwang , Xiong Wei , Wang Haitao , Wang Zuwen 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
In this study, a modeling method for a clamped deformable cable simulation based on Kirchhoff theory is proposed. This methodology can be used to describe the physical deformation configuration of any constrained flexible cable in a computer-aided design/manufacturing system. The modeling method, solution algorithm, simulation and experimental results are presented to prove the feasibility of the proposed methodology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
First, Kirchhoff equations for deformable cables are proposed based on the nonlinear mechanics of thin elastic rods, and the general solution of the equations described by the Euler angles is given in the arc coordinate system. The parametric form solution of the Kirchhoff equations, which is easy to use, is then obtained in a cylindrical coordinate form based on Saint Venant’s theory. Finally, mathematical expressions that reflect the clamped cable configuration are given, and the deformable process is simulated based on an open source geometry kernel and is then tested by a 3D laser scanning technology.

Findings
The method presented in this paper can be adapted to any boundary condition for constrained cables as long as the external force and torque are known. The experimental results indicate that both the model and algorithm are efficient and accurate.

Research limitations/implications
A more comprehensive study must be executed for the physical simulation of more complicated constrained cables, such as the helical spring and asymmetric constraint. The influence of the material properties of the cable on the calculation efficiency must be considered in future analysis.

Originality/value
The semi-analytical algorithm of the cable simulation in cylindrical coordinates is a novel topic and is more accurate and efficient than the common numerical solution.
Implementation of blockchain-based energy trading system
Authors: Oh Se-Chang , Kim Min-Soo , Park Yoon , Roh Gyu-Tak , Lee Chin-Woo 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
The centralized processes of today’s power trading systems are complex and pose a risk of price tampering and hacking. The decentralized and unmodifiable nature of the blockchain technology that has recently been highlighted offers the potential to improve this power trading process. The purpose of this study is to implement a system to apply the blockchain technology to the problem of power trading.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors modeled the power trading problem as the interaction between admin, producer and consumer nodes. And a power trading scenario has been created for this model using a blockchain platform called Multichain which is both fast and highly scalable. To verify this scenario, they implemented a trading system using Savoir, a Python-based JsonRPC module.

Findings
Experimental results show that all processes, such as blockchain creation, node connectivity, asset issuance and exchange transactions have been correctly handled according to the scenario.

Originality/value
In this study, the authors have proposed and implemented a power trading method that determines price according to the pure market principle and cannot be manipulated or hacked. It is based on the nature of blockchain technology that is decentralized and cannot be tampered.
Climate impact assessment and “islandness”
Authors: Foley Aideen Maria 
Published: December 2017

PurposeClimate data, including historical climate observations and climate model outputs, are often used in climate impact assessments, to explore potential climate futures. However, characteristics often associated with “islandness”, such as smallness, land boundedness and isolation, may mean that climate impact assessment methods applied at broader scales cannot simply be downscaled to island settings. This paper aims to discuss information needs and the limitations of climate models and datasets in the context of small islands and explores how such challenges might be addressed.Design/methodology/approachReviewing existing literature, this paper explores challenges of islandness in top-down, model-led climate impact assessment and bottom-up, vulnerability-led approaches. It examines how alternative forms of knowledge production can play a role in validating models and in guiding adaptation actions at the local level and highlights decision-making techniques that can support adaptation even when data is uncertain.FindingsSmall island topography is often too detailed for global or even regional climate models to resolve, but equally, local meteorological station data may be absent or uncertain, particularly in island peripheries. However, rather than viewing the issue as decision-making with big data at the regional/global scale versus with little or no data at the small island scale, a more productive discourse can emerge by conceptualising strategies of decision-making with unconventional types of data.Originality/valueThis paper provides a critical overview and synthesis of issues relating to climate models, data sets and impact assessment methods as they pertain to islands, which can benefit decision makers and other end-users of climate data in island communities.
Developing entrepreneurship in Africa: investigating critical resource challenges
Authors: Atiase Victor Yawo , Mahmood Samia , Wang Yong , Botchie David 
Published: December 2017

PurposeBy drawing upon institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of four critical resources (credit, electricity, contract enforcement and political governance) in explaining the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the supporting entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach based on ordinary least squares regression analysis was used. Three data sources were employed. First, the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) of 35 African countries was used to measure the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa which represents the dependent variable. Second, the World Bank’s data on access to credit, electricity and contract enforcement in Africa were also employed as explanatory variables. Third, the Ibrahim Index of African Governance was used as an explanatory variable. Finally, country-specific data on four control variables (GDP, foreign direct investment, population and education) were gathered and analysed.FindingsTo support entrepreneurship development, Africa needs broad financial inclusion and state institutions that are more effective at enforcing contracts. Access to credit was non-significant and therefore did not contribute to the dependent variable (entrepreneurship quality and depth of entrepreneurial support in Africa). Access to electricity and political governance were statistically significant and correlated positively with the dependent variables. Finally, contract enforcement was partially significant and contributed to the dependent variable.Research limitations/implicationsA lack of GEI data for all 54 African countries limited this study to only 35 African countries: 31 in sub-Saharan Africa and 4 in North Africa. Therefore, the generalisability of this study’s findings to the whole of Africa might be limited. Second, this study depended on indexes for this study. Therefore, any inconsistencies in the index aggregation if any could not be authenticated. This study has practical implications for the development of entrepreneurship in Africa. Public and private institutions for credit delivery, contract enforcement and the provision of utility services such as electricity are crucial for entrepreneurship development.Originality/valueThe institutional void is a challenge for Africa. This study highlights the weak, corrupt nature of African institutions that supposedly support MSME growth. Effective entrepreneurship development in Africa depends on the presence of a supportive institutional infrastructure. This study engages institutional theory to explain the role of institutional factors such as state institutions, financial institutions, utility providers and markets in entrepreneurship development in Africa.
Share experiences: receiving word of mouth and its effect on relationships with donors
Authors: Sundermann Larissa M. 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
Although antecedents and consequences for the sender of word of mouth (WOM) are well evaluated in many research fields, non-profit service research focusing on consequences for WOM receivers is limited. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide evidence for the positive effect that WOM has on commitment, trust, satisfaction and identification (relationship-related factors) and on intentional loyalty of blood donors. Furthermore, the role of the social reference group and the incentive ethics are analysed.

Design/methodology/approach
Blood donors of the German Red Cross Blood Donor Service were invited to take part in an online survey during May/June 2016. A total of 702 (23.74 per cent) blood donors, who first donated in 2015/2016, participated. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings
The results provide evidence that the mere presence of receiving WOM positively influences commitment, satisfaction and identification as well as intentional loyalty. The negative moderation effect of incentive ethics was partially confirmed.

Practical implications
This study recommends using WOM approaches to bind donors but first evaluating the exact consequences of provided WOM rewards. WOM is an effective strategy, and non-profit organizations (NPOs) should use this to strengthen their relationship with donors.

Originality value
The paper provides and tests a theoretical framework to evaluate the impact of receiving WOM on relationship-related factors and intentional loyalty. It fills a gap in current discussions about the effectiveness of WOM as a marketing strategy to strengthen donor–NPO relationships.