bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fronto-Parietal Interactions with Task-Evoked Functional Connectivity During Cognitive Control
Authors: Hwang Kai , Shine James M. , D’Esposito Mark 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFlexible interaction between brain regions enables neural systems to transfer and process information adaptively for goal-directed behaviors. In the current study, we investigated neural substrates that interact with task-evoked functional connectivity during cognitive control. We conducted a human fMRI study where participants selectively attended to a category of visual stimuli in the presence of competing distractors from another stimulus category. To study flexible interactions between brain regions, we performed a dynamic functional connectivity analysis to estimate temporal changes in connectivity strength between brain regions under different levels of cognitive control. Consistent with theoretical predictions, we found that cognitive control selectively enhances functional connectivity for prioritizing the processing of task-relevant information. By regressing temporal changes in connectivity strength against activity patterns elsewhere in the brain, we localized frontal and parietal regions that potentially provide top-down biasing signals for influencing, or reading information out from, task-evoked functional connectivity. Our results suggest that in addition to modulating local activity, fronto-parietal regions could also exert top-down biasing signals to influence functional connectivity between distributed brain regions.
The floral homeotic protein SEPALLATA3 recognizes target DNA sequences by shape readout involving a conserved arginine residue in the MADS-domain
Authors: Gusewski Sandra , Melzer Rainer , Rüempler Florian , Gafert Christian , Theiβen Güenter 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTSEPALLATA3 ofArabidopsis thalianais a MADS-domain transcription factor and a central player in flower development. MADS-domain proteins bind as dimers to AT-rich sequences termed ‘CArG-boxes’ which share the consensus 5’-CC(A/T)6GG-3’. Since only a fraction of the abundant CArG-boxes in theArabidopsisgenome are bound by SEPALLATA3, more elaborate principles have to be discovered to better understand which features turn CArG-box sequences into genuine recognition sites. Here, we investigated to which extent the shape of the DNA contributes to the DNA-binding specificity of SEPALLATA3. We determinedin vitrobinding affinities of SEPALLATA3 to a variety of DNA probes which all contain the CArG-box motif, but differ in their DNA shape characteristics. We found that binding affinity correlates well with certain DNA shape features associated with ‘A-tracts’. Analysis of SEPALLATA3 proteins with single amino acid substitutions in the DNA-binding MADS-domain further revealed that a highly conserved arginine residue, which is expected to contact the DNA minor groove, contributes significantly to the shape readout. Our studies show that the specific recognition ofcis-regulatory elements by plant MADS-domain transcription factors heavily depend on shape readout mechanisms and that the absence of a critical arginine residue in the MADS-domain impairs binding specificity.
A critical re-evaluation of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) efforts inWolbachia
Authors: Bleidorn Christoph , Gerth Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWolbachia(Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales) is the most common, and arguably one of the most important inherited symbionts. Molecular differentiation ofWolbachiastrains is routinely performed with a set of five multilocus sequence typing (MLST) markers. However, since its inception in 2006, the performance of MLST inWolbachiastrain typing has not been assessed objectively. Here, we evaluate the properties ofWolbachiaMLST markers and compare it to 252 other single copy loci present in the genome of mostWolbachiastrains. Specifically, we investigated how well MLST performs at strain differentiation, at reflecting genetic diversity of strains, and as phylogenetic marker. We find that MLST loci are outperformed by other loci at all tasks they are currently employed for, and thus that they do not reflect the properties of aWolbachiastrain very well. We argue that whole genome typing approaches should be used forWolbachiatyping in the future. Alternatively, if few-loci-approaches are necessary, we provide a characterization of 252 single copy loci for a number a criteria, which may assist in designing specific typing systems or phylogenetic studies.
ATR is required to complete meiotic recombination in mice
Authors: Pacheco Sarai , Maldonado-Linares Andros , Marcet-Ortega Marina , Rojas Cristina , Martínez-Marchal Ana , Fuentes-Lazaro Judit , Lange Julian , Jasin Maria , Keeney Scott , Fernández-Capetillo Oscar , Garcia-Caldès Montserrat , Roig Ignasi 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPrecise execution of recombination during meiosis is essential for forming chromosomally balanced gametes. Meiotic recombination initiates with the formation and resection of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Binding of replication protein A (RPA) at resected DSBs fosters association of RAD51 and DMC1, the primary effectors of homology search. It is well appreciated that cellular responses to meiotic DSBs are critical for efficient repair and quality control, but molecular features of these responses remain poorly understood, particularly in mammals. Here we provide evidence that the DNA damage response protein kinase ATR is crucial for meiotic recombination and completion of meiotic prophase in mice. Using a hypomorphicAtrmutation and pharmacological inhibition of ATRin vivoand in cultured spermatocytes, we show that ATR, through its effector kinase CHK1, promotes efficient RAD51 and DMC1 assembly at RPA-coated DSB sites and establishment of interhomolog connections during meiosis. Furthermore, our findings suggest that ATR promotes local accumulation of recombination markers on unsynapsed axes during meiotic prophase to favor homologous chromosome synapsis. These data reveal that ATR plays multiple roles in mammalian meiotic recombination.
ADAM17 is the main sheddase for the generation of human triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells (hTREM2) ectodomain and cleaves TREM2 after histidine 157
Authors: Feuerbach Dominik , Schindler Patrick , Barske Carmen , Joller Stefanie , Beng-Louka Edwige , Worringer Katie A , Kommineni Sravya , Kaykas Ajamete , Ho Daniel J , Ye Chaoyang , Welzenbach Karl , Elain Gaelle , Klein Laurent , Brzak Irena , Mir Anis K , Farady Christopher J , Aichholz Reiner , Popp Simone , George Nathalie , Hsieh Christine L , Nakamura Mary C , Neumann Ulf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTriggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells (TREM2) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and is expressed in macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia, and osteoclasts. TREM2 plays a role in phagocytosis, regulates release of cytokine, contributes to microglia maintenance, and its ectodomain is shed from the cell surface. Using both pharmacological and genetic approaches we report here that the main protease contributing to the release of TREM2 ectodomain is ADAM17, (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain containing protein, also called TACE, TNFα converting enzyme) while ADAM10 plays a minor role. Using mutational analysis, we demonstrate that the main cleavage site of the sheddases is located within the stalk region of TREM2 proximal to the plasma membrane. Complementary biochemical experiments reveal that cleavage occurs between histidine 157 and serine 158. Shedding is not altered for the R47H-mutated TREM2 protein that confers an increased risk for the development of Alzheimers disease. O-glycosylation is detected within the stalk region, but distant to the cleavage site. These findings reveal a link between shedding of TREM2 and its regulation during inflammatory conditions or chronic neurodegenerative disease like AD in which activity or expression of sheddases might be altered.
Model-averaged regression coefficients have a straightforward interpretation using causal conditioning
Authors: Walker Jeffrey A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractModel-averaged regression coefficients have been criticized for averaging over a set of models with parameters that have different meanings from model to model. This criticism arises because of confusion between two different parameters estimated by the coefficients of a statistical model.Ever since Fisher, the textbook definition of a coefficient (a “differences in conditional means”) takes its meaning from probabilistic conditioning (P(Y|X)). Because the parameter estimated with probabilistic conditioning is conditional on a specific set of covariates, its meaning varies from model to model.The coefficients in many applied statistical models, however, take their meaning from causal conditioning (P(Y|do(X))) and these coefficients estimate causal effect parameters (or simply, causal effects or Average Treatment Effects). Causal effect parameters are also differences in conditional expectations, but the event conditioned on is not the set of covariates in a statistical model but a hypothetical intervention. Because an effect parameter takes its meaning from causal and not probabilistic conditioning, it is the same from model to model, and an averaged coefficient has a straightforward interpretation as an estimate of a causal effect.Because an effect parameter is the same from model to model, the estimates of the parameter will generally be biased. By contrast, with probabilistic conditioning, the coefficients are consistent estimates of their parameter in every model, but the parameter differs from model to model. Confounding and omitted variable bias, which are central to explanatory modeling, are meaningless in statistical modeling as mere description.The argument developed here only addresses the “different parameters” criticism of model-averaged coefficients and is not advocating model averaging more generally.
Single molecule sequencing of M13 virus genome without amplification
Authors: Zhao Luyang , Deng Liwei , Li Gailing , Jin Huan , Cai Jinsen , Shang Huan , Li Yan , Wu Haomin , Xu Weibin , Zeng Lidong , Zhang Renli , Zhao Huan , Wu Ping , Zhou Zhiliang , Zheng Jiao , Ezanno Pierre , Yan Qin , Deem Michael , He Jiankui 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThird generation sequencing is a direct measurement of DNA/RNA sequences at the single molecule level without amplification. In this study, we report sequencing of the genome of the M13 virus by a new single molecule sequencing platform. Our platform detects single molecule fluorescence by the total internal reflection microscope technique, with sequencing-by-synthesis chemistry. We sequenced the genome of M13 to a depth of 316x and 100% coverage. The consensus sequence accuracy is 100%. We demonstrated that single molecule sequencing has no significant GC bias.
Spike discharge prediction based on Neuro-fuzzy system
Authors: Zarei Mahdi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the development and evaluation of different versions of Neuro-Fuzzy model for prediction of spike discharge patterns. We aim to predict the spike discharge variation using first spike latency and frequency-following interval. In order to study the spike discharge dynamics, we analyzed the Cerebral Cortex data of the cat from [29]. Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS), Wang and Mendel (WM), Dynamic evolving neural-fuzzy inference system (DENFIS), Hybrid neural Fuzzy Inference System (HyFIS), genetic for lateral tuning and rule selection of linguistic fuzzy system (GFS.LT.RS) and subtractive clustering and fuzzy c-means (SBC) algorithms are applied for data. Among these algorithms, ANFIS and GFS.LT.RS models have better performance. On the other hand, ANFIS and GFS.LT.RS algorithms can be used to predict the spike discharge dynamics as a function of first spike latency and frequency with a higher accuracy compared to other algorithms.
Rejection of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Nigeria
Authors: Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji , Onyemelukwe Cheluchi , Onigbanjo-Williams Abimbola , Oyediran Kolawole Azeez , Odimegwu Clifford Obby 
Published: May 2017

PurposeAchieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This continues the effort of the third Millennium Development Goal (MDG), which was “to promote gender equality and empower all women”. In Nigeria, a Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill had been under consideration in the Nigerian Senate since 2010 to be enacted as a Nigerian law as part of effort toward MDG 3. After six years, the Bill was voted out for “lack of merit”. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the outcome.Design/methodology/approachA review of this Bill and the authors’ perceptions of reasons for the decline are subsequently presented.FindingsThere were concerns based on the content of the Bill. It was agreed by members of the Nigerian Senate that the content of the Bill was not in line with the religious and cultural beliefs of most of the Nigerian population and thus, unworthy to be enacted as a Nigerian law.Social implicationsThe review herein provides important analysis of the content of the declined Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill. It reflects the continued patriarchal norms and perception of the superiority of men over women in Nigeria.Originality/valueThe paper provides a bird-view analysis of an unsuccessful Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Nigeria. This information is needed for a review of the Bill ahead of possible re-presentation following modifications for discussion.
Outsourcing under incomplete information
Authors: Kabiraj Tarun , Sinha Uday Bhanu 
Published: May 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that outsourcing can occur as outcome of a separating or pooling perfect Bayesian equilibrium although it is not profitable under complete information. Therefore, asymmetric information can itself be a reason for outsourcing.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper constructs a model of two firms interacting in the product market under asymmetric information where one firm has private information about its technological capability, and it has the option to produce inputs in-house or buy inputs from an input market. However, using outsourced inputs involves a fixed cost at the plant level. The model solves for perfect Bayesian equilibrium.FindingsThere are situations when under complete information, outsourcing of the input will not occur, but, under incomplete information, either only the low-cost type or both high and low-cost types will go for outsourcing, and there always exist reasonable beliefs supporting these equilibria. In particular, when the fixed cost is neither too small not too large, a separating equilibrium occurs in which the low-cost type outsources inputs from the input market but the high-cost type produces in-house; hence, outsourcing signals the firm’s type. Outsourcing by only the high-cost type firm will never occur in equilibrium.Originality/valueThat incomplete or asymmetric information can itself be a reason for strategic outsourcing is never identified in the literature. The present paper is an attempt to fill this gap and raise the issue of outsourcing in an incomplete information environment.
Polarized words: discourse on the boycott of Israel, social justice and conflict resolution
Authors: Chaitin Julia , Steinberg Shoshana , Steinberg Sharon 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The study aimed to investigate how Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and others from around the world present their views on boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) and the Palestinian Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). The quality of discourse was examined along with the implications of the rhetoric for social-justice and conflict resolution frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study analyzed 257 texts (newspaper articles, opinion pieces, YouTube videos, emails. Facebook posts, Twitter tweets, campaigns and websites) for content and quality of discourse and for their implications for social-justice and conflict resolution work.

Findings
Most texts divided into those in favor of the boycott and those opposed. The content was also polarized − most pro-BDS texts saw Israel as a settler-colonial enterprise, and emphasized issues of social-justice, whereas opponents perceived Israel as a legitimate nation and were skeptical of the human rights angle. The main types of discourse discerned included: ethnocentric talk, attack and intellectual discussion, regardless of national/ethnic origin of the writer or stance toward the boycott.

Research limitations/implications
Different types of texts were analyzed, which did not always fit easily into the discourse categories. Because this was the first study of its kind and looked at limited years, results should be approached with this in mind.

Practical implications
The rhetoric leaves little place for dialogue between those in favor and those opposed. Specific suggestions for combining social-justice work and conflict resolution work are offered.

Social implications
BDS discourse in its present form hampers finding a solution to the conflict and abuse of Palestinian rights. A new approach is needed to try to resolve these issues.

Originality/value
Because there are few systematic studies on BDS, this article provides insight into how people discuss the strategy and how it connects to frameworks for resolving conflicts.
Innovation for elderly with dementia – localization technology transfer
Authors: Ebbing Tobias , Cichosz Marzenna 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of transferring modern technology from industries such as logistics to the life of elderly in a way that they can understand, accept and make use of it.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual discussion based on findings from a series of projects in healthcare, IT development and consultancy. The key methodologies considered include technology assessment, scenario development, listening to people with dementia and their caregivers and non-participant observation, as well as reviews of good practice, policy and literature.

Findings
The transfer considerations showed unreasonable price differences of similar hardware used for localization between the logistics and the elderly market. Bluetooth low energy (BLE) was identified as a promising localization technique. A gap in the marketing of technology for the elderly was identified, virtually fencing the elderly market.

Practical implications
A lack of transparency fosters market skimming, resulting in deadweight loss for society and technology being restrained from less-solvent consumers. Corrective actions like entrepreneurship facilitation and consumer education should be considered to overcome this market failure. To persevere in a consequently more competitive market, changes in marketing should be considered.

Originality/value
The work assesses the presence of the innovativeness–needs paradox of Everett Rogers in the field of innovation for the elderly on the basis of an example and identifies the resulting market failure. It suggests a market-entry mode and briefly lays out the marketing modes for market penetration.
A principal component analysis of the determinants of spatial disparity between rural and urban localities of Ghana
Authors: Drafor Ivy 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the spatial disparity between rural and urban areas in Ghana using the Ghana Living Standards Survey’s (GLSS) rounds 5 and 6 data to advance the assertion that an endowed rural sector is necessary to promote agricultural development in Ghana. This analysis helps us to know the factors that contribute to the depravity of the rural sectors to inform policy towards development targeting.

Design/methodology/approach
A multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to data from the GLSS-5 and GLSS-6 to determine the characteristics of the rural-urban divide in Ghana.

Findings
The findings reveal that the rural poor also spend 60.3 per cent of their income on food, while the urban dwellers spend 49 per cent, which is an indication of food production capacity. They have low access to information technology facilities, have larger household sizes and lower levels of education. Rural areas depend a lot on firewood for cooking and use solar/dry cell energies and kerosene for lighting which have implications for conserving the environment.

Practical implications
Developing the rural areas to strengthen agricultural growth and productivity is a necessary condition for eliminating spatial disparities and promoting overall economic development in Ghana. Addressing rural deprivation is important for conserving the environment due to its increased use of fuelwood for cooking. Absence of alternatives to the use of fuelwood weakens the efforts to reduce deforestation.

Originality/value
The application of PCA to show the factors that contribute to spatial inequality in Ghana using the GLSS-5 and GLSS-6 data is unique. The study provides insights into redefining the framework for national poverty reduction efforts.
Mechanical and laser impact effects on woven composites with hemp or glass fibres
Authors: Touchard Fabienne , Boustie Michel , Chocinski-Arnault Laurence , Pascual González Pedro , Berthe Laurent , de Vasconcellos Davi , Sorrentino Luigi , Malinowski Pawel , Ostachowicz Wieslaw 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the damage induced in “green” and synthetic composites under impact loading.

Design/methodology/approach
The study was focussed on epoxy-based composites reinforced with woven hemp or glass fibres. Six assessment techniques were employed in order to analyse and compare impact damages: eye observation, back face relief, terahertz spectroscopy, laser vibrometry, x-ray micro-tomography and microscopic observations.

Findings
Different damage detection thresholds for each material and technique were obtained. Damage induced by mechanical and laser impacts showed relevant differences, but the damage mechanisms are similar in both types of impact: matrix cracks, fibre failure, debonding at the fibres/matrix interface and delamination. Damage shape on back surfaces is similar after mechanical or laser impacts, but differences were detected inside samples.

Originality/value
The combination of these six diagnoses provides complementary information on the damage induced by mechanical or laser impacts in the studied green and synthetic composites.