bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional MRI in awake dogs predicts suitability for assistance work
Authors: Berns Gregory S. , Brooks Andrew M. , Spivak Mark , Levy Kerinne 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTThe overall goal of this work was to measure the efficacy of fMRI for predicting whether a dog would be a successful service dog. The training and imaging were performed in 50 dogs entering advanced training at 17-21 months of age. FMRI responses were measured while each dog observed hand signals indicating either reward or no reward and given by both a familiar handler and a stranger. 49 dogs successfully completed fMRI training and scanning. Of these, 33 eventually completed service training and were matched with a person, while 10 were released for behavioral reasons. Using anatomically defined regions-of-interest in the ventral caudate, amygdala, and visual cortex, we developed a classifier based on the dogs' outcomes. We found that responses in the stranger condition were sufficient to develop an accurate brain-based classifier. On all data, the classifier had a positive predictive value of 96% with 10% false positives. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.90 (0.79 with 4-fold cross-validation, P=0.02), indicating a significant diagnostic capability. Within the stranger condition, the differential response to [reward – no reward] in ventral caudate was positively correlated with a successful outcome, while the differential response in the amygdala was negatively correlated to outcome. These results show that successful service dogs transfer knowledge to strangers as indexed by ventral caudate activity without excessive arousal as measured in the amygdala.
PfClpC Is An Essential Clp Chaperone Required For Plastid Integrity And Clp Protease Stability InPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Florentin Anat , Cobb David W , Fishburn Jillian D , Cipriano Michael J , Kim Paul S , Fierro Manuel A , Striepen Boris , Muralidharan Vasant 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe deadly malaria parasite,Plasmodium falciparum, contains a non-photosynthetic plastid known as the apicoplast, that functions to produce essential metabolites. Little is known about its biology or regulation, but drugs that target the apicoplast are clinically effective. Using phylogenetic analysis, we identified a putative complex of clp (caseinolytic protease) genes. We genetically targeted members of this complex and generated conditional mutants of the PfClpC chaperone and PfClpP protease and found that they co-localize in the apicoplast. Conditional inhibition of the PfClpC chaperone resulted in growth arrest and apicoplast loss, and was rescued by addition of the essential apicoplast-derived metabolite, IPP. Using a double conditional-mutant parasite line, we discovered that the chaperone activity is required to stabilize the active protease, revealing functional interactions. These data demonstrate the essential function of PfClpC in maintaining apicoplast integrity and its role in regulating the proteolytic activity of the Clp complex.
MaxEnt’s parameter configuration and small samples: Are we paying attention to recommendations?
Authors: Morales Narkis S. , Fernándezb Ignacio C. , Baca-Gonzálezd Victoria 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEnvironmental niche modeling (ENM) is commonly used to develop probabilistic maps of species distribution. Among available ENM techniques, MaxEnt has become one of the most popular tools for modeling species distribution, with hundreds of peer-reviewed articles published each year. MaxEnt’s popularity is mainly due to the use of a graphical interface and automatic parameter configuration capabilities. However, recent studies have shown that using the default automatic configuration may not be always appropriate because it can produce non-optimal models; particularly when dealing with a small number of species presence points. Thus, the recommendation is to evaluate the best potential combination of parameters (feature classes and regularization multiplier) to select the most appropriate model. In this work we reviewed 244 articles from 142 journals between 2013 and 2015 to assess whether researchers are following recommendations to avoid using the default parameter configuration when dealing with small sample sizes, or if they are using MaxEnt as a “black box tool”. Our results show that in only 16% of analyzed articles authors evaluated best feature classes, in 6.9% evaluated best regularization multipliers, and in a meager 3.7% evaluated simultaneously both parameters before producing the definitive distribution model. These results are worrying, because publications are potentially reporting over-complex or over-simplistic models that can undermine the applicability of their results. Of particular importance are studies used to inform policy making. Therefore, researchers, practitioners, reviewers and editors need to be very judicious when dealing with MaxEnt, particularly when the modelling process is based on small sample sizes.
Microtubule stabilization drives 3D centrosome migration to initiate primary ciliogenesis
Authors: Pitaval Amandine , Senger Fabrice , Letort Gaëlle , Gidrol Xavier , Guyon Laurent , Sillibourne James , Théry Manuel 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPrimary cilia are sensory organelles located at the cell surface. Their assembly is primed by centrosome migration to the apical surface. Yet surprisingly little is known about this initiating step. To gain insight into the mechanisms driving centrosome migration, we exploited the reproducibility of cell architecture on adhesive micropatterns to investigate the cytoskeletal remodeling supporting it. Microtubule network densification and bundling, with the transient formation of an array of cold-stable microtubules, and actin cytoskeleton asymmetric contraction participated in concert to destabilize basal centrosome position and drive apical centrosome migration. The distal appendage protein Cep164 appeared to be a key actor involved in the cytoskeleton remodeling and centrosome migration, whereas IFT88's role seemed to be restricted to axoneme elongation. Together our data elucidate the hitherto unexplored mechanism of centrosome migration and show that it is driven by the increase and clustering of mechanical forces to push the centrosome toward the cell apical pole.
Inferring exemplar discriminability in brain representations
Authors: Nili Hamed , Walther Alexander , Alink Arjen , Kriegeskorte Nikolaus 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRepresentational distinctions within categories are important in all perceptual modalities and also in cognitive and motor representations. Recent pattern-information studies of brain activity have used condition-rich designs to sample the stimulus space more densely. To test whether brain response patterns discriminate among a set of stimuli (e.g. exemplars within a category) with good sensitivity, we can pool statistical evidence over all pairwise comparisons. A popular test statistic reflecting exemplar information is theexemplar discriminability index (EDI), which is defined as the average of the pattern dissimilarity estimates between different exemplars minus the average of the pattern dissimilarity estimates between repetitions of identical exemplars. The EDI is commonly tested with attest (H0: population mean EDI = 0) across subjects (subject as random effect). However, it is unclear whether this approach is either valid or optimal. Here we describe a wide range of statistical tests of exemplar discriminability and assess the validity (specificity) and power (sensitivity) of each test. The tests include previously used and novel, parametric and nonparametric tests, which treat subject as a random or fixed effect, and are based on different dissimilarity measures, different test statistics, and different inference procedures. We use simulated and real data to determine which tests are valid and which are most sensitive. The popular across-subjectttest of the EDI (typically using correlation distance as the pattern dissimilarity measure) requires the assumption that the EDI is 0-mean normal under H0, which is not strictly true. Reassuringly, our simulations suggest that the test controls the false-positives rate at the nominal level and is thus valid in practice. However, test statistics based on average Mahalanobis distances or average linear-discriminanttvalues (both accounting for the multivariate error covariance among responses) are substantially more powerful for both random- and fixed-effects inference. We suggest preferred procedures for safely and sensitively detecting subtle pattern differences between exemplars.
The duration of mitosis and daughter cell size are modulated by nutrients in budding yeast
Authors: Leitao Ricardo M. , Kellogg Douglas R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe size of nearly all cells is modulated by nutrients. Thus, cells growing in poor nutrients can be nearly half the size of cells in rich nutrients. In budding yeast, cell size is thought to be controlled almost entirely by a mechanism that delays cell cycle entry until sufficient growth has occurred in G1 phase. Here, we show that most growth of a new daughter cell occurs in mitosis. When the rate of growth is slowed by poor nutrients, the duration of mitosis is increased, which suggests that cells compensate for slow growth in mitosis by increasing the duration of growth. The amount of growth required to complete mitosis is reduced in poor nutrients, leading to a large reduction in cell size. Together, these observations suggest that mechanisms that control the extent of growth in mitosis play a major role in cell size control in budding yeast.
The effect of internal factors and family influence on firms’ adoption of green product innovation
Authors: Huang Yi-Chun , Yang Min-Li , Wong Ying-Jiuan 
Published: October 2016

PurposeLittle research has been conducted on the internal factors that drive green product (GP) innovation and how family influence affects firm adoption of GP innovation. This study aims to apply multiple perspectives to bridge this research gap, adopting the resource-based view (RBV) to examine what and how internal factors affect firm adoption of GP innovation, and using the behavioral theory of family firms to investigate whether family influence fosters or hinders firm adoption of GP innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a multichannel approach and adopted content analysis to collect and evaluate data on listed Taiwanese firms and used cross-sectional regression analysis to examine the effect of internal factors and family influence on firm adoption of GP innovation.FindingsThe results showed that the internal factors of green capabilities, R&D intensity and firm size significantly and positively affected firm adoption of GP innovation separately. Furthermore, the study found that family influence (ownership and control) significantly and negatively affects firm adoption of GP innovation separately.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the academic research of innovation management, green management and family firms in several aspects, but also has some limitations. This study examined only the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and GP innovation. Future research might test the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and adoption of green process innovation. In addition, such research can explore how integrated internal and external factors influence firm adoption of GP innovation.Practical implicationsFrom the RBV, the internal factors of green capabilities, R&D intensity and firm size that can exert crucial effects on firm engage in firm’s adoption of GP innovation. This study suggests that top managers in family-influenced businesses should maintain appropriate commitment and support for fostering and facilitating firm GP innovation.Social implicationsFrom the RBV, this study examined how internal factors affect firm adoption of GP innovation. Moreover, based on the behavioral theory of family firms, this study further examined how family influence (ownership and control) affects firm adoption of GP innovation. This paper extended both perspectives to examine green issues.Originality/valueFrom the RBV, this study examined how internal factors affect firms’ GP innovation. Moreover, based on institutional theory, this study further examines how a family firm moderates the relationship between a firm’s internal factors and GP innovation. The paper extended both perspectives to probe further the green issues.
Natural resource-seeking intent and regulatory forces
Authors: Kang Yuanfei , Liu Yulong 
Published: October 2016

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how natural resource-seeking as a type of strategic intent influences foreign direct investment (FDI) location choice. Grounded in the strategic intent approach and institution theory, the authors developed an interactive conceptual framework by integrating natural resource-seeking intent (NRI) with regulatory institutional factors.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed an interactive conceptual framework by integrating NRI at a firm level with regulatory factors of governmental support, political risk and economic freedom at country level. Using empirical data from a sample of 137 Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) projects in 19 Asian countries, statistical analysis was conducted using a conditional logistic regression technique.FindingsEmpirical findings from our study suggest that NRI has a strong influence on OFDI location choice of the Chinese firms. More importantly, the results demonstrate that influence of NRI on location choice is contingent on the regulatory forces both in the home and host countries settings. NRI is more likely to influence FDI location choice when government support from the home country is stronger and/or when political risk in a host country FDI is higher.Originality/valueThis is an empirical-based original study, and it contributes to the literature in several ways. First, the study enriches the strategic intent approach by demonstrating the contingency conditions from regulatory factors, especially home government support on a firm’s pursuit of NRI. Second, the study provides an explanation for the behaviour pattern of Chinese OFDI regarding their response to political risk in a host country. Third, the study demonstrates the influence of “institutional embededness” on the firm’s strategic intent. Managerial and policy implications are also discussed.
Determinants of knowledge management systems success in the banking industry
Authors: Cham Tat Huei , Lim Yet Mee , Cheng Boon Liat , Lee Teck Heang 
Published: October 2016

Purpose– This study aims to examine the impact from technical and social aspects on knowledge management system (KMS) success. Moreover, this study also attempts to examine the interrelationships between KMS success and user satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach– A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from the commercial bank officers to test the proposed KMS success model. All the measurement scales adopted in this study were adopted from the existing literature. The data collected in this study were analysed using both SPSS and structural equation modelling approach via AMOS.Findings– The research results indicate that both technical (knowledge quality, system quality and service quality) and social factors (user trust and management support) play a significant and positive role in system user satisfaction. The results also show that user satisfaction have a direct influence on the success of KMS and vice versa.Originality/value– This study is one of the few studies on KMS which include both the technical and social perspectives in examining KMS success. This research study raises the importance of social factors, which have been earlier neglected by many studies on KMS success models. Moreover, the interrelationships relationship between KMS success and user satisfaction also been examined in this study.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus induces cytokine dysregulation with suppressed maturation of chicken monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Kalaiyarasu Semmannan , Kumar Manoj , Senthil Kumar Dhanapal , Bhatia Sandeep , Dash Sandeep Kumar , Bhat Sushant , Khetan Rohit K. , Nagarajan Shanmugasundaram 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTOne of the major causes of death in highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) infection in chickens is acute induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm), which leads to severe pathology and acute mortality. DCs and respiratory tract macrophages are the major antigen presenting cells that are exposed to mucosal pathogens. We hypothesized that chicken DCs are a major target for induction of cytokine dysregulation by H5N1 HPAIV. It was found that infection of chicken peripheral blood monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (chMoDCs) with H5N1 HPAIV produces high titers of progeny virus with more rounding and cytotoxicity than with H9N2 LPAIV. Expression of maturation markers (CD40, CD80 and CD83) was weaker in both H5N1 and H9N2 groups than in a LPS control group. INF‐α, ‐β and ‐γ were significantly upregulated in the H5N1 group. Pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐18) were highly upregulated in early mid (IL‐1), and late (IL‐6) phases of H5N1 virus infection. IL‐8 (CXCLi2) mRNA expression was significantly stronger in the H5N1 group from 6 hr of infection. TLR3, 7, 15 and 21 were upregulated 24 hr after infection by H5N1 virus compared with H9N2 virus, with maximum expression of TLR 3 mRNA. Similarly, greater H5N1 virus‐induced apoptotic cell death and cytotoxicity, as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling and lactate dehydrogenase assays, respectively, were found. Thus, both H5N1 and H9N2 viruses evade the host immune system by inducing impairment of chMoDCs maturation and enhancing cytokine dysregulation in H5N1 HPAIV‐infected cells.
Genetic Allee effects and their interaction with ecological Allee effects
Authors: Wittmann Meike J. , Stuis Hanna , Metzler Dirk 
Published: October 2016

Summary

It is now widely accepted that genetic processes such as inbreeding depression and loss of genetic variation can increase the extinction risk of small populations. However, it is generally unclear whether extinction risk from genetic causes gradually increases with decreasing population size or whether there is a sharp transition around a specific threshold population size. In the ecological literature, such threshold phenomena are called ‘strong Allee effects’ and they can arise for example from mate limitation in small populations.

In this study, we aim to (i) develop a meaningful notion of a ‘strong genetic Allee effect’, (ii) explore whether and under what conditions such an effect can arise from inbreeding depression due to recessive deleterious mutations, and (iii) quantify the interaction of potential genetic Allee effects with the well‐known mate‐finding Allee effect.

We define a strong genetic Allee effect as a genetic process that causes a population's survival probability to be a sigmoid function of its initial size. The inflection point of this function defines the critical population size. To characterize survival‐probability curves, we develop and analyse simple stochastic models for the ecology and genetics of small populations.

Our results indicate that inbreeding depression can indeed cause a strong genetic Allee effect, but only if individuals carry sufficiently many deleterious mutations (lethal equivalents). Populations suffering from a genetic Allee effect often first grow, then decline as inbreeding depression sets in and then potentially recover as deleterious mutations are purged. Critical population sizes of ecological and genetic Allee effects appear to be often additive, but even superadditive interactions are possible.

Many published estimates for the number of lethal equivalents in birds and mammals fall in the parameter range where strong genetic Allee effects are expected. Unfortunately, extinction risk due to genetic Allee effects can easily be underestimated as populations with genetic problems often grow initially, but then crash later. Also interactions between ecological and genetic Allee effects can be strong and should not be neglected when assessing the viability of endangered or introduced populations.
Global expression analysis of the response to microaerobiosis reveals an important cue for endophytic establishment of Azoarcus sp. BH72
Authors: Sarkar Abhijit , Marszalkowska Marta , Schäfer Martin , Pees Tobias , Klingenberg Hannah , Macht Franziska , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe endophyte Azoarcus sp. BH72, fixing nitrogen microaerobically, encounters low O2 tensions in flooded roots. Therefore, its transcriptome upon shift to microaerobiosis was analyzed using oligonucleotide microarrays. A total of 8.7% of the protein‐coding genes were significantly modulated. Aerobic conditions induced expression of genes involved in oxidative stress protection, while under microaerobiosis, 233 genes were upregulated, encoding hypothetical proteins, transcriptional regulators, and proteins involved in energy metabolism, among them a cbb3‐type terminal oxidase contributing to but not essential for N2 fixation. A newly established sensitive transcriptional reporter system using tdTomato allowed to visualize even relatively low bacterial gene expression in association with roots. Beyond metabolic changes, low oxygen concentrations seemed to prime transcription for plant colonization: Several genes known to be required for endophytic rice interaction were induced, and novel bacterial colonization factors were identified, such as azo1653. The cargo of the type V autotransporter Azo1653 had similarities to the attachment factor pertactin. Although for short term swarming‐dependent colonization, it conferred a competitive disadvantage, it contributed to endophytic long‐term establishment inside roots. Proteins sharing such opposing roles in the colonization process appear to occur more generally, as we demonstrated a very similar phenotype for another attachment protein, Azo1684. This suggests distinct cellular strategies for endophyte establishment.