bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Different Evolutionary Paths to Complexity for Small and Large Populations of Digital Organisms
Authors: LaBar Thomas , Adami Christoph 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA major aim of evolutionary biology is to explain the respective roles of adaptive versus non-adaptive changes in the evolution of complexity. While selection is certainly responsible for the spread and maintenance of complex phenotypes, this does not automatically imply that strong selection enhances the chance for the emergence of novel traits, that is, the origination of complexity. Population size is one parameter that alters the relative importance of adaptive and non-adaptive processes: as population size decreases, selection weakens and genetic drift grows in importance. Because of this relationship, many theories invoke a role for population size in the evolution of complexity. Such theories are difficult to test empirically because of the time required for the evolution of complexity in biological populations. Here, we used digital experimental evolution to test whether large or small asexual populations tend to evolve greater complexity. We find that both small and large—but not intermediate-sized—populations are favored to evolve larger genomes, which provides the opportunity for subsequent increases in phenotypic complexity. However, small and large populations followed different evolutionary paths towards these novel traits. Small populations evolved larger genomes by fixing slightly deleterious insertions, while large populations fixed rare beneficial insertions that increased genome size. These results demonstrate that genetic drift can lead to the evolution of complexity in small populations and that purifying selection is not powerful enough to prevent the evolution of complexity in large populations.Author SummarySince the early days of theoretical population genetics. scientists have debated the role of population size in shaping evolutionary dynamics. Do large populations possess an evolutionary advantage towards complexity due to the strength of natural selection in these populations? Or do small populations have the advantage, as genetic drift allows for the exploration of fitness landscapes inaccessible to large populations? There are many theories that predict whether large or small populations–those with strong selection or those with strong drift–should evolve the greatest complexity. Here, we use digital experimental evolution to examine the interplay between population size and the evolution of complexity. We found that genetic drift could lead to increased genome size and phenotypic complexity in very small populations. However, large populations also evolved similar large genomes and complexity. Small populations evolved larger genomes through the fixation of slightly deleterious insertions, while large populations utilized rare beneficial insertions. Our results suggest that both strong drift and strong selection can allow populations to evolve similar complexity, but through different evolutionary trajectories.
Fused regression for multi-source gene regulatory network inference
Authors: Lam Kari Y. , Westrick Zachary M. , Müller Christian L. , Christiaen Lionel , Bonneau Richard 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUnderstanding gene regulatory networks is critical to understanding cellular differentiation and response to external stimuli. Methods for global network inference have been developed and applied to a variety of species. Most approaches consider the problem of network inference independently in each species, despite evidence that gene regulation can be conserved even in distantly related species. Further, network inference is often confined to single data-types (single platforms) and single cell types. We introduce a method for multi-source network inference that allows simultaneous estimation of gene regulatory networks in multiple species or biological processes through the introduction of priors based on known gene relationships such as orthology incorporated using fused regression. This approach improves network inference performance even when orthology mapping and conservation are incomplete. We refine this method by presenting an algorithm that extracts the true conserved subnetwork from a larger set of potentially conserved interactions and demonstrate the utility of our method in cross species network inference. Last, we demonstrate our method’s utility in learning from data collected on different experimental platforms.
Htm1p-Pdi1p is a folding sensitive mannosidase that marks N-glycoproteins for ER-associated protein degradation
Authors: Liu Yi-Chang , Fujimori Danica Galonić , Weissman Jonathan S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOur understanding of how the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD) machinery efficiently targets terminally misfolded proteins while avoiding the misidentification of nascent polypeptides and correctly folded proteins is limited. For luminal N-glycoproteins, demannosylation of their N-glycan to expose a terminal α1,6-linked mannose is necessary for their degradation via ERAD, but whether this modification is specific to misfolded proteins is unknown. Here we report that the Htm1p-Pdi1p complex acts as a folding-sensitive mannosidase for catalyzing this first committed step. We reconstitute this stepin vitrowith Htm1p-Pdi1p and model glycoprotein substrates whose structural states we can manipulate. We find that Htm1p-Pdi1p is a glycoprotein-specific mannosidase, which preferentially targets nonnative glycoproteins trapped in partially structured states. As such, Htm1p-Pdi1p is suited to act as a licensing factor that monitors folding in the ER lumen and preferentially commits glycoproteins trapped in partially structured states for degradation.
Solvency stress testing of Islamic commercial banks
Authors: Chattha Jamshaid Anwar , Archer Simon 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to provide a methodology for designing and conducting solvency stress tests, under the standardised approach as per IFSB-15, including the establishment of macro-financial links, running scenarios with variation of assumptions and stress scenario parameters; apply and illustrate this methodology by providing a stylised numerical example through a tractable Excel-based framework, through which Islamic Commercial Banks (ICBs) can introduce additional regulatory requirements and show that they would remain in compliance with all capital requirements after a moderate to severe shock; and identify the potential remedial actions that can be envisaged by an ICB.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the data of the one of the groups to which certain amendments and related assumptions are applied to develop a stylised numerical example for solvency stress-testing purposes. The example uses a Stress Testing Matrix (STeM; a step-by-step approach) to illustrate the stress-testing process. The methodology of the paper uses a two-stage process. The first stage consists of calculating the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of the ICB using the IFSB formulae, depending on how the profit sharing investment account (PSIA) are treated in the respective jurisdiction. The second stage is the application of the stress scenarios and shocks.

Findings
Taking into account the specificities of ICBs such as their use of PSIA, the results highlighted the sensitivity of the CAR of an ICB with respect to the changes in the values of alpha and the proportion of unrestricted PSIA on the funding side. The simulation also indicated that an ICB operating above the minimum CAR could be vulnerable to shocks of various degrees of gravity, thus bringing the CAR below the minimum regulatory requirement and necessitating appropriate remedial actions.

Practical implications
The paper highlights various implications and relationships arising out of stress testing for ICBs, including the vulnerability of an ICB under defined scenarios, demanding appropriate immediate remedial actions on future capital resources and capital needs. The findings of the paper provide a preliminary discussion on developing a comprehensive toolkit for the ICBs similar to what is developed by the International Monetary Fund Financial Sector Assessment Programme.

Originality/value
This paper focuses on the gap with respect to the stress testing of capital adequacy. The main contribution of the paper is twofold. The first is the development of an STeM – a step-by-step approach, which provides a method for simulating solvency (i.e. capital adequacy) stress tests for ICBs; the second is the demonstration of the potentially crucial impact of profit-sharing investment accounts and the way they are managed by ICBs (notably the smoothing of profit payouts) in assessing the capital adequacy of the ICBs.
Moving employee talent key to competitive edge
Authors: Herbert Brynne 
Published: April 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the current transformation occurring in the global workforce due to changing demands from employees and how they stay engaged in the workplace. Companies realize that appealing to talent with benefits and good pay is no longer enough, and it is time to embrace new tactics to attract and retain personnel.

Design/methodology/approach
CEO Brynne Herbert of MOVE Guides, a leading company in relocation management, looks at how companies have leveraged talent mobility to engage employees and the fragmented, manual processes they use that are no longer suitable for global organizations looking to streamline relocation and offer employees a simpler, more powerful approach.

Findings
The author explores how companies can use technology, like Software as a Service (SaaS), to take aim at optimizing their talent mobility programs and eradicate their inefficient and time-consuming manual operations. Using survey data, a case study from international bank Société Générale and other findings, Brynne discusses how the financial juggernaut was able to implement a cloud-based SaaS platform that updated their HR, finance and payroll and management.

Originality/value
Leveraging technology to attract and engage talent will be ever important in today and tomorrow’s global landscape. Therefore, the companies that move the fastest – and the most strategically – to get the right talent to the right place at the right time will have the competitive edge.
Changes in obestatin gene and GPR39 receptor expression in peripheral tissues of rat models of obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kolodziejski Pawel Antoni , Pruszynska‐Oszmalek Ewa , Sassek Maciej , Kaczmarek Przemyslaw , Szczepankiewicz Dawid , Billert Maria , Mackowiak Paweł , Strowski Mathias Z. , Nowak Krzysztof W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundObestatin has a role in regulating food intake and energy expenditure, but the roles of obestatin and the GPR39 receptor in obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM, respectively) are not well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in obestatin and GPR39 in pathophysiological conditions like obesity, T1DM, and T2DM.MethodsUsing rat models of diet‐induced obesity (DIO), T1DM and T2DM (n = 14 per group), obestatin, its precursor protein preproghrelin, and GPR39 expression was investigated in tissues involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis regulation. Furthermore, serum obestatin and ghrelin concentrations were determined.ResultsSerum obestatin concentrations were positively correlated with glucagon (r = 0.6456; P < 0.001) and visfatin (r = 0.5560; P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with insulin (r = –0.4362; P < 0.05), adiponectin (r = –0.3998; P < 0.05), and leptin (r = –0.4180; P < 0.05). There were differences in GPR39 and preproghrelin expression in the three animal models. Hepatic GPR39 and preproghrelin mRNA expression was greater in T1DM, T2DM, and obese rats than in lean controls, whereas pancreatic GPR39 mRNA and protein and preproghrelin mRNA expression was decreased in T1DM, T2DM, and DIO rats. Higher GPR39 and preproghrelin protein and mRNA levels were found in adipose tissues of T1DM compared with control. In adipose tissues of T2DM and DIO rats, GPR39 protein levels were lower than in lean or T1DM rats. Preproghrelin mRNA was higher in adipose tissues of T1DM, T2DM, and DIO than lean rats.ConclusionWe hypothesize that changes in obestatin, GPR39, and ghrelin may contribute to metabolic abnormalities in T1DM, T2DM, and obesity.
Evidence of seasonality and effects of psychrometry in dry eye disease
Authors: van Setten Gysbert , Labetoulle Marc , Baudouin Christophe , Rolando Maurizio 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeCurrent models consider the development of dry eye disease (DED) as a more or less continuous process with only minor daily variations. Clinical evidence, however, does suggest the existence of phase‐like recurring dry eye complaints that may be linked to seasonal environmental conditions. In this survey‐based study, we examined the influence of seasonality in dry eye pathophysiology.MethodsA specific protocol for a telephone interview was created. Then, 738 patients suffering from dry eye and/or Sjögren's syndrome were interviewed and asked about the impact of the four seasons and other weather conditions on their ocular symptoms. Data were statistically analysed. All data were compared in respect to the relation between season, gender, country of origin and the presence of comorbidities.ResultsOverall, 47% of respondents stated that seasonal conditions had a high impact on their DED symptoms, with only 15% reporting that there was no seasonal impact on their symptoms. Wind was the most commonly reported weather condition to impact dry eye symptoms (for 71% of patients), followed by sunshine (60%) and heat (42%). Cold weather was also reported to aggravate dry eye sensation by 34% of patients. The two seasons most commonly associated with dry eye complaints were summer and winter (for 51% and 43% of patients, respectively). Only 8% stated that no weather conditions affected their symptoms.DiscussionThis study confirms the seasonal enhancement of dry eye sensations and symptoms. Environmental characteristics such as cold and heat as well as wind were the most commonly cited triggering factors. Geographical differences do exist between the countries surveyed and the seasonal peak of complaints appears related to temperature and humidity. The main seasons of dry eye complaints in Europe were winter and summer. Such seasonal characteristics in ocular surface disease should be kept in mind when considering diagnosis and treatment as well when investigating the ocular surface.ConclusionOur study confirmed high prevalence of both seasonal and weather‐related enhancement of dry eye sensations and symptoms.
Visual working memory and number sense: Testing the double deficit hypothesis in mathematics
Authors: Toll Sylke W. M. , Kroesbergen Evelyn H. , Van Luit Johannes E. H. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundEvidence exists that there are two main underlying cognitive factors in mathematical difficulties: working memory and number sense. It is suggested that real math difficulties appear when both working memory and number sense are weak, here referred to as the double deficit (DD) hypothesis.AimsThe aim of this study was to test the DD hypothesis within a longitudinal time span of 2 years.SampleA total of 670 children participated. The mean age was 4.96 years at the start of the study and 7.02 years at the end of the study.MethodsAt the end of the first year of kindergarten, both visual–spatial working memory and number sense were measured by two different tasks. At the end of first grade, mathematical performance was measured with two tasks, one for math facts and one for math problems.ResultsMultiple regressions revealed that both visual working memory and symbolic number sense are predictors of mathematical performance in first grade. Symbolic number sense appears to be the strongest predictor for both math areas (math facts and math problems). Non‐symbolic number sense only predicts performance in math problems. Multivariate analyses of variance showed that a combination of visual working memory and number sense deficits (NSDs) leads to the lowest performance on mathematics.ConclusionsOur DD hypothesis was confirmed. Both visual working memory and symbolic number sense in kindergarten are related to mathematical performance 2 years later, and a combination of visual working memory and NSDs leads to low performance in mathematical performance.
Predictive factors for extrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma following liver transplantation
Authors: Andreou Andreas , Bahra Marcus , Schmelzle Moritz , Öllinger Robert , Sucher Robert , Sauer Igor M. , Guel‐Klein Safak , Struecker Benjamin , Eurich Dennis , Klein Fritz , Pascher Andreas , Pratschke Johann , Seehofer Daniel 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundRecurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients treated with liver transplantation (LT) is associated with diminished survival. Particularly, extrahepatic localization of HCC recurrence contributes to poor prognosis.Patients and methodsClinicopathological data of patients who underwent LT for HCC between 1989 and 2010 in a high‐volume transplant center were retrospectively evaluated, and predictors of extrahepatic recurrence were identified.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐four patients underwent LT for HCC. After a median follow‐up time of 78 months, 93 patients (25%) were diagnosed with a recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 19 months. Recurrence was located exclusively in the liver in 19 cases (20%), and 74 patients (80%) had extrahepatic recurrence. Factors associated with extrahepatic recurrence in multivariate analysis included HCC beyond the Milan criteria (p < 0.0001) and the presence of macrovascular tumor invasion (p = 0.035). In patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria who developed a recurrence (N = 73), macrovascular invasion was the only positive predictor of extrahepatic recurrence in multivariate analysis (p < 0.0001). In patients with HCC within the Milan criteria who recurred after LT (N = 20), DNA‐index >1.5 (p = 0.013) was the only predictive factor for extrahepatic recurrence in multivariate analysis.ConclusionsAdvanced HCC beyond the Milan criteria and the presence of macrovascular invasion are associated with an increased risk for extrahepatic recurrence and are currently considered as relative contraindications to LT. In patients with HCC within the Milan criteria, the DNA‐index represents a valuable prognostic marker for the development of extrahepatic recurrence and may support the selection of patients for intensified postoperative tumor surveillance.
Exenatide decreases liver fat content and epicardial adipose tissue in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes: a prospective randomized clinical trial using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy
Authors: Dutour A. , Abdesselam I. , Ancel P. , Kober F. , Mrad G. , Darmon P. , Ronsin O. , Pradel V. , Lesavre N. , Martin J. C. , Jacquier A. , Lefur Y. , Bernard M. , Gaborit B. 
Published: April 2016

AimTo conduct a prospective randomized trial to investigate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues on ectopic fat stores.MethodsA total of 44 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on oral antidiabetic drugs were randomly assigned to receive exenatide or reference treatment according to French guidelines. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), myocardial triglyceride content (MTGC), hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) and pancreatic triglyceride content (PTGC) were assessed 45 min after a standardized meal with 3T magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after 26 weeks of treatment.ResultsThe study population had a mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 7.5 ± 0.2% and a mean body mass index of 36.1 ± 1.1 kg/m2. Ninety five percent had hepatic steatosis at baseline (HTGC ≥ 5.6%). Exenatide and reference treatment led to a similar improvement in HbA1c (−0.7 ± 0.3% vs. −0.7 ± 0.4%; p = 0.29), whereas significant weight loss was observed only in the exenatide group (−5.5 ± 1.2 kg vs. −0.2 ± 0.8 kg; p = 0.001 for the difference between groups). Exenatide induced a significant reduction in EAT (−8.8 ± 2.1%) and HTGC (−23.8 ± 9.5%), compared with the reference treatment (EAT: −1.2 ± 1.6%, p = 0.003; HTGC: +12.5 ± 9.6%, p = 0.007). No significant difference was observed in other ectopic fat stores, PTGC or MTGC. In the group treated with exenatide, reductions in liver fat and EAT were not associated with homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index, adiponectin, HbA1c or fructosamin change, but were significantly related to weight loss (r = 0.47, p = 0.03, and r = 0.50, p = 0.018, respectively).ConclusionOur data indicate that exenatide is an effective treatment to reduce liver fat content and epicardial fat in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and these effects are mainly weight loss dependent.
Does surprise enhancement or repetition suppression explain visual mismatch negativity?
Authors: Amado Catarina , Kovács Gyula 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA long tradition of electrophysiological studies, using oddball sequences, showed that the neural responses to a given stimulus differ when their presentation occurs frequently (standards) as compared to rare, infrequent presentations (deviants). This difference, originally described in acoustic perception, can also be detected in the visual modality and is termed as visual mismatch negativity (vMMN). Also, a large number of studies detected the reduction of the neuronal response after the repetition of a given stimulus (repetition suppression – RS) and it was suggested that RS is the major mechanism of MMN, an explanation currently also supported by animal studies. However, human studies have proposed that a surprise‐related response enhancement for the deviant stimuli might also underlie vMMN. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to disentangle which neural mechanism explains vMMN better: the surprise related response enhancement for the presentation of rare deviants or the RS related to the frequent presentation of the standards. Since the MMN depends strongly on the applied categories, we tested the neural mechanisms of vMMN for different stimulus categories (faces, chairs, real and false characters) using a visual oddball paradigm. We found significant vMMN for every stimulus category. Interestingly, the neural mechanisms behind vMMN were found to be category dependent (assuming no cross‐adaptation effects): for faces and chairs it was largely driven by RS, whereas for real and false characters it was mainly due to surprise‐related changes.