bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formation of retinal direction-selective circuitry initiated by starburst amacrine cell homotypic contact
Authors: Ray Thomas A. , Roy Suva , Kozlowski Christopher , Wang Jingjing , Cafaro Jon , Hulbert Samuel W. , Wright Christopher V. , Field Greg D. , Kay Jeremy N. 
Published: December 2017

Impact statementSelective synapse formation in a retinal motion-sensitive circuit is orchestrated by starburst amacrine cells, which use homotypic interactions to initiate formation of a dendritic scaffold that recruits projections from circuit partners.SUMMARYA common strategy by which developing neurons locate their synaptic partners is through projections to circuit-specific neuropil sublayers. Once established, sublayers serve as a substrate for selective synapse formation, but how sublayers arise during neurodevelopment remains unknown. Here we identify the earliest events that initiate formation of the direction-selective circuit in the inner plexiform layer of mouse retina. We demonstrate that radially-migrating newborn starburst amacrine cells establish homotypic contacts on arrival at the inner retina. These contacts, mediated by the cell-surface protein MEGF10, trigger neuropil innervation resulting in generation of two sublayers comprising starburst-cell dendrites. This dendritic scaffold then recruits projections from circuit partners. Abolishing MEGF10-mediated contacts profoundly delays and ultimately disrupts sublayer formation, leading to broader direction tuning and weaker direction-selectivity in retinal ganglion cells. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which differentiating neurons transition from migratory to mature morphology, and highlight this mechanism’s importance in forming circuit-specific sublayers.
Characterisation of two Toxoplasma PROPPINs homologous to Atg18/WIPI suggests they have evolved distinct specialised functions
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Mai , Liu Shuxian , Daher Wassim , Tan Feng , Besteiro Sébastien 
Published: December 2017

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protist possessing a limited set of proteins involved in the autophagy pathway, a self-degradative machinery for protein and organelle recycling. This distant eukaryote has even repurposed part of this machinery, centered on protein ATG8, for a non-degradative function related to the maintenance of the apicoplast, a parasite-specific organelle. However, some evidence also suggest Toxoplasma is able to generate autophagic vesicles upon stress, and that some autophagy-related proteins, such as ATG9, might be involved solely in the canonical autophagy function. Here, we have characterised two Toxoplasma proteins containing WD-40 repeat that can bind lipids for their recruitment to vesicular structures upon stress. They belong to the PROPPIN family and are homologues to ATG18/WIPI, which are known to be important for the autophagic process. We conducted a functional analysis of these two Toxoplasma PROPPINs. One of them is dispensable for normal in vitro growth, although it may play a role for parasite survival in specific stress conditions or for parasite fitness in the host, through a canonical autophagy-related function. The other, however, seems important for parasite viability in normal growth conditions and could be primarily involved in a non-canonical function. These divergent roles for two proteins from the same family illustrate the functional versatility of the autophagy-related machinery in Toxoplasma.
Fibroblast state switching orchestrates dermal maturation and wound healing
Authors: Rognoni Emanuel , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Hiratsuka Toru , Sipilä Kalle , Belmonte Julio M. , Mobasseri Seyedeh Atefeh , Philippeos Christina , Dilão Rui , Watt Fiona M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMurine dermis contains functionally and spatially distinct fibroblast lineages that cease to proliferate in early postnatal life. Here we propose a model in which a negative feedback loop between extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and fibroblast proliferation determines dermal architecture. Virtual-tissue simulations of our model faithfully recapitulate dermal maturation, predicting a loss of spatial segregation of fibroblast lineages and dictating that fibroblast migration is only required for wound healing. To test this, we performed in vivo live imaging of dermal fibroblasts, which revealed that homeostatic tissue architecture is achieved without active cell migration. In contrast, both fibroblast proliferation and migration are key determinants of tissue repair following wounding. The results show that tissue-scale coordination is driven by the interdependence of cell proliferation and ECM deposition, paving the way for identifying new therapeutic strategies to enhance skin regeneration.Standfirst textWe show that fibroblast behaviour switching between two distinct states – proliferating and depositing ECM - is necessary and sufficient to define dermal architecture. Understanding this interdependence is critical for identifying new therapeutic strategies to enhance skin regeneration.HighlightsTissue-scale coordination in murine dermis is driven by the interdependence of cell proliferation and ECM depositionThe tissue architecture is set by a negative feedback loop between ECM deposition/remodelling and proliferationFibroblast lineages lose segregation with ageFibroblast migration is the critical discriminator between dermal development and wound healing
The segregation of vocal circuits solves a credit assignment problem associated with multi-objective reinforcement learning
Authors: Murdoch Don , Chen Ruidong , Goldberg Jesse 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMotor circuits vary in topographic organization, ranging from a coarse relationship between neuron location and function to highly localized regions controlling specific behaviors. For unclear reasons, vocal learning circuits lie at this second extreme: they repeatedly evolved to be spatially segregated from other parts of the motor system. Here we show that spatially segregated motor circuits can solve a specific problem that arises when an animal tries to learn two things at once. We trained songbirds in vocal and place learning paradigms with brief strobe light flashes and noise bursts. Strobe light negatively reinforced place learning but did not affect song syllable learning. Noise bursts positively reinforced place preference but negatively reinforced syllable learning. These double dissociations indicate that vocalization-related reinforcement signals specifically target the vocal motor system, while place-related reinforcement signals specifically target the navigation system. Non-global, target-specific reinforcement signals have established utility in machine implementation of multi-objective learning. In vocal learners, such signals could enable an animal to practice vocalizing as it does other things such as forage for food or learn to walk.
Single-cell quantification of the concentration and dissociation constant of endogenous proteins
Authors: Komatsubara Akira T. , Goto Yuhei , Kondo Yohei , Matsuda Michiyuki , Aoki Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2017

AbstractKinetic simulation is a useful approach for the elucidation of complex cell-signaling systems. To perform the numerical simulations required for kinetic modeling, parameters such as the protein concentration and dissociation constant (Kd) are essential. However, only a limited number of parameters have been measured experimentally in living cells. Here, we describe a method for quantifying the concentration and Kd of endogenous proteins at the single-cell level with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). First, the mEGFP gene was knocked-in at the end of the MAPK1 gene, which encoded ERK2, through homology-directed repair or microhomology-mediated end joining. Next, the HaloTag gene was further knocked-in at the end of the RSK2 gene. Protein concentrations of endogenous ERK2-mEGFP and RSK2-HaloTag were quantified in living cells by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), revealing substantial cellular heterogeneities. Interestingly, the levels of ERK2-mEGFP and RSK2-HaloTag were strongly positively correlated, suggesting a global mechanism underlying their expressions. In addition, FCCS measurement revealed temporal changes in the apparent Kd values of the binding between ERK2-mEGFP and RSK2-HaloTag in response to EGF stimulation. Our method provides a new approach for quantification of the endogenous protein concentration and dissociation constant in living cells.
E-banking in Colombia: factors favouring its acceptance, online trust and government support
Authors: Sánchez-Torres Javier A. , Canada Francisco-Javier Arroyo , Sandoval Alexander Varon , Alzate James-Ariel Sánchez 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of e-banking in Colombia, including a comprehensive analysis of consumer trust in this type of transaction and of the impact of the current government policy to promote e-commerce.

Design/methodology/approach
An empirical investigation based on the UTAUT2 model collected data from throughout the country to develop 600 online questionnaires.

Findings
The proposed model was validated in that the factors hypothesised to build trust in the use of electronic banking were shown to be significant: trust, performance expectancy and effort expectancy had a positive impact on the use of financial websites in Colombia, while government support did not have a significant impact.

Research limitations/implications
The study explains the antecedents to trust, as well as the government support variable, and concludes by producing a model that is highly successful in predicting financial customers’ online behaviour.

Practical implications
The results can help Colombia’s Government and private banks to further develop trust and other conditions necessary for e-banking.

Social implications
Studies on the adoption of electronic banking provide users of these services solutions for their needs. Government policies to support the development of e-banking are not viewed favourably by Colombians.

Originality/value
This study is one of the first to present empirical findings on the acceptance of e-banking in Latin America; it further presents a model that integrates the most important variables needed for an analysis of the acceptance of e-banking.
Mainstreaming tribals through financial literacy – a review of literature
Authors: Nanda Ajaya Kumar , Samanta Sasmita 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
The present paper is an attempt to understand the various concepts related to financial literacy. For the development of this paper, secondary data have been considered by visiting various sources of information. The reviews are made on four parameters, which include social exclusion among tribes, government initiatives for tribal development, socio-economic condition of tribes and impact of financial literacy on the lives of tribes. The purpose of this paper is to identify the variables and to undertake an empirical research on this topic. It is found that excluded from income-generating activities, formal education, political system are not getting adequate exposure for maintaining the standard of living. Mostly, the changing economic scenario of consumers, discrimination of wage and employment, lack of capital and financial literacy leads to the mismanagement of money. The financial products are the various causes of financial exclusion and need to be addressed through adequate financial literacy. Moreover, the study attempts to understand the various reasons of financial exclusion and to comprehend the empirical research on the topic as well.

Design/methodology/approach
The present paper is based on the secondary data. In this regard, various sources of information have been visited to collect the data.

Findings
The study finds that owing to exclusion from income-generating activities, lack of formal education, absence of patronage political in adequate means for maintaining an acceptable standard of living, caste discriminations, poverty and migration, exploitation in the hands of money lenders, marginal increase in income, absence of infrastructure, unemployment, lack of financial literacy and its resultant mismanagement of money among the tribal community has pushed them to the utter stage of poverty universally.

Originality/value
The paper can help administrators and the policymakers of different regions across the world to take appropriate measures to focus on educating the people on different financial products and to increase the accessibility. Moreover, the paper can help research scholars to build platform of their research banking upon the data presented in this study.
Impact of health capital on economic growth in Singapore: an ARDL approach to cointegration
Authors: Isreal Akingba Idowu Opeoluwa , Kaliappan Shivee Ranjanee , Hamzah Hanny Zurina 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the long-term impacts of health capital on economic growth in Singapore from 1980 to 2013.Design/methodology/approachAutoregressive distributed lag (ARDL)-ECM methodology and several diagnostic and specification tests were used to estimate the impact of health capital on economic growth on time series data covering the period 1980-2013.FindingsThe results confirm that health capital (measure by health expenditure per capita) positively and significantly affects Singapore’s economic growth in the long run. In addition, the equilibrium error correction coefficient lagged by one in the short-run is approximately 83.25 percent for all estimated variables, implying a considerably high speed of long-term adjustment to equilibrium following a short-term shock. Moreover, the Toda-Yamamoto’s Granger causality estimation reveals that there is a unidirectional causality from health expenditure per capita to GDP per capita.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that Singapore’s economic growth could be improved significantly if expenditure on health capital is increased. This eventually would have a substantial impact on human productivity which leads to improved output per capita. Thus, policy makers and/or the government should strive to create institutional capacity to improve basic health service by strengthening the health institutions infrastructure that produces healthy and quality manpower.Originality/valueGrounded on the premises that there are little or no studies on the impact of health capital on Singapore economy, this paper provides new evidence on the potential effect of health capital on Singapore’s economic growth over the last three decades. Also, this study explore the causal effect (unidirectional or bidirectional) between health capital and economic growth.
Gender and live-streaming: source credibility and motivation
Authors: Todd Patricia R. , Melancon Joanna 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThe overall purpose of this study is to investigate and gain a better understanding of perceptions of source credibility and consumer motivation to view live-stream broadcasts. Of particular interest is gender differences based on the gender of the broadcaster and viewer.Design/methodology/approachData were collected using an online survey from 998 respondents. As the preliminary examination technique,t-tests were used.FindingsThere are significant differences based on whether a viewer of a live broadcast is watching a source of the same gender or a different gender in source credibility. Viewing same vs opposite sex broadcasters may indicate motivation to engage with the live-video content. There are significant gender differences outcome variables of interest to live broadcasters.Research limitations/implicationsThe context investigated was a single live-streaming provider.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a start to understanding the differences in perceptions and motivations for watching live-stream broadcasters. This will aid marketers and broadcasters using live-stream formats on a variety of platforms in developing better content and building a more engaged viewing community. This research represents an important step in quantifying unexplored differences in gender perceptions of the source of live broadcasts that ultimately could impact not only the success of the broadcaster but also brands endorsed by these broadcasters.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to explore source effects and motivation in the live video context.
Does mandated independence improve firm performance? Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Li Michelle , Roberts Helen 
Published: December 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the relationship between board independence and firm performance for publicly listed New Zealand (NZ) firms over the period 2004-2016.Design/methodology/approachTo address endogeneity concerns, the relationship between firm performance and board independence is modelled using three different approaches: firm fixed-effect estimation, difference-in-difference estimation and two-stage least squares estimation, while controlling for firm and governance characteristics.FindingsThe main finding is that the mandated board independence introduced by the Best Practice Code does not improve operating or market performance for listed NZ firms.Research limitations/implicationsThe fact that NZ firms choose greater board independence than required is puzzling. Research examining director characteristics and connectedness, not captured by the NZX Code, may be a fruitful area for future research when disclosure allows.Practical implicationsRegulators may need to review reasons for mandating changes in factors affecting firm governance before implementing further regulations concerning board structure.Social implicationsThe findings cast doubt on the benefit of mandated board independence for NZ firms. The results imply that “good” governance practices proposed by regulators are not universal.Originality/valueThis paper tests the impact of mandated board independence following the adoption of the Best Practice Code in 2004 using methodologies that account for endogeneity using 13 years of data.
Islamic calendar anomalies: Pakistani practitioners’ perspective
Authors: Halari Anwar , Helliar Christine , Power David M. , Tantisantiwong Nongnuch 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
Studies on Islamic calendar anomalies in financial markets tend to apply quantitative analysis to historic share prices. Surprisingly, there is a lack of research investigating whether the participants of such markets are aware of these anomalies and whether these anomalies affect their investment practice. Or is it a case that these practitioners are completely unaware of the anomalies present in these markets and are missing out on profitable opportunities? The purpose of this paper is to analyse the views of influential participants within the Pakistani Stock Market.

Design/methodology/approach
The study documents the findings for 19 face-to-face semi-structured interviews conducted with brokers, regulators and high-net-worth individual investors in Karachi.

Findings
The paper’s major findings indicate that the participants believed that anomalies were present in the stock market and market participants were actively attempting to exploit these anomalies for abnormal gains. Interviewees suggested that predictable patterns can be identified in certain Islamic months (Muharram, Safar, Ramadan and Zil Hajj). The most common pattern highlighted by the interviews related to the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, interviewees mentioned the influence of the “Memon” community in the Pakistani Stock Market. Respondents also suggested that investor sentiment played an important role in influencing the stock market prices and trading patterns.

Originality/value
Because all the prior studies investigating Islamic calendar anomalies in Muslim-majority countries adopted quantitative method using secondary data, the current investigation is of particular value, as it focuses on the qualitative analyses and reports the views of market participants. This allows to fully explore the topic under investigation and to draw robust conclusions.
DevOps for information management systems
Authors: Qumer Gill Asif , Loumish Abhishek , Riyat Isha , Han Sungyoup 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
Development and operations (DevOps) is complex in nature. Organizations are unsure how to effectively establish a DevOps capability for the continuous delivery of information management systems. This paper aims to compile and analyze DevOps by applying the well-known systematic literature review (SLR) approach. This review is intended to provide a knowledge base to support the informed, effective and less risky adoption of DevOps for information management systems.

Design/methodology/approach
In this qualitative research study, the SLR method was applied to identify 3,790 papers, of which, 32 relevant papers were selected and reviewed.

Findings
The results are organized using the well-known ISO/IEC 24744 metamodel elements: people (roles), process, technology and artifacts. In total 11 major roles, 6 processes, 23 technologies, 5 artifacts and 7 challenges (including 6 corresponding solutions) were found. DevOps engineer is becoming a newly identified role. Continuous delivery pipeline and continuous improvement are the most highlighted major DevOps processes. Build system technology is becoming the key focus of DevOps. Finally, major challenges are around people and culture and the misunderstanding of DevOps. Potential research areas are: DevOps analytics, artifacts and tool–chain integration.

Research limitations/implications
The research findings will serve as a resource for both practitioners and researchers who have interest in the research and adoption of DevOps for information management systems.

Originality/value
This paper provides a comprehensive systematic review of the body of knowledge to support the ongoing research and adoption of emerging trends of DevOps for information management systems.
Association between the clinical and histopathological classifications of actinic keratosis and the efficacy of topical imiquimod treatment
Authors: Yu Akitoshi , Tanizaki Hideaki , Kokunai Yasuhito , Kaneda Kazuma , Sugimoto Akira , Otsuka Toshihiro , Kurokawa Teruo , Moriwaki Shinichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigated the association between the clinical and histopathological classifications of actinic keratosis (AK) and the efficacy of topical imiquimod treatment. Forty patients (55 lesions) with AK were treated with topical 5% imiquimod and the efficacy of imiquimod for AK was evaluated based on the clinical/histopathological changes. The complete remission (CR) rates in patients with the different clinical classifications of AK were 85.4% (erythematous type) and 46.2% (hyperkeratotic type). The CR rates in the different histopathological classifications of AK were 80% (hypertrophic type), 81.8% (atrophic type) and 42.9% (bowenoid type). The results revealed that determining the clinical and histopathological type of AK was important for selecting a therapeutic method. The topical imiquimod treatment could be expected to be more effective for AK clinically classified as the erythematous type, or histopathologically classified as the atrophic or hypertrophic type. However, it would be expected to be less effective for the treatment of AK clinically classified as the hyperkeratotic type or histopathologically classified as the bowenoid type. Our observations suggest that we can predict the efficacy of topical imiquimod therapy in AK by determining its clinical and histopathological type.