bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cytoskeleton as a smart composite material: A unified pathway linking microtubules, myosin-II filaments and integrin adhesions
Authors: Rafiq Nisha Bte Mohd , Nishimura Yukako , Plotnikov Sergey V. , Thiagarajan Visalatchi , Zhang Zhen , Natarajan Meenubharathi , Shi Shidong , Viasnoff Virgile , Jones Gareth E. , Kanchanawong Pakorn , Bershadsky Alexander D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe interrelationship between microtubules and the actin cytoskeleton in mechanoregulation of integrin-mediated adhesions is poorly understood. Here, we show that the effects of microtubules on two major types of cell-matrix adhesions, focal adhesions and podosomes, are mediated by KANK family proteins connecting the adhesion protein talin with microtubule tips. Both total microtubule disruption and microtubule uncoupling from adhesions by manipulations with KANKs trigger a massive assembly of myosin-IIA filaments. Myosin-IIA filaments, augmenting the focal adhesions and disrupting the podosomes, are indispensable effectors in the microtubule-dependent regulation of integrin-mediated adhesions. Myosin-IIA filament assembly depends on Rho activation by the RhoGEF, GEF-H1, which is trapped by microtubules when they are connected with integrin-mediated adhesions via KANK proteins but released after their disconnection. Thus, microtubule capturing by integrin-mediated adhesions modulates the GEF-H1-dependent effect of microtubules on the myosin-IIA filaments. Subsequent actomyosin reorganization then remodels the focal adhesions and podosomes, closing the regulatory loop.
Gradual progression from sensory to task-related processing in cerebral cortex
Authors: Brincat Scott L. , Siegel Markus , von Nicolai Constantin , Miller Earl K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSomewhere along the cortical hierarchy, behaviorally relevant information is distilled from raw sensory inputs. We examined how this transformation progresses along multiple levels of the hierarchy by comparing neural representations in visual, temporal, parietal, and frontal cortices in monkeys categorizing across three visual domains (shape, motion direction, color). Representations in visual areas MT and V4 were tightly linked to external sensory inputs. In contrast, lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) largely represented the abstracted behavioral relevance of stimuli (task rule, motion category, color category). Intermediate-level areas—posterior inferotemporal (PIT), lateral intraparietal (LIP), and frontal eye fields (FEF)—exhibited mixed representations. While the distribution of sensory information across areas aligned well with classical functional divisions—MT carried stronger motion information, V4 and PIT carried stronger color and shape information—categorical abstraction did not, suggesting these areas may participate in different networks for stimulus-driven and cognitive functions. Paralleling these representational differences, the dimensionality of neural population activity decreased progressively from sensory to intermediate to frontal cortex. This shows how raw sensory representations are transformed into behaviorally relevant abstractions and suggests that the dimensionality of neural activity in higher cortical regions may be specific to their current task.Significance statementThe earliest stages of processing in cerebral cortex reflect a relatively faithful copy of sensory inputs, but intelligent behavior requires abstracting behaviorally relevant concepts and categories. We examined how this transformation progresses through multiple levels of the cortical hierarchy by comparing neural representations in six cortical areas in monkeys categorizing across three visual domains. We found that categorical abstraction occurred in a gradual fashion across the cortical hierarchy and reached an apex in prefrontal cortex. Categorical coding did not respect classical models of large-scale cortical organization. The dimensionality of neural population activity was reduced in parallel with these representational changes. Our results shed light on how raw sensory inputs are transformed into behaviorally relevant abstractions.
Zwitterionic hydrogels modulate the foreign body response in a modulus-dependent manner
Authors: Jansen LE , Amer LD , Chen E Y-T , Nguyen TV , Saleh LS , Emrick TS , Liu WF , Bryant SJ , Peyton SR 
Published: September 2017

Reducing the foreign body response (FBR) to implanted biomaterials will enhance theirin vivoperformance in tissue engineering. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels are increasingly popular for this application due to their low cost and ease of use. PEG hydrogels can elicit chronic inflammation upon implantation, but recent evidence has suggested that extremely hydrophilic, zwitterionic hydrogels can reduce the FBR to particles and gels. To expand on this approach, we synthesized hydrogels of co-monomers PEG and the zwitterion phosphorylcholine (PC) to quantify the combinatorial effects of modulus and hydrophilicity on the FBR. Surprisingly, hydrogels with the highest amount of zwitterionic co-monomer elicited the highest FBR we observed. Lowering the hydrogel modulus (165 kPa to 3 kPa), or PC content (20 wt% to 0 wt%), mitigated this effect. A high density of macrophages was found at the surface of implants associated with a high FBR, and mass spectrometry analysis of the proteins adsorbed to these gels implicated extracellular matrix, immune response, and cell adhesion protein categories as drivers of macrophage recruitment to these hydrogels. Overall, we show that modulus regulates macrophage adhesion to zwitterionic-PEG hydrogels, and demonstrate that chemical modifications to hydrogels should be studied in parallel with their physical properties to optimize implant design.HighlightsModulus and zwitterion content independently modulate the foreign body response to soft hydrogelsSoft PEG hydrogels synthesized with the zwitterionic PC co-monomer are pro-inflammatory as modulus is increasedThe chemical and physical properties of hydrogels influence the foreign body response via macrophage recruitment and protein adsorption
MTH1 deficiency selectively increases non-cytotoxic oxidative DNA damage in lung cancer cells: more bad news than good?
Authors: Abbas Hussein H.K. , Alhamoudi Kheloud M.H. , Evans Mark D. , Jones George D.D. , Foster Steven S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundTargeted therapies are based on exploiting cancer-cell-specific genetic features or phenotypic traits to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. Oxidative stress is a cancer hallmark phenotype. Given that free nucleotide pools are particularly vulnerable to oxidation, the nucleotide pool sanitising enzyme, MTH1, is potentially conditionally essential in cancer cells. However, findings from previous MTH1 studies have been contradictory, meaning the relevance of MTH1 in cancer is still to be determined. Here we ascertained the role of MTH1 specifically in lung cancer cell maintenance, and the potential of MTH1 inhibition as a targeted therapy strategy to improve lung cancer treatments.MethodUsing siRNA-mediated knockdown or small-molecule inhibition, we tested the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of MTH1 deficiency on H23 (p53-mutated), H522 (p53-mutated) and A549 (wildtype p53) non-small cell lung cancer cell lines relative to normal MRC-5 lung fibroblasts. We also assessed if MTH1 inhibition augments current therapies.ResultsMTH1 knockdown increased levels of oxidatively damaged DNA and DNA damage signaling alterations in all lung cancer cell lines but not normal fibroblasts, despite no detectable differences in reactive oxygen species levels between any cell lines. Furthermore, MTH1 knockdown reduced H23 cell proliferation. However, unexpectedly, it did not induce apoptosis in any cell line or enhance the effects of gemcitabine, cisplatin or radiation in combination treatments. Contrastingly, TH287 and TH588 MTH1 inhibitors induced apoptosis in H23 and H522 cells, but only increased oxidative DNA damage levels in H23, indicating that they kill cells independently of DNA oxidation and seemingly via MTH1-distinct mechanisms.ConclusionsMTH1 has a NSCLC-specific p53-independent role for suppressing DNA oxidation and genomic instability, though surprisingly the basis of this may not be reactive-oxygen-species-associated oxidative stress. Despite this, overall our cell viability data indicates that targeting MTH1 will likely not be an across-the-board effective NSCLC therapeutic strategy; rather it induces non-cytotoxic DNA damage that could promote cancer heterogeneity and evolution.
A review of Zimbabwe’s macro-fiscal forecasts
Authors: Mudhunguyo Chathebert 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate accuracy of macro fiscal forecasts done by Government of Zimbabwe and the spillover effects of forecasting errors over the period 2010-2015.

Design/methodology/approach
In line with the study objectives, the study employed the root mean square error methodology to measure the accuracy of macro fiscal forecasts, borrowing from the work of Calitz et al. (2013). The spillover effects were assessed through running simple regression in Eviews programme. The data used in the analysis are based on annual national budget forecasts presented to the Parliament by the Minister of Finance. Actual data come from the Ministry of Finance budget outturns and Zimbabwe Statistical Agency published national accounts.

Findings
The results of the root mean square error revealed relatively high levels of macro-fiscal forecasting errors, with revenue recording the highest. The forecasting errors display a tendency of under predicting the strength of economic recovery during boom and over predicting its strength during periods of weakness. The study although found significant evidence of GDP forecasting errors translating into revenue forecasting inaccuracies, the GDP forecasting errors fail to fully account for the revenue errors. Revenue errors were, however, found to be positive and significant in explaining the budget balance errors.

Originality/value
In other jurisdictions, particularly developed countries, they undertake regular evaluation of their forecasts in order to improve their forecasting procedures, which translate into quality public service delivery. The situation is lagging in Zimbabwe. Given the poor performance in public service delivery in Zimbabwe, this study contributes in dissecting the sources of the challenge by providing a comprehensive review of macro fiscal forecasts.
The influences of cleanliness and employee attributes on perceived service quality in restaurants in a developing country
Authors: Truong Ngan , Nisar Tahir , Knox Dan , Prabhakar Guru 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of full-service restaurants in Vietnam to explore possible factors that may impact customer perception, which subsequently influences customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions. Based on the DINESERV model and service clues, the possible dimensions to construct customer perception were realised, and four key dimensions were suggested.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from four urban local full-service restaurants in Vietnam, and factor analysis and SEM-PLS were then performed to uncover the relationship between customer perception, satisfaction and behavioural intentions.FindingsThe results suggest that customer perception significantly influences customer satisfaction and behavioural intentions, and customer satisfaction itself is also found to have influence on behavioural intentions.Originality/valueThis is an original piece of work which contributes to the exploration of service quality in developing countries and to the incorporation of cleanliness into analyses of restaurant service quality in particular.
Managing the humanitarian supply chain: a fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Ganguly Kunal K. , Padhy R.K. , Rai Siddharth Shankar 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
Humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) in today’s environment faces the challenges such as information availability, inventory management, collaboration, logistics related issues and preparedness. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the HSCM performance, considering the consequences in terms of operation, recovery and responsiveness based on the fuzzy estimates of the components presented.

Design/methodology/approach
In the study, triangulation approach was adapted for collecting data and developing a hierarchical structure for humanitarian supply chain performance assessment. The relationships between HSCM performance and its suddenness and required preparedness are depicted by cause and effect diagrams. The concepts of fuzzy association and fuzzy composition are applied to identify relationships.

Findings
In the hierarchy presented, the performance in a disaster situation, preparedness and suddenness of the situation and factors that influence the above are modeled. The taxonomy is developed for describing the relationship between factors, their likelihoods and impacts to achieve consistent quantification.

Research limitations/implications
The study considers case studies from Indian conditions; however, conditions in other countries and their practices for the disaster management may vary to certain extent.

Practical implications
A methodology presented for evaluating the exposures in considering the consequences in terms of responsiveness, operations, recovery, mitigation and emergency response. The study may help the humanitarian relief practitioners to understand the insights of the disaster situations using the proposed framework.

Originality/value
A common language for describing the different factors of HSCM is presented, which includes terms for quantifying likelihoods and impacts. The concept of fuzzy association and fuzzy composition has been applied to identify relationships between sources and consequences on HSCM performance. The use of descriptive linguistic variables is ensured through the implementation of fuzzy logic.
Tornado mitigation network analysis and simulation
Authors: Durage Samanthi W. , Wirasinghe S.C. , Ruwanpura Janaka Y. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to apply network modelling and simulation methods to critically analyse the tornado detection, warning and communication system in the Canadian Prairies.

Design/methodology/approach
The simulation results of the developed network illustrate the role of collaborating partners and provide a probabilistic representation of the overall time from tornado detection to warning issuance. Furthermore, the total time from the warning issuance to when evacuation is complete is analysed by combining the time distribution of the network and the evacuation time distribution, which is developed based on survey data.

Findings
A set of recommendations are offered as guidelines for consideration and possible adoption by collaborating partners who are involved at different stages of the detection, warning, communication and evacuation process.

Practical implications
The research contributes to a deeper understanding of the pre-disaster phase of tornadoes by providing an overall analysis that spans different areas under the general umbrella of disaster mitigation.

Social implications
This research paper helps the community to work together in developing mitigation measures to enhance social values and benefits.

Originality/value
This paper shows how activity network modelling and simulation methods, which are normally applied in construction management, can be used to analyse the overall process from tornado detection to the warning issuance.
Multi-scale, integrated strategies for urban flood resilience
Authors: Adeyeye Kemi , Emmitt Stephen 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform anticipatory action for resilience; propose a conceptual framework for the collaborative and holistic design, delivery and management of resilience at both the macro and micro scale; and test the efficacy of the framework to deliver sustainable (sustained) resilience.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework was proposed by consolidating what was learnt from literature review. Case studies were then used to explore the efficacy of the framework to deliver resilience. The applicability of the specific measures was also examined to determine the extent by which they support anticipatory action and resilience capacity.

Findings
It was found that a combination of active, latent, evolving and to some extent improvised yet integrated solutions can support anticipatory flood resilience at the micro, meso and macro scale, as well as the physical and social domains.

Research limitations/implications
Socio-physical resilience improves when policy makers, designers, planners and engineers work together to deliver anticipatory solutions prior to a natural disaster. Further, findings confirm that resilience can be achieved in both new and existing urban contexts.

Social implications
The multi-scale, integrated strategies can inform anticipatory practices, which, in turn, may reduce social vulnerability during and after natural events such as flooding.

Originality/value
This work lays the foundation for further theoretical and practical work on socio-spatial resilience and provides the learning-based structure within which policy makers, planners and architects can administer interventions for the practical delivery of planning-scale and building-level resilience.
Examining gender diversity on hospital boards in Ghana
Authors: Abor Patience Aseweh 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe issue of gender diversity on hospital boards plays a significant role in the financial health and clinical performance of hospitals. The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of gender diversity of hospital boards in Ghana. Specifically, this study examined the proportion of females on hospital boards and considered how hospital-level characteristics such as hospital size, age, location and ownership structure explain the board gender diversity of hospital boards in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach based on 100 hospitals was used.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that women are represented on all hospitals with governing boards but with different proportions depending on ownership form. In all, women represent less than half of board membership. Smaller and older hospitals were found to have more female representation on their board. Also, not-for-profit mission and for-profit private hospitals tend to engage more females than their counterpart public hospitals.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examined female representation on hospital boards depending on only hospital-level characteristics such as hospital size, age, location and ownership. Other factors could be determining the appointment of females on hospital boards other than hospital characteristics.Social implicationsEfforts on improving the role of women on hospital boards need to be encouraged.Originality/valueEvidence from this study clearly suggests underrepresentation of women in the top echelons of hospitals owned by government or the state, bigger and newer hospitals.
Colorectal cancer screening in a rural US population
Authors: Schlauderaff Pamela , Baldino Tracy , Graham K.C. , Hackney Katie , Hendryx Rebecca , Nelson Jennifer , Millard Allen , Hunter Schlauderaff Caleb , Schlauderaff Mark , Smith Dodie , Millard Michael 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening saves patient suffering and health system expenses if the pathology is found in its early stages. Utilizing rapid process improvement cycles, the purpose of this paper is to improve the rate of CRC screening in a rural community in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from the authors’ electronic medical record. Non provider staff were trained to do the majority of the work utilizing population health, clinic visit checklists, and standard work. The two tests used were colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test testing.

Findings
Dramatic improvement in the rates of colorectal screening were achieved. The base rate of documented CRC screening was 22 percent, with the rate two years later being 62.7 percent.

Originality/value
This work is of interest to those working in primary care, gastroenterology, general surgery, or if interested in designing standard work.
Supply chain integration and performance relationship: a moderating effects review
Authors: Tarifa-Fernandez Jorge , De Burgos-Jiménez Jerónimo 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to interpret the relationship between supply chain integration (SCI) and performance and to find empirical evidence of the moderating factors that affects said relationship, as well as to describe, classify, and discuss the empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of 72 studies published during the period 2001-2015 is offered. A multi-criteria approach is used to sort, structure and classify papers with the purpose of contributing to the discussion.

Findings
The direct relationship between SCI and performance shows mostly positive results; however, the moderating effects analyzed show a clear lack of consistency since their effect and significance vary depending on the measures used, both in SCI and performance.

Research limitations/implications
The use of specific keywords of SCI to select an initial sample of papers may lead to a narrow perspective, although snowballing was used to include relevant papers initially excluded.

Originality/value
The analysis and classification of moderating factors as well as the measure of their tendency help to better understand the questions that remain unsolved regarding SCI and performance. Propositions for further research are suggested.