bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mouse model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia generated by transmammary-delivered immunoblocking of BMP9 and BMP10
Authors: Ruiz Santiago , Zhao Haitian , Chandakkar Pallavi , Chatterjee Prodyot K. , Blanc Lionel , Metz Christine N. , Campagne Fabien , Marambaud Philippe 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a potentially life-threatening genetic vascular disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the genes encoding activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), endoglin, Smad4, and bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). Injections of mouse neonates with BMP9/10 blocking antibodies lead to HHT-like vascular defects in the postnatal retinal angiogenesis model. Mothers and newborns share the same immunity through the transfer of maternal antibodies during breastfeeding. Here, we investigated whether the transmammary delivery route could improve the ease and consistency of administering anti-BMP9/10 antibodies in the postnatal retinal angiogenesis model. We found that anti-BMP9/10 antibodies, when intraperitoneally injected into lactating dams, are efficiently transferred into the circulation of breastfed neonatal pups. Strikingly, pups receiving anti-BMP9/10 antibodiesviabreastfeeding displayed consistent and robust vascular pathology in the retina, which included hypervascularization and defects in arteriovenous specification, as well as the presence of multiple and massive arteriovenous malformations. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analyses of neonatal retinas identified an increase in the key pro-angiogenic factor, angiopoietin-2, as the most significant change in gene expression triggered by the transmammary delivery of anti-BMP9/10 antibodies. Transmammary-delivered BMP9/10 immunoblocking in the mouse neonatal retina is therefore a practical, noninvasive, reliable, and robust model of HHT vascular pathology.
Major histocompatibility complex haplotyping and long-amplicon allele discovery in cynomolgus macaques from Chinese breeding facilities
Authors: Karl Julie A. , Graham Michael E. , Wiseman Roger W. , Heimbruch Katelyn E. , Gieger Samantha M. , Doxiadis Gaby G. M. , Bontrop Ronald E. , O’Connor David H. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTVery little is currently known about the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis;Mafa) from Chinese breeding centers. We performed comprehensive MHC class I haplotype analysis of 100 cynomolgus macaques from two different centers, with animals from different reported original geographic origins (Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Cambodian/Indonesian mixed-origin). Many of the samples were of known relation to each other (sire, dam, and progeny sets), making it possible to characterize lineage-level haplotypes in these animals. We identified 52Mafa-Aand 74Mafa-Bhaplotypes in this cohort, many of which were restricted to specific sample origins. We also characterized full-length MHC class I transcripts using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) RS II single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. This technology allows for complete read-through of unfragmented MHC class I transcripts (~1,100 bp in length), so no assembly is required to unambiguously resolve novel full-length sequences. Overall, we identified 313 total full-length transcripts in a subset of 72 cynomolgus macaques from these Chinese breeding facilities; 131 of these sequences were novel and an additional 116 extended existing short database sequences to span the complete open reading frame. This significantly expands the number ofMafa-A,Mafa-B, andMafa-Ifull-length alleles in the official cynomolgus macaque MHC class I database. The PacBio technique described here represents a general method for full-length allele discovery and genotyping that can be extended to other complex immune loci such as MHC class II, killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, and Fc gamma receptors.
First Indications for Long-Term Benzodiazepine and Z-drugs use in the United Kingdom
Authors: Davies J. , Rae T. C. , Montagu L. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBenzodiazepines and Z-drugs (BZDs), hypnotic drugs used for insomnia and anxiety, are prescribed millions of times a year in the UK. Although guidance from the relevant regulatory authorities (NICE and BNF) indicates them only for short-term use, the evidence suggests that many patients have been taking these drugs for much longer, often for decades. At present, there are no up-to-date, evidence-based estimates of the scale of long-term BZD use in the UK, which has prevented making a strong case for the need for withdrawal services. However, data obtained recently on BZD use from a number of GP surgeries (covering nearly 100,000 registered patients) in the North of England, allow such projections to be calculated. Scaling the results to a national level suggests that there are over a quarter of a million patients in the UK using BZDs for periods far longer than recommended. The projections also suggest that nearly half this number may be willing to accept help to stop their dependency on BZDs. These results indicate a serious problem, which should be addressed by more research into the harms associated with long-term BZD use, the provision of withdrawal services, and a national helpline to support patients with BZD dependency.
Quod erat demonstrandum? No restriction endonuclease fold in MIF
Authors: Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Aravind L. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIt was claimed in a recently published article that MIF functions as an exo/endo-DNase mediating cell-death upon being induced by DNA damage and PARP1. MIF, for which tautomerase activity has been previously reported, is a member of the tautomerase superfamily which does not feature nucleases. The central premise of the authors to suggest that MIF functions as a DNase is the supposed structural relationship to nucleases of the Restriction endonuclease (REase) fold, which frequently but not always contain a motif of the form PD-(D/E)XK. However, we present evidence to show that this claim is entirely unsupported.
Microbes use encapsulin protein organelles to sequester toxic reactions
Authors: Giessen Tobias W. , Silver Pamela A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCells organize and regulate their metabolism via membrane-or protein-bound organelles. In this way, incompatible processes can be spatially separated and controlled. In prokaryotes, protein-based compartments are used to sequester harmful reactions and store useful compounds. These protein compartments play key roles in various metabolic and ecological processes ranging from iron homeostasis to carbon fixation. We identified more than 900 proteinaceous encapsulin nanocompartment systems in bacterial and archaeal genomes. Encapsulins can be found in 15 bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla. Our analysis reveals 1 new capsid type and 9 previously unknown cargo proteins targeted to the interior of encapsulins. We experimentally characterize 3 newly identified encapsulin systems and illustrate their involvement in iron mineralization, oxidative and nitrosative stress resistance and anaerobic ammonium oxidation, a process responsible for 30% of the N lost from the oceans. We propose that encapsulins represent a widespread strategy for toxic reaction sequestration in prokaryotes.
Exploring Anti-correlated Resting State BOLD Signals Through Dynamic Functional Connectivity and Whole-brain Computational Modeling
Authors: Demirtaş Murat , Gilson Matthieu , Murray John D. , Popovic Dina , Vieta Eduard , Pintor Luis , Prčkovska Vesna , Villoslada Pablo , Deco Gustavo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion weight imaging became a conventional tool to study brain connectivity in healthy and diseased individuals. However, both techniques provide indirect measures of brain connectivity leading to controversies on their interpretation. Among these controversies, interpretation of anti-correlated functional connections and global average signal is a major challenge for the field. In this paper, we used dynamic functional connectivity to calculate the probability of anti-correlations between brain regions. The brain regions forming task-positive and task-negative networks showed high anti-correlation probabilities. The fluctuations in anti-correlation probabilities were significantly correlated with those in global average signal and functional connectivity. We investigated the mechanisms behind these fluctuations using whole-brain computational modeling approach. We found that the underlying effective connectivity and intrinsic noise reflect the static spatiotemporal patterns, whereas the hemodynamic response function is the key factor defining the fluctuations in functional connectivity and anti-correlations. Furthermore, we illustrated the clinical implications of these findings on a group of bipolar disorder patients suffering a depressive relapse (BPD).
Appropriate delay analysis techniques to analyse delays in road construction projects in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake E.M.K. , Perera B.A.K.S. 
Published: November 2016

PurposeDelays represent one of the most critical factors that affect the cost of a construction project. They have to be therefore analysed comprehensively using appropriate techniques. The purpose of this paper is to find out the delay analysis techniques (DATs) that are most commonly used in road projects in Sri Lanka, the extent of their usage, the criteria that can be used in selecting them and the technique that is most appropriate for the selection.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology adopted included an extensive literature review, expert interviews and a questionnaire survey.FindingsIn road projects in Sri Lanka, five types of DATs are mainly used. The “As-planned v. As-built Analysis” technique is the most commonly used technique while “Window Analysis” is the least used technique. Out of the nine criteria identified for selecting a DAT, the most important criterion is the acceptability of the technique to courts and tribunals. “Window Analysis” was found to be the most appropriate DAT that can be used in road construction projects in Sri Lanka.Originality/value“Window Analysis” can be recommended as the most appropriate DAT for road projects in Sri Lanka.
Indoor environmental quality and occupants’ productivity
Authors: Mallawaarachchi Harshini , De Silva Lalith , Rameezdeen Raufdeen 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and occupants’ productivity improvements in green buildings in order to propose probable enhancements of national green certification criteria.

Design/methodology/approach
Survey approach was selected under quantitative phenomenon. Hence, questionnaire survey was selected as a primary data collection technique. It was linked to semi-structured interviews to validate survey results. The survey data were analysed by using nonparametric statistical analysis techniques, such as significance testing and Spearman’s correlation. Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) v.20 statistical analysis software was used in data analysis.

Findings
Seven factors were identified as significant factors which showed statistically significant monotonic correlation to major IEQ dimensions. Among those, air quality and acoustical partitioning factors confirmed a statistically significant weak positive monotonic correlation, whilst system control showed strongly positive monotonic correlation to occupants’ productivity in green buildings.

Practical implications
The findings can be practically implied as a basis to review the existing evaluation criteria of IEQ in national green certification system to propose probable enhancements.

Originality/value
The significant IEQ factors influencing occupants’ productivity were determined as the focal point of this research. Accordingly, new provisions were proposed to enhance the national green certification criteria.
Malaysian experience with public-private partnership (PPP)
Authors: Zin Zawawi Muhammad Imran , Kulatunga Udayangani , Thayaparan Menaha 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Lack of competition in procurement processes may affect the sustainable procurement due to overpriced and low-quality infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current practices in Malaysian public-private partnership (PPP) in handling unsolicited proposals within PPP and to suggest ways in which the practices can be improved to achieve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
Case study was conducted within which 13 semi-structured interviews were carried out with different groups: the policy makers, the practitioners and the experts. The study also scrutinised published guidelines and relevant regulations used by in management of unsolicited proposals in Malaysian PPP.

Findings
The Government of Malaysia welcomes unsolicited proposals from the private sector, even though it does not publish any established mechanisms to handle such proposals. Lack of competition in unsolicited proposals is a major concern in achieving sustainable goals of procurement. This could be addressed by introducing a competitive element to unsolicited proposals.

Originality/value
There are limited study and reports on the implementation of unsolicited proposals by the Malaysian Government. Besides adding to the literature, this paper reveals the management of unsolicited proposals. Most importantly, it is useful in assisting potential Malaysian PPP stakeholders and investors in what to expect, based on findings from the actual practice.
Political connections and organisational performance: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Cheema Moeen Umar , Munir Rahat , Su Sophia 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the association between political connections (PCs) and organisational performance in a South Asian country, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected for 250 non-financial organisations listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange of Pakistan. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to empirically test the research question.

Findings
PCs in Pakistan are common across all industries. The study found a significantly negative effect of PCs on organisational performance, measured in terms of return on assets and return on equity. In addition, negative association of PCs with organisational performance is more pronounced for organisations having connections with politicians, compared to those having connections with former government officials.

Originality/value
The study extends the PCs literature by providing evidence of the impact of PCs on organisational performance in a South Asian country. Several implications for organisations, banks, accounting professionals and policy-makers are provided.
Corporate political connections, agency costs and audit quality
Authors: Khan Arifur , Mihret Dessalegn Getie , Muttakin Mohammad Badrul 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The effect of political connections of agency costs has attracted considerable research attention due to the increasing recognition of the fact that political connection influences corporate decisions and outcomes. This paper aims to explore the association between corporate political connections and agency cost and examine whether audit quality moderates this association.

Design/methodology/approach
A data set of Bangladeshi listed non-financial companies is used. A usable sample of 968 firm-year observations was drawn for the period from 2005 to 2013. Asset utilisation ratio, the interaction of Tobin’s Q and free cash flow and expense ratio are used as alternative proxies for agency costs; membership to Big 4 audit firms or local associates of Big 4 firms is used as a proxy for audit quality.

Findings
Results show that politically connected firms exhibit higher agency costs than their unconnected counterparts, and audit quality moderates the relationship between political connection and agency costs. The results of this paper suggest the importance of audit quality to mitigate agency problem in an emerging economic setting.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this paper could be of interest to regulators wishing to focus regulatory effort on significant issues influencing stock market efficiency. The findings could also inform auditors in directing audit effort through a more complete assessment of risk and determining reasonable levels of audit fees. Finally, results could inform financial statement users to direct investments to firms with lower agency costs.

Originality/value
To the knowledge of the authors, this study is one of the first to explore the relationship between political connection and agency costs, and the moderating effect of audit quality of this relationship.
Risk reporting during a crisis: evidence from the Egyptian capital market
Authors: Marzouk Mahmoud 
Published: November 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine corporate risk disclosure (CRD) practices and determinants in the annual reports of Egyptian listed companies during the 2011 political crisis (uprising) in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis of the annual reports of a sample of non-financial listed companies representing different industry sectors was conducted to investigate attributes and factors underlying their risk disclosures.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that companies disclosed more monetary, future and good risk information. The results show a positive and significant relationship between company size and the level of CRD, a positive but insignificant relationship between the extent of CRD and some company-specific characteristics: industry type, profitability and cross-listing, and a negative and insignificant relationship between corporate reserves and the level of CRD.Research limitations/implicationsA larger sample size would be needed for greater generalization of the findings. This study extends the literature on CRD by examining CRD practices at a time of current and ongoing crisis. However, more research is needed to examine variations in CRD practices before and after the 2011 political crisis.Practical implicationsThe results could be used by information users, companies and the capital market authority to inform policy-making and tighten regulations to improve CRD. Recommendations are made for improving the quality and informativeness of risk information.Originality/valueIt is important to investigate CRD practices, considering the dearth of research, particularly in emerging capital markets and during crises, when companies are exposed to more, especially uncontrollable, risks. This study fills a void in literature by examining CRD practices during the 2011 political crisis in Egypt.
Retrievability bias in explaining the hurdle rate premium puzzle
Authors: Hornung Mareike , Luther Robert , Schuster Peter 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
Making rational and undistorted corporate investment decisions is critically important to organisations. “Scientific” investment appraisal can play a central role, particularly setting the hurdle rate. Empirical research reveals that actual rates generally exceed organisations’ cost of capital – the so-called hurdle rate premium (HRP) puzzle. Allowing for bounded rationality of corporate decision-makers, the purpose of this paper is to mobilise the retrievability cognitive bias as one explanation of this paradox.

Design/methodology/approach
A systematic structuring and investigation of the legacy of eight scenarios, representing “correct” and “incorrect” decisions on “good” and “bad” proposals, is used to explain the inconsistency between normative capital investment theory and actual practice.

Findings
Decision makers’ cognitive processes based on informal perceptions, strengthened by the scope of formal post-audit routines, provide a plausible explanation why investment decision makers tend to systematically set hurdle rates too high.

Research limitations/implications
The findings have still to be explored in more depth by fieldwork and experimental research.

Practical implications
The policy implications of this study are that corporate success could be enhanced by making executives aware of the HRP phenomenon and of its behavioural causes; also by including significant rejected investment proposals in the post-audit programme and communicating the opportunity cost of “false negative” decisions on proposals not adopted.

Originality/value
The paper provides a new explanation for a recognised phenomenon: Allowing for bounded rationality of corporate decision-makers, the paper applies research on a cognitive bias to the setting of the hurdle rate in investment appraisal.
Managing online service recovery: procedures, justice and customer satisfaction
Authors: Singh Jaywant , Crisafulli Benedetta 
Published: November 2016

Purpose
The internet has changed the way services are delivered and has created new forms of customer-firm interactions. Whilst online service failures remain inevitable, the internet offers opportunities for delivering efficient service recovery through the online channel. Notwithstanding, research evidence on how firms can deliver online service recovery remains scarce. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of two online service recovery strategies – online information and technology-mediated communication – on customer satisfaction, switching and word of mouth intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
A scenario-based experiment is employed. Data are analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings
Online information and technology-mediated interactions can be used as online service recovery strategies. When fair, online service recovery can restore customer satisfaction, lower switching and enhance positive word of mouth. Interactional justice delivered through technology-mediated communication is a strong predictor of satisfaction with online service recovery. Yet, customers in subscription services show greater expectations of online service recovery than those in non-subscription services.

Research limitations/implications
Further research could examine the impact of online service recovery on relational constructs, such as trust. Since customers participate in the online recovery process, future research could investigate the role of customers as co-creators of online service recovery.

Practical implications
Service managers should design online recovery strategies that meet customer need for interactional justice, for example, bespoke e-mails, and virtual chat communications with genuine customer care.

Originality/value
Online information and technology-mediated communication function as online service recovery strategies. Customer perceptions of justice towards online service recovery restore satisfaction, and encourage loyal behaviour.