bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of conformational ordering on protein/polyelectrolyte electrostatic complexation: ionic binding and chain stiffening
Authors: Cao Yiping , Fang Yapeng , Nishinari Katsuyoshi , Phillips Glyn O.
Published: March 2016

Coupling of electrostatic complexation with conformational transition is rather general in protein/polyelectrolyte interaction and has important implications in many biological processes and practical applications. This work studied the electrostatic complexation between κ-carrageenan (κ-car) and type B gelatin and analyzed the effects of the conformational ordering of κ-car induced upon cooling in the presence of potassium chloride (KCl) or tetramethylammonium iodide (Me4NI). Experimental results showed that the effects of conformational ordering on protein/polyelectrolyte electrostatic complexation can be decomposed into ionic binding and chain stiffening. At the initial stage of conformational ordering, electrostatic complexation can be either suppressed or enhanced due to the ionic bindings of K+ and I− ions, which significantly alter the charge density of κ-car or occupy the binding sites of gelatin. Beyond a certain stage of conformational ordering, i.e., helix content θ > 0.30, the effect of chain stiffening, accompanied with a rapid increase in helix length ζ, becomes dominant and tends to dissociate the electrostatic complexation. The effect of chain stiffening can be theoretically interpreted in terms of double helix association.
Effectiveness of Telemonitoring in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Taiwan-A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ho Te-Wei , Huang Chun-Ta , Chiu Herng-Chia , Ruan Sheng-Yuan , Tsai Yi-Ju , Yu Chong-Jen , Lai Feipei ,   The HINT Study Group, Lin Yu-Feng , Tsai Hung-Bin , Hsu Nin-Chieh , Tseng Chia-Lin , Shu Chin-Chung , Ko Wen-Je , Chen Jin-Shing
Published: March 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and poses a substantial economic and social burden. Telemonitoring has been proposed as a solution to this growing problem, but its impact on patient outcome is equivocal. This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate effectiveness of telemonitoring in improving COPD patient outcome. In total, 106 subjects were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring (n = 53) or usual care (n = 53) group. During the two months following discharge, telemonitoring group patients had to report their symptoms daily using an electronic diary. The primary outcome measure was time to first re-admission for COPD exacerbation within six months of discharge. During the follow-up period, time to first re-admission for COPD exacerbation was significantly increased in the telemonitoring group than in the usual care group (p = 0.026). Telemonitoring was also associated with a reduced number of all-cause re-admissions (0.23 vs. 0.68/patient; p = 0.002) and emergency room visits (0.36 vs. 0.91/patient; p = 0.006). In conclusion, telemonitoring intervention was associated with improved outcomes among COPD patients admitted for exacerbation in a country characterized by a small territory and high accessibility to medical services. The findings are encouraging and add further support to implementation of telemonitoring as part of COPD care.
A High-Throughput Microfluidic Platform for Mammalian Cell Transfection and Culturing
Authors: Woodruff Kristina , Maerkl Sebastian J.
Published: March 2016

Mammalian synthetic biology could be augmented through the development of high-throughput microfluidic systems that integrate cellular transfection, culturing, and imaging. We created a microfluidic chip that cultures cells and implements 280 independent transfections at up to 99% efficiency. The chip can perform co-transfections, in which the number of cells expressing each protein and the average protein expression level can be precisely tuned as a function of input DNA concentration and synthetic gene circuits can be optimized on chip. We co-transfected four plasmids to test a histidine kinase signaling pathway and mapped the dose dependence of this network on the level of one of its constituents. The chip is readily integrated with high-content imaging, enabling the evaluation of cellular behavior and protein expression dynamics over time. These features make the transfection chip applicable to high-throughput mammalian protein and synthetic biology studies.
Protective effects of ginsenoside Re on lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice
Authors: Chen Rong-Chang , Wang Jian , Yang Longpo , Sun Gui-Bo , Sun Xiao-Bo
Published: March 2016

Ginsenoside Re protected against lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac dysfunction in miceviaERs and PI3K/AKT mediated NFκB inhibition.
PEPPSI-SONO-SP2: a new highly efficient ligand-free catalyst system for the synthesis of tri-substituted triazine derivatives via Suzuki–Miyaura and Sonogashira coupling reactions under a green approach
Authors: Venkata Krishna Reddy Motakatla , Vasu Govardhana Reddy Peddiahgari , Suresh Reddy Cirandur
Published: March 2016

Consecutive Suzuki–Miyaura and Sonogashira cross coupling reactions catalyzed by a new competent palladium catalyst PEPPSI-SONO-SP2 under mild and green reaction conditions.
Energetic contribution to both acidity and conformational stability in peptide models
Authors: Kubyshkin Vladimir , Durkin Patrick , Budisa Nediljko
Published: March 2016

The acidity difference of the amide rotamers has been revised for a large set ofN-acetyl amino acids.
Phenolic profiling of the aerial part of Chrysanthemum trifurcatum using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Tahri Wiem , Chatti Abdelwaheb , Romero-González Roberto , López-Gutiérrez Noelia , Frenich Antonia Garrido , Landoulsi Ahmed
Published: March 2016

UHPLC coupled with Exactive Orbitrap has been used for the identification of the main bioactive compounds in stems, leaves and flowers of Chrysanthemum trifurcatum.
Towards biolubricant compatible vegetable oils by pore mouth hydrogenation with shape-selective Pt/ZSM-5 catalysts
Authors: Van Aelst J. , Philippaerts A. , Bartholomeeusen E. , Fayad E. , Thibault-Starzyk F. , Lu J. , Schryvers D. , Ooms R. , Verboekend D. , Jacobs P. , Sels B.
Published: March 2016

Pore mouth hydrogenation of vegetable oil with Pt/ZSM-5 is confirmed by the similar intermediately melting product selectivity for various crystal sizes.
Pediatric Feeding in Infants With Pierre Robin Sequence Following Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis
Authors: Mabry Kelly
Published: March 2016

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) causes anomalies that can include micrognathia, cleft palate, and glossoptosis. At birth, infants typically present with a small mandible (micrognathia) which displaces the tongue posteriorly and causes breathing difficulties due to airway obstruction. A large, U-shaped cleft palate is often associated with this condition and the combined phenotype can be seen in isolation or in conjunction with a syndrome. In the neonatal period, management of PRS focuses on airway obstruction and feeding through conservative positioning techniques that are often successful. However, infants that do not respond to conservative measures require surgical intervention such as tongue-lip adhesion, tracheostomy, or mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) to manage their airway. While each of these surgical procedures have been used effectively, the process of MDO has become the definitive technique to surgically correct the airway obstruction in PRS by lengthening the mandible, which also brings the tongue forward and out of the airway.

Feeding intervention is directly related to the resolution of micrognathia which in turn advances the tongue base anteriorly, resolving the glossoptosis and airway obstruction. The infant's feeding experience, including pre-surgery and post-surgery considerations, are discussed.
Emerging Scientist: Examining Exercise-Based Therapies for Voice and Swallow Disorders With a Neuroplastic Eye
Authors: Schaser Allison J.
Published: March 2016

Exercise-based therapies are currently used to treat voice and swallow disorders without a clear understanding of the mechanisms that alter the cranial neuromuscular system. The recent application of principles of neuroplasticity to rehabilitation has revolutionized how we think about treatment, highlighting the need for change in both behavior and neural substrates to create lasting benefits. It is difficult, however, to study neural substrates in human patients while controlling for factors that may influence plasticity, such as genetic and environmental differences. The use of a rat model allows these controls. My research aims to further our understanding of the neuroplastic potential of exercise in the cranial sensorimotor system with the ultimate long-term and future goal of guiding care of individuals with voice and swallow problems.

This work is significant because it examines the neuroplastic potential of exercise in the cranial sensorimotor system in both muscle and the central nervous system, along with the enduring effects of exercise with the long-term and future goal of using my results to guide current therapy timelines and protocols used in clinical populations with voice and swallow problems.
Basic Science: The Foundation of Evidence-Based Voice Therapy
Authors: Johnson Aaron M.
Published: March 2016

Basic science research is part of the circle of translational research that provides the scientific underpinning for evidence-based practice. The translation from bench to bedside, however, is sometimes not obvious. This short review seeks to demonstrate ways in which basic science can inform our clinical practice as voice therapists. From in vitro molecular and cellular studies to in vivo animal models, basic science can investigate biological mechanisms of vocal health, such as vocal fold hydration, and voice use, such as voice rest and vocal exercise, in ways that are impossible in human clinical studies. Knowledge of these mechanisms inform and guide our clinical investigations and help provide evidence for behavioral voice therapy.
Orbital control of Rashba spin orbit coupling in noble metal surfaces
Authors: Gong Shi-Jing , Cai Jia , Yao Qun-Fang , Tong Wen-Yi , Wan Xiangang , Duan Chun-Gang , Chu J. H.
Published: March 2016

Rashba spin orbit coupling (SOC) in noble metal surfaces is of great importance for the application of metal films in spintronic devices. By combining the density-functional theory calculations with our recently developed orbital selective external potential method, we investigate the Rashba SOC in the Shockley surface states of Au(111) and Ag(111). We find that the large Rashba SOC in the sp-character surface states of Au(111) is mainly contributed by the minor d-orbitals in the surface states. While for the sd-character surface states, although they are dominated by the d-orbitals, Rashba splitting is found to be rather small. Band structure analysis reveals that this is mainly because the sd-character surface states are well below the Fermi level and can be less influenced by the asymmetric surface potential. We demonstrate that the Rashba SOC in noble metal surfaces can be effectively manipulated by shifting the d-orbitals in the surface states, which can be physically implemented through surface decoration. Our investigation provides a deep understanding on Rashba SOC in noble metal surfaces and could be helpful to their applications in spintronic devices.
High-power phase-locked quantum cascade laser array emitting at λ ∼ 4.6 μm
Authors: Yan Fang-Liang , Zhang Jin-Chuan , Jia Zhi-Wei , Zhuo Ning , Zhai Shen-Qiang , Liu Shu-Man , Liu Feng-Qi , Wang Zhan-Guo
Published: March 2016

A phase-locked quantum cascade laser (QCL) array consisting of one hundred elements that were integrated in parallel was achieved at λ ∼ 4.6 μm. The proposed Fraunhofer’s multiple slits diffraction model predicted and explained the far-field pattern of the phase-locked laser array. A single-lobed far-field pattern, attributed to the emission of an in-phase-like supermode, is obtained near the threshold (Ith). Even at 1.5 Ith, greater than 73.3% of the laser output power is concentrated in a low-divergence beam with an optical power of up to 40 W.
Geographic variation in seedling morphology of Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. equisetifolia (Casuarinaceae)
Authors: Hu Pan , Zhong Chonglu , Zhang Yong , Jiang Qingbin , Chen Yu , Chen Zhen , Pinyopusarerk Khongsak , Bush David
Published: March 2016

Seeds collected from 28 natural provenances and introduced populations of Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. equisetifolia L. from Oceania, Asia and Africa were used to study geographic variation in growth and morphology of nursery-grown seedlings. Ten characteristics related to growth and branching habit were measured for each seedling and the resultant data subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. In general, seedlings from Oceania grew more slowly, were more densely branched with fine and upright branching, and had fewer teeth per whorl than those from other areas. Cluster analysis effectively separated Oceania from Asian natural provenances, and revealed the probable original sources of introductions to different parts of Asia and Africa. Further investigation into the pattern of variation through molecular characterisation of genetic material from all major regions of distribution is warranted in order to better understand the genetic relationships and enhance more efficient utilisation of this important casuarina species.
Spatial structure and development of Paspalum vaginatum (Poaceae): an architectural approach
Authors: Fabbri Liliana T. , Perreta Mariel , Rua Gabriel H.
Published: March 2016

Paspalum vaginatum Sw. is a perennial grass originating from tropical and subtropical regions worldwide that plays important ecological and utilitarian roles such as dune stabilisation and erosion control, and is used as a lawn and forage plant. The vegetative morphology of shoots was studied using an architectural approach with the aim of identifying constant features that characterise the architectural unit of this species, describing its developmental dynamics, and exploring the morphological basis of its extraordinary plasticity and adaptability to multiple ecological conditions. Plants of two ecotypes were cultivated in pots outdoors during two consecutive summers, and axes of different branching order were marked for periodical observations. Leaf typology, orientation and position of branches and occurrence and position of reproductive axes were considered. The basic growth pattern arises as a result of extensive plagiotropic growth of axes up to fourth branching order, which initially behave as stolons but can become rhizomes insofar the soil cover increases. Orthotropic floriferous axes up to fifth order develop at the axils of stolons, which can form ‘daughter’ clumps by basal tillering. Despite quantitative differences, both ecotypes share similar architectural features. Architectural analysis provides the basis to predict space occupation dynamics under different environmental conditions of growth.
Dryness in a Mediterranean-type climate – implications for wildfire burnt area: a case study from Mount Carmel, Israel
Authors: Wittenberg Lea , Kutiel Haim
Published: March 2016

Wildfires are an integral component of Mediterranean ecosystems, in which the occurrence of fire has markedly increased since the 1970s, due to anthropogenic stresses and climate change. Although fires are often associated with both factors, the relationship is not straightforward; however, dryness plays a key role in fire behaviour. Commonly, dryness is calculated by analysing the intervals between rainstorms – termed dry spells. The number of dry days since last rain (DDSLR) represents an innovative approach in which various aspects such as severity, consistency and temporal uncertainty of dryness are monitored. DDSLR at the University of Haifa meteorological station was calculated at two different daily rainfall thresholds (DRT = 1.0 and 5.0 mm) in 1976–2013 and correlated with large wildfires (>100 ha). The severity, consistency and temporal uncertainty of dryness are presented for both thresholds and for the entire year, rainy season and winter. The results show that dry periods longer than 60 days occur every year, and a dry period of at least 150 days occurs twice in 3 years. Large fires occur during long dry periods. DDSLR trend analysis indicates an elongation of the dry period at an average rate of 1 day per year. Therefore, larger areas affected by wildfires might be anticipated.
Prescribed burning as a conservation tool for management of habitat for threatened species: the quokka, Setonix brachyurus, in the southern forests of Western Australia
Authors: Bain Karlene , Wayne Adrian , Bencini Roberta
Published: March 2016

Prescribed burning is frequently advocated as a means of managing habitat for threatened species. We studied effects of fire on the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), a species currently used as a focal species for planning prescribed burns in the southern forests of Western Australia. We examined (i) the recolonisation of burnt areas; (ii) the refuge value of unburnt vegetation; and (iii) fire prediction variables that may help to guide fire planning to achieve desired habitat management outcomes. We hypothesised that fire regimes promoting vegetation structure and patchiness of burnt and unburnt vegetation would result in more rapid recolonisation of burnt areas by quokkas. Occupancy modelling identified the most important variables for recolonisation as retention of vertical vegetation structure and multiple unburnt patches across >20% of the total area. These outcomes were associated with high surface moisture, low soil dryness and slow fire rates of spread. Intense wildfire resulted in complete loss of vegetation structure and a lack of unburnt patches, which contributed to these areas remaining uncolonised. Burning with high moisture differentials, maximising the effectiveness of edaphic barriers to fire, retaining unburnt vegetation and maintaining vegetation structure were found to be important elements of fire regimes in this region.
Net Economic Impacts of Recent Alaska Salmon Fishery Failures and Federal Relief
Authors: Seung Chang K. , Muse Ben , Waters Edward C.
Published: March 2016

Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha runs in several areas of Alaska have recently fallen well below expected levels. Using a social accounting matrix (SAM) model, this study calculated the net regional impacts on employment and income of the commercial salmon fishery failures stemming from these small runs, taking into account the effects of the federal fishery disaster funds received by commercial fishermen. The results indicate that federal relief funds reduced the adverse economic impacts but that the distribution of these funds to permit owners alone was not sufficient to compensate for the losses by other stakeholders. This study also shows that a SAM-type model is useful for policymakers in deciding how federal funds should be distributed among the various stakeholders affected by fishery failures.

Received May 1, 2015; accepted November 8, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
Acute citrulline‐malate supplementation improves maximal strength and anaerobic power in female, masters athletes tennis players
Authors: Glenn Jordan M. , Gray Michelle , Jensen Austen , Stone Matthew S. , Vincenzo Jennifer L.
Published: March 2016

Citrulline‐malate (CM) is a precursor to nitric‐oxide (NO) in the NO synthase (NOS) pathway and is suggested to increase exercise performance in younger individuals. With age, NO production decreases and augmented NO production may provide beneficial effects on sports performance among masters athletes (MAs). Purpose: To examine the effects of acute CM supplementation on grip strength, vertical power, and anaerobic cycling performance in female, MA tennis players. Methods: Seventeen female MA (51 ± 9 years) completed two double‐blind, randomized trials consuming CM (12 g dextrose + 8 g CM) and placebo (PLA) (12 g dextrose). One hour after consumption, subjects completed grip strength, vertical power, and Wingate anaerobic cycling assessments in respective order. Maximal and average grip strength, peak and average vertical power, anaerobic capacity, peak power, explosive power, and ability to sustain anaerobic power were calculated from the tests. Results: When consuming CM, participants exhibited greater maximal (p = .042) and average (p = .045) grip strength compared to PLA. No differences existed between trials for peak (p = .51) or average (p = .51) vertical power. For the Wingate, peak power (p < .001) and explosive power (p < .001) were significantly greater when consuming CM compared to PLA. For the ability to sustain power, a significant effect (p < .001) was observed for time within trials, but no significant differences were observed between trials regarding supplement consumed. Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming CM before competition has the potential to improve tennis match‐play performance in masters tennis athletes. However, this study utilized a controlled laboratory environment and research evaluating direct application to on‐court performance is warranted.
An mDia1-INF2 formin activation cascade facilitated by IQGAP1 regulates stable microtubules in migrating cells
Authors: Bartolini Francesca , Andres-Delgado Laura , Qu Xiaoyi , Nik Sara , Ramalingam Nagendran , Kremer Leonor , Alonso Miguel A. , Gundersen Gregg G.
Published: March 2016

Multiple formins regulate microtubule (MT) arrays, but whether they function individually or in a common pathway is unknown. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulates the formation of stabilized detyrosinated MTs (Glu MTs) in NIH3T3 fibroblasts through RhoA and the formin mDia1. Here we show that another formin, INF2, is necessary for mDia1-mediated induction of Glu MTs and regulation of MT dynamics and that mDia1 can be bypassed by activating INF2. INF2 localized to MTs after LPA treatment in an mDia1-dependent manner, suggesting that mDia1 regulates INF2. Mutants of either formin that disrupt their interaction failed to rescue MT stability in cells depleted of the respective formin, and the mDia1-interacting protein IQGAP1 regulated INF2’s localization to MTs and the induction of Glu MTs by either formin. The N-terminus of IQGAP1 associated with the C-terminus of INF2 directly, suggesting the possibility of a tripartite complex stimulated by LPA. Supporting this, the interaction of mDia1 and INF2 was induced by LPA and dependent on IQGAP1. Our data highlight a unique mechanism of formin action in which mDia1 and INF2 function in series to stabilize MTs and point to IQGAP1 as a scaffold that facilitates the activation of one formin by another.
The Grp170 nucleotide exchange factor executes a key role during ERAD of cellular misfolded clients
Authors: Inoue Takamasa , Tsai Billy
Published: March 2016

When a protein misfolds in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), it retrotranslocates to the cytosol and is degraded by the proteasome via a pathway called ER-associated degradation (ERAD). To initiate ERAD, ADP-BiP is often recruited to the misfolded client, rendering it soluble and translocation competent. How the misfolded client is subsequently released from BiP so that it undergoes retrotranslocation, however, remains enigmatic. Here we demonstrate that the ER-resident nucleotide exchange factor (NEF) Grp170 plays an important role during ERAD of the misfolded glycosylated client null Hong Kong (NHK). As a NEF, Grp170 triggers nucleotide exchange of BiP to generate ATP-BiP. ATP-BiP disengages from NHK, enabling it to retrotranslocate to the cytosol. We demonstrate that Grp170 binds to Sel1L, an adapter of the transmembrane Hrd1 E3 ubiquitin ligase postulated to be the retrotranslocon, and links this interaction to Grp170’s function during ERAD. More broadly, Grp170 also promotes degradation of the nonglycosylated transthyretin (TTR) D18G misfolded client. Our findings thus establish a general function of Grp170 during ERAD and suggest that positioning this client-release factor at the retrotranslocation site may afford a mechanism to couple client release from BiP and retrotranslocation.
A proposed national research and development agenda for population health informatics: summary recommendations from a national expert workshop
Authors: Kharrazi Hadi , Lasser Elyse C , Yasnoff William A , Loonsk John , Advani Aneel , Lehmann Harold P , Chin David C , Weiner Jonathan P
Published: March 2016

Objective: The Johns Hopkins Center for Population Health IT hosted a 1-day symposium sponsored by the National Library of Medicine to help develop a national research and development (R&D) agenda for the emerging field of population health informatics (PopHI).

Material and Methods: The symposium provided a venue for national experts to brainstorm, identify, discuss, and prioritize the top challenges and opportunities in the PopHI field, as well as R&D areas to address these.

Results: This manuscript summarizes the findings of the PopHI symposium. The symposium participants’ recommendations have been categorized into 13 overarching themes, including policy alignment, data governance, sustainability and incentives, and standards/interoperability.

Discussion: The proposed consensus-based national agenda for PopHI consisted of 18 priority recommendations grouped into 4 broad goals: (1) Developing a standardized collaborative framework and infrastructure, (2) Advancing technical tools and methods, (3) Developing a scientific evidence and knowledge base, and (4) Developing an appropriate framework for policy, privacy, and sustainability. There was a substantial amount of agreement between all the participants on the challenges and opportunities for PopHI as well as on the actions that needed to be taken to address these.

Conclusion: PopHI is a rapidly growing field that has emerged to address the population dimension of the Triple Aim. The proposed PopHI R&D agenda is comprehensive and timely, but should be considered only a starting-point, given that ongoing developments in health policy, population health management, and informatics are very dynamic, suggesting that the agenda will require constant monitoring and updating.
Integrating ecological genomics and eco-evo-devo reveals multiple adaptive peaks in ant populations of the Arizona Sky Islands
Authors: Favé Marie-Julie , Abouheif Ehab
Published: March 2016

Uncovering the genetic basis of adaptation is a great challenge facing evolutionary biologists. We ask where is the locus of adaptation from the perspective of ecological genomics (ecogen) and evolutionary developmental biology (evodevo). Ecogen focuses on identifying loci under selection between populations in different environments by scanning genome-wide patterns of genetic divergence, while evodevo focuses on candidate developmental regulatory genes and networks underlying phenotypic differences between species and higher taxa. We attempt to reconcile these different perspectives by studying the response of ant populations to past climate change on the Arizona Sky Islands - high elevation mountain ranges that represent a replicated natural experiment. We previously used an evodevo approach to show that adaptation to climatic changes in the Arizona Sky Islands in the ant speciesMonomorium emersonioccurred through repeated changes within the gene network underlying the development of alternative dispersal phenotypes: winged and wingless queens. Here, using an ecogen approach we uncovered several loci under positive selection that associate with habitat temperature. These temperatureassociated loci show a repeated increase in frequency following climatic changes on each of the Sky Islands. Surprisingly, gene flow between locations within a Sky Island is restricted by temperature adaptation along the ecological gradient and not by dispersal phenotype. This finding suggests that determination of winged and wingless queens may be developmentally plastic, and this plasticity may facilitate jumps between adaptive peaks on a fitness landscape. Integration of evodevo and ecogen reveals multiple adaptive peaks and predictability at multiple biological levels within a single species.
A meiotic drive element in the maize pathogenFusarium verticillioidesis located within a 102-kb region of chromosome V
Authors: Pyle Jay , Patel Tejas , Merril Brianna , Nsokoshi Chabu , McCall Morgan , Proctor Robert H. , Brown Daren W. , Hammond Thomas M.
Published: March 2016

Fusarium verticillioidesis an agriculturally important fungus because of its association with maize and its propensity to contaminate grain with toxic compounds. Some isolates of the fungus harbor a meiotic drive element known as Sporekiller(SkK) that causes nearly all surviving meiotic progeny from anSkK× Spore killer-susceptible (SkS) cross to inherit theSkKallele.SkKhas been mapped to chromosome V but the genetic element responsible for meiotic drive and spore killing has yet to be identified. In this study, we used cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers to genotype individual progeny from anSkK×SkSmapping population. We also sequenced the genomes of three progeny from the mapping population to determine their single nucleotide polymorphisms. These techniques allowed us to refine the location ofSkKto a contiguous 102-kb region of chromosome V, herein referred to as theSklocus. Relative toSkSgenotypes,SkKgenotypes have one extra gene within this locus for a total of 42 genes. The additional gene inSkKgenotypes, named SKL1 forSpore Killer Locus 1, is the most highly expressed gene from theSklocus during early stages of sexual development. TheSklocus also has three hypervariable regions, the longest of which includesSKL1. The possibility thatSKL1, or another gene from theSklocus, is an essential component of meiotic drive and spore killing is discussed.
Structural and kinetic analysis of the COP9-Signalosome activation and the cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase deneddylation cycle
Authors: Mosadeghi Ruzbeh , Reichermeier Kurt M. , Winkler Martin , Schreiber Anne , Reitsma Justin M. , Zhang Yaru , Stengel Florian , Cao Junyue , Kim Minsoo , Sweredoski Michael J. , Hess Sonja , Leitner Alexander , Aebersold Ruedi , Peter Matthias , Deshaies Raymond J. , Enchev Radoslav I.
Published: March 2016

The COP9-Signalosome (CSN) regulates cullin–RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL) activity and assembly by cleaving Nedd8 from cullins. Free CSN is autoinhibited, and it remains unclear how it becomes activated. We combine structural and kinetic analyses to identify mechanisms that contribute to CSN activation and Nedd8 deconjugation. Both CSN and neddylated substrate undergo large conformational changes upon binding, with important roles played by the N-terminal domains of Csn2 and Csn4 and the RING domain of Rbx1 in enabling formation of a high affinity, fully active complex. The RING domain is crucial for deneddylation, and works in part through conformational changes involving insert-2 of Csn6. Nedd8 deconjugation and re-engagement of the active site zinc by the autoinhibitory Csn5 glutamate-104 diminish affinity for Cul1/Rbx1 by ~100-fold, resulting in its rapid ejection from the active site. Together, these mechanisms enable a dynamic deneddylation-disassembly cycle that promotes rapid remodeling of the cellular CRL network.
Genetic algorithm based fuzzy time series tourism demand forecast model
Authors: Sakhuja Sumit , Jain Vipul , Kumar Sameer , Chandra Charu , Ghildayal Sarit K
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Many studies have proposed variant fuzzy time series models for uncertain and vague data. The purpose of this paper is to adapt a fuzzy time series combined with genetic algorithm (GA) to forecast tourist arrivals in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different cases are studied to understand the effect of variation of fuzzy time series order, number of intervals and population size on the fitness function which decreases with increase in fuzzy time series order and number of fuzzy intervals, but do not have marginal effect due to change in population size.

Findings

– Results based on an example of forecasting Taiwan’s tourism demand was used to verify the efficacy of proposed model and confirmed its superiority to existing models providing solutions for different orders of fuzzy time series, number of intervals and population size with a smaller forecasting error as measured by root mean square error.

Originality/value

– This study provides a viable forecasting methodology, adapting a fuzzy time series combined with an evolutionary GA. The proposed hybridized framework of fuzzy time series and GA, where GA is used to calibrate fuzzy interval length, is flexible and replicable to many industrial situations.
Experientially educating future consultants: benefits, challenges, and constructs
Authors: Kupka Bernd , Westover Jonathan H , Workman Letty
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss experiential education as a way to develop future consultants in human resource management and marketing with the goal of developing consulting competence.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper that proposes, outlines, and discusses a model, containing 11 dimensions of consulting competence.

Findings

– The conceptual model includes 11 building blocks: foreign language competence, non-verbal competence, perception of cultural distance, cultural self-awareness, knowledge, skills, motivation, effectiveness, appropriateness, contextual interaction patterns, and affinity. Considerations for each of these elements are introduced and discussed.

Practical implications

– This model and the explanation of its components should guide management and marketing educators in their efforts to build and develop experiential education programs of excellence.

Originality/value

– The model proposed and outline in this paper will assist institutions of higher education and faculty members to guide students in their development of a successful career in consulting.
How graduate students are supported in their teaching
Authors: Hoessler Carolyn , Stockley Denise
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– To provide a cohesive framework for understanding how supports co-occur and interact to impact graduate students’ teaching experiences, this paper systematizes the multi-layered context in which institutions, departments, faculty, peers, and individuals provide support. Previous studies on graduate students’ teaching focussed on specific programs, initially to describe them, and more recently to assess their outcomes. However, this piecemeal approach misses the complexity of graduate students’ contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a literature review of existing supports for graduate students’ teaching, the need for a contextual framework was clearly identified leading to its development and application to provide a cohesive categorization of supports.

Findings

– The review of existing literature identified graduate students’ supports and needs for support across all layers of their higher education context.

Practical implications

– This new framework offers a theoretical grounding for teasing apart the intertwined influences on graduate students’ teaching development. Higher education professionals seeking to demonstrate value for money may be disappointed by evaluations of formal programming revealing lower than expected changes in practice despite promising growth in graduate student’s conceptions of teaching. By considering additional influences and barriers to graduate students implementing newly learned teaching practices, potential conflicts may be revealed and addressed, and enabling influences identified and increased.

Originality/value

– Missing from existing literature is consideration of the multiple co-occurring influences on graduate students’ development, and an examination of how the various sources of support interact. This framework reveals potential interactions and contradictions that are important to consider when creating and evaluating supports for graduate students’ teaching.
The impact of taxes and regulations on firm births and deaths in state border counties
Authors: Crum Michael , Gohmann Stephan F
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the institutional environment on firm birth and death rates. It is hypothesized that high taxation levels, large government size, high levels of unionization and high minimum wages will be associated with relatively low firm birth and death rates.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study makes use of a set of custom tabulations from the US Census Bureau that contain data on county-level firm births and deaths. To account for differences in state policies, matched contiguous counties located on state borders are used to calculate matched birth and death ratios.

Findings

– In the sample of eastern US state border counties, state taxation levels and minimum wages had no significant relationship with firm birth rates, but there was a negative relationship between state union densities and firm birth rates. Both state education and public welfare expenditures were marginally negatively related to firm birth rates. State public welfare expenditures were negatively related to firm death rates, while a marginally significant negative relationship between hospital/health expenditures and firm death rates was observed.

Research limitations/implications

– These results indicate that state government expenditures may have varying influences on firm birth and death rates, and that high union densities may deter new firm entry.

Originality/value

– This paper makes use of a county matching technique to help control for confounding variables, allowing for differences in state policies to be better accounted for.
Drivers of the accuracy of developers’ early stage cost estimates in residential construction
Authors: Lim Brendon , Nepal Madhav P. , Skitmore Martin , Xiong Bo
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Preliminary cost estimates for construction projects are often the basis of financial feasibility and budgeting decisions in the early stages of planning and for effective project control, monitoring and execution. The purpose of this paper is to identify and better understand the cost drivers and factors that contribute to the accuracy of estimates in residential construction projects from the developers’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a literature review to determine the drivers that affect the accuracy of developers’ early stage cost estimates and the factors influencing the construction costs of residential construction projects. It used cost variance data and other supporting documentation collected from two case study projects in South East Queensland, Australia, along with semi-structured interviews conducted with the practitioners involved.

Findings

– It is found that many cost drivers or factors of cost uncertainty identified in the literature for large-scale projects are not as apparent and relevant for developers’ small-scale residential construction projects. Specifically, the certainty and completeness of project-specific information, suitability of historical cost data, contingency allowances, methods of estimating and the estimator’s level of experience significantly affect the accuracy of cost estimates. Developers of small-scale residential projects use pre-established and suitably priced bills of quantities as the prime estimating method, which is considered to be the most efficient and accurate method for standard house designs. However, this method needs to be backed with the expertise and experience of the estimator.

Originality/value

– There is a lack of research on the accuracy of developers’ early stage cost estimates and the relevance and applicability of cost drivers and factors in the residential construction projects. This research has practical significance for improving the accuracy of such preliminary cost estimates.
Improving web user satisfaction by ensuring usability criteria compliance
Authors: Suarez-Torrente Maria del Carmen , Conde-Clemente Patricia , Martínez Ana Belén , Juan Aquilino A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve and facilitate the work of developers and usability evaluators by providing an adaptable and effective support. A well-defined set of criteria and a range of evaluation values for each criterion as well as a complete websites classification, will guide evaluators. A usability percentage and a list of prioritized criteria, adapted to the type of website by a new usability metric, will help developers to improve the website. This improvement will increase the degree of web user satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Having established and validated a new usability evaluation framework, several usability tools have been analyzed. None of them totally fulfills the requirements of the evaluation framework. As a result of being unable to customize any of them, a new one has been developed. A study of 42 enterprise websites in an economically depressed region of Europe was performed using the new tool. This study involved 42 evaluators and 118 web users. Users have evaluated the websites before and after the redesign. A end-user computing satisfaction model-based questionary was used to collect data about end-user satisfaction. The results validate the proposal.

Findings

– The study confirms that the proposed tool provides valuable information during the process of web development, evaluation and redesign. In adittion, it reveals that improving websites usability by ensuring criteria compliance has a positive effect on web users satisfaction.

Originality/value

– Unlike previous purposes, the proposed tool allows to evaluate any type of website with a well-defined set of evaluation criteria and specific criteria values. As outcomes, the tool provides the website usability degree and a list of criteria ordered by priority repair. These results are adapted to the specific type of website. This makes easier and more effective the redesign of the evaluated website.
Occurrence, heat and antibiotic resistance profile of Bacillus cereus isolated from raw cow and processed milk in Mezam Division, Cameroon
Authors: Tatsinkou Fossi Bertrand , Tatah Kihla Akoachere Jane‐Francis , Nchanji Gordon Takop , Wanji Samuel
Published: March 2016

Bacillus cereus is the aetiologic agent of two distinct forms of food poisoning: the diarrhoeal and emetic syndromes. Little data exist on the prevalence of B. cereus in raw milk and milk products sold in Cameroonian towns. This study was aimed at investigating the occurrence, heat and antibiotic resistance of B. cereus isolated from raw milk and selected milk products in Mezam division, Cameroon. Bacillus cereus was isolated by inoculating samples onto mannitol‐egg yolk‐polymyxin B agar. Isolates were characterised morphologically and biochemically. The occurrence of B. cereus in raw milk (8.22%) was less than that in milk powder (13.33%). Bacillus cereus was not isolated from fermented milk. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the B. cereus load in raw milk (2.6 × 103 cfu/mL) and milk powder (3.0 × 102 cfu/mL). All the isolates showed haemolysin activity and were sensitive to tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid, but resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole. The detection of drug‐resistant, haemolysin‐positive isolates should serve as a warning for an impending health hazard following consumption of untreated milk. Heat resistance of isolates was assessed by determining the decimal reduction time; D‐value (time to inactivate 90% of the B. cereus spores); and the heat sensitivity, z (temperature increase leads to a tenfold reduction in the D‐value). The values for D100 ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 min, and z‐values ranged from 10.0 to 32.6 °C. These results could be used in the dairy industry to evaluate the importance of heat treatment on B. cereus inactivation and calculation of process efficiency.
Effects of single and dual species herbivory on the behavioral responses of three thrips species to cotton seedlings
Authors: Silva Rehan , Walter Gimme H. , Wilson Lewis J. , Furlong Michael J.
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the olfactory responses of 3 thrips species [Frankliniella schultzei Trybom, F. occidentalis Pergrande and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)] to cotton seedlings [Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvales: Malvaceae)] simultaneously damaged by different combinations of herbivores. Cotton seedlings were damaged by foliar feeding Tetranychus urticae Koch (Trombidiforms: Tetranychidae), Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) or root feeding Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Thrips responses to plants simultaneously damaged by 2 species of herbivore were additive and equivalent to the sum of the responses of thrips to plants damaged by single herbivore species feeding alone. For example, F. occidentalis was attracted to T. urticae damaged plants but more attracted to undamaged plants than to plants damaged by H. armigera. Plants simultaneously damaged by low densities of T. urticae and H. armigera repelled F. occidentalis but as T. urticae density increased relative to H. armigera density, F. occidentalis attraction to coinfested plants increased proportionally. Thrips tabaci did not discriminate between undamaged plants and plants damaged by H. armigera but were attracted to plants damaged by T. urticae alone or simultaneously damaged by T. urticae and H. armigera. Olfactometer assays showed that simultaneous feeding by 2 herbivores on a plant can affect predator–prey interactions. Attraction of F. occidentalis to plants damaged by its T. urticae prey was reduced when the plant was simultaneously damaged by H. armigera, T. molitor, or A. gossypii and F. schultzei was more attracted to plants simultaneously damaged by T. urticae and H. armigera than to plants damaged by T. urticae alone. We conclude that plant responses to feeding by 1 species of herbivore are affected by responses to feeding by other herbivores. These plant‐mediated interactions between herbivore complexes affect the behavioral responses of thrips which vary between species and are highly context dependent.
Efficacy of Neutral Electrolyzed Water, Quaternary Ammonium and Lactic Acid‐Based Solutions in Controlling Microbial Contamination of Food Cutting Boards Using a Manual Spraying Technique
Authors: Al‐Qadiri Hamzah M. , Ovissipour Mahmoudreza , Al‐Alami Nivin , Govindan Byju N. , Shiroodi Setareh Ghorban , Rasco Barbara
Published: March 2016

Bactericidal activity of neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), quaternary ammonium (QUAT), and lactic acid‐based solutions was investigated using a manual spraying technique against Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus that were inoculated onto the surface of scarred polypropylene and wooden food cutting boards. Antimicrobial activity was also examined when using cutting boards in preparation of raw chopped beef, chicken tenders or salmon fillets. Viable counts of survivors were determined as log10 CFU/100 cm2 within 0 (untreated control), 1, 3, and 5 min of treatment at ambient temperature. Within the first minute of treatment, NEW and QUAT solutions caused more than 3 log10 bacterial reductions on polypropylene surfaces whereas less than 3 log10 reductions were achieved on wooden surfaces. After 5 min of treatment, more than 5 log10 reductions were achieved for all bacterial strains inoculated onto polypropylene surfaces. Using NEW and QUAT solutions within 5 min reduced Gram‐negative bacteria by 4.58 to 4.85 log10 compared to more than 5 log10 reductions in Gram‐positive bacteria inoculated onto wooden surfaces. Lactic acid treatment was significantly less effective (P < 0.05) compared to NEW and QUAT treatments. A decline in antimicrobial effectiveness was observed (0.5 to <2 log10 reductions were achieved within the first minute) when both cutting board types were used to prepare raw chopped beef, chicken tenders or salmon fillets.