bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary changes in response to population reduction in the possum Trichosurus vulpecula in New Zealand
Authors: Sweetapple Peter J. , Ruscoe Wendy A. , Nugent Graham
Published: January 2014

Context Efforts to protect or restore degraded plant communities by population control of invasive herbivores frequently fail to achieve their goals. Aims We seek to quantify changes in diet of an introduced herbivore, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), following population control, and determine how these may contribute to variable responses in plant condition. Methods Stomach contents of possums from five areas of indigenous forest in northern New Zealand were analysed to measure diet before and after the application of possum control. Key results The contribution of fruit, and foliage of some early successional forest species, to total possum diet increased up to 27-fold following possum population control. This was accompanied by declines in consumption of the main pre-control possum foods (foliage from common canopy trees). Dietary changes were a combination of an immediate response to control (1 year) and a strengthening of these initial changes with increasing time since control. Conclusions Possums in the study areas changed diet following population control, from a diet dominated by foliage of common canopy tree species to one dominated by fruits, and foliage of uncommon early successional plants. Pest control instantaneously increased the per capita availability of all foods, and probably permitted absolute increases in some foods through plant recovery, enabling possums to substitute scarce, high-preference foods for abundant but less preferred canopy foliage. Implications Following control of a pest herbivore, dietary changes reduce benefits for the most vulnerable preferred plant foods, but enhance benefits for less favoured plants. Intense pest control can permit some recovery of highly preferred foods, despite increased per capita consumption of these foods by survivors of control.
Stability-activity tradeoffs constrain the adaptive evolution of RubisCO
Authors: Studer Romain A. , Christin Pascal-Antoine , Williams Mark A. , Orengo Christine A.
Published: January 2014

Significance

How enzymes acquire new functions is a key question in evolutionary biology. Here, we studied the evolution of some forms of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, the enzyme responsible for CO
2
fixation in photosynthesis, which has evolved enhanced activity in multiple groups of plants. We showed that the evolution of this enzyme was constrained by tradeoffs between activity and stability, two key properties of enzymes. The acquisition of enhanced activity was mediated by mutations destabilizing the structure. However, these were preceded and followed by periods in which stabilizing mutations were predominant, so that global stability was always maintained. This work shows that the natural evolution of enzymes is subject to strong biophysical constraints, and evolution follows perilous paths toward adaptation.
CD28 and CD3 have complementary roles in T-cell traction forces
Authors: Bashour Keenan T. , Gondarenko Alexander , Chen Haoqian , Shen Keyue , Liu Xin , Huse Morgan , Hone James C. , Kam Lance C.
Published: January 2014

Significance

Cells have the remarkable ability to sense the mechanical properties of the extracellular environment. This has been developed primarily in the context of cell interaction with extracellular matrix through integrins, but recent studies showed that T cells exhibit mechanosensing through CD3 and CD28, nonintegrin receptors that provide activation and costimulatory signals. This report demonstrates that T cells generate significant forces through the T-cell receptor (TCR) and CD28, and delineates the contributions of each in force generation. Moreover, the distribution of force generation and local assembly of active signaling intermediates suggest similarities between TCR- and integrin-based connections between the cell and substrate.
CDKG1 protein kinase is essential for synapsis and male meiosis at high ambient temperature in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zheng Tao , Nibau Candida , Phillips Dylan W. , Jenkins Glyn , Armstrong Susan J. , Doonan John H.
Published: January 2014

Significance

Homologous chromosome pairing ensures that each product of meiosis contains a full haploid genome complement and is particularly important in allopolyploid plants which contain multiple, genetically related sets of chromosomes. In domesticated allohexaploid wheat, the
Ph1
locus drives homologous bivalent formation and is required to maintain genome stability and disomic inheritance. In this study, we show that the most closely related gene in
Arabidopsis
, the cyclin-dependent protein kinase CDKG1, also functions in chromosome pairing and is required for the completion of synapsis in male meiocytes at high ambient temperature. This class of CDK has been previously implicated in RNA splicing and may be responsible for the intrinsic temperature sensitivity of meiosis in males.
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) gene deficiency impairs urine concentration in mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Huang Shizheng , Gao Min , Liu Jia , Jia Xiao , Han Qifei , Zheng Senfeng , Miao Yifei , Li Shuo , Weng Haoyu , Xia Xuan , Du Shengnan , Wu Wanfu , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Guan Youfei
Published: January 2014

Significance

Farnesoid X (FXR) receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates bile acid, lipid and glucose metabolism. It can be activated by endogenous bile acids, including chenodeoxycholic acid. This study uncovers a unique role for FXR to regulate urine volume independently of antidiuretic hormone and identifies aquaporin 2 as a direct target gene of FXR in renal collecting ducts. These findings provide a unique mechanism involved in the regulation of urinary concentrating process. The present study may also help understand the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome, a state with increased circulating bile acid levels and impaired renal function.
Structural determinants for ligand capture by a class II preQ
1
riboswitch
Authors: Kang Mijeong , Eichhorn Catherine D. , Feigon Juli
Published: January 2014

Significance

Riboswitches are structured RNA elements, generally found 5′ to protein-coding regions that control gene expression by binding metabolites or other RNAs. The class II prequeuosine riboswitch (preQ
1
-II) enfolds preQ
1
to form a rare example of a pseudoknot with a conserved hairpin embedded in loop 3. The solution NMR structure and dynamics studies of the preQ
1
-bound
Streptococcus pneumoniae
preQ
1
-II riboswitch presented here reveal the key functionality of the embedded hairpin in ligand recognition. We show that this hairpin destabilizes formation of the pseudoknot before ligand capture, thereby preventing premature sequestration of the Shine–Dalgarno region, and blocks ligand exit on capture. Our studies show that the preQ
1
-II riboswitch uses a previously unknown mechanism to harness exquisite control over queuosine metabolism.
Right Node Raising and Gapping
Authors: Hartmann Katharina
Published: January 2014

This book investigates two elliptical coordinations in German, Right Node Raising and Gapping. Ellipsis in both constructions is claimed to be the result of a phonological process which is conditioned by prosodic and focus semantic constraints. It is convincingly argued that Right Node Raising cannot involve raising to the right periphery: The alleged movement freely violates any of the well-known restrictions on syntactic movement and it does not alter the scope relations within the coordination. Gapping in contrast is more sensitive to syntactic conditions in that its remnants must be major syntactic constituents. The author carefully examines the close connection between focus and ellipsis in the two constructions. A considered discussion of focus structure demonstrates that the conjuncts are informationally dependent on each other. This co-dependence is also reflected in their particular intonational contour which is argued to be responsible for ellipsis in coordination.
Fascinated by Languages
Authors: Nida Eugene A.
Published: January 2014

In this unique account of 60 years of Bible translation, Eugene Nida sets out his journey with a personal touch. On the way, he reveals the importance of a solid knowledge of Greek and Hebrew as well as of the historical settings in which the Bible was created, in order to render effective translations. Through his story we get to know Nida's views on translations through the ages, in different cultures and narrative traditions, right through to the 21st Century.
This book is in the first place a study in anthropological linguistics that tells the rich history of Bible translation, the Bible Societies, translator training, and cultural translation problems.

Eugene A. Nida (1914) went to UCLA (Phi Beta Kappa, 1936) and the University of Southern California (Helenistic Greek, 1939). He taught at the Summer Institute of Linguistics from 1937-1952 and is past president of the Linguistic Society of America (1968).
From 1943-1981 he was language consultant for the American Bible Society and the United Bible Societies which led him to study many cultures across 96 countries and to lecture in over a hundred universities and colleges to this day.
His published works include Bible Translating (1946), Customs and Cultures (1954), Toward a Science of Translating (1964), Religion across Cultures (1968), The Sociolinguistics of Intercultural Communication (1996) and Translation in Context (2002).
Interpretation and Understanding
Authors: Dascal Marcelo
Published: January 2014

Our species has been hunting for meaning ever since we departed from our cousins in the evolutionary tree. We developed sophisticated forms of communication. Yet, as much as they can convey meaning and foster understanding, they can also hide meaning and prevent comprehension. Indeed, we can never be sure that a "yes" conveys assent or that a smile reveals pleasure. In order to ascertain what communicative behavior "means", we have to go through an elaborate cognitive process of interpretation.
This book deals with how we achieve the daily miracle of understanding each other. Based on the author ’s contributions to pragmatics, the book articulates his perspective using the insights of linguistics, the philosophy of language and rhetoric, and confronting alternatives to it. Theory formation is shaped by application to fields of human activity – such as legal practice, artificial intelligence, psychoanalysis, the media, literature, aesthetics, ethics and politics – where interpretation and understanding are paramount.
Using an accessible language, this is a book addressed to specialists as well as to anyone interested in interpreting understanding and understanding the potentialities and limits of interpretation.
Transferrin receptor (TfR) trafficking determines brain uptake of TfR antibody affinity variants
Authors: Bien-Ly Nga , Yu Y. Joy , Bumbaca Daniela , Elstrott Justin , Boswell C. Andrew , Zhang Yin , Luk Wilman , Lu Yanmei , Dennis Mark S. , Weimer Robby M. , Chung Inhee , Watts Ryan J.
Published: January 2014

Antibodies to transferrin receptor (TfR) have potential use for therapeutic entry into the brain. We have shown that bispecific antibodies against TfR and β-secretase (BACE1 [β-amyloid cleaving enzyme-1]) traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and effectively reduce brain amyloid β levels. We found that optimizing anti-TfR affinity improves brain exposure and BACE1 inhibition. Here we probe the cellular basis of this improvement and explore whether TfR antibody affinity alters the intracellular trafficking of TfR. Comparing high- and low-affinity TfR bispecific antibodies in vivo, we found that high-affinity binding to TfR caused a dose-dependent reduction of brain TfR levels. In vitro live imaging and colocalization experiments revealed that high-affinity TfR bispecific antibodies facilitated the trafficking of TfR to lysosomes and thus induced the degradation of TfR, an observation which was further confirmed in vivo. Importantly, high-affinity anti-TfR dosing induced reductions in brain TfR levels, which significantly decreased brain exposure to a second dose of low-affinity anti-TfR bispecific. Thus, high-affinity anti-TfR alters TfR trafficking, which dramatically impacts the capacity for TfR to mediate BBB transcytosis.
Truncated Toeplitz operators of finite rank
Authors: Bessonov R.
Published: January 2014

We give a complete description of the finite-rank truncated Toeplitz operators.
Modeling tissue contamination to improve molecular identification of the primary tumor site of metastases
Authors: Vincent Martin , Perell Katharina , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Daugaard Gedske , Hansen Niels Richard
Published: January 2014

Motivation: Contamination of a cancer tissue by the surrounding benign (non-cancerous) tissue is a concern for molecular cancer diagnostics. This is because an observed molecular signature will be distorted by the surrounding benign tissue, possibly leading to an incorrect diagnosis. One example is molecular identification of the primary tumor site of metastases because biopsies of metastases typically contain a significant amount of benign tissue.

Results: A model of tissue contamination is presented. This contamination model works independently of the training of a molecular predictor, and it can be combined with any predictor model. The usability of the model is illustrated on primary tumor site identification of liver biopsies, specifically, on a human dataset consisting of microRNA expression measurements of primary tumor samples, benign liver samples and liver metastases. For a predictor trained on primary tumor and benign liver samples, the contamination model decreased the test error on biopsies from liver metastases from 77 to 45%. A further reduction to 34% was obtained by including biopsies in the training data.

Availability and implementation:  http://www.math.ku.dk/∼richard/msgl/.

Contact:  vincent@math.ku.dk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Differential RISC association of endogenous human microRNAs predicts their inhibitory potential
Authors: Flores Omar , Kennedy Edward M. , Skalsky Rebecca L. , Cullen Bryan R.
Published: January 2014

It has previously been assumed that the generally high stability of microRNAs (miRNAs) reflects their tight association with Argonaute (Ago) proteins, essential components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). However, recent data have suggested that the majority of mature miRNAs are not, in fact, Ago associated. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous human miRNAs vary widely, by >100-fold, in their level of RISC association and show that the level of Ago binding is a better indicator of inhibitory potential than is the total level of miRNA expression. While miRNAs of closely similar sequence showed comparable levels of RISC association in the same cell line, these varied between different cell types. Moreover, the level of RISC association could be modulated by overexpression of complementary target mRNAs. Together, these data indicate that the level of RISC association of a given endogenous miRNA is regulated by the available RNA targetome and predicts miRNA function.
Persistently stalled replication forks inhibit nucleotide excision repair in trans by sequestering Replication protein A
Authors: Tsaalbi-Shtylik Anastasia , Moser Jill , Mullenders Leon H. F. , Jansen Jacob G. , de Wind Niels
Published: January 2014

Rev3, the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase ζ, is essential for translesion synthesis of cytotoxic DNA photolesions, whereas the Rev1 protein plays a noncatalytic role in translesion synthesis. Here, we reveal that mammalian Rev3−/− and Rev1−/− cell lines additionally display a nucleotide excision repair (NER) defect, specifically during S phase. This defect is correlated with the normal recruitment but protracted persistence at DNA damage sites of factors involved in an early stage of NER, while repair synthesis is affected. Remarkably, the NER defect becomes apparent only at 2 h post-irradiation indicating that Rev3 affects repair synthesis only indirectly, rather than performing an enzymatic role in NER. We provide evidence that the NER defect is caused by scarceness of Replication protein A (Rpa) available to NER, resulting from its sequestration at stalled replication forks. Also the induction of replicative stress using hydroxyurea precludes the accumulation of Rpa at photolesion sites, both in Rev3−/− and in wild-type cells. These data support a model in which the limited Rpa pool coordinates replicative stress and NER, resulting in increased cytotoxicity of ultraviolet light when replicative stress exceeds a threshold.
Correction of sequence-dependent ambiguous bases (Ns) from the 454 pyrosequencing system
Authors: Shin Sunguk , Park Joonhong
Published: January 2014

Pyrosequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S) has become one of the most popular methods to assess microbial diversity. Pyrosequencing reads containing ambiguous bases (Ns) are generally discarded based on the assumptions of their non-sequence-dependent formation and high error rates. However, taxonomic composition differed by removal of reads with Ns. We determined whether Ns from pyrosequencing occur in a sequence-dependent manner. Our reads and the corresponding flow value data revealed occurrence of sequence-specific N errors with a common sequential pattern (a homopolymer + a few nucleotides with bases other than the homopolymer + N) and revealed that the nucleotide base of the homopolymer is the true base for the following N. Using an algorithm reflecting this sequence-dependent pattern, we corrected the Ns in the 16S (86.54%), bphD (81.37%) and nifH (81.55%) amplicon reads from a mock community with high precisions of 95.4, 96.9 and 100%, respectively. The new N correction method was applicable for determining most of Ns in amplicon reads from a soil sample, resulting in reducing taxonomic biases associated with N errors and in shotgun sequencing reads from public metagenome data. The method improves the accuracy and precision of microbial community analysis and genome sequencing using 454 pyrosequencing.
Clinical study in phase- contrast mammography: image-quality analysis
Authors: Longo Renata , Tonutti Maura , Rigon Luigi , Arfelli Fulvia , Dreossi Diego , Quai Elisa , Zanconati Fabrizio , Castelli Edoardo , Tromba Giuliana , Cova Maria A.
Published: January 2014

The first clinical study of phase-contrast mammography (PCM) with synchrotron radiation was carried out at the Synchrotron Radiation for Medical Physics beamline of the Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Trieste (Italy) in 2006–2009. The study involved 71 patients with unresolved breast abnormalities after conventional digital mammography and ultrasonography exams carried out at the Radiology Department of Trieste University Hospital. These cases were referred for mammography at the synchrotron radiation facility, with images acquired using a propagation-based phase-contrast imaging technique. To investigate the contribution of phase-contrast effects to the image quality, two experienced radiologists specialized in mammography assessed the visibility of breast abnormalities and of breast glandular structures. The images acquired at the hospital and at the synchrotron radiation facility were compared and graded according to a relative seven-grade visual scoring system. The statistical analysis highlighted that PCM with synchrotron radiation depicts normal structures and abnormal findings with higher image quality with respect to conventional digital mammography.
Boosting phase contrast with a grating Bonse–Hart interferometer of 200 nanometre grating period
Authors: Wen Han , Gomella Andrew A. , Patel Ajay , Wolfe Douglas E. , Lynch Susanna K. , Xiao Xianghui , Morgan Nicole
Published: January 2014

We report on a grating Bonse–Hart interferometer for phase-contrast imaging with hard X-rays. The method overcomes limitations in the level of sensitivity that can be achieved with the well-known Talbot grating interferometer, and without the stringent spectral filtering at any given incident angle imposed by the classic Bonse–Hart interferometer. The device operates in the far-field regime, where an incident beam is split by a diffraction grating into two widely separated beams, which are redirected by a second diffraction grating to merge at a third grating, where they coherently interfere. The wide separation of the interfering beams results in large phase contrast, and in some cases absolute phase images are obtained. Imaging experiments were performed using diffraction gratings of 200 nm period, at 22.5 keV and 1.5% spectral bandwidth on a bending-magnetic beamline. Novel design and fabrication process were used to achieve the small grating period. Using a slitted incident beam, we acquired absolute and differential phase images of lightly absorbing samples. An advantage of this method is that it uses only phase modulating gratings, which are easier to fabricate than absorption gratings of the same periods.
Scanning electron microscope studies of human metaphase chromosomes
Authors: Shemilt L. A. , Estandarte A. K. C. , Yusuf M. , Robinson I. K.
Published: January 2014

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to evaluate potential chromosome preparations and staining methods for application in high-resolution three-dimensional X-ray imaging. Our starting point is optical fluorescence microscopy, the standard method for chromosomes, which only gives structural detail at the 200 nm scale. In principle, with suitable sample preparation protocols, including contrast enhancing staining, the surface structure of the chromosomes can be viewed at the 1 nm level by SEM. Here, we evaluate a heavy metal nucleic-acid-specific stain, which gives strong contrast in the backscattered electron signal. This study uses SEM to examine chromosomes prepared in different ways to establish a sample preparation protocol for X-rays. Secondary electron and backscattered electron signals are compared to evaluate the effectiveness of platinum-based stains used to enhance the contrast.
VgeneRepertoire.org identifies and stores variable genes of immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors from the genomes of jawed vertebrates
Authors: Olivieri David N. , Gambón-Deza Francisco
Published: January 2014

TheVgeneRepertoire.orgplatform (http://vgenerepertoire.org) is a new public database repository for variable (V) gene sequences that encode immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor molecules. It identifies the nucleic and amino acid sequences of more than 20,000 genes, providing their exon location in either the contig, scaffold, or chromosome region, as well as locus information for more than 100 jawed vertebrate taxa whose genomes have been sequenced. This web repository provides support to immunologists interested in these molecules and aids in comparative phylogenetic studies.
The Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Trichostatin A Promotes Totipotency in the Male Gametophyte
Authors: Li Hui , Soriano Mercedes , Cordewener Jan , Muiño Jose M. , Riksen Tjitske , Fukuoka Hiroyuki , Angenent Gerco C. , Boutilier Kim
Published: January 2014

The haploid male gametophyte, the pollen grain, is a terminally differentiated structure whose function ends at fertilization. Plant breeding and propagation widely use haploid embryo production from in vitro–cultured male gametophytes, but this technique remains poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Here, we show that histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the switch to haploid embryogenesis. Blocking HDAC activity with trichostatin A (TSA) in cultured male gametophytes of Brassica napus leads to a large increase in the proportion of cells that switch from pollen to embryogenic growth. Embryogenic growth is enhanced by, but not dependent on, the high-temperature stress that is normally used to induce haploid embryogenesis in B. napus. The male gametophyte of Arabidopsis thaliana, which is recalcitrant to haploid embryo development in culture, also forms embryogenic cell clusters after TSA treatment. Genetic analysis suggests that the HDAC protein HDA17 plays a role in this process. TSA treatment of male gametophytes is associated with the hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4. We propose that the totipotency of the male gametophyte is kept in check by an HDAC-dependent mechanism and that the stress treatments used to induce haploid embryo development in culture impinge on this HDAC-dependent pathway.
High-resolution structure of the M14-type cytosolic carboxypeptidase fromBurkholderia cenocepaciarefined exploitingPDB_REDOstrategies
Authors: Rimsa Vadim , Eadsforth Thomas C. , Joosten Robbie P. , Hunter William N.
Published: January 2014

A potential cytosolic metallocarboxypeptidase fromBurkholderia cenocepaciahas been crystallized and a synchrotron-radiation microfocus beamline allowed the acquisition of diffraction data to 1.9 Å resolution. The asymmetric unit comprises a tetramer containing over 1500 amino acids, and the high-throughput automated protocols embedded inPDB_REDOwere coupled with model–map inspections in refinement. This approach has highlighted the value of such protocols for efficient analyses. The subunit is constructed from two domains. The N-terminal domain has previously only been observed in cytosolic carboxypeptidase (CCP) proteins. The C-terminal domain, which carries the Zn2+-containing active site, serves to classify this protein as a member of the M14D subfamily of carboxypeptidases. Although eukaryotic CCPs possess deglutamylase activity and are implicated in processing modified tubulin, the function and substrates of the bacterial family members remain unknown. TheB. cenocepaciaprotein did not display deglutamylase activity towards a furylacryloyl glutamate derivative, a potential substrate. Residues previously shown to coordinate the divalent cation and that contribute to peptide-bond cleavage in related enzymes such as bovine carboxypeptidase are conserved. The location of a conserved basic patch in the active site adjacent to the catalytic Zn2+, where an acetate ion is identified, suggests recognition of the carboxy-terminus in a similar fashion to other carboxypeptidases. However, there are significant differences that indicate the recognition of substrates with different properties. Of note is the presence of a lysine in the S1′ recognition subsite that suggests specificity towards an acidic substrate.
Structure of choline oxidase in complex with the reaction product glycine betaine
Authors: Salvi Francesca , Wang Yuan-Fang , Weber Irene T. , Gadda Giovanni
Published: January 2014

Choline oxidase fromArthrobacter globiformis, which is involved in the biosynthesis of glycine betaine from choline, has been extensively characterized in its mechanistic and structural properties. Despite the knowledge gained on the enzyme, the details of substrate access to the active site are not fully understood. The `loop-and-lid' mechanism described for the glucose–methanol–choline enzyme superfamily has not been confirmed for choline oxidase. Instead, a hydrophobic cluster on the solvent-accessible surface of the enzyme has been proposed by molecular dynamics to control substrate access to the active site. Here, the crystal structure of the enzyme was solved in complex with glycine betaine at pH 6.0 at 1.95 Å resolution, allowing a structural description of the ligand–enzyme interactions in the active site. This structure is the first of choline oxidase in complex with a physiologically relevant ligand. The protein structures with and without ligand are virtually identical, with the exception of a loop at the dimer interface, which assumes two distinct conformations. The different conformations of loop 250–255 define different accessibilities of the proposed active-site entrance delimited by the hydrophobic cluster on the other subunit of the dimer, suggesting a role in regulating substrate access to the active site.
1-Piperonylpiperazinium picrate
Authors: Kavitha Channappa N. , Kaur Manpreet , Anderson Brian J. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Yathirajan H. S.
Published: January 2014

In the cation of the title salt [systematic name: 4-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-1-ium 2,4,6-trinitrophenolate], C12H17N2O2+·C6H2N3O7−, the piperazine ring adopts a slightly disordered chair conformation. The piperonyl ring system and the piperazine ring are twisted with respect to each other with an N—C—C—C torsion angle of 40.7 (2)°. In the anion, the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the nitro substituentsorthoto the phenolate O atom and the mean plane of the phenyl ring are 28.8 (9) and 32.2 (8)°. In contrast, the nitro group in theparaposition lies much closer to the aromatic ring plane, subtending a dihedral angle of 3.0 (1)°. In the crystal, the cations and anions interact through N—H...O hydrogen bonds and a weak C—H...O interaction. Weak C—H...O interactions are also observed between the anions, formingR22(10) graph-set ring motifs. In addition, a weak centroid–centroid π–π stacking interaction between the aromatic rings of the cation and the anion, with an intercentroid distance of 3.7471 (9) Å, contributes to the crystal packing, resulting in a two-dimensional network along (10-1).
2-p-Tolyl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-one
Authors: Chelghoum Meryem , Bouraiou Abdelmalek , Bouacida Sofiane , Bahnous Mebarek , Belfaitah Ali
Published: January 2014

In the title molecule, C16H15NO, the tetrahydropyridine ring is in a sofa conformation with the methine C atom forming the flap. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 80.85 (8)°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in alternating double layers parallel to (100) and are connected along [001] by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. In addition, weak C—H...π interactions are observed.
Network partner knowledge and internal relationships influencing customer relationship quality and company performance
Authors: Mitręga Maciej
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Marketing is the area of coexistence of various research traditions with regard to relational phenomena. This study aims to contribute to limiting the gap between these traditions by testing the influence of network partner knowledge and internal relationship quality on company performance and customer relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a research paper where hypotheses are derived from prior studies referring to relationship marketing, B2B networks and internal marketing. The hypotheses are tested by using a sample of 264 companies operating in B2B markets and by structural equation modeling.

Findings

Customer relationship quality is empirically supported here as a factor mediating influence of network partner knowledge and internal relationship quality on company performance. The proposition of this paper is that company ability to deal effectively with a network in which it is embedded (including internal network) is the antecedent of dealing with customer relationships effectively. The moderator effects of the dominant profile of business are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research are presented with regard to the sampling method, research technique/scope and cultural context. The research results may be treated as a direction for further studies exploring connections between constructs from various approaches to relational phenomena in marketing.

Practical implications

This study brings strategic insights into knowledge of business relationships, by investigating empirically whether the focal company may benefit from their external and internal relationships.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, there has been no study examining the proposed set of inter‐related research constructs so far.
Managerial action and resource‐advantage theory: conceptual frameworks emanating from a positive theory of competition
Authors: Hunt Shelby D. , Madhavaram Sreedhar
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that conceptual frameworks developed from a general theory of competition, i.e. resource‐advantage (R‐A) theory, can facilitate managerial action.

Design/methodology/approach

After a brief overview of resource‐advantage (R‐A) theory, five conceptual frameworks are developed and offered for the purposes of managerial action.

Findings

This paper identifies several conceptual frameworks and after noting that conceptual frameworks that do not have positive theoretical foundations may not be as useful as those that do, develops five conceptual frameworks that are based on R‐A theory.

Practical implications

The conceptual frameworks developed in this paper have great potential for facilitating managerial action.

Originality/value

Conceptual frameworks that have positive theoretical foundations can be very useful for practitioners. In fact, the frameworks proposed in this paper can replace frameworks that are currently in use for managerial action.
Effects of complete products on consumer judgments
Authors: Ozcan Timucin , Sheinin Daniel A.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study is to better understand how consumers understand and judge multi‐attribute products that are perceived as either more or less complete in terms of feature coverage in a category. Complete products are used to reduce the need of developing and managing expansive and expensive line‐extension portfolios.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an experimental method and conducted two studies to test hypotheses derived from the marketing literature.

Findings

The authors find more complete multi‐attribute products are preferred to less complete alternatives. This preference for more complete products remains under larger competitive product assortment, but is reduced under smaller assortment. With a higher price level and larger assortment, the preference is substantial. However, under the conditions of lower price level/larger assortment, higher price level/smaller assortment, and lower price level/smaller assortment, the preference is again reduced.

Research limitations/implications

More positive evaluations and higher product utility accrue from adding new features to multi‐attribute products prior to purchase. Moreover, more complete information causes more positive evaluations and cognitive responses. Larger assortment strains cognitive resources, and more complete multi‐attribute products are easier to understand than less complete multi‐attribute products. This processing facilitation generates positive affect and leads to greater use of information that can shorten processing. Price level strongly influences processing of more complete products under larger assortment, but not under smaller assortment.

Practical implications

Brand managers have a better understanding of how consumers judge more and less complete products, and under which circumstances more complete products are preferred.

Originality/value

The study of perceived product completeness is novel.
Expected product price as a function of factors of price sensitivity
Authors: Danes Jeffrey E. , Lindsey‐Mullikin Joan
Published: January 2014

Purpose

This paper presents a model relating Nagle and Holden's factors of price sensitivity to expected price and willingness to pay. This work presents various perspectives on price elasticity/sensitivity, empirically tests aspects of the influence of perception of the offer (product/service) on expected price, and illustrates how the pricing methods developed within provide quantitative precision to the practice of price setting by capturing perceptions important to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a within‐subjects design to study four brands in two product categories, automobiles and computers. Model evaluation employs ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

Ten qualitative factors were studied. Overall, the results show four factors predict expected price for the target market, product and brand. The factors are perceived substitutes, quality, fairness, and unique value.

Originality/value

This research makes the following contributions. First, the authors are able to quantify ten factors of price sensitivity relevant to the evaluation of product pricing. Second, they are able to identify the relevant factors of price sensitivity for two product categories specific to a given target market. Third, they provide a data‐driven model that enables translation of pricing variables into quantitative values to arrive at the price of a product. The major theoretical contribution of this paper is to show that Nagle and Holden's ten factors of price sensitivity may act in the following way: the change in product/service perception may influence expected price, and then the change in expected price influences willingness to pay. The empirical focus of the current research is on the first of these two changes.
Do me‐too brands price lower than the feature pioneer?
Authors: Clark S. Sinapuelas Ian , Robinson William T.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pricing strategies of me‐too brands.

Design/methodology/approach

This research estimates an empirical model using a panel data of 20 consumer packaged goods sub‐categories.

Findings

Me‐too brands face pricing constraints that restrict them from pricing aggressively versus the feature pioneer. The results show that private label brands have the most flexibility to price aggressively. Line extensions me‐toos and new brand name me‐toos do not cut price. Line extensions of national brands are constrained by their parent brand's prices. New brand names are constrained by the higher costs of launching a new brand name. Thus, it appears that consistent product line pricing and covering the costs of launching a new brand name limit price competition versus the feature pioneer.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited by the lack of distribution data, the lack of customer mind‐set measures of brand equity, and the limited number of private label me‐toos in the sample.

Practical implications

Feature pioneers need not worry about price cutting from line extension and new brand name me‐toos. They can set prices to cover their development costs and meet their strategic goals. Without the ability to undercut the feature pioneer, me‐too brands need to utilize other marketing tools to compensate for delayed entry.

Originality/value

Conventional wisdom suggests a me‐too brand succeeds if it charges a low price as low prices are essential to obtain trial. This paper provides empirical evidence that certain types of me‐too brands are restricted from aggressive price cutting.
Assessing information competences of translation and interpreting trainees
Authors: Pinto Maria , García-Marco Javier , Granell Ximo , Sales Dora
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study about Information Literacy instruction addressed to the user community of translators and interpreters through the application of InfoLiTrans Test. This test is one of the outcomes of project InfoLiTrans, aimed at applying an overall framework for assessing the acquisition of the information competence in four big macro areas: information search, assessment of information, information treatment, and communication and dissemination of information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The test was used to analyse, explore, and improve the information competence of Translation and Interpreting trainees from 17 universities in Spain. Data were processed and analysed after collecting responses at two levels of difficulty: basic and advanced. A statistical descriptive analysis was performed to diagnose the learning level of each competence area.

Findings

– Overall levels of information management were found to be excellent, particularly in relation to disseminating and communicating information, and to assessing the information required for translation tasks. Such results show a profitable synergy between translators' core competences and their information competences. However, skills required to search for information and to make use of it with available technology could be improved, providing room for further training.

Originality/value

– Considering the diagnosis of information competences put forward by the research, this paper provides guidelines for further improvement of translators' instruction on information literacy, thus, encouraging the design of models, methods and tools that could be more effective for this learning community.
Influences of product attributes on sojourners' food purchase decisions
Authors: Tirelli Christian , Pilar Martínez-Ruiz María
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– To address a research gap regarding the role of food during academic sojourns by international students, the aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of food attributes on food purchase decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– An extensive literature review suggested hypotheses pertaining to the influence of food attributes on the different stages of the buying decision process of academic sojourners. With data from 139 international university students enrolled in a Spanish university, factorial principal component analyses and linear parametric regressions were conducted.

Findings

– Three factors underlie food attributes and influence all stages of the food purchase decision process: sustainable production, appearance and accessibility, and then flavor. The greatest influence occurs in the choice stage.

Research limitations/implications

– The sojourners exhibit a strong tendency to purchase products that reflect sustainable practices.

Practical implications

– Useful information about the influence of food attributes on purchasing decisions can support more effective decisions in food distribution channels, including coherent image strategies, enhanced new product development, and better communications to target the growing market of sojourners.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the minimal empirical research pertaining to the role of food for international university students, and describes the influence of food attributes on purchase decisions.
Assessment of quality services through linguistic variables
Authors: de Araújo Batista Deise , Dumke de Medeiros Denise
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Improvements in quality have a very important role to play in services because such improvements add greater flexibility and give clients greater confidence in the services provided. Therefore, this paper aims to describe a framework for measuring quality in the provision of the service by using a SERVQUAL scale and fuzzy operators.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this approach, a framework to assess quality in service provision is put forward which applies the SERVQUAL scale as an instrument of data collection. Fuzzy set theory is proposed and applied within this framework as a technique to make a quantitative assessment of the quality of the provision of services. A case study is used to illustrate how to apply this framework for this purpose. The data were processed and transformed into a fuzzy environment, and fuzzy numbers and operators were applied to the analysis of customers' assessment with regard to the dimensions of quality in the service provided.

Findings

– The study demonstrated the differences between evaluations of the dimensions of quality assessed, and differences of the same customer in relation to these dimensions. The main points raised were the importance given by customers to the dimensions, and the gaps between customers' perceptions and expectations, when fuzzy numbers were used to assess levels of service quality, and to evaluating the prioritization of service quality.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes the use of fuzzy theory within a framework by making a linguistic analysis when dealing with data collected in a SERVQUAL scale so as to assess service quality. The data were measured by examining the gap between customers' perceptions and expectations. The framework describes the phases of this assessment, and uses fuzzy operators.
A grey rough set model for evaluation and selection of software cost estimation methods
Authors: Liu Jun , Qiao Jian-Zhong
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Due to the limitation of acknowledgment, the complexity of software system and the interference of noises, this paper aims to solve the traditional problem: traditional software cost estimation methods face the challenge of poor and uncertain inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Under such circumstances, different cost estimation methods vary greatly on estimation accuracy and effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to perform evaluation and selection on estimation methods against a poor information database. This paper presents a grey rough set model by introducing grey system theory into rough set based analysis, aiming for a better choice of software cost estimation method on accuracy and effectiveness.

Findings

– The results are very encouraging in the sense of comparison among four machine learning techniques and thus indicate it an effective approach to evaluate software cost estimation method where insufficient information is provided.

Practical implications

– Based on the grey rough set model, the decision targets can be classified approximately. Furthermore, the grey of information and the limitation of cognition can be overcome during the use of the grey rough interval correlation cluster method.

Originality/value

– This paper proposed the grey rough set model combining grey system theory with rough set for software cost estimation method evaluation and selection.
An analysis of factors influencing the output value of unit sown area based on grey incidence analysis
Authors: Tan Qingmei , Farquharson Bob , Chen Deli , Liu Jie
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to clarify the relationship between the output value of unit sown area (OVUSA) and its major influential factors by taking Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China as an instance, followed by some suggestions for adjusting the agricultural inputs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is characterized by an exploratory research by constructing a grey incidence model (GIM) based on the grey system theory (GST) initiated by Chinese professor Julong Deng. The original data processed in the model are quoted from Jiangsu Statistics web site and the Statistical Yearbook of Jiangsu Province.

Findings

– The analysis indicates several noteworthy points in the following areas. To start with, the proportion of irrigated area to sown area has turned out to be a stabilizing factor influencing OVUSA; next, the contributions of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers' output to the growth of the OVUSA were reduced, while the marginal outputs of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers seemed to be lower; then the outputs of potash and compound fertilizers have made significant contributions to the growth of the OVUSA, although their application rates were drastically increased; besides, the total power of agricultural machinery was a major factor boosting the growth of the OVUSA; furthermore, the decrease of labor force was obviously remarkably related to the reduction of OVUSA; finally, the areas affected by natural disasters have had a foremost impact on OVUSA reduction.

Originality/value

– Suggestions are also proposed to the related policy-makers as follows: to reasonably control the application rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, to encourage fertilizer manufacturing enterprises to develop potassium mineral resources with the purpose of guaranteeing the potash fertilizer's supply, to scientifically design the composition of compound fertilizers in order to satisfy the needs of cultivated lands in different areas, to improve the quality and structure of agricultural labor forces with the aim of meeting emerging trends in the agricultural industry, to make every effort to further modernize the current agricultural industry, and to enhance the disaster-prevention capability of the agricultural industry by gradually converting it into a controllable one.