bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkali metal salts of ditopic carbanionic carbenes as reagents for the synthesis of novel complexes of group 12 and 14 metals
Authors: Waters Jordan B. , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: May 2014

Reaction of the novel organo-potassium compound [:C[N(2,6-iPr2C6H3)]2(CH)CK(THF)2] (KIPr·2THF) with M[N(SiMe3)2]2(M = Zn, Sn, Ge, Pb) afforded salts of the anionic three coordinate complexes [M{C(CH)[N(2,6-iPr2C6H3)]2C:}{N(SiMe3)2}2]−(M = Zn (1), Sn (2), Ge (3), Pb (4)).
Buried centimeter-long micro- and nanochannel arrays in porous silicon and glass
Authors: Azimi Sara , Dang Zhiya , Zhang Ce , Song Jiao , Breese Mark B. H. , Sow Chorng Haur , van Kan Jeroen A. , van der Maarel Johan R. C.
Published: May 2014

We present a new process to fabricate buried arrays of 3D nanochannels in glass using ion irradiation, anodization and oxidation of silicon wafers.
A novel dansyl-appended bile acid receptor for preferential recognition of Hg2+
Authors: Muwal Pradeep K. , Pandey Shubha , Pandey Pramod S.
Published: May 2014

A novel dansyl appended bile acid receptor has been synthesized using click chemistry which shows high selectivity for Hg2+ ions.
Zinc oxide aerogel-like materials with an intriguing interwoven hollow-sphere morphology for selective ethanol sensing
Authors: Wang Peipei , Zou Yongcun , Wang Yun , Chen Tianrui , Gao Jianxiong , Xuan Ruifei , Xu Yan
Published: May 2014

Zinc oxide aerogel-like materials with interconnected porosity and large specific surface area have been prepared, showing excellent ethanol sensing properties.
Low temperature sintering of binder-containing TiO2/metal peroxide pastes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Holliman Peter J. , Muslem Dhiyaa K. , Jones Eurig W. , Connell Arthur , Davies Matthew L. , Charbonneau Cecile , Carnie Matthew J. , Worsley David A.
Published: May 2014

The first report of low temperature thermal sintering of binder-containing TiO2 pastes giving η = 7.5% using metal peroxide combustion promoters.
Song Recognition by Young Children With Cochlear Implants: Comparison Between Unilateral, Bilateral, and Bimodal Users
Authors: Bartov Tamar , Most Tova
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To examine song identification by preschoolers with normal hearing (NH) versus preschoolers with cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Participants included 45 children ages 3;8–7;3 (years;months): 12 with NH and 33 with CIs, including 10 with unilateral CI, 14 with bilateral CIs, and 9 bimodal users (CI-HA) with unilateral CI and contralateral hearing aid. Preschoolers were asked to identify children's songs presented via 5 versions: (a)
full
(lyrics sung with piano accompaniment); (b)
a cappella
(only lyrics); (c)
melodic
(matching main melodic contour); (d)
tonal
(only pitch information); and (e)
rhythmic
(only song's rhythm).

Results

The NH group surpassed all CI groups at identifying songs via melodic and tonal versions, but no significant differences emerged between the NH group and any CI group via full, a cappella, or rhythmic versions. Among the CI groups, no significant differences emerged via melodic or rhythmic versions, but bimodal users performed significantly better than bilateral users via the tonal version. Chronological age and duration of CI use correlated significantly with identification via the rhythmic version.

Conclusion

Bimodal users showed an advantage in identifying songs in the tonal version through use of complementary information.
Posterolateral Arthrodesis in Lumbar Spine Surgery Using Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma and Cancellous Bone Substitute: An Osteoinductive and Osteoconductive Effect
Authors: Tarantino Roberto , Donnarumma Pasquale , Mancarella Cristina , Rullo Marika , Ferrazza Giancarlo , Barrella Gianna , Martini Sergio , Delfini Roberto
Published: May 2014

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Objectives

To analyze the effectiveness and practicality of using cancellous bone substitute with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in posterolateral arthrodesis.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients underwent posterolateral arthrodesis with implantation of cancellous bone substitute soaked with PRP obtained directly in the operating theater on the right hemifield and cancellous bone substitute soaked with saline solution on the right.

Results

Computed tomography scans at 6 and 12 months after surgery were performed in all patients. Bone density was investigated by comparative analysis of region of interest. The data were analyzed with repeated-measures variance analyses with value of density after 6 months and value of density after 12 months, using age, levels of arthrodesis, and platelet count as covariates. The data demonstrated increased bone density using PRP and heterologous cancellous block resulting in an enhanced fusion rate during the first 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions

PRP used with cancellous bone substitute increases the rate of fusion and bone density joining osteoinductive and osteoconductive effect.
Characterization and calibration of 8-channel E-band heterodyne radiometer system for SST-1 tokamak
Authors: Siju Varsha , Kumar Dharmendra , Shukla Praveena , Pathak S. K.
Published: May 2014

An 8-channel E-band heterodyne radiometer system (74–86 GHz) is designed, characterized, and calibrated to measure the radial electron temperature profile by measuring Electron Cyclotron Emission spectrum at SST-1 Tokamak. The developed radiometer has a noise equivalent temperature of 1 eV and sensitivity of 5 × 109 V/W. In order to precisely measure the absolute value of electron temperature, a calibration measurement of the radiometer system is performed using hot-cold Dicke switch method, which confirms the system linearity.
Pairing and unpairing electron densities in organic systems: Two-electron three center through space and through bonds interactions
Authors: Lobayan Rosana M. , Bochicchio Roberto C.
Published: May 2014

Two-electron three-center bonding interactions in organic ions like methonium (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{CH}_{5}^{+}$\end{document}CH5+), ethonium (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{7}^{+}$\end{document}C2H7+), and protonated alkanes \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$n-\text{C}_{4}\text{H}_{11}^{+}$\end{document}n−C4H11+ isomers (butonium cations) are described and characterized within the theoretical framework of the topological analysis of the electron density decomposition into its effectively paired and unpaired contributions. These interactions manifest in some of this type of systems as a concentration of unpaired electron cloud around the bond paths, in contrast to the well known paradigmatic boron hydrids in which it is not only concentrated close to the atomic nucleus and the bond paths but out of them and over the region defined by the involved atoms as a whole. This result permits to propose an attempt of classification for these interactions based in such manifestations. In the first type, it is called as interactions through bonds and in the second type as interactions through space type.
Dark matter
Authors: Peebles P. James E.
Published: May 2014

The evidence for the dark matter (DM) of the hot big bang cosmology is about as good as it gets in natural science. The exploration of its nature is now led by direct and indirect detection experiments, to be complemented by advances in the full range of cosmological tests, including judicious consideration of the rich phenomenology of galaxies. The results may confirm ideas about DM already under discussion. If we are lucky, we also will be surprised once again.
Interneuron precursor transplants in adult hippocampus reverse psychosis-relevant features in a mouse model of hippocampal disinhibition
Authors: Gilani Ahmed I. , Chohan Muhammad O. , Inan Melis , Schobel Scott A. , Chaudhury Nashid H. , Paskewitz Samuel , Chuhma Nao , Glickstein Sara , Merker Robert J. , Xu Qing , Small Scott A. , Anderson Stewart A. , Ross Margaret Elizabeth , Moore Holly
Published: May 2014

Significance

Hippocampal hyperactivity predicts psychosis and may disrupt aspects of cognition in schizophrenia. Here, we use interneuron precursor transplants in mice lacking cyclin D2 (
Ccnd2
) to test links between hippocampal GABAergic interneurons and psychosis-relevant phenotypes.
Ccnd2
-null mice show parvalbumin interneuron deficits and increased in vivo hippocampal excitatory neuron spiking and metabolic activity. This hippocampal disinhibition is associated with cognitive deficits and excess dopamine activity. Transplanting interneuron progenitors derived from the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence into adult hippocampus mitigates these abnormalities. This study thus provides a paradigm for elucidating mechanisms by which limbic cortical interneuron hypofunction may contribute to cognitive deficits and dopamine dysregulation in psychosis. The sustained efficacy of the transplants supports a rationale for targeting hippocampal GABA interneurons with novel therapies for psychosis.
Governance, agricultural intensification, and land sparing in tropical South America
Authors: Ceddia Michele Graziano , Bardsley Nicholas Oliver , Gomez-y-Paloma Sergio , Sedlacek Sabine
Published: May 2014

Significance

Tropical South America has forest resources of global significance but exhibits a relatively high rate of deforestation. As agricultural expansion remains the most important cause of forest loss and degradation there, it is important to understand its main drivers. In this paper we address two important questions: How do the quality of governance and agricultural intensification combine to impact the spatial expansion of agriculture? Which aspects of governance are more likely to ensure that agricultural intensification allows sparing land for nature? By distinguishing between conventional and environmental dimensions of governance (which includes also the establishment of protected areas), we investigate which of these two aspects, by interacting with the process of agricultural intensification, is likely to promote land sparing.
Flight–crash events in turbulence
Authors: Xu Haitao , Pumir Alain , Falkovich Gregory , Bodenschatz Eberhard , Shats Michael , Xia Hua , Francois Nicolas , Boffetta Guido
Published: May 2014

Significance

Irreversibility is a fundamental aspect of the evolution of natural systems, and quantifying its manifestations is a challenge in any attempt to describe nonequilibrium systems. In the case of fluid turbulence, an emblematic example of a system very far from equilibrium, we show that the motion of a single fluid particle provides a clear manifestation of time irreversibility. Namely, we observe that fluid particles tend to lose kinetic energy faster than they gain it. This is best seen by the presence of rare “flight–crash” events, where fast moving particles suddenly decelerate into a region where fluid motion is slow. Remarkably, the statistical signature of these events establishes a quantitative relation between the degree of irreversibility and turbulence intensity.
Plastidial transporters KEA1, -2, and -3 are essential for chloroplast osmoregulation, integrity, and pH regulation in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Kunz Hans-Henning , Gierth Markus , Herdean Andrei , Satoh-Cruz Mio , Kramer David M. , Spetea Cornelia , Schroeder Julian I.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Photosynthesis is the key biochemical reaction in plants. The molecular mechanisms of potassium (K
+
) transport across chloroplast membranes and their relevance for chloroplast function and photosynthesis remain unknown. In our report, we identify and characterize the molecular basis of K
+
(KEA1, KEA2, KEA3) and sodium (NHD1) transporters in chloroplast membranes. We demonstrate that these inner envelope and thylakoid-targeted transporters are essential for chloroplast osmoregulation and thylakoid density. In addition, we discover an unexpected high Na
+
restoration of photosynthetic activity in the mutants.
Cryo-EM structure of the small subunit of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome
Authors: Kaushal Prem S. , Sharma Manjuli R. , Booth Timothy M. , Haque Emdadul M. , Tung Chang-Shung , Sanbonmatsu Karissa Y. , Spremulli Linda L. , Agrawal Rajendra K.
Published: May 2014

Significance

The mitochondrial ribosome (mitoribosome) is a macromolecular complex that plays a central role in mitochondrial protein synthesis. Its small subunit is involved directly in the recruitment and decoding of mitochondrial mRNAs. Defects in mitochondrial translation, including mutations in components of the mitoribosome, are known to cause numerous human genetic diseases. Thus, knowledge of the molecular architecture of the mitoribosome is essential for a better understanding of those diseases and of the process of translation. To our knowledge, this article describes the first detailed cryo-EM structure of the small subunit of the mammalian mitoribosome. The study provides important clues about the evolution of this macromolecular complex and reveals unique structural features that could be important in the translation of the unusual mitochondrial mRNAs.
Hypochlorite-induced structural modifications enhance the chaperone activity of human α2-macroglobulin
Authors: Wyatt Amy R. , Kumita Janet R. , Mifsud Richard W. , Gooden Cherrie A. , Wilson Mark R. , Dobson Christopher M.
Published: May 2014

Significance

Hypochlorite is a powerful oxidant that is generated within the body by activated innate immune cells. When hypochlorite is produced, the host organism sustains collateral damage, particularly to proteins, and the accumulation of damaged (misfolded) proteins is a hallmark of inflammatory processes (e.g., in Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, and arthritis). In the present study, we show that the chaperone activity of human α2-macroglobulin, a highly abundant secreted protein, is dramatically increased by hypochlorite-induced structural modifications. The data support the conclusion that α2-macroglobulin is a unique component of the innate immune system that is posttranslationally regulated by hypochlorite to facilitate the clearance of potentially pathogenic misfolded proteins.
Low Cardiac Output Due to Acute Right Ventricular dysfunction and Cardiopulmonary Interactions in Congenital Heart Disease (2013 Grover Conference Series)
Authors: Redington Andrew N.
Published: May 2014

The importance of right ventricular dysfunction, as a driver of symptoms and outcomes in the normal biventricular circulation, is increasingly recognized. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the role of the right ventricle in acute and chronic hemodynamic deterioration are less well understood. This review aims to clarify the impact of acute right ventricular dysfunction on biventricular interactions and, in turn, to discuss the role of cardiopulmonary interactions in the normal circulation and when modified by the presence of associated structural malformations. Such interactions may be adverse or beneficial, and a more complete understanding of their importance may result in novel therapeutic strategies and improved outcomes.
Occasional Smoking and Body Weight among Adults
Authors: Kasteridis Panagiotis , Yen Steven T.
Published: May 2014

We explore the effects of occasional smoking on body mass index (BMI) in comparison to non‐smoking and daily smoking in adults age 18–50. Data are compiled from the 2005–2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Though smaller than that of daily smoking, occasional smoking is found to have a negative and substantial effect on body weight. Differences in the effect of occasional smoking on body weight across BMI categories are small. Unlike daily smoking, the effects of occasional smoking on BMI are larger for females, exceeding 50% of the effects of daily smoking on BMI. These large effects constitute a threat as occasional smoking might be seen by females as an effective weight control strategy that carries lower health risks than daily smoking. Strategies to reduce smoking should then emphasize the proportional health risks of occasional smoking.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 and Foxp3 expression: viral strategyin vivo
Authors: Miyazato Paola , Matsuoka Masao
Published: May 2014

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causal agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and inflammatory diseases, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, uveitis and infective dermatitis. However, it remains to be elucidated how HTLV-1 induces both neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. A critical component in the Treg-cell machinery is the transcription factor Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), which is expressed in ~5% of CD4+ T cells of healthy individuals. Foxp3 is expressed in around 80% of ATL cases. Recent studies point to the capacity of Treg cells to convert to other cell types, even to those with an inflammatory phenotype. These characteristics might indicate that Treg cells might be playing a critical role in HTLV-1 infection, either by being targeted by the virus or by regulating and modulating the immune response. In this review, we will discuss the interplay between Foxp3 expression and HTLV-1, focusing on important viral proteins that might help the virus to trigger the development of such diverse pathologies.
Home care for brain tumor patients
Authors: Pace Andrea , Villani Veronica , Di Pasquale Antonella , Benincasa Dario , Guariglia Lara , Ieraci Sonia , Focarelli Silvia , Carapella Carmine Maria , Pompili Alfredo
Published: May 2014

Background

Brain tumor patients are quite different from other populations of cancer patients due to the complexity of supportive care needs, the trajectory of disease, the very short life expectancy, and resulting need for a specific palliative approach.

Methods

A pilot program of comprehensive palliative care for brain tumor patients was started in the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute of Rome in October 2000, supported by the Lazio Regional Health System. The aim of this model of assistance was to meet patient's needs for care in all stages of disease, support the families, and reduce the rehospitalization rate. The efficacy of the model of care was evaluated analyzing the place of death, caregiver satisfaction, rehospitalization rate, and the impact on costs to the health system.

Results

From October 2000 to December 2012, 848 patients affected by brain tumor were enrolled in a comprehensive program of neuro-oncological home care. Out of 529 patients who died, 323 (61%) were assisted at home until death, 117 (22.2%) died in hospital, and 89 (16.8%) died in hospice. A cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in hospital readmission rates in the last 2 months of life compared with the control group (16.7% vs 38%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings concerning death at home, rehospitalization rate, quality of life, and satisfaction of patients and their relatives with the care received suggest that a neuro-oncologic palliative home-care program has a positive impact on the quality of care for brain tumor patients, particularly at the end of life.
Integration of palliative care into the neuro-oncology practice: patterns in the United States
Authors: Walbert Tobias
Published: May 2014

Background

Between 80%–85 percent of all adult brain tumors are high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Despite aggressive treatment with surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the survival of patients with HGG is limited. Brain tumor patients develop unique symptoms and needs throughout their disease trajectory, and the majority lose the ability to communicate during the end-of-life phase. Palliative care (PC) is a proactive and systematic approach to manage issues that are important to patients and families affected by serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life and symptom control and thereby reduce suffering. Most PC interventions take place during the end-of-life phase; however, newer data suggest that early PC interventions might improve symptom control and quality of life.

Methods

A literature review focusing on PC, hospice care, and end-of-life care was performed with the aim to describe the integration of PC into neuro-oncology practice.

Results

Recently there has been increased interest in the effects of PC and brain tumor patients. The origins, methodology, and conceptual models of delivering PC and how it might be applied to the field of neuro-oncology were reviewed. Patterns of referral and utilization in neuro-oncology are described based on the findings of a recent survey.

Conclusions

Despite a very high symptom burden, many HGG patients do not receive the same level of PC and have fewer interactions with PC services than other cancer populations. Early PC interventions and structured advance-care planning might improve symptom control and quality of life for brain tumor patients.
Shelf life modelling for first-expired-first-out warehouse management
Authors: Hertog Maarten L. A. T. M. , Uysal Ismail , McCarthy Ultan , Verlinden Bert M. , Nicolaï Bart M.
Published: May 2014

In the supply chain of perishable food products, large losses are incurred between farm and fork. Given the limited land resources and an ever-growing population, the food supply chain is faced with the challenge of increasing its handling efficiency and minimizing post-harvest food losses. Huge value can be added by optimizing warehouse management systems, taking into account the estimated remaining shelf life of the product, and matching it to the requirements of the subsequent part of the handling chain. This contribution focuses on how model approaches estimating quality changes and remaining shelf life can be combined in optimizing first-expired-first-out cold chain management strategies for perishable products. To this end, shelf-life-related performance indicators are used to introduce remaining shelf life and product quality in the cost function when optimizing the supply chain. A combinatorial exhaustive-search algorithm is shown to be feasible as the complexity of the optimization problem is sufficiently low for the size and properties of a typical commercial cold chain. The estimated shelf life distances for a particular batch can thus be taken as a guide to optimize logistics.
Origin of hepatitis C virus genotype 3 in Africa as estimated through an evolutionary analysis of the full-length genomes of nine subtypes, including the newly sequenced 3d and 3e
Authors: Li Chunhua , Lu Ling , Murphy Donald G. , Negro Francesco , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: May 2014

We characterized the full-length genomes of nine hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (HCV-3) isolates: QC7, QC8, QC9, QC10, QC34, QC88, NE145, NE274 and 811. To the best of our knowledge, NE274 and NE145 were the first full-length genomes for confirming the provisionally assigned subtypes 3d and 3e, respectively, whereas 811 represented the first HCV-3 isolate that had its extreme 3′ UTR terminus sequenced. Based on these full-length genomes, together with 42 references representing eight assigned subtypes and an unclassified variant of HCV-3, and 10 sequences of six other genotypes, a timescaled phylogenetic tree was reconstructed after an evolutionary analysis using a coalescent Bayesian procedure. The results indicated that subtypes 3a, 3d and 3e formed a subset with a common ancestor dated to ~202.89 [95 % highest posterior density (HPD): 160.11, 264.6] years ago. The analysis of all of the HCV-3 sequences as a single lineage resulted in the dating of the divergence time to ~457.81 (95 % HPD: 350.62, 587.53) years ago, whereas the common ancestor of all of the seven HCV genotypes dated to ~780.86 (95 % HPD: 592.15, 1021.34) years ago. As subtype 3h and the unclassified variant were relatives, and represented the oldest HCV-3 lineages with origins in Africa and the Middle East, these findings may indicate the ancestral origin of HCV-3 in Africa. We speculate that the ancestral HCV-3 strains may have been brought to South Asia from Africa by land and/or across the sea to result in its indigenous circulation in that region. The spread was estimated to have occurred in the era after Vasco da Gama had completed his expeditions by sailing along the eastern coast of Africa to India. However, before this era, Arabians had practised slave trading from Africa to the Middle East and South Asia for centuries, which may have mediated the earliest spread of HCV-3.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) protease: a chymotrypsin-like enzyme that processes both non-structural (pORF1) and capsid (pORF2) protein
Authors: Paliwal Daizy , Panda Subrat Kumar , Kapur Neeraj , Varma Satya Pavan Kumar , Durgapal Hemlata
Published: May 2014

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of acute viral hepatitis across the world, is a non-enveloped, plus-strand RNA virus. Its genome codes three proteins, pORF1 (multifunctional polyprotein), pORF2 (capsid protein) and pORF3 (multi-regulatory protein). pORF1 encodes methyltransferase, putative papain-like cysteine protease, helicase and replicase enzymes. Of these, the protease domain has not been characterized. On the basis of sequence analysis, we cloned and expressed a protein covering aa 440–610 of pORF1, expression of which led to cell death in Escherichia coli BL-21 and Huh7 hepatoma cells. Finally, we expressed and purified this protein from E. coli C43 cells (resistant to toxic proteins). The refolded form of this protein showed protease activity in gelatin zymography. Digestion assays showed cleavage of both pORF1 and pORF2 as observed previously. MS revealed digestion of capsid protein at both the N and C termini. N-terminal sequencing of the ~35 kDa methyltransferase, ~35 kDa replicase and ~56 kDa pORF2 proteins released by protease digestion revealed that the cleavage sites were alanine15/isoleucine16, alanine1364/valine1365 in pORF1 and leucine197/valine198 in pORF2. Specificity of these cleavage sites was validated by site-directed mutagenesis. Further characterization of the HEV protease, carried out using twelve inhibitors, showed chymostatin and PMSF to be the most efficient inhibitors, indicating this protein as a chymotrypsin-like protease. The specificity was further confirmed by cleavage of the chymotrypsin-specific fluorogenic peptide N-succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin. Mutational analysis of the conserved serine/cysteine/histidine residues suggested that H443 and C472/C481/C483 are possibly the active site residues. To our knowledge, this is the first direct demonstration of HEV protease and its function.
The 2014 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa
Authors: Gatherer Derek
Published: May 2014

On 23 March 2014, the World Health Organization issued its first communiqué on a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), which began in December 2013 in Guinée Forestière (Forested Guinea), the eastern sector of the Republic of Guinea. Located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa, Guinea is the first country in this geographical region in which an outbreak of EVD has occurred, leaving aside the single case reported in Ivory Coast in 1994. Cases have now also been confirmed across Guinea as well as in the neighbouring Republic of Liberia. The appearance of cases in the Guinean capital, Conakry, and the transit of another case through the Liberian capital, Monrovia, presents the first large urban setting for EVD transmission. By 20 April 2014, 242 suspected cases had resulted in a total of 147 deaths in Guinea and Liberia. The causative agent has now been identified as an outlier strain of Zaire Ebola virus. The full geographical extent and degree of severity of the outbreak, its zoonotic origins and its possible spread to other continents are sure to be subjects of intensive discussion over the next months.
Natural variation of histone modification and its impact on gene expression in the rat genome
Authors: Rintisch Carola , Heinig Matthias , Bauerfeind Anja , Schafer Sebastian , Mieth Christin , Patone Giannino , Hummel Oliver , Chen Wei , Cook Stuart , Cuppen Edwin , Colomé-Tatché Maria , Johannes Frank , Jansen Ritsert C. , Neil Helen , Werner Michel , Pravenec Michal , Vingron Martin , Hubner Norbert
Published: May 2014

Histone modifications are epigenetic marks that play fundamental roles in many biological processes including the control of chromatin-mediated regulation of gene expression. Little is known about interindividual variability of histone modification levels across the genome and to what extent they are influenced by genetic variation. We annotated the rat genome with histone modification maps, identified differences in histone trimethyl-lysine levels among strains, and described their underlying genetic basis at the genome-wide scale using ChIP-seq in heart and liver tissues in a panel of rat recombinant inbred and their progenitor strains. We identified extensive variation of histone methylation levels among individuals and mapped hundreds of underlyingcis- andtrans-acting loci throughout the genome that regulate histone methylation levels in an allele-specific manner. Interestingly, most histone methylation level variation wastrans-linked and the most prominent QTL identified influenced H3K4me3 levels at 899 putative promoters throughout the genome in the heart.Cis- acting variation was enriched in binding sites of distinct transcription factors in heart and liver. The integrated analysis of DNA variation together with histone methylation and gene expression levels showed that histoneQTLs are an important predictor of gene expression and that a joint analysis significantly enhanced the prediction of gene expression traits (eQTLs). Our data suggest that genetic variation has a widespread impact on histone trimethylation marks that may help to uncover novel genotype–phenotype relationships.
ArabidopsisTransporter MGT6 Mediates Magnesium Uptake and Is Required for Growth under Magnesium Limitation
Authors: Mao Dandan , Chen Jian , Tian Lianfu , Liu Zhenhua , Yang Lei , Tang Renjie , Li Jian , Lu Changqing , Yang Yonghua , Shi Jisen , Chen Liangbi , Li Dongping , Luan Sheng
Published: May 2014

Although magnesium (Mg2+) is the most abundant divalent cation in plant cells, little is known about the mechanism of Mg2+ uptake by plant roots. Here, we report a key function of Magnesium Transport6 (MGT6)/Mitochondrial RNA Splicing2-4 in Mg2+ uptake and low-Mg2+ tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. MGT6 is expressed mainly in plant aerial tissues when Mg2+ levels are high in the soil or growth medium. Its expression is highly induced in the roots during Mg2+ deficiency, suggesting a role for MGT6 in response to the low-Mg2+ status in roots. Silencing of MGT6 in transgenic plants by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in growth retardation under the low-Mg2+ condition, and the phenotype was restored to normal growth after RNAi plants were transferred to Mg2+-sufficient medium. RNAi plants contained lower levels of Mg2+ compared with wild-type plants under low Mg2+ but not under Mg2+-sufficient conditions. Further analysis indicated that MGT6 was localized in the plasma membrane and played a key role in Mg2+ uptake by roots under Mg2+ limitation. We conclude that MGT6 mediates Mg2+ uptake in roots and is required for plant adaptation to a low-Mg2+ environment.
Inflation, inflation uncertainty and output growth: what does the data say for Malaysia?
Authors: Zubaidi Baharumshah Ahmad , Soon Siew-Voon
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the causal relationships between inflation, output growth and their uncertainties in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The modeling approach allows for structural breaks to avoid the masking of specific impacts.

Findings

– Based on the asymmetric Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model, the paper found strong evidence favoring a positive effect of a change in the inflation uncertainty as predicted by the Friedman-Ball hypothesis. In addition, inflation (inflation uncertainty) has direct (indirect) negative effect on the output growth. The results are consistent with the Taylor effect – increases in inflation uncertainty decreases output uncertainty. The analysis also reveals that economic uncertainty lowers the growth rate of output, complying with Bernanke's idea.

Originality/value

– The present study suggests that extra efforts are required to locate the breaks in the variance in order to draw concrete evidence on link between economic uncertainty and macroeconomic performance.
The interaction effect of organizational practices and employee values on knowledge management (KM) success
Authors: Atapattu A W M M , Jayakody J A S K
Published: May 2014

Purpose

–The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction effect of organizational practices and values of employees on KM success in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

–An online survey was undertaken covering 207 employees from the IT, Telecommunication, Food and Beverages and Banking industries in Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed with Partial Least Squares (PLS).

Findings

–Teamwork, incentives for KM and continuous learning influence employee propensity for KM positively. Furthermore, employee self-transcendence and employee openness to change, moderate the effect of both teamwork and incentives for KM on employee propensity for KM respectively. Yet, openness to change does not moderate the impact of continuous learning on employee propensity for KM.

Research limitations/implications

–A multi-level study which measures organizational practices at organizational level and individual values at individual level is a necessity in order to corroborate the present findings. The type of industry and gender should be further examined since they are found to influence values of employees.

Practical implications

–Not only organizational practices such as compensation, job design and performance management but also employee values should be aligned to KM. Thus, recruitment and selection as well as training and development become imperative for the success of KM initiatives.

Originality/value

–This is one of the first attempts to consider individual values in the context of KM and report an empirical study from Sri Lanka from where relatively few studies are reported.
Knowledge exchange systems usage: the importance of content contribution and application in distributed environments
Authors: Gressgård Leif Jarle
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– For knowledge exchange systems to yield best organizational benefits, it is acknowledged that employees have to both contribute with and apply system content. This may be of particular importance in distributed environments due to limitations in alternative channels for knowledge exchange. This study investigates the effects of the gap between contribution and application on the degree of knowledge exchange within and between organizational borders and work locations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on survey data involving 2204 respondents from a large petroleum operator company and eight of its main contractors.

Findings

– An increase in the gap between contribution and application is accompanied with reduced levels of knowledge exchange between organizational borders and work locations, but has no effects on knowledge exchange between employees of the same organization working at the same location. This is explained by the availability of substitute channels for local knowledge exchange.

Practical implications

– Knowledge exchange systems research and practice have to focus on both knowledge contribution and knowledge application as fundamental processes, and should further consider organizational structure as an important factor.

Originality/value

– Most research on contribution and application of content in knowledge exchange systems focuses on knowledge exchange within company boundaries. This study systematically investigates the effects of the gap between contribution and application of system content at different levels of organizational distribution, and thus extends existing research by introducing organizational distribution as a conditioning variable for successful knowledge management.
Implementing liberal management education through the lens of the other
Authors: Estad Tom , Harney Stefano , Thomas Howard
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the prerequisite conditions for implementing a liberal management education and for fostering ethical students using examples from the core curriculum at Singapore Management University (SMU).

Design/methodology/approach

– Beginning with a reading of the Carnegie Foundation's Rethinking Undergraduate Business Education: liberal learning for the professions (2011), the paper examines the contribution and limits of the findings and recommendations before discussing the place of the liberal arts in the modern university and describing a case study of liberal management education in process at SMU. It concludes with a reading of the work of Emmanuel Levinas and Asian philosophy as the basis for an ethical management education.

Findings

– The paper uncovers a central shortcoming in an otherwise important Carnegie study: that business education is unlike other professional education because it lacks an autonomous discipline that studies business knowledge production as an object. Consequently, applying the liberal arts to business education risks neglecting the critical side of the liberal arts. With only the reflective side of the liberal arts in operation, management education cannot be grasped as a specific sphere of values within the pluralism of spheres advocated by the Carnegie report. Only by recreating the function of an autonomous discipline with an objective lens on business knowledge within the core curriculum at SMU can that university attempt to incorporate both the critical and reflective side of the liberal arts in management education. This kind of liberal management education can indeed lead to respect for the values of the others in the way that ethical philosopher Emmanuel Levinas envisioned.

Research limitations/implications

– Further development of the SMU core curriculum is necessary in order to confirm the hypothesis that the liberal arts can be brought together with management education to produce more mature, ethical students.

Practical implications

– Liberal management education curriculum must incorporate the critical function of the liberal arts when faced with business knowledge production in order to promote a pluralist ethics. If SMU is successful, it can become a model for other global business schools in Asia and beyond.

Social implications

– Asian higher education is ongoing a rapid transformation in values. The shift is towards understanding the wider relationship between universities and society and the role of an education citizenry. Liberal management education can be a bridge to this new world of higher education in Asia, and beyond.

Originality/value

– This discussion provides a fuller understanding of the two-sided nature of the liberal arts and the importance of both sides for building a liberal management education and creating ethically mature students.
Influence of labour arrangement on construction material waste generation
Authors: Jayamathan Jeyaraja , Rameezdeen Raufdeen
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Construction waste originates from various sources, generally from the inception of construction through to the completion of a building project. Previous research has shown that there is a link between the quantity of waste generated and the way labour is organized in the construction industry. However, these studies have failed to look into the sources of waste with respect to labour utilization and how it influences the generation of waste. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of labour arrangements on construction waste generation, particularly the sources of waste and the attitudes of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a combination of direct observations and source evaluations on six case study sites, the waste in direct and subcontracted labour (SL) arrangements was quantified. A questionnaire survey was administered to the workers participating in the observation study to elicit their attitudes to waste and closely linked issues.

Findings

– The results show that SL produced more waste than direct labour in all three work processes considered. A lack of organizational commitment and effective strategy emerged as the main problem in waste reduction.

Practical implications

– Subcontractors should be made responsible for their share of waste generated in a project. Main contractors should record who are “approved subcontractors” based on their performance at site which should include inter alia waste generation. The approved subcontractor method is a way of barring subcontractors from being included on future projects if they do not meet the performance standards of a main contractor.

Originality/value

– This study shows that waste generation has a relationship to organizational commitment and strategy rather than to workers’ attitudes. In order to manage construction waste effectively, it has to be considered in the financial equation of a project, because attitudinal changes are difficult to achieve unless there is a personal financial benefit attached to it.
Cupcakes by Lizbeth: flash in the baking pan or here to stay
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Sambhavi , Hanspal Savita
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

Cupcakes by Lizbeth (CBL) was a “gourmet” cupcake‐focussed retail store chain founded by a married couple. Eight years after opening, CBL used the relatively uncommon process of a “reverse merger” to become publicly traded. At that time, it had seemed as if CBL was on track to be the largest among cupcake focused businesses. However, financial setbacks as reported by the company and change in top management gave reason for pause and closer examination. Did the CBL business model have staying power or did there need to be a serious reconsideration of the company's strategic choices?

Research methodology

This case was prepared from secondary sources.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is appropriate for courses in strategy and management at the undergraduate level.

Theoretical basis

Competitive positioning, competitor analysis, operations strategy, SWOT analysis, planning business strategy, business expansion (franchising vs company owned).
IHCL's menu of hotels: competing for the Indian hotelscape
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Mohapatra Subhalaxmi
Published: May 2014

Synopsis

The present case study discusses the multi-branded strategy of hotels by the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) in 2012. The brand architecture of the group in 2012 consisted of four brands, namely Taj, Vivanta, Gateway and Ginger. However such brand architecture posed quite a few challenges for the group such as positioning, sustain the different brands and avoiding brand dilution since both The Gateway and Vivanta had a tag “by Taj” which could erode the premium associations of the parent brand.

Research methodology

The case is based on secondary research and has been developed using published information collected from online and offline sources. Wherever required, written permission has been obtained from the copyright holders (Exhibits VII-IX). Direct quotes have been properly cited from original sources.

Relevant courses and levels

This case could be a part of the Marketing Management course in an undergraduate Program in Business Management. The specific topics which could be facilitated through this case are Segmenting, Targeting and Positioning. The case could also be a part of a Brand Management course in the same program for specialized subjects where it could illustrate the concept of Brand Architecture. In case of an Executive Education Program, this case can be used to facilitate issues in Marketing as well as Brand Management.
Seasonal and geographical variation in diapause and cold hardiness of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Xie Hai‐Cui , Li Dun‐Song , Zhang Hong‐Gang , Mason Charles E. , Wang Zhen‐Ying , Lu Xin , Cai Wan‐Zhi , He Kang‐Lai
Published: May 2014

Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), is a key corn pest in the Asian‐Western Pacific countries. It overwinters as full‐grown larvae in plant stalks or in a spun‐silk covering located in the plant debris in the temperate regions of China. Supercooling point (SCP) and survival rate after low sub‐zero temperature treatment were assessed for field‐collected populations in the laboratory using a cool bath with a 1°C/min cooling rate until −40°C. Mean SCPs were varied among geographical populations, with a significant decline from −22.7°C of Haikou, the multivoltine tropical population in the south, to −28.5°C of Gongzhuling, the univoltine temperate population in the northeast of China. In addition, there was more than 1°C difference in SCP between Gongzhuling univoltine and bivoltine populations that were from the same geographic origin. Mean SCPs of the Guangzhou population fluctuated over the year, with significantly lower SCPs in winter than in other seasons, which correlated with a significantly higher proportion of diapausing larvae in winter than in other seasons. Over 41% of overwintering larvae from the northeast population could withstand to be supercooled for a few minutes to the low sub‐zero temperature of −40°C, but only 6.7% of their southern counterparts did so. The findings from this study suggest that O. furnacalis mostly takes advantage of freeze avoidance as diapausing larvae for overwintering in the southern region, whereas it exhibits freeze tolerance in diapause in the northeastern region.
Modulated expression of human peripheral blood microRNAs from infancy to adulthood and its role in aging
Authors: Lai Chi‐Yu , Wu Yen‐Tzu , Yu Sung‐Liang , Yu Ya‐Hui , Lee Su‐Yin , Liu Chih‐Min , Hsieh Wu‐Shiun , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Chen Pau‐Chung , Jeng Suh‐Fang , Chen Wei J.
Published: May 2014

Accumulating evidence suggests a role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating various processes of mammalian postnatal development and aging. To investigate the changes in blood‐based miRNA expression from preterm infants to adulthood, we compared 365 miRNA expression profiles in a screening set of preterm infants and adults. Approximately one‐third of the miRNAs were constantly expressed from postnatal development to adulthood, another one‐third were differentially expressed between preterm infants and adults, and the remaining one‐third were not detectable in these two groups. Based on their expression in infants and adults, the miRNAs were categorized into five classes, and six of the seven miRNAs chosen from each class except one with age‐constant expression were confirmed in a validation set containing infants, children, and adults. Comparing the chromosomal locations of the different miRNA classes revealed two hot spots: the miRNA cluster on 14q32.31 exhibited age‐constant expression, and the one on 9q22.21 exhibited up‐regulation in adults. Furthermore, six miRNAs detectable in adults were down‐regulated in older adults, and four chosen for individual quantification were verified in the validation set. Analysis of the network functions revealed that differentially regulated miRNAs between infants and adults and miRNAs that decreased during aging shared two network functions: inflammatory disease and inflammatory response. Four expression patterns existed in the 11 miRNAs from infancy to adulthood, with a significant transition in ages 9–20 years. Our results provide an overview on the regulation pattern of blood miRNAs throughout life and the possible biological functions performed by different classes of miRNAs.
Anthropological Archaeology in 2013: The Search for Truth(s)
Authors: Harrison‐Buck Eleanor
Published: May 2014

In 2013, we see a clear continuation of certain themes noted in previous reviews, including economy, mobility, human–environment interactions, social complexity, identity, and power. There is a greater emphasis on comparative approaches but also a general move away from reductionist, macrosystemic models in anthropological archaeology, with studies emphasizing diversity, multiple pathways or trajectories, and variability in local responses. The fallout of the so‐called “postmodernist turn” continues to prompt lively debate, with methodological rigor being emphasized as well as the critical cross‐examination of our Western modes of inquiry, with some scholars considering the possibility of multiple truths in their theoretical interpretations of the past.