bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional inactivations of primate ventral prefrontal cortex reveal two distinct mechanisms underlying negative bias in decision making
Authors: Clarke Hannah F. , Horst Nicole K. , Roberts Angela C.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Fear of negative outcomes has a powerful adverse influence on decision making in anxiety disorders. Although neuroimaging studies of patients with anxiety disorders have revealed dysregulation in numerous frontal brain regions including the orbitofrontal and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the causal involvement of this dysregulation is unknown. Here we demonstrate that in the marmoset monkey, inactivation of anterior orbitofrontal or ventrolateral prefrontal cortex increases negative bias in decision making via two distinct cognitive mechanisms—elevated uncertainty and attentional disruption, respectively. These findings provide, to our knowledge, the first direct evidence that dysregulation of distinct neurocognitive mechanisms within the prefrontal cortex may underlie the mixed etiology of anxiety disorders. Such insight will allow the development of more precise diagnostics and individually tailored therapeutic approaches.
Acyl-CoA oxidase complexes control the chemical message produced by
Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Feng Likui , Chinta Satya , Singh Prashant , Wang Yuting , Nunnery Joshawna K. , Butcher Rebecca A.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Many free-living and parasitic nematode (roundworm) species use pheromones called ascarosides to control their development and behavior. The molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors influence pheromone composition are unknown. The side chains of the ascarosides are derived from long-chain fatty acids that are shortened through β-oxidation cycles. In this manuscript, we show that three acyl-CoA oxidases, which catalyze the first step in the β-oxidation cycles, form specific homo- and heterodimers with different side-chain length preferences. Stressful conditions induce the expression of specific acyl-CoA oxidases, resulting in corresponding changes in pheromone composition. Thus, our work demonstrates how environmental conditions can influence the chemical message that nematodes communicate to other roundworms in the population.
Production and packaging of a biological arsenal: Evolution of centipede venoms under morphological constraint
Authors: Undheim Eivind A. B. , Hamilton Brett R. , Kurniawan Nyoman D. , Bowlay Greg , Cribb Bronwen W. , Merritt David J. , Fry Bryan G. , King Glenn F. , Venter Deon J.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Venom peptides have attracted considerable attention because of their value as pharmacological tools and their potential for development as novel pharmaceuticals and bioinsecticides. There is also a growing interest in venoms as model evolutionary systems, particularly for understanding antagonistic coevolutionary processes. We previously demonstrated that although centipede venoms are rich in novel proteins and peptides, there are considerable differences in venom complexity between high-order taxa. We show that this disparity appears to stem from morphological limitations of the venom gland, and that most centipede venoms likely evolve under constraints imposed by low-complexity toxin production facilities. Thus, the centipede venom apparatus should be a useful model system for gaining insight into the impact of morphological constraints on venom evolution.
Genome-wide analysis of thylakoid-bound ribosomes in maize reveals principles of cotranslational targeting to the thylakoid membrane
Authors: Zoschke Reimo , Barkan Alice
Published: March 2015

Significance

Proteins in the chloroplast thylakoid membrane system are derived from both the nuclear and plastid genomes. Mechanisms that localize nucleus-encoded proteins to the thylakoid membrane have been studied intensively, but little is known about the analogous issues for plastid-encoded proteins. This genome-wide, high-resolution analysis of the partitioning of chloroplast ribosomes between membrane and soluble fractions revealed that approximately half of the chloroplast-encoded thylakoid proteins integrate cotranslationally and half integrate posttranslationally. Features in the nascent peptide that underlie these distinct behaviors were revealed by analysis of the position on each mRNA at which elongating ribosomes first become attached to the membrane.
Soft, curved electrode systems capable of integration on the auricle as a persistent brain–computer interface
Authors: Norton James J. S. , Lee Dong Sup , Lee Jung Woo , Lee Woosik , Kwon Ohjin , Won Phillip , Jung Sung-Young , Cheng Huanyu , Jeong Jae-Woong , Akce Abdullah , Umunna Stephen , Na Ilyoun , Kwon Yong Ho , Wang Xiao-Qi , Liu ZhuangJian , Paik Ungyu , Huang Yonggang , Bretl Timothy , Yeo Woon-Hong , Rogers John A.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Conventional electroencephalogram (EEG) recording systems, particularly the hardware components that form the physical interfaces to the head, have inherent drawbacks that limit the widespread use of continuous EEG measurements for medical diagnostics, sleep monitoring, and cognitive control. Here we introduce soft electronic constructs designed to intimately conform to the complex surface topology of the auricle and the mastoid, to provide long-term, high-fidelity recording of EEG data. Systematic studies reveal key aspects of the extreme levels of bending and stretching that are involved in mounting on these surfaces. Examples in persistent brain–computer interfaces, including text spellers with steady-state visually evoked potentials and event-related potentials, with viable operation over periods of weeks demonstrate important advances over alternative brain–computer interface technologies.
Silencing of end-joining repair for efficient site-specific gene insertion after TALEN/CRISPR mutagenesis inAedes aegypti
Authors: Basu Sanjay , Aryan Azadeh , Overcash Justin M. , Samuel Glady Hazitha , Anderson Michelle A. E. , Dahlem Timothy J. , Myles Kevin M. , Adelman Zach N.
Published: March 2015

Significance

Mosquitoes are vectors of both parasites and viruses responsible for high-impact diseases including malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Novel interventions based on genetic modification of the mosquito genome are currently being developed and implemented. To comprehensively exploit such interventions, detailed knowledge of mosquito physiology, genetics, and genome engineering are required. We developed and validated a two-step process for performing high-efficiency site-specific insertion of genetic material into the mosquito genome by first evaluating candidate site-specific nucleases in a rapid format, followed by germ line-based editing where the choice of DNA repair response is constrained. This model should significantly accelerate both basic and applied research concerning disease vector mosquitoes.
Immunomodulatory spherical nucleic acids
Authors: Radovic-Moreno Aleksandar F. , Chernyak Natalia , Mader Christopher C. , Nallagatla Subbarao , Kang Richard S. , Hao Liangliang , Walker David A. , Halo Tiffany L. , Merkel Timothy J. , Rische Clayton H. , Anantatmula Sagar , Burkhart Merideth , Mirkin Chad A. , Gryaznov Sergei M.
Published: March 2015

Significance

We show that by organizing immunomodulatory nucleic acids into spherical nucleic acid (SNA) form, significant increases in activity are observed. Treatment of mice with cancer using immunostimulatory SNAs and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using immunoregulatory SNAs leads to improved disease outcomes vs. their unstructured counterparts. These improvements derive from several key SNA properties, including rapid cellular uptake, endosomal delivery, and multivalent binding. Overall, this work underscores the importance of the spatial orientation and presentation of oligonucleotides in the design of novel immunomodulators.
The CDX1–microRNA-215 axis regulates colorectal cancer stem cell differentiation
Authors: Jones Matthew F. , Hara Toshifumi , Francis Princy , Li Xiao Ling , Bilke Sven , Zhu Yuelin , Pineda Marbin , Subramanian Murugan , Bodmer Walter F. , Lal Ashish
Published: March 2015

Significance

In the colon, stem cell self-renewal and multipotency is regulated by the polycomb complex protein BMI1, among other genes. Differentiation is regulated by the transcription factor caudal-type homeobox 1 (CDX1), expression of which coincides with repression of BMI1. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) express BMI1 but not CDX1. Tumors that silence CDX1 have a higher proportion of CSCs and an undifferentiated histology, whereas aberrant CDX1 expression is associated with intestinal metaplasias such as Barrett's esophagus. We have identified microRNA-215 (miR-215) as a target of CDX1 in colon cancer that mediates repression of BMI1. MiR-215 operates downstream of CDX1 to promote differentiation and inhibit stemness. In combination with recent advances in the therapeutic uses of small RNAs, miR-215 could offer a novel method to specifically target CSCs.
Forward Russia! Sports mega-events as a venue for building national identity
Authors: Gorokhov Vitalii Aleksandrovich
Published: March 2015

This paper contributes to the discussion of links between sports, nationalism, and globalization by focusing on the political aspects of the preparation of Russian national teams for sports mega-events staged in Russia. By analyzing the cases of the XXVII Summer Universiade in Kazan, the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, and the XXI FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in 12 Russian cities, the paper provides a comparative study of the benefits that mega-events provide for the host nation in terms of building national identities. To involve the sports component in the study of the nation-building processes, the paper applies the concept of the “spillover effect” of sporting nationalism which presumes that nationalist sentiment or ideology configured and promoted through sports affects non-sporting political processes, actors, and institutions. The paper argues that the “spillover effect” of sporting nationalism allows for the converting of excellence in sports mega-events – the centerpiece of global sports – into political excellence and displays the strengths of the nation to both the global and domestic public. Therefore, showing excellence as the host nation is the main objective that Russian political actors pursue in both their rhetoric and course of action.
Frontier studies on highly selective bio-regulators useful for environmentally benign agricultural production
Authors: Hayashi Hideo
Published: March 2015

Fungal metabolites active for insects were obtained from fermentation products using okara media. The mechanisms of action of these compounds against insects were clarified using voltage clamp electrophysiology. The branching factor inducing hyphal branching in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi was isolated from the root exudates of Lotus japonicus and identified as 5-deoxystrigol. Strigolactones were originally identified as seed germination stimulants of parasitic weeds; therefore, synthetic strigolactones were developed to exhibit the inducing activity of hyphal branching in AM fungi and diminish the stimulating activity of seed germination of parasitic weeds. Signaling molecules, acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), in quorum sensing were identified in the fungal strain Mortierella alpina A-178, and the true producer of AHLs was clarified as symbiotic bacteria in the fungus. Since acyl-(S)-adenosylmethionine analogs may be good candidates for competitive inhibitors of AHL synthases, intermediate mimics in the biosynthesis of AHLs have been synthesized.
Thermostability and reactivity in organic solvent of O-phospho-l-serine sulfhydrylase from hyperthermophilic archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Asai Shinji , Nakata Kaori , Kunimoto Kohei , Oguri Masateru , Ishikawa Kazuhiko
Published: March 2015

O-phospho-l-serine sulfhydrylase (OPSS) from archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1 is able to synthesize l-cysteine even at 80 °C. In this article, we compared thermal stability and reactivity in organic solvent of OPSS with those of O-acetyl-l-serine sulfhydrylase B (OASS-B) from Escherichia coli. As a result, the thermostability of OPSS was much higher than that of OASS-B. Moreover, the activity of OPSS increased in the reaction mixture containing the organic solvent, such as N, N′-dimethyl formamide and 1,4-dioxane, whereas that of OASS-B gradually decreased as the content of organic solvent increased. From the crystal structural analysis, the intramolecular electrostatic interactions of N-terminal domain in OPSS seemed to be correlated with the tolerance of OPSS to high temperature and organic solvent. These results indicate that OPSS is more superior to OASS-B for the industrial production of l-cysteine and unnatural amino acids that are useful pharmaceuticals in the presence of organic solvent.
Accumulation of lipid in rat liver was induced by vitamin B6 deficiency and was ameliorated by supplemental phosphatidylcholine in the diet
Authors: Kitagawa Erina , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yamamoto Kohei , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Hayakawa Takashi
Published: March 2015

We investigated the efficacy of supplementing the diet with pteroylmonoglutamic acid (PGA), choline, or phosphatidylcholine (PC) in ameliorating the lipid accumulation in rat liver that is induced by vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency. In Experiment 1, male Wistar rats were fed a control, B6-deficient, or PGA-, choline-, or PC-supplemented (10 mg, 4 g, and 6.3 g/kg of diet, respectively) B6-deficient diet containing l-methionine at 9 g/kg of diet for 35 days. In Experiment 2, rats were fed a control, B6-deficient, or PC-supplemented (at 3.15, 6.3, or 12.6 g PC/kg of diet) B6-deficient diet for 35 days. Choline or PC supplementation ameliorated liver lipid deposition and returned plasma lipids to normal. Judging from these results, it appeared that B6 deficiency decreased the synthesis of PC in the liver, thereby decreasing the secretion of very low-density lipoproteins, and in consequence producing lipid accumulation in the liver and reductions of plasma lipids.
Inhibitors for cholesterol ester accumulation in macrophages from Chinese cabbage
Authors: Takamoto Haruka , Eguchi Keisuke , Kawabata Tetsuro , Fujiwara Yukio , Takeya Motohiro , Tsukamoto Sachiko
Published: March 2015

The cholesterol ester accumulates in macrophages in the early stage of atherosclerotic lesions, leading to the formation of foam cells. We examined the inhibitory effects of the crude extracts of 22 edible plants on foam cell formation and isolated nine chlorophyll derivatives as potent inhibitors from Chinese cabbage. The results of the present study suggest that the chlorophyll derivatives contained in edible plants may be useful for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Cell biology of the Koji mold Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Kitamoto Katsuhiko
Published: March 2015

Koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae, has been used for the production of sake, miso, and soy sauce for more than one thousand years in Japan. Due to the importance, A. oryzae has been designated as the national micro-organism of Japan (Koku-kin). A. oryzae has been intensively studied in the past century, with most investigations focusing on breeding techniques and developing methods for Koji making for sake brewing. However, the understanding of fundamental biology of A. oryzae remains relatively limited compared with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Therefore, we have focused on studying the cell biology including live cell imaging of organelles, protein vesicular trafficking, autophagy, and Woronin body functions using the available genomic information. In this review, I describe essential findings of cell biology of A. oryzae obtained in our study for a quarter of century. Understanding of the basic biology will be critical for not its biotechnological application, but also for an understanding of the fundamental biology of other filamentous fungi.
Cue Competition Effects in Human Causal Learning
Authors: Vogel Edgar H. , Glynn Jacqueline Y. , Wagner Allan R.
Published: March 2015

Five experiments involving human causal learning were conducted to compare the cue competition effects known as blocking and unovershadowing, in proactive and retroactive instantiations. Experiment 1 demonstrated reliable proactive blocking and unovershadowing but only retroactive unovershadowing. Experiment 2 replicated the same pattern and showed that the retroactive unovershadowing that was observed was interfered with by a secondary memory task that had no demonstrable effect on either proactive unovershadowing or blocking. Experiments 3a, 3b, and 3c demonstrated that retroactive unovershadowing was accompanied by an inflated memory effect not accompanying proactive unovershadowing. The differential pattern of proactive versus retroactive cue competition effects is discussed in relationship to amenable associative and inferential processing possibilities.
Infiltration of circulating myeloid cells through CD95L contributes to neurodegeneration in mice
Authors: Gao Liang , Brenner David , Llorens-Bobadilla Enric , Saiz-Castro Gonzalo , Frank Tobias , Wieghofer Peter , Hill Oliver , Thiemann Meinolf , Karray Saoussen , Prinz Marco , Weishaupt Jochen H. , Martin-Villalba Ana
Published: March 2015

Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a hallmark of neurodegeneration. Activated central nervous system–resident microglia and infiltrating immune cells contribute to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons (DNs). However, how the inflammatory process leads to neuron loss and whether blocking this response would be beneficial to disease progression remains largely unknown. CD95 is a mediator of inflammation that has also been proposed as an apoptosis inducer in DNs, but previous studies using ubiquitous deletion of CD95 or CD95L in mouse models of neurodegeneration have generated conflicting results. Here we examine the role of CD95 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin (MPTP)–induced neurodegeneration using tissue-specific deletion of CD95 or CD95L. We show that DN death is not mediated by CD95-induced apoptosis because deletion of CD95 in DNs does not influence MPTP-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, deletion of CD95L in peripheral myeloid cells significantly protects against MPTP neurotoxicity and preserves striatal dopamine levels. Systemic pharmacological inhibition of CD95L dampens the peripheral innate response, reduces the accumulation of infiltrating myeloid cells, and efficiently prevents MPTP-induced DN death. Altogether, this study emphasizes the role of the peripheral innate immune response in neurodegeneration and identifies CD95 as potential pharmacological target for neurodegenerative disease.
WGBSSuite: simulating whole-genome bisulphite sequencing data and benchmarking differential DNA methylation analysis tools
Authors: Rackham Owen J. L. , Dellaportas Petros , Petretto Enrico , Bottolo Leonardo
Published: March 2015

Motivation: As the number of studies looking at differences between DNA methylation increases, there is a growing demand to develop and benchmark statistical methods to analyse these data. To date no objective approach for the comparison of these methods has been developed and as such it remains difficult to assess which analysis tool is most appropriate for a given experiment. As a result, there is an unmet need for a DNA methylation data simulator that can accurately reproduce a wide range of experimental setups, and can be routinely used to compare the performance of different statistical models.

Results: We have developed WGBSSuite, a flexible stochastic simulation tool that generates single-base resolution DNA methylation data genome-wide. Several simulator parameters can be derived directly from real datasets provided by the user in order to mimic real case scenarios. Thus, it is possible to choose the most appropriate statistical analysis tool for a given simulated design. To show the usefulness of our simulator, we also report a benchmark of commonly used methods for differential methylation analysis.

Availability and implementation: WGBS code and documentation are available under GNU licence at http://www.wgbssuite.org.uk/

Contact: owen.rackham@imperial.ac.uk or l.bottolo@imperial.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Probing the binding affinity of amyloids to reduce toxicity of oligomers in diabetes
Authors: Smaoui Mohamed Raef , Orland Henri , Waldispühl Jérôme
Published: March 2015

Motivation: Amyloids play a role in the degradation of β-cells in diabetes patients. In particular, short amyloid oligomers inject themselves into the membranes of these cells and create pores that disrupt the strictly controlled flow of ions through the membranes. This leads to cell death. Getting rid of the short oligomers either by a deconstruction process or by elongating them into longer fibrils will reduce this toxicity and allow the β-cells to live longer.

Results: We develop a computational method to probe the binding affinity of amyloid structures and produce an amylin analog that binds to oligomers and extends their length. The binding and extension lower toxicity and β-cell death. The amylin analog is designed through a parsimonious selection of mutations and is to be administered with the pramlintide drug, but not to interact with it. The mutations (T9K L12K S28H T30K) produce a stable native structure, strong binding affinity to oligomers, and long fibrils. We present an extended mathematical model for the insulin–glucose relationship and demonstrate how affecting the concentration of oligomers with such analog is strictly coupled with insulin release and β-cell fitness.

Availability and implementation: SEMBA, the tool to probe the binding affinity of amyloid proteins and generate the binding affinity scoring matrices and R-scores is available at: http://amyloid.cs.mcgill.ca

Contact:  jeromew@cs.mcgill.ca

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Computational approaches towards understanding human long non-coding RNA biology
Authors: Jalali Saakshi , Kapoor Shruti , Sivadas Ambily , Bhartiya Deeksha , Scaria Vinod
Published: March 2015

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) form the largest class of non-protein coding genes in the human genome. While a small subset of well-characterized lncRNAs has demonstrated their significant role in diverse biological functions like chromatin modifications, post-transcriptional regulation, imprinting etc., the functional significance of a vast majority of them still remains an enigma. Increasing evidence of the implications of lncRNAs in various diseases including cancer and major developmental processes has further enhanced the need to gain mechanistic insights into the lncRNA functions. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the various computational approaches and tools available for the identification and annotation of long non-coding RNAs. We also discuss a conceptual roadmap to systematically explore the functional properties of the lncRNAs using computational approaches.

Contact: vinods@igib.in
Evaluating the performance of otolith morphometrics in deriving age compositions and mortality rates for assessment of data-poor tropical fisheries
Authors: Williams Ashley J. , Newman Stephen J. , Wakefield Corey B. , Bunel Melanie , Halafihi Tuikolongahau , Kaltavara Jeremie , Nicol Simon J.
Published: March 2015

Deepwater snappers (Family Lutjanidae) are important to artisanal and subsistence fisheries in Pacific Island countries. Most species of deepwater snapper are considered vulnerable to exploitation due to their extended longevity and low natural mortality rates. However, the sustainability of deepwater snapper fisheries in Pacific Island countries remains uncertain because there are limited resources available to collect the required data for comprehensive stock assessments. Reliable estimates of the age composition for exploited deepwater snapper populations are limited primarily because of the lack of skills and resources required for routine age estimation from sectioned otoliths. The development of alternative low-cost approaches to derive estimates of age for deepwater snappers is required. We evaluated the performance of using otolith morphometrics (weight, length, width, and thickness) to obtain estimates of age for the most important target species in these fisheries: Etelis carbunculus, E. marshi, E. coruscans, and Pristipomoides filamentosus. We compared age compositions and fishing mortality rates (F) derived from otolith morphometrics with those derived from counts of annual increments in otoliths. We then used the ratio of F to natural mortality (M) as a biological indicator to evaluate the potential effects on management responses by comparing estimates of F/M derived from otolith morphometrics with those derived from annual increment counts. Age compositions and estimates of F and F/M did not differ significantly between those derived from otolith morphometrics and those derived from annual increment counts for all species. These results demonstrate that management responses would likely be similar whether based on age estimates derived from sectioned otoliths, or predicted from otolith morphometrics. In the absence of sufficient resources to section otoliths for age estimation, we recommend that otolith morphometrics be used as a proxy for age in assessments of deepwater snapper fisheries in Pacific Island countries, and potentially for other similar data-limited fisheries.
Barriers and benefits: implications of artificial night-lighting for the distribution of common bats in Britain and Ireland
Authors: Mathews Fiona , Roche Niamh , Aughney Tina , Jones Nicholas , Day Julie , Baker James , Langton Steve
Published: March 2015

Artificial lighting is a particular problem for animals active at night. Approximately 69% of mammal species are nocturnal, and one-third of these are bats. Due to their extensive movements—both on a nightly basis to exploit ephemeral food supplies, and during migration between roosts—bats have an unusually high probability of encountering artificial light in the landscape. This paper reviews the impacts of lighting on bats and their prey, exploring the direct and indirect consequences of lighting intensity and spectral composition. In addition, new data from large-scale surveys involving more than 265 000 bat calls at more than 600 locations in two countries are presented, showing that prevalent street-lighting types are not generally linked with increased activity of common and widespread bat species. Such bats, which are important to ecosystem function, are generally considered ‘light-attracted’ and likely to benefit from the insect congregations that form at lights. Leisler's bat (Nyctalus leisleri) may be an exception, being more frequent in lit than dark transects. For common pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), lighting is negatively associated with their distribution on a landscape scale, but there may be local increases in habitats with good tree cover. Research is now needed on the impacts of sky glow and glare for bat navigation, and to explore the implications of lighting for habitat matrix permeability.
Effects of nocturnal illumination on life-history decisions and fitness in two wild songbird species
Authors: de Jong Maaike , Ouyang Jenny Q. , Da Silva Arnaud , van Grunsven Roy H. A. , Kempenaers Bart , Visser Marcel E. , Spoelstra Kamiel
Published: March 2015

The effects of artificial night lighting on animal behaviour and fitness are largely unknown. Most studies report short-term consequences in locations that are also exposed to other anthropogenic disturbance. We know little about how the effects of nocturnal illumination vary with different light colour compositions. This is increasingly relevant as the use of LED lights becomes more common, and LED light colour composition can be easily adjusted. We experimentally illuminated previously dark natural habitat with white, green and red light, and measured the effects on life-history decisions and fitness in two free-living songbird species, the great tit (
Parus major
) and pied flycatcher (
Ficedula hypoleuca
) in two consecutive years. In 2013, but not in 2014, we found an effect of light treatment on lay date, and of the interaction of treatment and distance to the nearest lamp post on chick mass in great tits but not in pied flycatchers. We did not find an effect in either species of light treatment on breeding densities, clutch size, probability of brood failure, number of fledglings and adult survival. The finding that light colour may have differential effects opens up the possibility to mitigate negative ecological effects of nocturnal illumination by using different light spectra.
Cascading effects of artificial light at night: resource-mediated control of herbivores in a grassland ecosystem
Authors: Bennie Jonathan , Davies Thomas W. , Cruse David , Inger Richard , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: March 2015

Artificial light at night has a wide range of biological effects on both plants and animals. Here, we review mechanisms by which artificial light at night may restructure ecological communities by modifying the interactions between species. Such mechanisms may be top-down (predator, parasite or grazer controlled), bottom-up (resource-controlled) or involve non-trophic processes, such as pollination, seed dispersal or competition. We present results from an experiment investigating both top-down and bottom-up effects of artificial light at night on the population density of pea aphidsAcyrthosiphon pisumin a diverse artificial grassland community in the presence and absence of predators and under low-level light of different spectral composition. We found no evidence for top-down control ofA. pisumin this system, but did find evidence for bottom-up effects mediated through the impact of light on flower head density in a leguminous food plant. These results suggest that physiological effects of light on a plant species within a diverse plant community can have detectable demographic effects on a specialist herbivore.
Urinary tract infection caused by Actinobaculum schaalii: a urosepsis pathogen that should not be underestimated
Authors: Le Brun Cécile , Robert Sylvie , Tanchoux Colas , Bruyere Franck , Lanotte Philippe
Published: March 2015

Introduction:

Actinobaculum schaalii is a Gram‐positive facultative anaerobic coccoid rod bacterium that grows slowly in culture. This bacterium was classified as a new genus in 1997 but is often overlooked or considered a contaminant because of both its resemblance to the normal bacterial flora on skin and mucosa and the overgrowth of other bacteria. During the past decade, A. schaalii has emerged as a more common urinary tract pathogen than previously thought.

Case presentation:

Here, we describe the case of a patient with an untreated A. schaalii urinary tract infection that turned into urosepsis.

Conclusion:

This case shows that the invasive potential of this bacterium should not always be ruled out.
Effects of sleep deprivation and aging on long-term and remote memory in mice
Authors: Vecsey Christopher G. , Park Alan J. , Khatib Nora , Abel Ted
Published: March 2015

Sleep deprivation (SD) following hippocampus-dependent learning in young mice impairs memory when tested the following day. Here, we examined the effects of SD on remote memory in both young and aged mice. In young mice, we found that memory is still impaired 1 mo after training. SD also impaired memory in aged mice 1 d after training, but, by a month after training, sleep-deprived and control aged animals performed similarly, primarily due to remote memory decay in the control aged animals. Gene expression analysis supported the finding that SD has similar effects on the hippocampus in young and aged mice.
Crystal structure of bromidonitrosylbis(triphenylphosphane-κP)nickel(II)
Authors: Hockley Rose , Irshad Hira , Sheriff Tippu S. , Motevalli Majid , Marinakis Sarantos
Published: March 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [NiBr(NO){P(C6H5)3}2], comprises two independent molecules each with a similar configuration. The NiIIcation is coordinated by one bromide anion, one nitrosyl anion and two triphenylphosphane molecules in a distorted BrNP2tetrahedral coordination geometry. The coordination of the nitrosyl group is non-linear, the Ni—N—O angles being 150.2 (5) and 151.2 (5)° in the two independent molecules. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...Br hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...π interactions into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Crystal structure of 2′-hydroxyacetophenone 4-methylthiosemicarbazide
Authors: Jamsari Junita , Abas Nur Fatihah , Ravoof Thahira Begum S. A. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: March 2015

In the organic molecule of the title hydrate, C11H15N3OS·H2O, {systematic name: 3-ethyl-1-{(E)-[1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethylidene]amino}thiourea monohydrate}, a dihedral angle of 5.39 (2)° is formed between the hydroxybenzene ring and the non-H atoms comprising the side chain (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0625 Å), with the major deviation from planarity noted for the terminal ethyl group [the C—N—C—C torsion angle = −172.17 (13)°]. The N—H H atoms aresynand an intramolecular hydroxy–imine O—H...N hydrogen bond is noted. In the crystal, the N-bonded H atoms form hydrogen bonds to symmetry-related water molecules, and the latter form donor interactions with the hydroxy O atom and with a hydroxybenzene ring, forming a O—H...π interaction. The hydrogen bonding leads to supramolecular tubes aligned along thebaxis. The tubes are connected into layersviaC—H...O interactions, and these stack along thecaxis with no directional interactions between them.
Using factor-cluster analysis to segment patrons of casual dining establishments in the United States
Authors: Duncan Jennifer L. , Josiam Bharath M. , Kim Young  Hoon , Kalldin Alexandria C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– Focussing on behaviors and attitudes of casual dining patrons, the purpose of this paper is to use a factor-cluster approach to segment patrons into market groups and attempts to determine if differences exist in motivational factors among segments.

Design/methodology/approach

– Factor-cluster analysis is an alternative segmentation method to more traditionally used methods based on consumer demographics. Push and pull motivators were analyzed through factor analysis to determine important groupings. Then, to identify homogenous subgroups, k-means cluster analysis was conducted to segment 559 survey respondents based on factor importance.

Findings

– Three diverse groups were identified: Fraternizing Kitchen Fearfuls, Functional Feasters, and Foodie Fanatics. The various push and pull factors appeared to affect segments differently, with each cluster ascribing various importance levels to each of the factors used in the clustering approach.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations include the use of a convenience sample and on-campus sampling. Future research should use random sampling methods and obtain surveys from sites not associated with a college campus.

Practical implications

– Though not often used in hospitality research, factor-cluster analysis can be useful to segment diners based on behavioral intentions and attributes, allowing marketers to more accurately target these diverse consumer segments. Marketing implications for casual dining restaurants are suggested.

Originality/value

– Using the involvement construct with push/pull motivators, this study groups respondents though factor-cluster analysis. Though used in tourism studies, factor-cluster analysis has yet to be studied in the context of casual dining restaurant patrons.
What determines British consumers’ motivation to buy sustainable seafood?
Authors: Honkanen Pirjo , Young James A.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of determinants of consumers’ buying intentions for sustainable seafood.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from 755 representative respondents in the UK were collected. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The theory of planned behaviour was used as a framework for the analysis, with an additional variable, personal norm, which seems to be especially relevant for environmental behaviour.

Findings

– The results confirmed the expected relationships: the motivation to buy sustainable seafood is increased by a positive attitude towards buying sustainable seafood, perceived pressure from important others such as family, friends and colleagues, and by a strong moral obligation. Attitude towards buying sustainable seafood was the strongest predictor of intention found in the study. To reach a goal of consumers placing greater emphasis upon purchasing more sustainable seafood, both attitudinal and normative messages could be used. Further implications of the findings and the scope for further research are discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is correlational in nature, thus limiting the causal inferences that can be made from the results. It does, however, help to explain the relationships in explored in the model.

Originality/value

– This paper addresses the issue of motivation to buy sustainable seafood which has not received much attention in literature, but is an important issue for anyone trying to increase consumer sustainable behaviour.
How differing demographic factors impact consumers’ loyalty towards national or international fast food chains
Authors: Srivastava R.K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study differing demographic factors affecting fast-food customers loyalty towards national or international fast food chains. It also compares the variation between global and local fast food chains as the products offered are culturally different.

Design/methodology/approach

– A variety of variables used to gain a holistic view, which includes factors such as quality, price, food and demographic profile of consumers affecting loyalty of fast food chains. The study adopts the theory and method of the trust-commitment-loyalty explanation chain and examines the consumer survey adapted from Fast food by Sahagun et al. (2014). The present analyses 542 filled questionnaires in which systematic sampling is used. Systematic sampling procedure is adopted.

Findings

– Indians prefer global fast food chains compared to Indian fast food chains. Loyalty towards global brands is higher than that for Indian brands because they are found to be of better quality which leads to higher frequency of visit and recommendation of the brands to their friends and colleagues. There are ethnic variations towards global and Indian fast food chains. Global brand of food chains generated more good word of mouth publicity compared to Indian food chains. Demographic factors play a role in the patronage of fast food chains.

Research limitations/implications

– One of the limitations of this research is the study adapts the theory and method of the trust-commitment-loyalty explanation chain and examines the consumer survey adapted from a study of Sahagun et al. (2014) on fast food for emerging markets. Only India is studied, but the addition of other countries like Brazil, China, Russia and South Africa can add value.

Practical implications

– Fast food managers had to illustrate the satisfaction on affective response, such as quality of food, convenient location, variety, service and value for money. Demographic variables like gender, age, education, income and ethnicity, global and local Brand will affect the perceptions.

Originality/value

– This is the first attempt to study the loyalty of consumers in emerging markets, which is witnessing the entry of many fast food global chains. It studies the demographic variables effect on the loyalty and the behaviour of consumers and compares to local and global brand fast food chains. The research will be use to global managers who are planning to expand in emerging markets like India.
Implementing National Food Security Act in India: issues and challenges
Authors: Tanksale Ajinkya , Jha J.K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– National Food Security Act 2013 (NFSA) is a unique step taken by Indian government to fight against hunger and protect right of the people for food. With its peculiarities like the life cycle approach, women empowerment, consideration of vulnerable sections in society and proposed reforms in public distribution system (PDS), NFSA is a promising effort for food security in India. The purpose of this paper is to put forth various aspects of NFSA and to identify issues and challenges for its implementation in the light of Indian PDS.

Design/methodology/approach

– Understanding the implications of NFSA, mapping the existing system of foodgrains distribution in India and analysing existing literature and secondary data available from assorted sources are the steps followed in this endeavour.

Findings

– Limited resources and exponentially increasing population, lack of infrastructure, operational inefficiencies and poor performance of the PDS are the major hurdles in successful implementation of the proposed act. This study gives emphasis on the need of major reforms in procurement, storage, movement and distribution of foodgrains strategies.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper focusses mainly on the operational and strategic aspects of PDS and its implications on NFSA. There is a wide scope for future research on sustainability of the act through agricultural and biotechnological innovations, financial analysis and strategic aspects.

Originality/value

– This study is an unique attempt of mapping and auditing of the entire complex value chain of the Indian PDS for implementation of NFSA. As NFSA is going to redefine the food security aspects, this pioneering work will be useful for researchers and policy makers working in this field in India and other developing countries.
Customers’ use of prices and internal reference prices to evaluate new food products
Authors: Lemmerer Andreas , Menrad Klaus
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the heterogeneous effects of gains and losses on the perception of new products. It seeks to argue that the heterogeneity in these effects (partly) stems from the price-perceived quality relationship which is more important for quality-seeking customers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multilevel logit model was applied to household panel data on purchases of new yoghurt and sausage products in Germany. The multilevel model allowed to estimate heterogeneous price effects and accounted for the nested structure in panel data.

Findings

– Significant variation in the effects of gains, losses, and promotions were found. Internal reference prices (IRPs), which served as indicator of loss-averse vs quality-seeking customers, were found to moderate these effects. Monetary losses have less negative effects for customers with high IRPs. Negative interaction effects of IRPs with monetary gains and promotions indicate that quality-seeking customers are less attracted by gains and promotions.

Practical implications

– The heterogeneity in the price effects confirms the strategic importance of new product prices to influence customers’ perception of value. The price-quality relationship is an explanatory approach for heterogeneous price effects and should not be neglected in price setting. The inclusion of customer-specific reference price information yields deeper insights into customers’ use of prices to evaluate new products.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to estimate asymmetric gain and loss effects in the analysis of new product trial. A customer-specific view in price setting is emphasized by taking customer-specific reference prices into account.
Stakeholders’ views on the status of the fish quality and safety regulatory schemes
Authors: Qatan Salem , Bose Shekar , Mothershaw Ann
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the views of the primary and the secondary stakeholders on the current functioning of the fish quality and safety regulatory system in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

– The views on the fish quality and safety regulatory governance mechanism were elicited using a questionnaire survey.

Findings

– Although specific benefits derived from the quality control (QC) regulations were recognized by both groups a number of key factors were highlighted for improvement such as funding, being more proactive, literacy, quality of fish received.

Originality/value

– The paper has identified some weaknesses and constraints that hinder the effective and efficient functioning of the quality and safety regulatory systems and provided appropriate policy recommendations to make the governance of the QC regulatory system in the seafood sector efficient and effective and to mitigate public health risk.
Evaluating and planning for interdisciplinary collection development: a case of an East Asian collection at the College of Staten Island Library
Authors: Dzurak Ewa , Falloon Kerry A. , Cope Jonathan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to examine the challenges of collection analysis and development in response to a new academic interdisciplinary program in East Asian Studies at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors examined the needs of a new East Asian Studies program and its interdisciplinary nature. Next, an automated collection development tool was chosen that provides a snapshot of current monograph holdings and a comparison with other equivalent institutions. Lastly, the authors conduct an analysis of citations in key Asian Studies journals, library holdings in relevant top electronic resources and core journal subscriptions. For future collection building, vendor tools and patron-drive acquisitions are explored.

Findings

– Traditional methods of collection development can prove inadequate. A variety of tools and methods need to be used to guarantee adequate results.

Originality/value

– This paper builds on prior research related to developing interdisciplinary collections by using traditional methods of collection development with critical judgments.
Collection analysis on social work: a cost-effective approach
Authors: Liu Maggie
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to ensure the provision of effective library support to the scholarly community in areas of collection development and management. Last year, the author’s library made the first attempt to conduct a collection evaluation on a multidisciplinary subject – social work.

Design/methodology/approach

– In view of extensive subject coverage of a cross-disciplinary subject and the library’s constraints, a cost-effective and manageable strategy using internal resources was used. The focus of the study was to concentrate on core subject areas of social work. By making use of circulation statistics of those areas, adequacy, strengths and weaknesses of the collection would be identified.

Findings

– A positive adequacy of the social work collection was evidenced from a high usage of the collection. An in-depth study on the two major active sections, DDC 361 (social problems and services) and DDC 362 (social work for different groups of people), was also undertaken. Specific subject areas for improvement were identified.

Originality/value

– Through conducting the project, it not only directly served the main purpose of enhancing the quality of the collection in alliance with the development of academic departments, but also expanded our subject knowledge. It is hoped that our experience can offer tips and stimulant for other libraries contemplating collection analysis on a multidisciplinary subject under restricted resources.