bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AHNAK deficiency promotes browning and lipolysis in mice via increased responsiveness to β-adrenergic signalling
Authors: Shin Jae Hoon , Lee Seo Hyun , Kim Yo Na , Kim Il Yong , Kim Youn Ju , Kyeong Dong Soo , Lim Hee Jung , Cho Soo Young , Choi Junhee , Wi Young Jin , Choi Jae-Hoon , Yoon Yeo Sung , Bae Yun Soo , Seong Je Kyung 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn adipose tissue, agonists of the β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) regulate lipolysis, lipid oxidation, and thermogenesis. The deficiency in the thermogenesis induced by neuroblast differentiation-associated protein AHNAK in white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice fed a high-fat diet suggests that AHNAK may stimulate energy expenditure via development of beige fat. Here, we report that AHNAK deficiency promoted browning and thermogenic gene expression in WAT but not in brown adipose tissue of mice stimulated with the ADRB3 agonist CL-316243. Consistent with the increased thermogenesis, Ahnak−/− mice exhibited an increase in energy expenditure, accompanied by elevated mitochondrial biogenesis in WAT depots in response to CL-316243. Additionally, AHNAK-deficient WAT contained more eosinophils and higher levels of type 2 cytokines (IL-4/IL-13) to promote browning of WAT in response to CL-316243. This was associated with enhanced sympathetic tone in the WAT via upregulation of adrb3 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in response to β-adrenergic activation. CL-316243 activated PKA signalling and enhanced lipolysis, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase and release of free glycerol in Ahnak−/− mice compared to wild-type mice. Overall, these findings suggest an important role of AHNAK in the regulation of thermogenesis and lipolysis in WAT via β-adrenergic signalling.
PI3K in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus mediates estrogenic actions on energy expenditure in female mice
Authors: Saito Kenji , He Yanlin , Yang Yongjie , Zhu Liangru , Wang Chunmei , Xu Pingwen , Hinton Antentor Othrell , Yan Xiaofeng , Zhao Jean , Fukuda Makoto , Tong Qingchun , Clegg Deborah J. , Xu Yong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEstrogens act in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) to regulate body weight homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these estrogenic effects are unknown. We show that activation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) stimulates neural firing of VMH neurons expressing ERα and these effects are blocked with intracellular application of a pharmacological inhibitor of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Further, we demonstrated that mice with genetic inhibition of PI3K activity in VMH neurons showed a sexual dimorphic obese phenotype, with only female mutants being affected. In addition, inhibition of VMH PI3K activity blocked effects of 17β-estradiol to stimulate energy expenditure, but did not affect estrogen-induced anorexia. Collectively, our results indicate that PI3K activity in VMH neurons plays a physiologically relevant role in mediating estrogenic actions on energy expenditure in females.
Heartbeat, embryo communication and hatching synchrony in snake eggs
Authors: Aubret Fabien , Blanvillain Gaëlle , Bignon Florent , Kok Philippe J. R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCommunication is central to life at all levels of complexity, from cells to organs, through to organisms and communities. Turtle eggs were recently shown to communicate with each other in order to synchronise their development and generate beneficial hatching synchrony. Yet the mechanism underlying embryo to embryo communication remains unknown. Here we show that within a clutch, developing snake embryos use heart beats emanating from neighbouring eggs as a clue for their metabolic level, in order to synchronise development and ultimately hatching. Eggs of the water snake Natrix maura increased heart rates and hatched earlier than control eggs in response to being incubated in physical contact with more advanced eggs. The former produced shorter and slower swimming young than their control siblings. Our results suggest potential fitness consequences of embryo to embryo communication and describe a novel driver for the evolution of egg-clustering behaviour in animals.
Integrated genome browser: visual analytics platform for genomics
Authors: Freese Nowlan H. , Norris David C. , Loraine Ann E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Motivation: Genome browsers that support fast navigation through vast datasets and provide interactive visual analytics functions can help scientists achieve deeper insight into biological systems. Toward this end, we developed Integrated Genome Browser (IGB), a highly configurable, interactive and fast open source desktop genome browser.
Results: Here we describe multiple updates to IGB, including all-new capabilities to display and interact with data from high-throughput sequencing experiments. To demonstrate, we describe example visualizations and analyses of datasets from RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq and bisulfite sequencing experiments. Understanding results from genome-scale experiments requires viewing the data in the context of reference genome annotations and other related datasets. To facilitate this, we enhanced IGB’s ability to consume data from diverse sources, including Galaxy, Distributed Annotation and IGB-specific Quickload servers. To support future visualization needs as new genome-scale assays enter wide use, we transformed the IGB codebase into a modular, extensible platform for developers to create and deploy all-new visualizations of genomic data.
Availability and implementation: IGB is open source and is freely available from http://bioviz.org/igb.
Contact: aloraine@uncc.edu
Testing reproductive allometry in fish
Authors: Olsson Karin H. , Gislason Henrik 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Energy allocation models have proved useful for clarifying the ecological mechanisms which influence growth and reproduction schemes in species with indeterminate growth and for understanding how traits correlate with generate the life history of specific species. In view of the need to understand how exploitation affects species for which few data on key population parameters such as reproductive potential and population growth rate are available, it would be helpful if simple energy allocation schemes parametrized by easily obtainable data could be used to estimate parameters such as reproductive effort and output. Testing the predictions of three such models on fecundity data from a range of species, we show how the simplifications required in a generalized energy allocation scheme are reflected in the deviations between model predictions and empirical data, and discuss the validity of the assumptions underlying these models. We caution against over-reliance on generalized and simplified models to predict reproductive effort.
Genomic data reveal similar genetic differentiation between species with vastly different dispersal capabilities and life histories
Authors: Jordan Steve , Hand Brian K. , Hotaling Scott , DelVecchia Amanda , Malison Rachel , Nissley Clark , Stanford Jack , Luikart Gordon 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLittle is known about the life histories, population connectivity, or dispersal mechanisms of shallow groundwater organisms. Here we used RAD-seq to analyze population structure in two aquifer species:Paraperla frontalis, a stonefly with groundwater larvae and aerial adults, andStygobromussp., a groundwater-obligate amphipod. We found similar levels of connectivity in each species between floodplains separated by ~70 river km in the Flathead River basin of NW Montana, USA. Given thatStygobromouslacks the aboveground life stage ofP. frontalis, our findings suggest that aquifer-obligate species might have previously unrecognized dispersal capacity.
Estimating dispersal kernels using genetic parentage data
Authors: Bode Michael , Williamson David , Harrison Hugo , Outram Nick , Jones Geoffrey P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDispersal kernels are the standard method for describing and predicting the relationship between dispersal strength and distance. Statistically-fitted dispersal kernels allow observations of a limited number of dispersal events to be extrapolated across a wider landscape, and form the basis of a wide range of theories and methods in ecology, evolution and conservation. Genetic parentage data are an increasingly common source of dispersal information, particularly for species where dispersal is difficult to observe directly. It is now routinely applied to coral reef fish, whose larvae disperse over many kilometers and are too small to follow directly. However, it is not straightforward to estimate dispersal kernels from parentage data, and existing methods each have substantial limitations. Here we develop and proof a new statistical estimator for fitting dispersal kernels to parentage data, applying it to simulated and empirical datasets of reef fish parentage. The method incorporates a series of factors omitted in previous methods: the partial sampling of adults and juveniles on sampled reefs; the existence of unassigned dispersers from unsampled reefs; and post-settlement processes (e.g., density dependent mortality) that follow dispersal but precede parentage sampling. Power analyses indicate that the highest levels of sampling currently used for reef fishes is sufficient to fit accurate dispersal kernels. Sampling is best distributed equally between adults and juveniles, and over more than ten populations. Importantly, we show that accounting for unsampled or unassigned individuals – including adult individuals on partially-sampled and unsampled patches – is essential for a precise and unbiased estimate of dispersal.
Cis-regulatory evolution in prokaryotes revealed by interspecific archaeal hybrids
Authors: Artieri Carlo G. , Naor Adit , Turgeman-Grott Israela , Zhou Yiqi , York Ryan , Gophna Uri , Fraser Hunter B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe study of allele-specific expression (ASE) in interspecific hybrids has played a central role in our understanding of a wide range of phenomena, including genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, and cis-regulatory evolution. However across the hundreds of studies of hybrid ASE, all have been restricted to sexually reproducing eukaryotes, leaving a major gap in our understanding of the genomic patterns of cis-regulatory evolution in prokaryotes. Here we introduce a method to generate stable hybrids between two species of halophilic archaea, and measure genome-wide ASE in these hybrids with RNA-seq. We found that over half of all genes have significant ASE, and that genes encoding kinases show evidence of lineage-specific selection on their cis-regulation. This pattern of polygenic selection suggested species-specific adaptation to low phosphate conditions, which we confirmed with growth experiments. Altogether, our work extends the study of ASE to archaea, and suggests that cis-regulation can evolve under polygenic lineage-specific selection in prokaryotes.
Capacity building for post disaster construction and demolition waste management
Authors: Karunasena Gayani , Amaratunga Dilanthi 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework for capacity building in post disaster construction and demolition (C
&
D) waste management at a national level to address the identified capacity gaps in managing disaster waste resulting from natural hazards.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were gathered through pilot interviews, case studies and expert opinion surveys representing government, non-government and other sector organisations involved in post disaster waste management.

Findings
– The study revealed unavailability of a single point of responsibility and provision for disaster waste in existing policies and capacity constraints in prevailing peace time solid waste management practices which were identified as major capacity gaps. Establishment of a regulatory body and enforceable rules and regulations with necessary levels of capacities was identified and presented in a theoretical framework comprising of seven identified areas for capacity building in post disaster waste management.

Research limitations/implications
– This study is limited to disaster C
&
D waste as debris generated from totally or partially damaged buildings and infrastructure as a direct impact of natural hazards or from demolished buildings and infrastructure at rehabilitation or early recovery stages. Waste generated during reconstruction phase of post disaster management cycle is not considered as disaster C
&
D waste for purposes of this study.

Originality/value
– The research enabled analysis of existing capacities and presents approaches for capacity building for identified gaps in post disaster C
&
D waste management to attain sustainable post disaster waste management for future resilience.
Private needs, public responses: vulnerable people’s flood-disrupted mobility
Authors: Christie Nicola , Griffin Liza , Chan Natalie , Twigg John , Titheridge Helena 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of vulnerable people during flood events, impacts of changes in mobility on well-being and the extent to which frontline services, emergency planning officers and other service providers allocate resources for vulnerable members of the community to meet the challenges posed by floods.

Design/methodology/approach
– In-depth qualitative interviews carried out with 15 vulnerable residents, seven community representatives and eight service providers.

Findings
– Vulnerable people’s well-being was negatively affected by the disruption to travel caused by floods, though support from the community to some extent redressed these negative feelings. Whilst there seems to be a strong response from both the community and the local authorities to the mobility needs of vulnerable people during floods, what seems to be missing is an equal response from the private sector in terms of provision of transport services to access goods such as food and money.

Practical implications
– More needs to be done to make sure that communication and support networks are formalised to address the potential unevenness of informal networks. Private companies need to engage more with customers. Improved information and more resilient services such as 4×4 vehicles and doorstep provision of goods and money would directly support vulnerable people who are highly dependent on their services.

Originality/value
– This study is the first in the UK to explore and compare the private experiences of vulnerable people with the views of stakeholders who could support them during floods.
The Houma Indians’ battle against the ocean
Authors: Allamel Frédéric 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The Houma Indians reside in the backwaters of the Mississippi Delta, a coastal area that is disappearing due to natural subsidence, sea-level rise, and mismanagements of the ecosystems. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize the causes of this ecocide and the responses addressing such environmental challenges, including scientific strategies, political non-intervention, and the United Houma Nation’s plans for preserving a sense of place and togetherness as a prerequisite for its cultural survival.Design/methodology/approach– This ethnographic investigation relies on participant observation, and interviews with tribal leaders, fishermen, trappers, as well as scientists and local politicians. In order to grasp the emic perspective, most interviews were conducted in the Houma French dialect.Findings– The Mississippi Delta epitomizes issues that will shape tomorrow’s world, namely, the vulnerability of coastal areas and the flows of environmental refugees. As shown by this study, coastal residents do not make a passive flux of evacuees responding to state/NGO-run plans. Actually, they are chief agents who either develop resilient strategies or proactive relocation stratagems to avoid ethnocide. Their pragmatic methodologies provide valuable data for any crisis management efforts.Originality/value– This research gives a voice to the voiceless, and conveys their existential struggles from within – unlike most studies of endangered communities relying on outsiders’ viewpoints. This perspective depicts the Houmas as actors of their survival who implement diverse tribal strategies for coping with environmental change.
The challenges and future of trade unionism in Algeria: a lost cause?
Authors: Chelghoum Amira , Takeda Sachiko , Wilczek Barbara , Homberg Fabian 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the realities of Algerian employee relations and the challenges autonomous trade unionists encounter in their activities, which are normally far removed from the eyes of the international community.Design/methodology/approach– In total, 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Algerian autonomous trade union leaders, union members and non-members. The collected data were analysed using a thematic approach.Findings– The interview results brought into relief the challenges of Algerian trade unionism with the following four themes: first, scepticism towards the only government-affiliated trade union in Algeria; second, the relationship between autonomous unions and the government; third, strike actions and intimidation/harassment; and fourth, views of non-trade unionists and the future of Algerian trade unionism.Research limitations/implications– The sensitivity of the topic and widespread fear limited the number of interviewees and the length of interviews.Social implications– This paper provides recent empirical evidence reflecting the contemporary nature of employee relations in Algeria, and its discussions consider the prerequisites for a more effective protection of workers’ rights in Algeria.Originality/value– This study addresses the lack of examination of trade union activities in North Africa and in Algeria in particular. Whereas studies on employment relations in emerging economies have been conducted mainly at the macro level, this study makes important contributions by providing a first micro-level insight into the realities of trade unionism in Algeria through giving voice to those who struggle daily to protect workers’ rights.
Three decades of “repackaging” Islamic finance in international markets
Authors: Fang Eddy S. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This paper aims at retracing changing attitudes toward Islamic financial products in international markets over the past three decades, thereby providing an account of their “unexpected” expansion outside of the Muslim world.Design/methodology/approach– This conceptual paper builds on an archival research–969 news articles published in the UK from 1985 to 2014. Although emphasis is put on the decade of fast changing attitudes toward Islamic finance (IF) in global markets (2001-2011), the years prior to (1985-2000) and following (2012-2014) the target period are also investigated.Findings– Starting as an obscure set of practices often associated with religious fundamentalism before the mid-1990s, IF had become a “mainstream” alternative by the turn of the century. A second interpretive break then emerged with the advent of the subprime crisis in 2007-2008, which increasingly conferred to IF an ethical component. Interestingly, both narratives still exist concurrently in the media, even in post-crisis discussions.Social implications– The discussion in this paper allows us to explain the findings of the most recent surveys on this topic, which put forward the complex, and sometimes even contradictory, understandings of what IF stands for in global markets.Originality/value– This is the first archival research on the topic of IF in international markets. Besides bringing to the discussion an interesting historical perspective, it also draws attention to the growing importance of Islam-based financial products in traditionally secular markets.
Does Halal image strengthen consumer intention to patronize Halal stores?
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Abang Salleh Abang Sulaiman 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of Halal image, attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control on consumer behavioural intention to patronize Halal stores in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
– A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to members of the general public in Kuching, the main city of Sarawak, Malaysia, via a convenient sampling technique. In total, 548 valid samples were usable for data analysis. Correlation analysis was used to test the model.

Findings
– Empirical results revealed that consumers’ intention to patronize Halal stores is influenced by attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norm and Halal image. Muslim consumers develop a favourable attitude towards stores that display a Halal image, are pleased to know that each item available in these stores is a confirmed Halal product and decide to re-patronize those stores in their practice of Islamic teachings.

Practical implications
– Marketing managers should focus on developing a positive image of their stores to attract Muslim consumers. For foreign companies, this means that managements should be respectful of the Shariah law in their business transactions and create an image of their brands which is in accordance with Halal requirements to increase the confidence among Muslim customers to patronize their products and stores.

Originality/value
– The main theoretical contribution relates to the inclusion of the halal image dimension as a variable in the matter of consumer intention to patronize Halal stores in Malaysia.
Does social currency matter in creation of enhanced brand experience?
Authors: Trudeau H. Sabrina , Shobeiri Saeed 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
– This study aims to demonstrate the importance of the newly developed concept of social currency as an antecedent of brand experience in the context of cosmetics consumption. In other words, the authors suggest that social currency could act as a brand experience provider.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data collection was made through a paper and pencil survey. The sample consisted mostly of undergraduate and graduate students recruited on a voluntary basis at a large northeastern university. Self-administered questionnaires were filled by 373 participants, who were instructed to think about their favourite brand when it comes to buying cosmetic products for themselves.

Findings
– Results showed that social currency positively impacts all four dimensions of brand experience, i.e. sensory, affective, behavioural and intellectual experiences. The findings also suggest that conversation, advocacy and affiliation are the three significant dimensions of social currency when it comes to the consumption of cosmetics.

Originality/value
– This study reveals, for the first time, how the concept of social currency could enhance a fundamental component of brand equity, i.e. brand experience. Another important contribution of this research is the establishment of higher levels of validity for the newly developed concept of social currency. This study would also contribute to the investigation of brand experience antecedents, which have been little addressed in the literature on the emerging paradigm of experiential marketing.