bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PYR-41, A Ubiquitin-Activating Enzyme E1 Inhibitor, Attenuates Lung Injury in Sepsis
Authors: Matsuo Shingo , Sharma Archna , Wang Ping , Yang Weng-Lang 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT
During sepsis, systemic inflammation is observed and is associated with multiple organ failure. Activation of NF-κB is crucial for inducing inflammation, which is controlled by degradation of inhibitor molecules (IκB). The ubiquitination proteasome pathway is responsible for the regulation of protein turnover. In this study, we hypothesized that administration of 4[4-(5-nitro-furan-2-ylmethylene)-3, -dioxo-pyrazolidin-1-yl]-benzoic acid ethyl ester (PYR-41), an inhibitor of ubiquitination, could reduce inflammation and organ injury in septic mice. PYR-41 prevented the reduction of IκB protein levels and inhibited release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells at 4 h after lipopolysaccharide stimulation dose-dependently. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. PYR-41 (5 mg/kg) or dimethyl sulfoxide in saline (vehicle) was injected intravenously immediately after CLP. At 20 h after CLP, PYR-41 treatment significantly decreased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, and IL-6) and organ injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase). PYR-41 significantly improved microscopic structure, and reduced myeloperoxidase activity, number of apoptotic cells and caspase-3 degradation in the lungs of septic mice. The reduced protein levels of IκB in the lungs after CLP were restored by PYR-41 treatment. PYR-41 inhibited the expression of cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6), chemokines (keratinocyte-derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein 2), and inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase) in the lungs of septic mice. Importantly, PYR-41 significantly increased 10-day survival in septic mice from 42% to 83%. Therefore, targeting ubiquitination by PYR-41 to inhibit NF-κB activation may represent a potential strategy of sepsis therapeutics.
Ultrafast comparison of personal genomes
Authors: Glusman Gustavo , Mauldin Denise , Hood Leroy , Robinson Max 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe present an ultra-fast method for comparing personal genomes. We transform the standard genome representation (lists of variants relative to a reference) into ‘genome fingerprints’ that can be readily compared across sequencing technologies and reference versions. Because of their reduced size, computation on the genome fingerprints is fast and requires little memory. This enables scaling up a variety of important genome analyses, including quantifying relatedness, recognizing duplicative sequenced genomes in a set, population reconstruction, and many others. The original genome representation cannot be reconstructed from its fingerprint; the method thus has significant implications for privacy-preserving genome analytics.
De novo discovery of structural motifs in RNA 3D structures through clustering
Authors: Ge Ping , Islam Shahidul , Zhong Cuncong , Zhang Shaojie 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs functional components in three-dimensional conformation of an RNA, the RNA structural motifs provide an easy way to associate the molecular architectures with their biological mechanisms. In the past years, many computational tools have been developed to search motif instances by using the existing knowledge of well-studied families. Recently, with the rapidly increasing number of resolved RNA 3D structures, there is an urgent need to discover novel motifs with the newly presented information. In this work, we classify all the loops in non-redundant RNA 3D structures to detect plausible RNA structural motif families by using a clustering pipeline. Compared with other clustering approaches, our method has two benefits: first, the underlying alignment algorithm is tolerant to the variations in 3D structures; second, sophisticated downstream analysis has been performed to ensure the clusters are valid and easily applied to further research. The final clustering results contain many interesting new variants of known motif families, such as GNAA tetraloop, kink-turn, sarcin-ricin, and T-loop. We have also discovered potential novel functional motifs conserved in ribosomal RNA, sgRNA, SRP RNA, riboswitch, and ribozyme.
Polygenic hazard scores in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Tan Chin Hong , Sugrue Leo P. , Broce Iris J. , Tong Elizabeth , Tan Jacinth J. X. , Hess Christopher P. , Dillon William P. , Bonham Luke W. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Rosen Howard J. , Miller Bruce L. , Hyman Bradley T. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Besser Lilah M. , Kukull Walter A. , Karch Celeste M. , Brewer James B. , Kauppi Karolina , McEvoy Linda K. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M. , Fan Chun Chieh , Desikan Rahul S. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIdentifying asymptomatic older individuals at elevated risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is of clinical importance. Among 1,081 asymptomatic older adults, a recently validated polygenic hazard score (PHS) significantly predicted time to AD dementia and steeper longitudinal cognitive decline, even after controlling forAPOEε4 carrier status. Older individuals in the highest PHS percentiles showed the highest AD incidence rates. PHS predicted longitudinal clinical decline among older individuals with moderate to high CERAD (amyloid) and Braak (tau) scores at autopsy, even amongAPOEε4 non-carriers. BeyondAPOE, PHS may help identify asymptomatic individuals at highest risk for developing Alzheimer’s neurodegeneration.
Mutation rates in seeds and seed-banking influence substitution rates across the angiosperm phylogeny
Authors: Dann Marcel , Bellot Sidonie , Schepella Sylwia , Schaefer Hanno , Tellier Aurélien 
Published: June 2017

Summary1)BackgroundSeed-banking (the ability to persist in the soil over many generations) is usually considered as a dormant stage where genotypes are “stored” as a bet-hedging strategy in response to unpredictable environments. However, seed dormancy may instead have consequences for the integrity of the DNA and generate novel mutations.2)MethodsWe address this paradox by building phylogenies based on the plastomes and nuclear ITS of species belonging to ten angiosperm clades. In each clade, the substitution rate (branch-length) of a seed-banking species is compared with that of a closely-related non-seed-banking species.3)ResultsSeed-banking species show as high or higher substitution rates than non-seedbanking species, and therefore mutations occur in dormant seeds at a rate at least as high as in above-ground plants. Moreover, seed born mutations have the same probability to reach fixation as those from above ground. Our results are robust to differences in selection, generation time, and polymorphism.4)ConclusionsMutations occurring in seeds, and thus seed-banking, affect the population diversity of plant species, and are observable at the macro-evolutionary scale. Our study has consequences for seed storage projects, since the stored seeds are likely to accumulate mutations at a higher rate than previously thought.
Ethical food labels in consumer preferences
Authors: Bissinger Katharina , Leufkens Daniel 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
Since fairtrade labels are upcoming market instruments, the purpose of this paper is to identify and quantify consumers’ willingness to pay for fairtrade coffee products and tea. Thereby, this paper contributes to the discussion in favour of a non-private regulation of ethical food labels (FLs). Moreover, the paper provides information about the consumer behaviour of the German buying public.

Design/methodology/approach
The empirical analysis is based on homescan panel data of 13,000 representative German households, which includes actual purchase data of ground coffee, single-serve coffee, espresso, and tea for a five-year sample period from 2004 to 2008. As a methodological approach, the hedonic technique is used to model coffee and tea prices as a function of time, store, and product characteristics.

Findings
Regarding the variables of interest branding a product leads to an average price premium of 22.1 per cent, while the organic FL achieves an average price premium of 34.3 per cent. The highest average price premium of 43.1 per cent is ceteris paribus paid for fairtrade labels. In the case of fairtrade labels, tea products earn the highest implicit prices with 74.0 per cent, followed by ground coffee (54.9 per cent), espresso (24.7 per cent), and single-serve coffee (18.9 per cent).

Originality/value
The present analysis supplements the discussions around the willingness to pay for fairtrade certified products by the German buying public, a product differentiation between coffee products and the introduction of labelled tea. As the data set includes daily purchases, it allows analysis of consumer behaviour on a disaggregated level, given detailed information on prices, stores, origins, FLs, and so on.
Consumer behaviour and corporate social responsibility: an empirical study of Expo 2015
Authors: Civero Gennaro , Rusciano Vincenzo , Scarpato Debora 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the attitudes of people towards issues of food safety, food security and sustainability. For this, an empirical study was conducted on visitors to the event Milan Expo 2015. Particular attention was paid to any greater propensity to purchase products from socially responsible agri-food companies and whether the event might have contributed to enrich the baggage of their knowledge on the issues of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and to influence future buying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach
Different groups of visiting consumers were identified through cluster analysis in order to segment and divide visitors into groups based on their approach to food safety, food security and sustainability, their willingness to pay for products from companies practising CSR, and the impact of the event on their future buying behaviour.

Findings
The results showed a positive attitude of respondents towards issues of food safety, food security and sustainability in general and to the purchase of sustainable food products. However, due to shortcomings in the communication strategy used by companies attending the event, the sample of visitors did not enrich their knowledge on sustainability and CSR. The impact of Expo 2015 on future buying behaviour was far from impressive.

Originality/value
The findings are particularly useful for the future development of the reputation and profitability of food companies, for the enrichment of knowledge concerning CSR-oriented food companies and to increase the price of products from socially responsible agri-food companies.
Following Snowden, German uncertainty about monitoring
Authors: Adams Andrew A. , Hosell Sarah , Murata Kiyoshi 
Published: June 2017

PurposeAs part of an international study of knowledge of and attitudes to Snowden’s revelations about the activities of the National Security Agency/Government Communications Headquarters, this paper aims to deal with Germany, taking its socio-cultural and political environment surrounding privacy and state surveillance into account.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was answered by 76 German University students. The quantitative responses to the survey were statistically analysed as well as qualitative considerations of free text answers.FindingsSnowden’s revelations have had an important influence over German students’ attitudes toward privacy and state surveillance, and show concerns over the privacy risks associated with Internet activity.Practical implicationsThe study results imply a need to build a collective awareness of the importance of the right to privacy and its responsibilities, the available technological options for individuals to exert their own privacy and security and the democratic means to agree and enforce appropriate legal restrictions on state surveillance.Social implicationsYoung Germans support Snowden’s actions and would be more willing to emulate him in Germany than in the USA. While many believe that people must give up some privacy and freedom for security, few seem to believe that current US or German approaches are valid and justified.Originality/valueThis study is the first attempt to investigate the social impact of Snowden’s revelations on German students’ attitudes toward privacy and state surveillance as part of cross-cultural analyses between eight countries.
Snowden’s revelations and the attitudes of students at Swedish universities
Authors: Kavathatzopoulos Iordanis , Asai Ryoko , Adams Andrew A. , Murata Kiyoshi 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This study aims to map Swedish students’ attitudes towards Snowden’s revelations and their effects in the political and socio-cultural environment of Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was answered by 190 Swedish university students. The quantitative responses to the survey and qualitative considerations of free text answers were statistically analysed.

Findings
Swedish students had a high level of knowledge about the Snowden revelations; they actively searched for information, gave a positive judgement of Snowden’s actions and were willing to follow his example in Sweden, although not in the USA. They trusted their country and most of its institutions and authorities except for secret service agencies and the internet and computer software companies.

Practical implications
This study could be used as a design of education for university students, especially in information technology programmes.

Social implications
The study can be used for developing and applying policies on privacy, surveillance and whistle-blowing.

Originality/value
This study is part of a bigger international study to map students’ attitudes towards Snowden’s revelations and their opinions about privacy, surveillance and whistle-blowing opening up for cross-cultural analyses.
Energy saving and the use of “green” bank products: the views of the citizens
Authors: Manolas Evangelos , Tsantopoulos Georgios , Dimoudi Kyriaki 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the views of citizens on issues related to energy saving and the realization of bank products in buildings under renovation such as energy saving interventions in the building envelope, installment of maximum efficiency air-conditioning systems, etc.

Design/methodology/approach
The collection of data was done through a structured questionnaire. The data are important because they show the attitudes of citizens while they simultaneously assess the effectiveness of the program after the application for many years of the energy saving program by the state.

Findings
The results of the research show that with regard to responsible actions by citizens as far as impacts on climate change are concerned, cognitive factors are more important than behavioral factors. The most important reason with regard to citizens restricting the consumption of electrical energy is saving money. Finally, the vast majority of citizens declare that they know about the existence of “green” bank financial programs and claim that these contribute to environmental protection. Despite all this, a very small percentage of citizens have realized some sort of financial program in order to save energy claiming that the main reason for their choice was the country’s economic crisis.

Originality/value
This investigation of the views of citizens may constitute a tool both for designing of effective environmental policy but also for the assessment of energy saving programs such as the one discussed in this paper.
Contribution to the investment evaluation in terms of the forest fires prevention using the cost-benefit analysis method
Authors: Mokhtari Samah , Djebabra Mebarek , Bellaala Djamel , Boulagouas Wafa 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to valorize the contribution of the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) method in the evaluation of the prevention measures of forest fires.

Design/methodology/approach
The suggested approach is based on the economic analysis of the forest fires’ risks using the CBA which has become inevitable in risk analysis’ domain.

Findings
The suggested approach shows the interest of the CBA method in the sense that each reduction measure of the forest fires’ risk eliminates the potential damages and, therefore, it is likely to generate benefits for the company in terms of avoided damages on the territory that is concerned by these measures.

Practical implications
It consists in comparing on time, the benefit generated by a reduction measure of a forest fires’ risk and its implementation cost. This comparison gives an important focus on the economic relevance of such a reduction measure of forest fires’ risk.

Originality/value
The question is to highlight the importance of both: the investment in terms of forest fires and the allocation of this investment on various preventive measures of forest fires.
Life histories and conservation of long‐lived reptiles, an illustration with the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
Authors: Briggs‐Gonzalez Venetia , Bonenfant Christophe , Basille Mathieu , Cherkiss Michael , Beauchamp Jeff , Mazzotti Frank 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSuccessful species conservation is dependent on adequate estimates of population dynamics, but age‐specific demographics are generally lacking for many long‐lived iteroparous species such as large reptiles. Accurate demographic information allows estimation of population growth rate, as well as projection of future population sizes and quantitative analyses of fitness trade‐offs involved in the evolution of life‐history strategies.Here, a long‐term capture–recapture study was conducted from 1978 to 2014 on the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in southern Florida. Over the study period, 7,427 hatchlings were marked and 380 individuals were recaptured for as many as 25 years. We estimated survival to be strongly age dependent with hatchlings having the lowest survival rates (16%) but increasing to nearly 90% at adulthood based on mark–recapture models. More than 5% of the female population were predicted to be reproductive by age 8 years; the age‐specific proportion of reproductive females steadily increased until age 18 when more than 95% of females were predicted to be reproductive. Population growth rate, estimated from a Leslie–Lefkovitch stage‐class model, showed a positive annual growth rate of 4% over the study period.Using a prospective sensitivity analysis, we revealed that the adult stage, as expected, was the most critical stage for population growth rate; however, the survival of younger crocodiles before they became reproductive also had a surprisingly high elasticity. We found that variation in age‐specific fecundity has very limited impact on population growth rate in American crocodiles.We used a comparative approach to show that the original life‐history strategy of American crocodiles is actually shared by other large, long‐lived reptiles: while adult survival rates always have a large impact on population growth, this decreases with declining increasing growth rates, in favour of a higher elasticity of the juvenile stage.Crocodiles, as a long‐lived and highly fecund species, deviate from the usual association of life histories of “slow” species. Current management practices are focused on nests and hatchling survival; however, protection efforts that extend to juvenile crocodiles would be most effective for conservation of the species, especially in an ever‐developing landscape.
Salinomycin overcomes acquired tamoxifen resistance through AIB1 and inhibits cancer cell invasion in endocrine resistant breast cancer
Authors: Manmuan Suwisit , Sakunrangsit Nithidol , Ketchart Wannarasmi 
Published: June 2017

SummarySalinomycin is a monocarboxylic polyether ionophore isolated from Streptomyces albus. It has been widely used as an antibiotic in veterinary medicine in poultry. A recent study demonstrated that salinomycin selectively inhibits human breast cancer stem cells; one possible mechanism of tamoxifen resistance. Our results show that salinomycin is effective in inhibiting MCF‐7/LCC2 and MCF‐7/LCC9 cell lines which are well‐established endocrine resistant cells and has a synergistic effect in combination with tamoxifen using MTT proliferation assay. The inhibitory effect of salinomycin on the reduction of critical ER co‐activator; amplified breast 1 (AIB1) mRNA and protein expression is overcoming tamoxifen resistance. Moreover, salinomycin significantly inhibits cell invasion in Matrigel invasion assay. The effect was mediated at least in part by the decrease of matrix metalopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9) which is one critical enzyme facilitated in the cell invasion process. In conclusion, salinomycin should be developed as a novel agent used alone or in combination for endocrine‐resistant breast cancer.
karmoisin and cardinal ortholog genes participate in the ommochrome synthesis of Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Liu Shu‐Hua , Luo Ju , Yang Bao‐Jun , Wang Ai‐Ying , Tang Jian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOmmochrome is the major source for eye coloration of all insect species so far examined. Phenoxazinone synthetase (PHS) has always been regarded as the terminal step enzyme for ommochrome formation, which is encoded by cardinal or karmoisin genes. Our previous study indicated that the karmoisin ortholog gene (Nl‐karmoisin) product in the brown planthopper (BPH) was a monocarboxylate transporter, while not a PHS. Here, based on full‐length complementary DNA, the cardinal ortholog gene in BPH (Nl‐cardinal) product was predicted to be a haem peroxidase rather than a PHS. We suggest for the first time that neither karmoisin nor cardinal encodes the PHS, but whether PHS participates in BPH eye pigmentation needs further research. Nymphal RNA interference (RNAi) experiments showed that knockdown Nl‐cardinal transcript led the BPH ocelli and compound eye to color change from brown to red, while knockdown Nl‐karmoisin only made the ocelli present the red phenotype. Notably, not only the Nl‐cardinal transcript, dscd injection (Nl‐cardinal targeting double‐stranded DNA (dsRNA)) also significantly reduced the Nl‐karmoisin transcript by 33.7%, while dska (Nl‐karmoisin targeting dsRNA) injection did not significantly change the Nl‐cardinal transcript. Considering the above RNAi and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction results, we propose that Nl‐cardinal plays a more important role in ommochrome synthesis than Nl‐karmoisin, and it may be an upstream gene of Nl‐karmoisin. The present study suggested that both karmoisin and cardinal ortholog genes play a role in ommochrome synthesis in a hemimetabolous insect.