bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mycolactone reveals the substrate-driven complexity of Sec61-dependent transmembrane protein biogenesis
Authors: McKenna Michael , Simmonds Rachel E. , High Stephen 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Mycolactone is the exotoxin virulence factor produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the pathogen responsible for Buruli ulcer. The skin lesions and immunosuppression that are characteristic of this disease result from the action of mycolactone, which targets the Sec61 complex and inhibits the co-translational translocation of secretory proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we investigate the effect of mycolactone on the Sec61-dependent biogenesis of different classes of transmembrane protein (TMP). Our data suggest that the effect of mycolactone on TMP biogenesis depends on how the nascent chain initially engages the Sec61 complex. For example, the translocation of TMP lumenal domains driven by an N-terminal cleavable signal sequence is efficiently inhibited by mycolactone. In contrast, the effect of mycolactone on protein translocation that is driven solely by a non-cleavable signal anchor/transmembrane domain depends on which flanking region is translocated. For example, while translocation of the region N-terminal to a signal anchor/transmembrane domain is refractive to mycolactone, C-terminal translocation is efficiently inhibited. Our findings highlight the diversity of Sec61-dependent translocation and provide a molecular basis for understanding the effect of mycolactone on the biogenesis of different TMPs.
The Adverse Effect of Information on Governance and Leverage
Authors: Laux Christian , Lóránth Gyöngyi , Morrison Alan D. 
Published: February 2017

We study the effect that internal information systems have on a firm’s leverage and corporate governance choices. Information systems lower governance costs by facilitating more targeted interventions. But they also generate asymmetric information between firms and their investors. As a result, firms may attempt to signal their superior quality by assuming more leverage. In some circumstances, this can reduce governance incentives and result in inferior outcomes. Investors anticipate this effect, and it renders information systems inefficient. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2599 . This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Information Provision Policies for Improving Farmer Welfare in Developing Countries: Heterogeneous Farmers and Market Selection
Authors: Liao Chen-Nan , Chen Ying-Ju , Tang Christopher S. 
Published: February 2017

We examine the impact of information provision policies on farmer welfare in developing countries where farmers lack relevant and timely information for making informed decisions regarding which crop to grow and which market to sell in. In addition to heterogeneous farmers, we consider the case when farmers are price takers and yet the price of each crop (or the price in each market) is a linearly decreasing function of the total sales quantity. When market information is offered free of charge, we show that (a) providing information is always beneficial to farmers at the individual level and (b) providing information to all farmers may not be welfare maximizing at the aggregate level. To maximize farmer welfare, it is optimal to provide information to a targeted group of farmers who are located far from either markets. However, to overcome perceived unfairness among farmers, we show that the government should provide information to all farmers at a nominal fee so that the farmers will adopt the intended optimal provision policy willingly. We extend our analysis to examine different issues including information leakage, social welfare, precision of market information, and information dissemination via a for-profit company.This paper has been accepted for the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Special Issue on Value Chain Innovations in Developing Economies.
Augmenting home exercise programmes in multiple sclerosis with ‘exercise buddies’: A pilot study
Authors: Toomey Elaine , Coote Susan 
Published: February 2017

Background: Non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis comprise 25% of the multiple sclerosis population. Literature reviews show insufficient evidence exists regarding physiotherapy for this population. A qualitative study suggested benefits from ‘exercise buddies’, who were paid carers delivering a physiotherapy home exercise programme. Aims: To explore the feasibility and effects of ‘exercise buddies’ for non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Twenty-nine non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis (age range: 43–72) were randomised to 10 weeks of ‘usual care’ or the ‘exercise buddy’ intervention. People with multiple sclerosis were assessed with the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 and the Guys Neurological Disability Scale pre- and post-intervention. Their informal caregivers (12 male, 16 female, aged 21–68) completed the Adult Carer Quality of Life questionnaire. Findings: Using analysis of covariance to adjust for pre-intervention scores, there was no significant differences between groups after treatment on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 physical (P=0.395), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 psychological (P=0.176) or Guys Neurological Disability Scale (P=0.177). The Adult Carer Quality of Life was also not significantly different between groups post-treatment (P=0.432). Using paired t-tests, the exercise buddy group improved significantly from baseline on the two components of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (physical: P=0.024; psychological: P=0.009), which was not seen in the usual care group. Conclusions: This pilot study found no significant between group differences post-treatment. However, good feasibility and significant positive changes from baseline for the exercise buddy group warrant further exploratory work, in addition to a cost analysis.
Investigation of Vacuum and Steam Treatments to Heat Treat and Sanitize Firewood-Grade Ash Logs and Ash Firewood
Authors: Chen Zhangjing , White Marshall , Qiu Zengchu 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The goal of this project was to investigate the efficacy of vacuum–steam technology to sanitize low-quality ash logs and ash firewood. It is difficult to heat treat logs and firewood because of the relatively large cross-sectional dimension. Compared with hot air, steam has a greater heat capacity, and the condensation, without reducing the moisture content of wood, results in more efficient heat transfer. Also, the pressure gradient created by the vacuum accelerates heat transfer through the wood cross section. The vacuum–steam system consists of a vacuum source, a controlling device, a flexible container, and a steam generator. The white ash logs and firewood were harvested in Montgomery, Virginia. Ash log diameters ranged from 16.5 to 27.9 cm on the small end. The logs were cut into lengths of 1.82 m. After the vacuum was drawn to 300 or 500 mm Hg inside the container, steam was injected into the container. The steaming continued until 56°C was reached at the center of the lengths. The treatment time for all the logs varied from 5.5 to 14.5 hours, including a vacuum and a holding time of 30 minutes. The 1.82-m logs were cut into 40.6-cm-long bolts and then split into firewood, rarely larger than 15.2 cm on the wider side. The treatment time for firewood varied from 80 to 137 minutes, including a vacuum and a holding time at 56°C for 30 minutes at the core. There is no effect on quality, and the process can be tailored to different treatment capacities and is easily portable.
A Computerized Family Planning Counseling Aid: A Pilot Study Evaluation of Smart Choices
Authors: Koo Helen P. , Wilson Ellen K. , Minnis Alexandra M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCONTEXTResource constraints may make it challenging for family planning clinics to provide comprehensive contraceptive counseling; technological tools that help providers follow recommended practices without straining resources merit evaluation.METHODSA pilot study using a two‐group, posttest‐only experimental design evaluated Smart Choices, a computer‐based tool designed to help providers offer more patient‐centered counseling and enable patients to participate proactively in the counseling session. In two North Carolina family planning clinics, 214 women received usual counseling in March–May 2013, and 126 women used Smart Choices in May–July 2013. Exit interviews provided data for the evaluation. Multivariate Poisson and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine group differences in counseling outcomes.RESULTSThree of 12 hypotheses tested were supported: Compared with controls, women in the intervention group knew more contraceptive methods (adjusted mean, 11.1 vs. 10.7); discussed more topics related to sexual health during counseling (1.2 vs. 0.9 among those reporting any discussion); and rated counseling as more patient‐centered, an indication of how well they felt providers understood their family planning circumstances and ideas (3.9 vs. 3.7 on a scale of 1–4). Contrary to another hypothesis, controls were more likely than women in the intervention group to choose IUDs and implants.CONCLUSIONSComputerized counseling aids like Smart Choices are in an early stage of development. Future research is warranted to develop tools that lead to more productive and individualized clinic visits and, ultimately, to more effective contraceptive use and reduced levels of unintended pregnancy.
Ensino e aprendizagem de línguas mediado por computador: conectando teoria e prática em um jogo
Authors: Dos Reis Suzana Cristina , De Souza Rosangela Segala , Gomes Adilson Fernandes 
Published: February 2017

Este artigo reporta a experiência de construção de materiais digitais para um curso de língua inglesa mediado por computador, utilizando ambientes virtuais de ensino-aprendizagem e simuladores de mundos virtuais para propor atividades em LI. Os resultados sugerem que a construção de materiais digitais, bem como os desafios que envolvem articular conhecimentos interdisciplinares exigem a formação de uma equipe multidisciplinar que seja capaz de articular pressupostos teórico-metodológicos sobre ensino de linguagem e jogos sérios, bem como conhecimentos tecnológicos para garantir o desenvolvimento do projeto em andamento.
Broiler health status has a major negative impact on broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter spp. in Lithuania
Authors: Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė Viktorija , Šernienė Loreta , Vismantaitė Vaida , Malakauskas Mindaugas , Kudirkienė Eglė 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for Campylobacter infection in broiler flocks in Lithuania. Each broiler flock was tested for the contamination with Campylobacter spp., and various broiler farm, flock and abattoir as well as the weather-associated characteristics were analysed using the statistical package SPSS. Study revealed that 59.3% of the examined broiler flocks were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Statistical analysis revealed that broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter was abattoir- and farm-dependent. Among a number of risk factors (e.g. the number of broiler houses at the farm, the type of ventilation system, the presence of the anteroom and boot security, etc.) identified, two broiler health-associated characteristics: (i) broiler age and (ii) the average weight per bird at abattoir had the highest impact on the increased prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers. According to our results broiler health status has a major negative effect on broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter. Thus, it needs to be considered when improving control of Campylobacter spp. in broilers.
Can roosters′ head ornaments serve as a criterion for their selection as a valuable reproducers?
Authors: Łukaszewicz Ewa , Bagińska Paulina , Lasoń Martyna 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIt is widely practiced that before mating the roosters are selected as reproducers mainly on the basis of head ornaments appearance. Relationship between males secondary sexual traits (comb and wattles) with testes size, as all of them are testosterone-dependent traits, were examined. Measurements of head ornaments and testes from two broiler breeder lines and two laying lines of chicken were correlated. The value of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits was also measured. Positive correlations were found for head ornaments and testes weight in one of broiler breeder lines. No correlations were found for males of laying lines. The degree of FA did not differ between lines, except for FA of wattle length, which was higher (P≤0.05) for one of the broiler lines. Results obtained indicated that head ornaments cannot be used as the only criterion for rooster selection as reproducers.
Effect of PRID-Delta devices associated with shortened estrus synchronization protocols on estrous response and fertility in dairy cows
Authors: López-Helguera Irene , López-Gatius Fernando , Garcia-Ispierto Irina , Serrano-Perez Beatriz , Colazo Marcos G. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of a once-used progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (PRID) associated with four different shortened P4-based estrus synchronization (ES) protocols on estrous response (ER) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in cyclic and acyclic lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=465) were randomly assigned to one of the following protocols: 1) 2PGG, cows were given a PRID-Delta and 100 μg GnRH i.m. at PRID insertion (day 0). The PRID was left for 5 d, and 25 mg of dinoprost (PGF2α) i.m. given twice at PRID removal and 24 h later; 2) 2PGGe, same treatments as 2PGG plus 500 IU of eCG i.m. at PRID removal; 3) 2PGe, same treatments as 2PGGe, except GnRH was not given at PRID insertion; 4) PGe, same treatments as 2PGe, except PGF was only given at PRID removal. A total of 258 cows received a new PRID-Delta containing 1.55 g of P4, whereas 207 cows received a once-used PRID. Estrus was determined from P4 device removal until 96 h after using an automated heat detection system. Cows in estrus were given a second GnRH at AI and those without signs of estrus by 96 h after PRID removal were given GnRH and timed-AI (TA I). All inseminations were performed by one technician with commercially available frozen-thawed semen. Ultrasonography was performed at initiation of protocol and 28-34 days post AI to determine cyclicity and pregnancy status, respectively. Cows receiving once-used P4 devices had greater ER than cows receiving a new device (59.9 vs. 50.0; P=0.029), but P/AI did not differ between P4 devices, respectively (P>0.1; 40.6 vs 40.7%). Cyclic cows were less likely to display estrus than acyclic cows by a factor of 0.66 (P=0.036). Cows subjected to the 2PGe (2.41; P<0.01) protocol were more likely to display estrus than cows subjected to the 2PGG, whereas cows subjected to the PGe protocol did not differ (0.94; P=0.8) from those in the 2PGG group. Despite differences in ER, neither cyclicity nor estrus synchronization protocol affected P/AI (overall 40.6%). In summary, cyclic cows, those given a new P4 device and those subjected to either 2PGG or PGe protocol had reduced ER. However, all the factors examined had no significant effect on P/AI. All the estrus synchronization protocols resulted in acceptable fertility.
Perspective Ground-based Method for Diagnostics of the Lower Ionosphere and the Neutral Atmosphere
Authors: Bakhmetieva N. V. , Grigoriev G. I. , Tolmacheva A. V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe present a new perspective ground-based method for diagnostics of the ionosphere and atmosphere parameters. The method uses one of the numerous physical phenomena observed in the ionosphere illuminated by high-power radio waves. It is a generation of the artificial periodic irregularities (APIs) in the ionospheric plasma. The APIs were found while studying the effects of ionospheric high-power HF modification. It was established that the APIs are formed by a standing wave that occurs due to interference between the upwardly radiated radio wave and its reflection off the ionosphere. The API studies are based upon observation of the Bragg backscatter of the pulsed probe radio wave from the artificial periodic structure. Bragg backscatter occurs if the spatial period of the irregularities is equal to half a wavelength of the probe signal. The API techniques makes it possible to obtain the following information: the profiles of electron density from the lower D-region up to the maximum of the F-layer; the irregular structure of the ionosphere including split of the regular E-layer, the sporadic layers; the vertical velocities in the D- and E-regions of the ionosphere; the turbulent velocities, turbulent diffusion coefficients and the turbopause altitude; the neutral temperatures and densities at the E-region altitudes; the parameters of the internal gravity waves and their spectral characteristics; the relative concentration of negative oxygen ions in the D-region. Some new results obtained by the API technique are discussed.
The Multifractal Structure of Small-Scale Artificial Ionospheric Turbulence
Authors: Vybornov F. I. , Rakhlin A. V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe present the results of investigation of a multifractal structure of the artificial ionospheric turbulence when the midlatitude ionosphere is affected by high-power radio waves. The experimental studies were performed on the basis of the SURA heating facility with the help of radio sounding of the disturbed region of ionospheric plasma by signals from the Earth’s orbital satellities. In the case of vertical radio sounding of the disturbed ionosphere region, the measured multipower and generalized multifractal spectra of turbulence coincide well with similar multifractal characteristics of the ionosperic turbulence under the natural conditions. In the case of oblique sounding of the disturbance region at small angles between the line of sight to the satellite and the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, a nonuniform structure of the small-scale turbulence with a relatively narrow multipower spectrum and small variations in the generalized multifractal spectrum of the electron density was detected.
Structural Parameters of Star Clusters: Stochastic Effects
Authors: Narbutis D. , Stonkutė R. , de Meulenaer P. , Mineikis T. , Vansevičius V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStochasticity of bright stars introduces uncertainty and bias into derived structural parameters of star clusters. We have simulated a grid of cluster V-band images, observed with the Subaru Suprime-Cam, with age, mass and size representing a cluster population in the M31 galaxy and derived their structural parameters by fitting King model to the surface brightness distribution. We have found that clusters less massive than 104M⊙ show significant uncertainty in their core and tidal radii for all ages, while clusters younger than 10 Myr have their sizes systematically underestimated for all masses. This emphasizes the importance of stochastic simulations to assess the true uncertainty of structural parameters in studies of semi-resolved and unresolved clusters.
Angular Momentum in Dwarf Galaxies
Authors: Del Popolo A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We study the “angular momentum catastrophe” in the framework of interaction among baryons and dark matter through dynamical friction. By means of Del Popolo (2009) model we simulate 14 galaxies similar to those investigated by van den Bosch, Burkert and Swaters (2001), and calculate the distribution of their spin parameters and the angular momenta. Our model gives the angular momentum distribution which is in agreement with the van den Bosch et al. observations. Our result shows that the “angular momentum catastrophe” can be naturally solved in a model that takes into account the baryonic physics and the exchange of energy and angular momentum between the baryonic clumps and dark matter through dynamical friction.
A Tale on Two Close Binaries in Pegasus
Authors: Şenavcı H. V. , Yılmaz M. , Baştürk Ö. , Özavcı İ. , Çalışkan Ş. , Kılıçoğlu T. , Tezcan C. T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe present the simultaneous light and radial velocity curve analysis of two contact binaries in Pegasus using the Wilson-Devinney code. The following absolute astrophysical parameters are determined: masses, radii and effective temperatures. BB Peg is a W-subtype W UMa-type binary, components of which are main sequence stars with 0.50
Stochastic 2-D Galaxy disk Evolution Models. Resolved Stellar Populations in the Galaxy M33
Authors: Mineikis T. , Vansevičius V. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We improved the stochastic 2-D galaxy disk models (Mineikis & Vansevičius 2014a) by introducing enriched gas outflows from galaxies and synthetic color-magnitude diagrams of stellar populations. To test the models, we use the HST/ACS stellar photometry data in four fields located along the major axis of the galaxy M33 (Williams et al. 2009) and demonstrate the potential of the models to derive 2-D star formation histories in the resolved disk galaxies.
Details of the Spatial Structure and Kinematics of the Castor and Ursa Major Streams
Authors: Vereshchagin S. V. , Chupina N. V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA list of the Castor stream members is compiled based on the data from various authors. The membership probabilities for some stars are revised based on the individual apex, multiplicity, observational errors, and peculiarity. The apex of the Castor moving group is determined using the apex diagram method. The parameters of the Castor and Ursa Major streams are compared and the positions of the two streams on the apex diagram are found to differ by 225°, implying that the two groups move in almost opposite directions. Stars of both moving groups are intermixed in space, the Castor stream occupies a smaller volume than the UMa stream and is located inside it. Our results can be useful for understanding the morphology of the Galactic disk in the Sun’s vicinity.
Modern Conception of the Mission of Architecture in Architectural Theory and Practice
Authors: Staniūnas Eugenijus 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The article aims to analyse the contemporary conception of mission of architecture. The analysis is done by comparing the conception with principles of rationally organised activity, first of all clarity. The analysis revealed that the description of the mission is unclear and there are logical contradictions between the general definition and elaborated details of it. Two different “philosophies” govern architecture – the theoretically declared one and the one that is used in practice. It was concluded that there is a need for the modernisation of paradigm of architecture.
Conceptual and Theoretical Basis of Integration of Elements of Different Time Periods in the Historic Environment of Small Towns
Authors: Zapunna Ievgeniia 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The article refers to the means of harmonious combination of elements of different time periods and space-planning of environment, improvement and revival of memorable architectural heritage of urban environment, creation of comfortable living conditions etc. The formation of such means is based on the development of conceptual and theoretical model of integration process. Thus, the aim of the paper – is to identify effective approaches to regeneration of historical environment of small Ukrainian towns.