bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relative contribution of natural landscapes and human-mediated factors on the connectivity of a noxious invasive weed
Authors: Alvarado-Serrano Diego F. , Van Etten Megan , Chang Shu-Mei , Baucom Regina S. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTExamining how the landscape may influence gene flow is at the forefront of understanding population differentiation and adaptation. Such understanding is crucial in light of ongoing environmental changes and the elevated risk of ecosystems alteration. In particular, knowledge of how humans may influence the structure of populations is imperative to allow for informed decisions in management and conservation as well as to gain a better understanding of anthropogenic impacts on the interplay between gene flow, genetic drift and selection. Here we use genome-wide molecular markers to characterize the population genetic structure and connectivity ofIpomoea purpurea, a noxious invasive weed. We likewise assess the interaction between natural and human-driven influences on genetic differentiation among populations. Our analyses find that human population density is an important predictor of pairwise population differentiation, suggesting that the agricultural and/or horticultural trade may be involved in maintaining some level of connectivity across distant agricultural fields. Climatic variation appears as an additional predictor of genetic connectivity in this species. We discuss the implications of these results and highlight future research needed to disentangle the mechanistic processes underlying population connectivity of weeds.
Reconciliation or polarization in Islamic bank preference? Socio-political, socio-economic and demographic aspects
Authors: Ergec Etem Hakan , Kaytanci Bengül Gülümser , Toprak Metin 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The reasons for Islamic bank preferences have been extensively covered in the literature where religion has been depicted as a strong factor. In the limited number of accounts on this subject in Turkey, it was found that religiosity is a major factor in the selection of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluates the findings of a major field work performed in the period between March and May 2011 in Eskisehir with the participation of Islamic bank customers. In the study, a sample of 500 respondents was used and a semi-structured survey was conducted.

Findings
According to the findings, religiosity is not the most significant and leading factor in Islamic bank preference; instead, it was found as the fourth most important factor. The study finds that recommendation by friends and relatives is the most significant factor for the people in preferring Islamic banks. The nationalist-conservative people make stronger reference to the religiosity as a factor than the secular-modernist and leftist-social democrat people do. Socioeconomic status is not found as a significant factor in the Islamic bank preference. People in advanced age, men, people with lower income and businessmen/artisan rely on the religiosity in Islamic bank preference as a factor stronger than people from other backgrounds.

Practical implications
In conclusion, it could be said that there is a strong relation of substitution between Islamic banks and conventional banks in Turkey and that the Islamic banks play significant role in inclusion of the people staying out of the banking system due to religious concerns and considerations in the financial system.

Originality/value
It is very comprehensive, both politically and economically, to handle the issue of Islamic banking.
Gratitude in service encounters: implications for building loyalty
Authors: Bock Dora Elizabeth , Folse Judith Anne Garretson , Black William C. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
While research on customer gratitude is gaining momentum, there is an absence of a clear conceptualization and operationalization of the construct. This paper aims to provide a grounded theory definition of customer gratitude, develops and validates a gratitude scale to fully capture the comprehensive definition and assesses the scale in a nomological network with antecedents and consequences.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study and four quantitative studies examine customer gratitude within service encounters.

Findings
Results from all five studies support a three-dimensional definition of customer gratitude that includes affective, behavioral and cognitive dimensions. The quantitative findings show that the three-dimensional gratitude scale offers strong predictive ability of loyalty and relationship continuity and that gratitude maintains its effect on these relational outcomes after assessing other mediating mechanisms (e.g. value).

Research limitations/implications
This research offers an expanded conceptual definition and scale of customer gratitude that conforms to theory and the extant literature. The scale maintains construct validity which is supported in a nomological context of theoretically based antecedents and consequences.

Originality/value
This work advances the emerging gratitude literature by clearly delineating the construct’s domain, measurement and impact on relational outcomes.
Communication and Influencing for ED Professionals: A training programme developed in the emergency department for the emergency department
Authors: Rixon Andrew , Rixon Sascha , Addae‐Bosomprah Hansel , Ding Mingshuang , Bell Anthony 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to develop and pilot a communication and influencing skills training programme that meets ED health professionals' needs at an urban district hospital.MethodsQualitative methods within a participatory action research framework were utilised. An interdisciplinary team guided the programme's design and development. A training needs analysis saw team meetings, interviews, focus groups and observations conducted across the ED. Thematic analysis of the data identified health professionals' communication and influencing challenges. The training needs analysis informed the training programme curriculum's development. The pilot programme involved an interdisciplinary group of seven health professionals across 5 × 2 h sessions over 3 months, followed by a post‐training survey.ResultsFive themes of communication and influencing challenges were identified: participating in effective handovers, involving patients in bedside handovers, effectively communicating with interdepartmental colleagues, asking ED colleagues to do tasks and understanding ED colleagues' roles, expectations and assumptions. Based on these challenges, the formulated RESPECT model (which stands for Relationships, Expectations, Styles, Partnerships, Enquiry, Coaching and Teamwork) informed the training curriculum. The peer coaching model used in the training programme was highly regarded by participants.ConclusionsCommunication and Influencing for ED Professionals™ (Babel Fish Group Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) addresses a gap for communication programmes developed in the ED for the ED. Future research will evaluate the programme's impact in this ED.
Targeting CTLA‐4, PD‐L1 and IDO to modulate immune responses in vitiligo
Authors: Speeckaert Reinhart , van Geel Nanja 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFor decades, an extensive debate is continued on the pathophysiology of vitiligo. Numerous hypotheses have been put forward, and many supported by well‐documented arguments. Regardless of the initiating steps, most experts agree that an immune‐based melanocyte destruction is responsible for the final steps leading to epidermal depigmentation. It is remarkable that currently the only therapeutic approach to counter this phenomenon consists of non‐specific local and systemic immunosuppressants. Immunotherapy for melanoma reveals that targeting factors involved in peripheral tolerance are sufficient to break the natural defense mechanisms to develop skin depigmentations. Therapeutically enhancing these immune checkpoints seems therefore a promising long‐term therapy for vitiligo. In this viewpoint, we propose this strategy as a promising therapeutic option for vitiligo. Several approaches are proposed with a focus on cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4, programmed death ligand‐1 and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase.
Effect of finishing instrumentation using NiTi hand files on volume, surface area and uninstrumented surfaces in C‐shaped root canal systems
Authors: Amoroso‐Silva P. , Alcalde M. P. , Hungaro Duarte M. A. , De‐Deus G. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Freire L. G. , Cavenago B. C. , De Moraes I. G. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the effect of 90°‐oscillatory instrumentation with hand files on several morphological parameters (volume, surface area and uninstrumented surface) in C‐shaped root canals after instrumentation using a single‐file reciprocation system (Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany) and a Self‐Adjusting File System (SAF; ReDent Nova, Ra'anana, Israel).MethodologyTwenty mandibular second molars with C‐shaped canals and C1 canal configurations were divided into two groups (n = 10) and instrumented with Reciproc and SAF instruments. A size 30 NiTi hand K‐file attached to a 90°‐oscillatory motion handpiece was used as final instrumentation in both groups. The specimens were scanned using micro‐computed tomography after all procedures. Volume, surface area increase and uninstrumented root canal surface were analysed using CTAn software (Bruker‐microCT, Kontich, Belgium). Also, the uninstrumented root canal surface was calculated for each canal third. All values were compared between groups using the Mann–Whitney test and within groups using the Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test.ResultsInstrumentation with Reciproc significantly increased canal volume compared with instrumentation with SAF. Additionally, the canal volumes were significantly increased after 90°‐oscillatory instrumentation (between and within group comparison; (P < 0.05)). Regarding the increase in surface area after all instrumentation protocols, statistical analysis only revealed significant differences in the within groups comparison (P < 0.05). Reciproc and SAF instrumentation yielded an uninstrumented root canal surface of 28% and 34%, respectively, which was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Final oscillatory instrumentation significantly reduced the uninstrumented root canal surface from 28% to 9% (Reciproc) and from 34% to 15% (SAF; P < 0.05). The apical and middle thirds exhibited larger uninstrumented root canal surfaces after the first instrumentation that was significantly reduced after oscillatory instrumentation (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe Reciproc and SAF system were associated with similar morphological parameters after instrumentation of mandibular second molars with C‐shaped canals except for a higher canal volume increase in the Reciproc group compared to the SAF. Furthermore, the final use of 90°‐oscillatory instrumentation using NiTi hand files significantly decreased the uninstrumented canal walls that remained after Reciproc and SAF instrumentation.
Commentary: Objective aids for the assessment of ADHD – further clarification of what FDA approval for marketing means and why NEBA might help clinicians. A response to Arns et al. (2016)
Authors: Stein Mark A. , Snyder Steven M. , Rugino Thomas A. , Hornig Mady 
Published: May 2016

Neuropsychiatric EEG‐Based ADHD Assessment Aid (NEBA) is an EEG‐based device designed to aid in the diagnostic process for ADHD by identifying individuals less likely to have ADHD by virtue of a lower theta/beta ratio. In using NEBA as an example, the Arns et al. commentary misstates the purpose of NEBA, which is to widen the differential rather than to make the diagnosis. Arns et al. caution about missing an ADHD diagnosis, but fail to mention the impact of overdiagnosis. If we are to advance our knowledge of the etiology and pathophysiology of ADHD, as well as develop tailored treatments and ultimately improve outcomes for ADHD, then biomarkers and objective assessment aids such as NEBA are needed to improve and refine diagnostic accuracy beyond symptom description and clinical history.
Democracy, Tolerance, Aquinas
Authors: Bowlin John R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDemocracy is more than a collection of institutions, laws, and freely contested sources of authority. It is also an ideal. If we think of this ideal in republican terms, in terms of resistance to domination through the practices of mutual accountability, and if we recall that democratic life invariably comes with loss, then those of us who inhabit a democratic political society will need to locate, and then cultivate, responses to loss that do not undermine our commitment to this ideal. Tolerance, one such response, is widely recognized and yet poorly theorized. Thomas Aquinas did not recognize it, but he did praise and endorse its act, toleration, and he does offer resources for bringing the virtue into focus and identifying some of the distinguishing features of its democratic variant.
On the Role of Agent‐based Modeling in the Theory of Development Economics
Authors: Chávez‐Juárez Florian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this article I discuss the potential role of agent‐based modeling techniques in development economics. Development economics has recently seen a strong rise of experimental evidence from the field and the laboratory. At the same time, there is a debate on how theory should adapt to this new approach and its findings. I argue in this paper that the agent‐based modeling approach is a promising complement to the traditional modeling techniques, as it can easily incorporate the non‐standard findings of the experimental literature. Moreover, I emphasize the opportunity of a mutually beneficial interplay between experiment‐based empirical research and agent‐based models.
Teaching Students as Shapers of the Traditions that Shape Them
Authors: Kirkpatrick Shane 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAn undergraduate liberal arts education can help students be not simply shaped by tradition but also shapers of tradition. Specifically, undergraduate theological education, aimed at ministry preparation in a liberal arts setting, can seek to graduate students who are responsible shapers of the traditions that shape them, that is, who are tradents. The work of a tradent involves active engagement that requires skills and capacities well beyond simply passing on the past formulations of a tradition. The pedagogical question, then, is how to engage in undergraduate theological education if this image of the tradent is what we have in mind for our students. Three aspects of this image can serve as pervasive or recurrent themes across the structure of a major or program. One aspect is the interpretive nature of the tradent's work, a second is facility with traditions, and a third is the creative, constructive work of thinking theologically. Whatever particular traditions characterize a department's context, the image of students as tradents can help focus pedagogical reflection on the department's work: teaching students as shapers of the traditions that shape them.
Improved Sensitivity of a Dual-Target HIV-1 Qualitative Test for Plasma and Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Templer Stefanie P. , Seiverth Britta , Baum Paul , Stevens Wendy , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Carmona Sergio 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

The use of nucleic acid detection for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) detection is strongly recommended in infants <18 months of age, in whom serology is unreliable. This study evaluated the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qualitative Test v2.0 (TaqMan HIV-1 Qual Test, v2.0), a dual-target total nucleic acid real-time PCR assay. The limit of detection (LOD) of the new test in plasma and dried blood spots (DBS) was determined with the 2nd International HIV-1 RNA WHO standard. The specificity of the assay was tested with EDTA plasma (
n
= 1,301) and DBS from HIV-negative adults (
n
= 1,000). The sensitivity was determined using HIV-1-positive samples (
n
= 169 adult EDTA plasma,
n
= 172 adult DBS, and
n
= 100 infant DBS) that included group M, subtypes A to H, CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG, and groups O and N. All positive specimens and a subset of the negative specimens were also tested with the Abbott RealTi
m
e HIV-1 Qual assay (RealTi
m
e). The LOD of the TaqMan assay was 20 copies/ml in plasma and 300 copies/ml in DBS, with specificities of 99.8% in plasma and 99.9% in DBS. The TaqMan assay results were 100% concordant with RealTi
m
e results in EDTA plasma samples and in 100 HIV-1-negative adult DBS. Among 172 HIV-1-positive DBS from adults, the TaqMan assay showed positive results for all DBS while RealTi
m
e missed five DBS with low target concentrations. Infant DBS results were 100% concordant. The improved sensitivity of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qualitative Test, v2.0, compared to current commercially available assays may enable earlier diagnosis and treatment in adults and infants. The dual-target test may ensure HIV-1 detection even if a mutation is present in one of the two target regions. The DBS sample matrix facilitates virological testing in remote areas.
Stability of HIV Frameshift Site RNA Correlates with Frameshift Efficiency and Decreased Virus Infectivity
Authors: Garcia-Miranda Pablo , Becker Jordan T. , Benner Bayleigh E. , Blume Alexander , Sherer Nathan M. , Butcher Samuel E. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication is strongly dependent upon a programmed ribosomal frameshift. Here we investigate the relationships between the thermodynamic stability of the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) RNA frameshift site stem-loop, frameshift efficiency, and infectivity, using pseudotyped HIV-1 and HEK293T cells. The data reveal a strong correlation between frameshift efficiency and local, but not overall, RNA thermodynamic stability. Mutations that modestly increase the local stability of the frameshift site RNA stem-loop structure increase frameshift efficiency 2-fold to 3-fold in cells. Thus, frameshift efficiency is determined by the strength of the thermodynamic barrier encountered by the ribosome. These data agree with previous
in vitro
measurements, suggesting that there are no virus- or host-specific factors that modulate frameshifting. The data also indicate that there are no sequence-specific requirements for the frameshift site stem-loop. A linear correlation between Gag-polymerase (Gag-Pol) levels in cells and levels in virions supports the idea of a stochastic virion assembly mechanism. We further demonstrate that the surrounding genomic RNA secondary structure influences frameshift efficiency and that a mutation that commonly arises in response to protease inhibitor therapy creates a functional but inefficient secondary slippery site. Finally, HIV-1 mutants with enhanced frameshift efficiencies are significantly less infectious, suggesting that compounds that increase frameshift efficiency by as little as 2-fold may be effective at suppressing HIV-1 replication.

IMPORTANCE
HIV, like many retroviruses, utilizes a −1 programmed ribosomal frameshift to generate viral enzymes in the form of a Gag-Pol polyprotein precursor. Thus, frameshifting is essential for viral replication. Here, we utilized a panel of mutant HIV strains to demonstrate that in cells, frameshifting efficiency is correlated with the stability of the local thermodynamic barrier to ribosomal translocation. Increasing the stability of the frameshift site RNA increases the frameshift efficiency 2-fold to 3-fold. Mutant viruses with increased frameshift efficiencies have significantly reduced infectivity. These data suggest that this effect might be exploited in the development of novel antiviral strategies.
Functional Incompatibility between the Generic NF-κB Motif and a Subtype-Specific Sp1III Element Drives the Formation of the HIV-1 Subtype C Viral Promoter
Authors: Verma Anjali , Rajagopalan Pavithra , Lotke Rishikesh , Varghese Rebu , Selvam Deepak , Kundu Tapas K. , Ranga Udaykumar 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Of the various genetic subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), only in subtype C of HIV-1 is a genetically variant NF-κB binding site found at the core of the viral promoter in association with a subtype-specific Sp1III motif. How the subtype-associated variations in the core transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) influence gene expression from the viral promoter has not been examined previously. Using panels of infectious viral molecular clones, we demonstrate that subtype-specific NF-κB and Sp1III motifs have evolved for optimal gene expression, and neither of the motifs can be replaced by a corresponding TFBS variant. The variant NF-κB motif binds NF-κB with an affinity 2-fold higher than that of the generic NF-κB site. Importantly, in the context of an infectious virus, the subtype-specific Sp1III motif demonstrates a profound loss of function in association with the generic NF-κB motif. An additional substitution of the Sp1III motif fully restores viral replication, suggesting that the subtype C-specific Sp1III has evolved to function with the variant, but not generic, NF-κB motif. A change of only two base pairs in the central NF-κB motif completely suppresses viral transcription from the provirus and converts the promoter into heterochromatin refractory to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induction. The present work represents the first demonstration of functional incompatibility between an otherwise functional NF-κB motif and a unique Sp1 site in the context of an HIV-1 promoter. Our work provides important leads as to the evolution of the HIV-1 subtype C viral promoter with relevance for gene expression regulation and viral latency.

IMPORTANCE
Subtype-specific genetic variations provide a powerful tool to examine how these variations offer a replication advantage to specific viral subtypes, if any. Only in subtype C of HIV-1 are two genetically distinct transcription factor binding sites positioned at the most critical location of the viral promoter. Since a single promoter regulates viral gene expression, the promoter variations can play a critical role in determining the replication fitness of the viral strains. Our work for the first time provides a scientific explanation for the presence of a unique NF-κB binding motif in subtype C, a major HIV-1 genetic family responsible for half of the global HIV-1 infections. The results offer compelling evidence that the subtype C viral promoter not only is stronger but also is endowed with a qualitative gain-of-function advantage. The genetically variant NF-κB and the Sp1III motifs may be respond differently to specific cell signal pathways, and these mechanisms must be examined.