bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spot Dynamics in a Reaction-Diffusion Model of Plant Root Hair Initiation
Authors: Avitabile Daniele , Breña-Medina Victor F. , Ward Michael J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe study pattern formation in a 2-D reaction-diffusion (RD) sub-cellular model characterizing the effect of a spatial gradient of a plant hormone distribution on a family of G-proteins associated with root-hair (RH) initiation in the plant cellArabidopsis thaliana. The activation of these G-proteins, known as the Rho of Plants (ROPs), by the plant hormone auxin, is known to promote certain protuberances on root hair cells, which are crucial for both anchorage and the uptake of nutrients from the soil. Our mathematical model for the activation of ROPs by the auxin gradient is an extension of the model of Payne and Grierson [PLoS ONE,12(4), (2009)], and consists of a two-component Schnakenberg-type RD system with spatially heterogeneous coefficients on a 2-D domain. The nonlinear kinetics in this RD system model the nonlinear interactions between the active and inactive forms of ROPs. By using a singular perturbation analysis to study 2-D localized spatial patterns of active ROPs, it is shown that the spatial variations in the nonlinear reaction kinetics, due to the auxin gradient, lead to a slow spatial alignment of the localized regions of active ROPs along the longitudinal midline of the plant cell. Numerical bifurcation analysis, together with time-dependent numerical simulations of the RD system are used to illustrate both 2-D localized patterns in the model, and the spatial alignment of localized structures.
Reflections on the Canadian Government in competitive intelligence – programs and impacts
Authors: Calof Jonathan 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to present a categorization scheme and use it to classify Canadian Government (federal and provincial) competitive intelligence (CI) programs and to also look at the impact of these programs on sectoral and regional economic development.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the author’s 25 years of experience designing, running, and studying Canadian Government CI programs, a classification scheme to classify these programs has been developed and used. Also, by using program review information, this paper looks at evidence for program impact on regional and sectoral economic development.

Findings
This paper identifies a broad range of federal and provincially sponsored CI programs aimed at helping both government officers and those outside the department make better decisions. The review identified several roles that the government can play in using CI: creator of CI (both for their own purposes and also for helping Canadian companies), CI environment skills builder (helping Canadian companies develop skills in developing their own CI) and CI partner (working jointly with Canadian companies in developing CI). While there have not been many formal program reviews of the CI programs sponsored by Canadian Government departments and agencies, anecdotal evidence (from training program participant evaluations) and a comprehensive review of a small community CI-based economic development program support positive sectoral and regional economic development results arising from these programs.

Practical implications
CI programs can be used as part of a government’s regional and sectoral economic development approach. CI can be used to assist with decision-making both within and outside the government. This paper identifies several different kinds of programs that can be used to further a government’s economic development agenda.

Originality/value
There are very few articles that examine how governments have helped companies to develop CI and how they have used CI, and none has looked at the impact of these on regional and sectoral economic development. This paper, based on the author’s experiences, provides a view of the Canadian programs and their impact on regional/sectoral economic development.
High-probability and wild-card scenarios for future crimes and terror attacks using the Internet of Things
Authors: Tzezana Roey 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to thinking and creating scenarios about future crimes and terror attacks relying on the Internet of Things (IoT), and to present a crowdsourcing research based on this thinking, which resulted in both high- and low-probability scenarios with dramatic impact.

Design/methodology/approach
The research relies on general morphological analysis for deconstructing wicked problems into core components, and on crowdsourcing 50 experts on Wikistrat’s commercial platform, allowing them to suggest core components, rank them by importance and develop scenarios together. This methodology allowed a wider view than usual, and allowed the experts to examine unorthodox combination of components, leading to the creation of wild-card scenarios.

Findings
Analysis of both the core components and the resulting scenarios indicates that the IoT is set to have a dramatic role in crime and terror attacks in the near future. High-impact high-probability scenarios include attacks on power plants, cyber wallets and personal assistants. High-impact low-probability scenarios include terrorist attacks by environmentalist groups, accidental attacks conducted by immature pranksters and having a computer worm propagating in a low-security but critical facility like a hospital.

Originality/value
This paper brings a standardized method which can be used to examine complex events like crime and terror attacks using a disruptive and emerging technology. The results can be used by practitioners to further study the issue and develop many other scenarios more tailored to their needs. The scenarios presented in this paper can also be of value to security bodies who wish to be better prepared for the future.
Determinants of the level of foreign subsidiaries’ localization of Korean MNCs and performance in China
Authors: Kim Byoung-Goo , Kim Gyu-Bae 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze what effects the headquarters’ (HQ) business strategy and corporate culture, the local network embeddedness of the foreign subsidiary, and HQ-subsidiary communication have on the staff localization of foreign subsidiaries. The authors carry out empirical analysis on how localization of foreign subsidiaries ultimately affects the performance of foreign subsidiaries.Design/methodology/approachThis study is an empirical analysis on the determinants of staff localization and the relationship between staff localization and corporate performance. In this study, the five hypotheses were proposed and tested using survey data. The authors randomly selected a total of 800 companies as subjects and conducted a survey. The final 222 survey data including HQs and subsidiaries were used for empirical analysis. The statistical analyses such as reliability test, factor analysis and regression were used.FindingsThis study shows that there was a higher level of staff localization by the foreign subsidiary when the investment goal was market-oriented investment, the Korean foreign subsidiary had stronger local network embeddedness and there was better HQ-subsidiary communication. In addition, the relationship between localization and subsidiary performance shows an inverted U-shape. Such results will give various implications to companies.Originality/valueThe research that takes a multilayered consideration on factors of the HQ, subsidiaries, and the HQ-subsidiary relationship is rare. To overcome such limitations, this study carried out a survey in order to find more in-depth decision factors. Specifically, this study analyzed the effects of three large aspects of investment goals and corporate culture from the aspect of the HQ, local network embeddedness from the aspect of foreign subsidiaries, and the level of HQ-subsidiary communication from the aspect of HQ-subsidiary relations, and how they affect staff localization.
Oxidative status and fitness components in the Seychelles warbler
Authors: van de Crommenacker Janske , Hammers Martijn , van der Woude Jildou , Louter Marina , Santema Peter , Richardson David S. , Komdeur Jan 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Oxidative damage, caused by reactive oxygen species during aerobic respiration, is thought to be an important mediator of life‐history trade‐offs. To mitigate oxidative damage, antioxidant defence mechanisms are deployed, often at the cost of resource allocation to other body functions. Both reduced resource allocation to body functions and direct oxidative damage may decrease individual fitness, through reducing survival and/or reproductive output.

The oxidative costs of reproduction have gained much attention recently, but few studies have investigated the long‐term consequences of oxidative damage on survival and (future) reproductive output under natural conditions.

Using a wild population of the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we tested the prediction that high levels of reactive oxygen species, or high antioxidant investments to avoid oxidative damage, have fitness consequences because they reduce survival and/or reproductive output.

We found that individuals with higher circulating non‐enzymatic antioxidant capacity had a lower probability of surviving until the next year. However, neither current reproductive output, nor future reproductive output in the surviving individuals, was associated with circulating non‐enzymatic antioxidant capacity or oxidative damage.

The negative relationship between antioxidant capacity and survival that we observed concurs with the findings of an extensive comparative study on birds, however the mechanisms underlying this association remain to be resolved.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Association of genetic polymorphisms of claudin‐1 with small vessel vascular dementia
Authors: Srinivasan Vivek , Braidy Nady , Xu Ying Hua , Xie Peter , Kancherla Kiran , Chandramohan Sashiruben , Chan Eunice Kar Wing , Chan Daniel KY 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe most recent hypothesis of the development of small vessel vascular dementia (VaD) emphasises the role of blood‐brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. It is hypothesised that certain genetic polymorphisms of the BBB tight junction claudin‐1 protein, in combination with adverse environmental risk factors, increase the risk of BBB dysfunction and small vessel VaD. In this case‐control study, 97 control participants, with a mean Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of 29.1, and 38 VaD participants were recruited and completed a questionnaire on their medical history and lifestyle factors. Blood was also collected and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs17501010 and rs893051 of claudin‐1 genotyping, were analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. A significantly higher frequency of all rs893051 SNP genotypes (GC and CC) was found in the VaD population (OR=4.8, P=0.006 and OR=6, P<0.001 respectively). Patients with TT genotype of rs17501010 were also more likely to have VaD (OR=3.25, P=0.022). Stratification analysis revealed that having combined haplotype GC+CC of rs893051 and lipid disorders was associated with higher risk of VaD (OR=9.9, P<0.001). For patients with type 2 diabetes the odds ratio of VaD increased significantly in GC+CC genotypes of rs893051 (OR=12.57, P<0.0001) and GT+TT of rs17501010 (OR=5.33, P=0.01).
Bridging the enduring gender gap in political interest in Europe: The relevance of promoting gender equality
Authors: FRAILE MARTA , GOMEZ RAUL 
Published: March 2017

AbstractNotwithstanding the improvement in gender equality in political power and resources in European democracies, this study shows that, on average, declared interest in politics is 16 per cent lower for women than for men in Europe. This gap remains even after controlling for differences in men's and women's educational attainment, material and cognitive resources. Drawing on the newly developed European Institute for Gender Equality's (EIGE) Gender Equality Index (GEI) and on the European Social Survey (ESS) fifth wave, we show that promoting gender equality contributes towards narrowing the magnitude of the differences in political interest between men and women. However, this effect appears to be conditioned by the age of citizens. More specifically, findings show that in Europe gender‐friendly policies contribute to bridging the gender gap in political engagement only during adulthood, suggesting that childhood socialisation is more strongly affected by traditional family values than by policies promoting gender equality. In contrast, feminising social citizenship does make a difference by reducing the situational disadvantages traditionally faced by women within the family and in society for middle‐aged people and older.
Division of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle intestine with molecular markers is slightly different from the morphological and histological observation
Authors: ZHANG Zuobing , SONG Ruxin , XING Xiao , WANG Lan , NIU Cuijuan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Chinese soft‐shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a commercially important species in Asian countries. Knowledge of its nutritional requirements and physiology is essential for determining the appropriate content of the feed for this animal. However, the lack of functional characterization of the intestine of this turtle limits the understanding of its absorption and utilization of nutritional materials. To solve this problem, this work utilized anatomical and histological methods to characterize 9 segments sampled along the anterior–posterior axis of the intestine. Furthermore, 9 genes, which have been well documented in the intestine division of mammals and fish, were employed to functionally characterize the 9 sampled segments. Our results suggest that regions covering from the starting site to S3 (position at 29.9% of the total length from the starting of the intestine) are the equivalent of mammalian dedumonen, and those covering S4 (40.2%) and S5 (65.4%), posterior to S8 (92.7%), are the equivalent of the mammalian ileum and the large intestine, respectively. As to the region spaning S6 (81.3%) and S7 (87.3%), its functional equivalent (small intestine or large intestine) may be variable and depends on the functional genes. This molecular characterization in relation to the division of the intestine of Chinese soft‐shelled turtle may contribute to the understanding of the nutritional physiology of the turtle, and promote Chinese soft‐shelled turtle production.
The Effect of Buckwheat Hull Extract on Lipid Oxidation in Frozen‐Stored Meat Products
Authors: Hęś Marzanna , Szwengiel Artur , Dziedzic Krzysztof , Le Thanh‐Blicharz Joanna , Kmiecik Dominik , Górecka Danuta 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of antioxidants on lipid stability of frozen‐stored meat products. Buckwheat hull extract was used to enrich fried meatballs made from ground pork. During 180‐d storage of meat products, lipid oxidation (peroxide and 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS] value) was periodically monitored. The results were compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The addition of antioxidants decreased lipid oxidation in stored meatballs. The highest ability to control peroxide and TBARS values was demonstrated for buckwheat hull extract. Moreover, buckwheat hull extract showed a higher 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity as well as higher Fe(II) ion chelating ability, as compared with BHT. The total content of phenolic compounds are highly correlated to the individual polyphenols in extract of buckwheat hull, among which the following were assayed: 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, isovanillic acid and p‐coumaric acid, and flavonoids: isoorientin, quercetin, quercetin 3‐d‐glucoside, rutin, and vitexin. These results indicate that plant extracts can be used to prolong shelf life of products by protecting them against lipid oxidation and deterioration of their nutritional quality.
Ethanol, TLR3, and TLR4 Agonists Have Unique Innate Immune Responses in Neuron‐Like SH‐SY5Y and Microglia‐Like BV2
Authors: Lawrimore Colleen J. , Crews Fulton T. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) consumption leads to an increase of proinflammatory signaling via activation of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) such as TLR3 and TLR4 that leads to kinase activation (ERK1/2, p38, TBK1), transcription factor activation (NFκB, IRF3), and increased transcription of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. This immune signaling cascade is thought to play a role in neurodegeneration and alcohol use disorders. While microglia are considered to be the primary macrophage in brain, it is unclear what if any role neurons play in EtOH‐induced proinflammatory signaling.MethodsMicroglia‐like BV2 and retinoic acid‐differentiated neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y were treated with TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C), TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or EtOH for 10 or 30 minutes to examine proinflammatory immune signaling kinase and transcription factor activation using Western blot, and for 24 hours to examine induction of proinflammatory gene mRNA using RT‐PCR.ResultsIn BV2, both LPS and Poly(I:C) increased p‐ERK1/2, p‐p38, and p‐NFκB by 30 minutes, whereas EtOH decreased p‐ERK1/2 and increased p‐IRF3. LPS, Poly(I:C), and EtOH all increased TNF‐α and IL‐1β mRNA, and EtOH further increased TLR2, 7, 8, and MD‐2 mRNA in BV2. In SH‐SY5Y, LPS had no effect on kinase or proinflammatory gene expression. However, Poly(I:C) increased p‐p38 and p‐IRF3, and increased expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, while EtOH increased p‐p38, p‐IRF3, p‐TBK1, and p‐NFκB while decreasing p‐ERK1/2 and increasing expression of TLR3, 7, 8, and RAGE mRNA. HMGB1, a TLR agonist, was induced by LPS in BV2 and by EtOH in both cell types. EtOH was more potent at inducing proinflammatory gene mRNA in SH‐SY5Y compared with BV2.ConclusionsThese results support a novel and unique mechanism of EtOH, TLR3, and TLR4 signaling in neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y and microglia‐like BV2 that likely contributes to the complexity of brain neuroimmune signaling.
A cis‐eQTL in OPRM1 is Associated with Subjective Response to Alcohol and Alcohol Use
Authors: Otto Jacqueline M. , Gizer Ian R. , Deak Joseph D. , Fleming Kimberly A. , Bartholow Bruce D. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundA functional polymorphism within the μ‐opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene, rs1799971 (A118G), previously has been associated with measures of alcohol use and sensitivity to its effects, but findings have been inconclusive. A recent study suggested that a second nearby variant within OPRM1, rs3778150, is robustly associated with heroin dependence and fully explained a smaller observed association with rs1799971. Given evidence that the rs3778150‐C allele is associated with decreased OPRM1 expression levels in the human brain, the current study sought to test the hypothesis that rs3778150 represents a causal variant within OPRM1 that increases risk for a variety of alcohol use phenotypes.MethodsParticipants with genotype and phenotype data from a larger experimental study (N = 152) were assessed on measures of subjective response to alcohol and alcohol use. Measures included (i) the Self‐Rating of the Effects of Alcohol and the Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire, (ii) the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) and ratings of subjective intoxication, and (iii) average number of drinks per week in the past month.ResultsCompared to rs3778150‐T homozygous individuals, carriers of the rs3778150‐C allele exhibited significantly lower retrospective self‐report levels of alcohol sensitivity. Carriers of the rs3778150‐C allele also exhibited lower levels of BAES alcohol‐related stimulation during an alcohol challenge and reported higher levels of drinking in the last 30 days. With the exception of lower levels of BAES alcohol‐related sedation, the rs1799971 variant did not show consistent significant association with any of the alcohol phenotypes in the presence of rs3778150.ConclusionsResults suggest that rs3778150 may be causally related to alcohol use phenotypes, and could potentially account for previously observed associations of rs1799971 with substance use phenotypes. Future studies may investigate potential causal relations among genetic variants in OPRM1, subjective response to alcohol, and drinking phenotypes to further delineate the effects of rs3778150.
A cross sectional and longitudinal study of endodontic and periapical status in an Australian population
Authors: Timmerman A , Calache H , Parashos P 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThis study describes the cross sectional and longitudinal data of endodontic and periapical status of new patients presenting to a major dental hospital, and assesses the relationships between tooth‐related variables with apical periodontitis.MethodsThe records of 695 patients were randomly selected and the orthopantomograms of these patients up to 31 October 2014 were reviewed by two endodontists. The periapical status of teeth was recorded using the periapical index. The presence and quality of root fillings and coronal restorations were recorded. Statistical analysis included Fleiss’ kappa, Cohen's kappa and logistic regression set at P < 0.05.ResultsOf 695 patient records and 16 936 teeth examined, 138 (19.9%) patients or 284 (1.7%) teeth had root fillings and 179 (25.8%) patients or 325 (1.9%) teeth had apical periodontitis. Root fillings and coronal restorations were adequate in 34.6% and 69.4% teeth, respectively. A large proportion (47%) of teeth with apical periodontitis remained unchanged in subsequent orthopantomograms.ConclusionsThere was lower prevalence of root filled teeth or apical periodontitis in the present study compared with international studies. The frequency of adequate root fillings must be considered unacceptably low. Teeth with apical periodontitis may remain quiescent in the absence of caries or restorative breakdown.
Impacts of terrain attributes on economics and the environment: costs of reducing potential nitrogen pollution in wheat production
Authors: Walters Cory G. , Shumway C. Richard , Huggins David R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe economic cost of achieving desired environmental outcomes from uniform and variable rate fertilizer application technologies depends both on market forces and agronomic properties. Using spatial econometric methods, we analyze the impact of nitrogen fertilizer supply by terrain attribute on the yield and protein content of hard red spring wheat grown in Eastern Washington as well as the impact on residual nitrogen. We find significant association with all three. The economic impact of nitrogen restrictions depends critically on both prices and level of the restriction. Uniform application of nitrogen was found to economically outperform variable rate application, but variable rate application provided positive environmental benefits due to less residual nitrogen.
Work after age 65: A prospective study of Australian men and women
Authors: Majeed Tazeen , Forder Peta M , Tavener Meredith , Vo Kha , Byles Julie 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThis study describes hours in paid work for Australian men and women aged over 65, focusing on associations between work and education.MethodsData were analysed separately for men and women, from baseline and first follow‐up surveys of the 45 and Up Study. Generalised estimating equation models were used to identify associations between work, education and other factors over time.ResultsThe odds of doing paid work increased with higher education level and decreased with time, age, poorer physical function and having health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and breast cancer). Un‐partnered women were more likely to work in later life than partnered women.ConclusionThis study quantifies the importance of education and health factors in determining continued participation of Australian men and women in paid work in later life. These factors need to be considered for policies aiming to increase workforce participation beyond 65 years of age.