bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mastoid vibration affects dynamic postural control during gait in healthy older adults
Authors: Chien Jung Hung , Mukherjee Mukul , Kent Jenny , Stergiou Nicholas 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVestibular disorders are difficult to diagnose early due to the lack of a systematic assessment. Our previous work has developed a reliable experimental design and the result shows promising results that vestibular sensory input while walking could be affected through mastoid vibration (MV) and changes are in the direction of motion. In the present paper, we wanted to extend this work to older adults and investigate how manipulating sensory input through mastoid vibration (MV) could affect dynamic postural control during walking. Three levels of MV (none, unilateral, and bilateral) applied via vibrating elements placed on the mastoid processes were combined with the Locomotor Sensory Organization Test (LSOT) paradigm to challenge the visual and somatosensory systems. We hypothesized that the MV would affect sway variability during walking in older adults. Our results revealed that MV significantly not only increased the amount of sway variability but also decreased the temporal structure of sway variability only in anterior-posterior direction. Importantly, the bilateral MV stimulation generally produced larger effects than the unilateral. This is an important finding that confirmed our experimental design and the results produced could guide a more reliable screening of vestibular system deterioration.
Physiological performance of the intertidal Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) to long-term daily rhythms of air exposure
Authors: Yin Xuwang , Chen Peng , Chen Hai , Jin Wen , Yan Xiwu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntertidal organisms, especially the sessile species, often experience long-term periodic air exposure during their lives. Learning the biochemical and physiological responses of intertidal organisms to long-term periodic air exposure and the relationship to duration of air exposure provides insight into adaptation to this variably stressful environment. We studied the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, an important species in world aquaculture, as a model to evaluate survival, growth, lipid composition, oxygen consumption, oxidative damage, and antioxidant enzyme activity in relation to the duration of air exposure in a long-term (60 days) laboratory study of varying durations of periodic emersion and re-immersion. Our results show: (1) clams undergoing a longer period of air exposure had lower survival and growth compared to those given a shorter exposure, (2) levels of oxidative damage and activities of antioxidant enzymes were higher in all air exposure treatments, but did not increase with duration of air exposure, and (3) the content of docosahexaenoic acid increased with duration of air exposure. Our results can largely be interpreted in the context of the energy expenditure by the clams caused by aerobic metabolism during the daily cycle of emersion and re-immersion and the roles of docosahexaenoic acid against oxidative stress.
Graphene Oxide Dysregulates Neuroligin/NLG-1-Mediated Molecular Signaling in Interneurons in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen He , Li Huirong , Wang Dayong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) can be potentially used in many medical and industrial fields. Using assay system of Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified the NLG-1/Neuroligin-mediated neuronal signaling dysregulated by GO exposure. In nematodes, GO exposure significantly decreased the expression of NLG-1, a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein. Loss-of-function mutation of nlg-1 gene resulted in a susceptible property of nematodes to GO toxicity. Rescue experiments suggested that NLG-1 could act in AIY interneurons to regulate the response to GO exposure. In the AIY interneurons, PKC-1, a serine/threonine protein kinase C (PKC) protein, was identified as the downstream target for NLG-1 in the regulation of response to GO exposure. LIN-45, a Raf protein in ERK signaling pathway, was further identified as the downstream target for PKC-1 in the regulation of response to GO exposure. Therefore, GO may dysregulate NLG-1-mediated molecular signaling in the interneurons, and a neuronal signaling cascade of NLG-1-PKC-1-LIN-45 was raised to be required for the control of response to GO exposure. More importantly, intestinal RNAi knockdown of daf-16 gene encoding a FOXO transcriptional factor in insulin signaling pathway suppressed the resistant property of nematodes overexpressing NLG-1 to GO toxicity, suggesting the possible link between neuronal NLG-1 signaling and intestinal insulin signaling in the regulation of response to GO exposure.
System for load levelling control and operation of an energy storage system
Authors: Choe Jung‐Muk , Choe Gyu‐Ha , Lai Jih‐Sheng 
Published: January 2017

In this study, the authors propose a feedback control method for energy storage systems for storing electrical energy and for load levelling. The proposed method uses both source and load power feedback, resulting in a fast response with respect to load levelling. To verify the proposed system, a power conditioning system based on the proposed feedback scheme was implemented and tested, in order to show the effectiveness of the scheme with respect to load levelling and energy harvesting. The system involved 60 of 50 W photovoltaic panels and a 20 Ah lithium polymer battery. An office was selected for testing, which was performed over an entire year. The authors obtained the operating profiles and determined the reduction in the daily total energy usage of the consumer as well as the standard deviation in load levelling.
New Insights in the Pathophysiology of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Sacharidou Anastasia , Shaul Philip , Mineo Chieko 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an elevated risk for arterial and venous thrombosis and pregnancy-related morbidity. Since the discovery of the disease in 1980s, numerous studies in cell culture systems, in animal models, and in patient populations have been reported, leading to a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of APS. These studies have determined that circulating autoantibodies, collectively called antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), the majority of which recognize cell surface proteins attached to the plasma membrane phospholipids, play a causal role in the development of the disease. The binding of aPL to the cell surface antigens triggers interaction of the complex with transmembrane receptors to initiate intracellular signaling in critical cell types, including platelets, monocytes, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts. Subsequent alteration of various cell functions results in inflammation, thrombus formation, and pregnancy complications. Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2), a lipoprotein receptor family member, has been implicated as a mediator for aPL actions in platelets and endothelial cells. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule known to exert potent antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic effects. NO insufficiency and oxidative stress have been linked to APS pathogenesis. This review will focus on the recent findings on how apoER2 and dysregulation of NO production contribute to aPL-mediated pathologies in APS.
Design principles for robust vesiculation in clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Hassinger Julian E. , Oster George , Drubin David G. , Rangamani Padmini 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Plasma membrane tension plays an important role in various biological processes. In particular, recent experimental studies have shown that membrane tension inhibits membrane budding processes like clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We have identified a mathematical relationship between the curvature-generating capability of the protein coat and membrane tension that can predict whether the coat alone is sufficient to produce closed buds. Additionally, we show that a combination of increased coat rigidity and applied force from actin polymerization can produce closed buds at high membrane tensions. These findings are general to any membrane-budding process, suggesting that biology has evolved to take advantage of a set of physical design principles to ensure robust vesicle formation across a range of organisms and mechanical environments.
Indicators and standards-based visitor management frameworks in achieving sustainability at cultural heritage sites.
Authors: Alazaizeh M. , Hallo J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter examines possible applications of indicators and standards-based visitor management (VM) frameworks at cultural heritage sites. It is argued that if implemented successfully VM can help to achieve sustainability in heritage tourism. Indicators and standards are suggested as means to identify and negotiate the fine line between the visitor experience and resource protection. To explore the critical elements, opportunities and challenges of using these frameworks for managing visitors at heritage sites, Petra Archaeological Park in Jordan is used as an example.
Tourist behaviour, vandalism and stakeholder responses.
Authors: Bhati A. , Pearce P. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with visitor impacts at tourist attraction sites, exploring tourist behaviours, vandalism and related stakeholder responses. The first section of the chapter clarifies the meaning of the term vandalism in a tourism context, provides a condensed literature review of the costs involved, and discusses the importance of considering a diversity of stakeholder views in managing the outcomes. The main part of the chapter provides empirical data from a South-East Asian context, addressing the way stakeholders view and seek to manage environmental impacts at attractions. Both the seriousness of the problem and methods for controlling environmental site damage are considered. Stakeholders at a total of 22 sites in Singapore and Bangkok were sampled as part of the framework for the research effort. A concluding section of the chapter draws broader and generic conclusions about limiting site damage at such tourist features.
Ambassadors for the Kingdom: evangelical volunteers in Israel as long-term pilgrims.
Authors: Engberg A. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores the boundaries between tourism, volunteer work and pilgrimage. It examines contemporary evangelical Christian volunteer work in Israel as a case of 'long-term pilgrimage' in order to discuss the religious meanings that the volunteers attach to their time in Israel, the practices that they are involved in, and to the place itself. It is argued that what makes it reasonable to conceptualize these volunteer trips as 'pilgrimage' is not found in their engagement with traditional sacred spaces but rather in the seemingly secular ones.
Achaemenid Empire, Tribal Confederations of Southwestern Persia andSeven Families
Authors: Bahadori Ali 
Published: January 2017

For Kamyar AbdiMany tribes lived in southwestern Persia during the Achaemenid period. The region was crucial for the Persian empire in that almost all roads connecting the two capitals of Persepolis and Susa run through it. The policy adopted by the Achaemenids for controlling this tribal region was to establish tribal confederations headed by men loyal to the king such as Madates and Gobryas. The Achaemenid king reinforced these tribal confederations by political marriages. Sisygambis, the mother of Darius III, was presumably an Uxian. This is why she was an ideal person to negotiate with Alexander of Macedon to free the Uxians headed by Madates, also probably an Uxian. Gobryas, the head of the Patischorian tribe, was one of the seven who rebelled against Bardiya/Gaumāta according to the Bisotun inscription and Herodotus. The Persepolis Fortification texts appear to show that the region between modern Bāsht and Ardakān called the Fahliyān region or Shulestān was the territory of this tribe. Irdabama, presumably the daughter of Gobryas born from his marriage with daughter of a local dynast, was married by Darius I in order to maintain Achaemenid control over this tribal region.
Improved resistance to hydrogen embrittlement by tailoring the stability of retained austenite
Authors: Wu Ke , Lu Xiaohui , Zhou Pengwei , Li Wei , Jin Xuejun 
Published: January 2017

The susceptibility of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) in GCr15 bearing steel under two types of heat treatments: quenching and tempering (QT) and pre-quenching and austempering (PQA) were investigated. Results showed that PQA-treated specimen have higher mechanical stability of the retained austenite (RA) compared with QT-treated specimen. The experiment of indentation test and hydrogen bubbles suggested that PQA-treated specimen was less susceptible to hydrogen than the QT-treated sample. Subsequently, hydrogen permeation tests revealed significant differences in diffusion coefficient and the number of hydrogen trapping sites between QT and PQA specimens. It was demonstrated that PQA is an appropriate heat treatment to tailor the stability of the RA and enhances the resistance to HE of GCr15 bearing steel. This paper is part of a thematic issue on Hydrogen in Metallic Alloys
PGS: a dynamic and automated population-based genome structure software
Authors: Hua Nan , Tjong Harianto , Shin Hanjun , Gong Ke , Zhou Xianghong Jasmine , Alber Frank 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTHi-C technologies are widely used to investigate the spatial organization of genomes. However, the structural variability of the genome is a great challenge to interpreting ensemble-averaged Hi-C data, particularly for long-range/interchromosomal interactions. We pioneered a probabilistic approach for generating apopulationof distinct diploid 3D genome structures consistent with all the chromatin-chromatin interaction probabilities from Hi-C experiments. Each structure in the population is a physical model of the genome in 3D. Analysis of these models yields new insights into the causes and the functional properties of the genome’s organization in space and time. We provide a user-friendly software package, called PGS, that runs on local machines and high-performance computing platforms. PGS takes a genome-wide Hi-C contact frequency matrix and produces an ensemble of 3D genome structures entirely consistent with the input. The software automatically generates an analysis report, and also provides tools to extract and analyze the 3D coordinates of specific domains.
Heterogeneity in the tumour size dynamics differentiates Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib and Trametinib in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Mistry Hitesh B. , Orrell David , Eftimie Raluca 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMolecular heterogeneity in tumours leads to variability in drug response both between patients and across lesions within a patient. These sources of variability could be explored through analysis of routinely collected clinical trial imaging data. We applied a mathematical model of tumour growth to analyse both within and between patient variability in tumour size dynamics to clinical data from three drugs, Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib and Trametinib, used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The analysis revealed: 1) existence of homogeneity in drug response and resistance development within a patient; 2) tumour shrinkage rate does not relate to rate of resistance development; 3) Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib, two BRAF inhibitors, have different variability in tumour shrinkage rates. Overall these results show how analysis of the dynamics of individual lesions can shed light on the within and between patient differences in tumour shrinkage and resistance rates, which could be used to gain a macroscopic understanding of tumour heterogeneity.
Tomato immune receptor Ve1 recognizes surface-exposed co-localized N- and C-termini ofVerticillium dahliaeeffector Ave1
Authors: Song Yin , Zhang Zhao , Boshoven Jordi C. , Rovenich Hanna , Seidl Michael F. , Jakše Jernej , Maruthachalam Karunakaran , Liu Chun-Ming , Subbarao Krishna V. , Javornik Branka , Thomma Bart P.H.J. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTEffectors are secreted by plant pathogens to facilitate infection, often through deregulation of host immune responses. During host colonization, race 1 strains of the soil-borne vascular wilt fungusVerticillium dahliaesecrete the effector protein Ave1 that triggers immunity in tomato genotypes that encode the Ve1 immune receptor. Homologs ofV. dahliaeAve1 (VdAve1) are found in plants and in few plant pathogenic microbes, and are differentially recognized by Ve1. However, how VdAve1 is recognized by Ve1 remained unknown. Interestingly, C-terminally affinity-tagged versions of VdAve1 failed to activate Ve1-mediated immunity, suggesting that exposure of the C-terminus of VdAve1 is required for Ve1-mediated recognition. This was confirmed by subsequent analysis of C-terminal deletion mutants, and by domain swap experiments. Although required, only the C-terminus of VdAve1 is not sufficient to activate Ve1-mediated immunity. Intriguingly, a three-dimensional structural model of VdAve1 revealed that the N- and C-termini co-localize on a surface-exposed patch of the VdAve1 protein. Indeed, subsequent analyses of N-terminal deletion mutants confirmed that also the N-terminus of VdAve1 is required to activate Ve1-mediated immunity. Thus, we conclude that a surface-exposed patch of the VdAve1 protein that is composed by co-localized N- and C-termini is recognized by the tomato immune receptor Ve1.
In vivotranslatome profiling reveals early defects in ribosome biology underlying SMA pathogenesis
Authors: Bernabò Paola , Tebaldi Toma , Groen Ewout JN , Lane Fiona M , Perenthaler Elena , Mattedi Francesca , Newbery Helen J , Zhou Haiyan , Zuccotti Paola , Potrich Valentina , Muntoni Francesco , Quattrone Alessandro , Gillingwater Thomas H , Viero Gabriella 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundGenetic alterations impacting on ubiquitously expressed proteins involved in mRNA metabolism often result in neurodegenerative conditions, with increasing evidence suggesting that translational defects can contribute to disease. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by low levels of SMN protein, whose role in disease pathogenesis remains unclear.ResultsBy determining in parallel thein vivotranscriptome and translatome in SMA mice we identified a robust decrease in translational efficiency, arising during early stages of disease. Translational defects affected translation-related transcripts, were cell autonomous, and were fully rescued after treatment with antisense oligonucleotides to restore SMN levels. Defects in translation were accompanied by a decrease in the number of ribosomes in motor neuronsin vivo.ConclusionOur findings suggest that neuronal tissues and cells are particularly sensitive to perturbations in translation during SMA, and identify ribosome biology as an important, yet largely neglected, factor in motor neuron degeneration.
Examining the antecedents and consequences of gratitude
Authors: Fazal E. Hasan Syed , Mortimer Gary , Lings Ian N. , Neale Larry 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
This study aims to propose the emotional response of gratitude as a mediating mechanism to explain the relationship between perceptions of a service organisations’ relationship marketing investments, customer cynicism and reciprocity and overall satisfaction. Further, the study seeks to test the significance of the mediation effects of these constructs on customer overall satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach
Using theories from service marketing and consumer psychology, this study develops and tests a customer gratitude model (CGM). Field surveys based on existing measures were used to elicit data from 1,104 respondents. The measures were validated and subsequently the CGM was tested to establish the veracity if the nomological network presented.

Findings
Results indicate that perceived relationship marketing investment exerted an indirect effect on gratitude through the mediating effect of reciprocity and cynicism. Further, perceived relationship marketing investments impacted overall satisfaction through its mediating effect of gratitude, and gratitude explained the indirect influences of reciprocity and customer cynicism on overall satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to services marketing literature by examining the emergent role of gratitude between customer perceptions of service organisations and pro-organisational attitudes, like overall satisfaction.

Practical implications
This research encourages service organisations to implement relationship-building strategies, beyond that of purely economic benefits, that seek to enhance the emotion of gratitude, which will lead to greater overall customer satisfaction.

Originality/value
Despite emphasising relationship longevity between customers and service organisations, literature has not yet focused on the role of gratitude. The CGM provides valuable insights for further inquiries.
Revitalizing relationship marketing
Authors: Sheth Jagdish 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
The aim of this paper is to review the forces that led to the rise of relationship marketing (RM) and to provide suggestions for how it can overcome its midlife crisis and be revitalized.

Design/methodology/approach
Personal reflections.

Findings
A shift in two dimensions is needed to revitalize RM: from “share of wallet” to “share of heart” as the RM objective and from “managing customer relationships” to “managing contractual or virtual joint ventures with customers” as the process of RM.

Research limitations/implications
The shift to “share of heart” will generate three new RM areas for researchers and practitioners: emotive feedback, purpose-driven RM and the use of social media for developing and nurturing brand communities. For the process shift to take place, companies and customers need to co-create value, collaborate cross functionally and share value.

Originality/value
Going from “share of wallet” to “share of heart” as the objective of RM and from managing customer relationship to joint venturing with customers as a process will revitalize the RM discipline.
The effects of local culture on hospital administration in West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Semiarty Rima , Fanany Rebecca 
Published: January 2017

Purpose
Problems in health-care leadership are serious in West Sumatra, Indonesia, especially in hospitals, which are controlled locally. The purpose of this paper is to present the experience of three hospitals in balancing the conflicting demands of the national health-care system and the traditional model of leadership in the local community.

Design/methodology/approach
Three case studies of the hospital leadership dynamic in West Sumatra were developed from in-depth interviews with directors, senior administrators and a representative selection of employees in various professional categories.

Findings
An analysis of findings shows that traditional views about leadership remain strong in the community and color the expectations of hospital staff. Hospital directors, however, are bound by the modern management practices of the national system. This conflict has intensified since regional autonomy which emphasizes the local culture much more than in the past.

Research limitations/implications
The research was carried out in one Indonesian province and was limited to three hospitals of different types.

Practical implications
The findings elucidate a potential underlying cause of problems in hospital management in Indonesia and may inform culturally appropriate ways of addressing them.

Originality/value
The social and cultural contexts of management have not been rigorously studied in Indonesia. The relationship between local and national culture reported here likely has a similar effect in other parts of the country.