bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering of a conditional allele reveals multiple roles of XRN2 in Caenorhabditis elegans development and substrate specificity in microRNA turnover
Authors: Miki Takashi S. , Rüegger Stefan , Gaidatzis Dimos , Stadler Michael B. , Großhans Helge 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Although XRN2 proteins are highly conserved eukaryotic 5′→3′ exonucleases, little is known about their function in animals. Here, we characterize Caenorhabditis elegans XRN2, which we find to be a broadly and constitutively expressed nuclear protein. An xrn-2 null mutation or loss of XRN2 catalytic activity causes a molting defect and early larval arrest. However, by generating a conditionally mutant xrn-2ts strain de novo through an approach that may be also applicable to other genes of interest, we reveal further functions in fertility, during embryogenesis and during additional larval stages. Consistent with the known role of XRN2 in controlling microRNA (miRNA) levels, we can demonstrate that loss of XRN2 activity stabilizes some rapidly decaying miRNAs. Surprisingly, however, other miRNAs continue to decay rapidly in xrn-2ts animals. Thus, XRN2 has unanticipated miRNA specificity in vivo, and its diverse developmental functions may relate to distinct substrates. Finally, our global analysis of miRNA stability during larval stage 1 reveals that miRNA passenger strands (miR*s) are substantially less stable than guide strands (miRs), supporting the notion that the former are mostly byproducts of biogenesis rather than a less abundant functional species.
Why model assumptions matter for natural resource management: interactions between model structure and life histories in fishery models
Authors: Hoshino Eriko , Milner‐Gulland E.J. , Hillary Richard M. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Bioeconomic models are increasingly used to provide benchmarks for harvest levels in wildlife and natural resource management, yet uncertainties related to model structure are underexplored. We investigate the importance of a range of uncertainties with a focus on model structure and life histories when estimating bioeconomic target reference point (TRPs) and assess the policy implications of ignoring these uncertainties.

We use three contrasting case studies to investigate the interactions between model, observational and process errors related to life‐history parameters: the short‐lived Japanese common squid Todarodes pacificus and Pacific saury Cololabis saira, and the slow‐growing Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides. We developed a simulation framework to test the harvest strategies resulting from bioeconomic TRPs under various assumptions about model structures and parameters.

We found the relative importance of different types of uncertainties affecting precision and accuracy of the model outputs varied according to the life‐history traits. Little difference in TRP estimates was found between simple vs. complex population models for saury, while large differences were found for toothfish. The assumptions made about stock structure for squid not only resulted in different TRP estimates (generally, smaller for the multistock models), but also different economic outcomes depending on the balance of effort allocation between stocks.

Synthesis and applications. We use models similar to those used in the actual management of three case study species to explore the effects of interacting uncertainties on the management advice. We show that the interactions between structural elements of the models lead to very different management advice, depending on the life history of the species concerned. For the long‐lived toothfish, life‐history and gear selectivity parameters interacted strongly. For the short‐lived squid which is managed as two stocks, spatial fishing effort allocation, correlation of environmental drivers between stocks and differential stock productivity interacted, producing very poor economic performance if assumptions about stock structure are incorrect. The key message for model‐based natural resource management is that it is vital to investigate the major uncertainties related to model structure, process and estimation errors simultaneously, because they interact to produce non‐intuitive results.
Evidence of distinct pathways for bacterial degradation of the steroid compound cholate suggests the potential for metabolic interactions by interspecies cross‐feeding
Authors: Holert Johannes , Yücel Onur , Suvekbala Vemparthan , Kulić Žarko , Möller Heiko , Philipp Bodo 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe distribution and the metabolic pathways of bacteria degrading steroid compounds released by eukaryotic organisms were investigated using the bile salt cholate as model substrate. Cholate‐degrading bacteria could be readily isolated from freshwater environments. All isolated strains transiently released steroid degradation intermediates into culture supernatants before their further degradation. Cholate degradation could be initiated via two different reaction sequences. Most strains degraded cholate via a reaction sequence known from the model organism Pseudomonas sp. strain Chol1 releasing intermediates with a 3‐keto‐Δ1,4‐diene structure of the steroid skeleton. The actinobacterium Dietzia sp. strain Chol2 degraded cholate via a different and yet unexplored reaction sequence releasing intermediates with a 3‐keto‐Δ4,6‐diene‐7‐deoxy structure of the steroid skeleton such as 3,12‐dioxo‐4,6‐choldienoic acid (DOCDA). Using DOCDA as substrate, two Alphaproteobacteria, strains Chol10–11, were isolated that produced the same cholate degradation intermediates as strain Chol2. With DOCDA as substrate for Pseudomonas sp. strain Chol1 only the side chain was degraded while the ring system was transformed into novel steroid compounds accumulating as dead‐end metabolites. These metabolites could be degraded by the DOCDA‐producing strains Chol10–11. These results indicate that bacteria with potentially different pathways for cholate degradation coexist in natural habitats and may interact via interspecies cross‐feeding.
Presuming the influence of the media: teenagers' constructions of gender identity through sexual/romantic relationships and alcohol consumption
Authors: Hartley Jane E K , Wight Daniel , Hunt Kate 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUsing empirical data from group discussions and in‐depth interviews with 13 to 15‐year olds in Scotland, this study explores how teenagers’ alcohol drinking and sexual/romantic relationships were shaped by their quest for appropriate gendered identities. In this, they acknowledged the influence of the media, but primarily in relation to others, not to themselves, thereby supporting Milkie's ‘presumed media influence’ theory. Media portrayals of romantic/sexual relationships appeared to influence teenagers’ constructions of gender‐appropriate sexual behaviour more than did media portrayals of drinking behaviour, perhaps because the teenagers had more firsthand experience of observing drinking than of observing sexual relationships. Presumed media influence may be less influential if one has experience of the behaviour portrayed. Drinking and sexual behaviour were highly interrelated: sexual negotiation and activities were reportedly often accompanied by drinking. For teenagers, being drunk or, importantly, pretending to be drunk, may be a useful way to try out what they perceived to be gender‐appropriate identities. In sum, teenagers’ drinking and sexual/romantic relationships are primary ways in which they do gender and the media's influence on their perceptions of appropriate gendered behaviour is mediated through peer relationships.
A socially situated approach to inform ways to improve health and wellbeing
Authors: Horrocks Christine , Johnson Sally 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMainstream health psychology supports neoliberal notions of health promotion in which self‐management is central. The emphasis is on models that explain behaviour as individually driven and cognitively motivated, with health beliefs framed as the favoured mechanisms to target in order to bring about change to improve health. Utilising understandings exemplified in critical health psychology, we take a more socially situated approach, focusing on practicing health, the rhetoric of modernisation in UK health care and moves toward democratisation. While recognising that within these new ways of working there are opportunities for empowerment and user‐led health care, there are other implications. How these changes link to simplistic cognitive behavioural ideologies of health promotion and rational decision‐making is explored. Utilising two different empirical studies, this article highlights how self‐management and expected compliance with governmental authority in relation to health practices position not only communities that experience multiple disadvantage but also more seemingly privileged social actors. The article presents a challenge to self‐management and informed choice, in which the importance of navigational networks is evident. Because health care can become remote and inaccessible to certain sections of the community, yet pervasive and deterministic for others, we need multiple levels of analysis and different forms of action.
Effect of Risk Information Exposure on Consumers’ Responses to Foods with Insect Contamination
Authors: Kimura Atsushi , Magariyama Yukio , Miyanoshita Akihiro , Imamura Taro , Shichiri Kumiko , Masuda Tomohiro , Wada Yuji 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study explores the impact that scientific information about insect contamination of food has on consumer perceptions. Participants (n = 320, Japanese consumers) were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 information‐type conditions: (1) information about insect type, (2) information about contamination processes, (3) information about the safety of contaminated food, (4, 5, 6) combinations of 2 of (1), (2), and (3) above, (7) all information, and (8) no‐information, and asked to rate their valuation, behavioral intention, and attitude toward food with insect contamination. Results demonstrated that some combinations of scientific information that include the safety of the contaminated food are effective to reduce consumers’ compulsive rejection of insect contamination in food, whereas the single presentation of information about insect type increases consumers’ explicit rejection of both the contaminated product and the manufacturer. These findings have implications for the coordination of risk communication strategies.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy as an Alternative to Determine Dielectric Constant of Potatoes at Various Moisture Contents
Authors: Chee Grace , Rungraeng Natthakan , Han Jung H. , Jun Soojin 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe dielectric (DE) properties, specifically the DE constant (ε′) and loss factor (ε′′), were measured for vacuum‐dried and freeze‐dried potato samples at a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz over a range of different moisture contents (MCs) using a DE probe and also a 2‐probe electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Third‐order polynomial models (ε′ = f1(MC); and ε′′ = f2(MC)) at room temperature were developed for regression analysis. Additionally, at various temperatures (T), biphasic 3rd‐order polynomial models (ε′ = f1(MC, T); and ε′′ = f2(MC, T)) were obtained to determine ε′ and ε′′ as a function of MC and T using measured data. The vacuum‐dried potato sample showed a good fitness of ε′ and ε′′ (R2 = 0.95 and 0.96, respectively) to the regression model with the range of MCs from 18% to 80% (w/w), while the freeze‐dried potato sample showed a good fitness of ε′ and ε′′ to the 1st‐phase regression model with MC < 50% w/w (R2 = 0.95 and 0.96, respectively) and the 2nd‐phase regression model with MC > 50% w/w (R2 = 0.94 to 0.96). EIS measurements were also used to obtain correlation impedances for ε′ and ε′′ determined by the DE probe method. The resulted regression analysis meets the demands for simple, rapid, and accurate assessment for transient values of ε′ and ε′′ of food products during dehydration/drying processes. The EIS method was verified to be a successful alternative to direct measurements of ε′ and ε′′.
Genomic analysis of the differential response to experimental infection with porcine circovirus 2b
Authors: McKnite A. M. , Bundy J. W. , Moural T. W. , Tart J. K. , Johnson T. P. , Jobman E. E. , Barnes S. Y. , Qiu J. K. , Peterson D. A. , Harris S. P. , Rothschild M. F. , Galeota J. A. , Johnson R. K. , Kachman S. D. , Ciobanu D. C. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPorcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the etiological agent of a group of associated diseases (PCVAD) that affect production efficiency and can lead to mortality. Using different crossbred lines of pigs, we analyzed host genetic variation of viral load, immune response and weight change following experimental infection with a PCV2b strain (n = 386). Pigs expressed variation in the magnitude and initiation of viremia and immune response recorded weekly until 28 days post‐infection. A higher viral load was correlated with weight gain (r = −0.26, P < 0.0001) and presence of PCV2‐specific antibodies (IgM, r = 0.26–0.34, P < 0.0001; IgG, r = 0.17–0.20, P < 0.01). In genome‐wide association analyses of the responses at different time points, the proportions of phenotypic variation explained by combined effects of 56 433 SNPs were 34.8–59.4% for viremia, 10.1–59.5% for antibody response and 5.6–14.9% for weight change. Relationships between genomic prediction of overall viral load and weight gain during the first weeks of challenge were negative (−0.21 and −0.24 respectively, P < 0.0001). Individuals that carried more favorable alleles across three SNPs on SSC9 (0.60 Mb) and SSC12 (6.8 and 18.2 Mb) partially explained this relationship, having lower viral load (P < 0.0001); lower viremia at day 14 (P < 0.0001), day 21 (P < 0.01) and day 28 (P < 0.05) and greater overall average daily gain during infection (ADGi; P < 0.01), ADGi at week 3 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.01). These additive genetic relationships could lead to molecular solutions to improve animal health and reduce production costs.
Rhinitis is associated with a greater risk of intermittent claudication in adults
Authors: Ferrari M. , Pesce G. , Marcon A. , Vallerio P. , Fratta Pasini A. M. , de Marco R. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundChronic inflammatory airway disorders have been reported to be associated with vascular diseases of the heart and central nervous system, but their association with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a high‐prevalence vascular illness, has not been investigated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of asthma and rhinitis with intermittent claudication, which is a typical symptom of PAD.MethodsThe data were collected in the gene–environment interaction in respiratory disease survey, a population‐based, multicase–control study. Participants underwent a standardized interview, skin prick tests and pulmonary function tests. The associations between respiratory diseases and intermittent claudication (i.e. pain in the leg during walking that disappears within 10 min when standing still) were estimated through relative risk ratios (RRR) by multinomial logistic regression models.Results1174 subjects (aged 20–64 years, of which 52% were females) underwent clinical examinations and were classified into four groups: asthma only (n = 81), asthma–rhinitis overlap (n = 292), rhinitis only (n = 299) and controls (n = 345). The prevalence of intermittent claudication in these groups was, respectively, 2.5%, 3.4%, 6.4% and 2.3%. After adjusting for smoking habits and a wide range of established and potential vascular risk factors, rhinitis without asthma was associated with intermittent claudication (RRR:4.63, 95% CI:1.72–12.5), whereas no significant association was found with asthma alone (RRR:1.45, 95% CI:0.27–7.76) or asthma–rhinitis overlap (RRR:2.89, 95% CI:0.91–9.18). Atopy did not modify the observed association between intermittent claudication and rhinitis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that rhinitis is associated with PAD, a predictor of future cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events, independently of the presence of atopy.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine following failed chloral hydrate sedation in children
Authors: Li B. L. , Yuen V. M. , Song X. R. , Ye J. , Ni J. , Huang J. X. , Irwin M. G. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryChloral hydrate is the most commonly used sedative for paediatric diagnostic procedures in China with a success rate of around 80%. Intranasal dexmedetomidine is used for rescue sedation in our centre. This prospective investigation evaluated 213 children aged one month to 10 years who were not adequately sedated following administration of chloral hydrate. Children were randomly assigned to receive rescue intranasal dexmedetomidine at 1 μg.kg−1 (group 1), 1.5 μg.kg−1 (group 2) or 2 μg.kg−1 (group 3). The sedation level was assessed every 10 min using a modified observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scale. Successful rescue sedation in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 56 (83.6%), 66 (89.2%) and 51 (96.2%), respectively. Increasing the rescue dose was associated with an increased success rate with an odds ratio of 4.12 (95% CI 1.13–14.98), p = 0.032. We conclude that intranasal dexmedetomidine is effective for sedation in children who do not respond to chloral hydrate.
Force of removal for untunnelled, tunnelled and double‐tunnelled peripheral nerve catheters
Authors: Byrne K. P. A. , Freeman V. Y. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryWe compared the force of extraction for peripheral nerve catheters under three different situations in a porcine model using untunnelled, tunnelled and double‐tunnelled catheters. Following insertion of the catheter into the porcine model, the catheters were either left untunnelled or a single or double tunnel was created for the catheter. The force required to displace the catheter by one centimetre was then measured in each of the three groups. The mean (SD) force required for displacement of the catheter was 0.23 (0.06) N for the untunnelled catheters, 1.16 (0.51) N for the single‐tunnelled catheters, and 4.00 (1.70) N for the double‐tunnelled catheters (p < 0.0001). Tunnelling a peripheral nerve catheter leads to a significant increase in the force required for dislodgement. This is increased further by introducing a second tunnel.
Viral suppression in HIV studies: Combining times to suppression and rebound
Authors: Gouskova Natalia A. , Cole Stephen R. , Eron Joseph J. , Fine Jason P. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIn HIV‐1 clinical trials the interest is often to compare how well treatments suppress the HIV‐1 RNA viral load. The current practice in statistical analysis of such trials is to define a single ad hoc composite event which combines information about both the viral load suppression and the subsequent viral rebound, and then analyze the data using standard univariate survival analysis techniques. The main weakness of this approach is that the results of the analysis can be easily influenced by minor details in the definition of the composite event. We propose a straightforward alternative endpoint based on the probability of being suppressed over time, and suggest that treatment differences be summarized using the restricted mean time a patient spends in the state of viral suppression. A nonparametric analysis is based on methods for multiple endpoint studies. We demonstrate the utility of our analytic strategy using a recent therapeutic trial, in which the protocol specified a primary analysis using a composite endpoint approach.
NON‐RIGID WAGES AND MERGER PROFITABILITY REVERSAL UNDER CONVEX COSTS AND CENTRALIZED UNIONIZATION
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Meccheri Nicola 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTCan a merger from duopoly to monopoly be detrimental for profits? This paper deals with this issue by focusing on the interaction between decreasing returns to labour (which imply firms’ convex costs) and centralized unionization. First, it is highlighted that a wage ‘non‐rigidity’ result applies: the post‐merger wage is higher than in the pre‐merger equilibrium. Second, it is shown that a ‘reversal result’ in relation to merger profitability actually realizes when the union is sufficiently oriented towards wages. Moreover, the higher the reservation wage, the degree of product differentiation, and the union's relative bargaining power, the higher the probability that a merger reduces profits.
A SUPER‐AGENT‐BASED FRAMEWORK FOR REPUTATION MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY FORMATION IN DECENTRALIZED SYSTEMS
Authors: Wang Yao , Zhang Jie , Vassileva Julita 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this article, we propose a novel super‐agent‐based framework for reputation management and community formation in decentralized systems. We describe this framework in the context of Web service selection where agents with more capabilities act as super‐agents. These super‐agents serve as reputation managers to maintain reputation information of services and share the information with other consumer agents that have fewer capabilities than the super‐agents. In addition, super‐agents can maintain communities and build community‐based reputation for a service based on the opinions from all community members that have similar interests and judgement criteria as the super‐agents or the other community members. A practical reward mechanism is also introduced to create incentives for super‐agents to contribute their resources (to maintain reputation and form communities) and provide truthful reputation information. Experimental results obtained through simulation confirm that our approach achieves better effectiveness and scalability compared to the systems that do not use super‐agents and that do not form communities.
Rectus sheath hematoma due to cough in an elderly patient under antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Çoşğun İ. Güven , Ünal Yılmaz , Çetin Mustafa 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsAbdominal rectus sheath hematoma (ARSH) is a rare clinical condition that can be confused with other causes of acute abdomen.MethodsWe report an 83‐year‐old woman receiving antiplatelet medication who presented with ARSH following a cough episode.ResultsThe patient was hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. During hospital stay, sudden onset abdominal pain was developed following a severe cough episode. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed ARSH.DiscussionRectus sheath hematoma is a rare and often misdiagnosed clinical condition. It is important to be considered for the diagnosis.ConclusionARSH should be considered in case of development of acute abdominal pain following cough in receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
IPOP: A Theory of Experience Preference
Authors: Pekarik Andrew J. , Schreiber James B. , Hanemann Nadine , Richmond Kelly , Mogel Barbara 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe theory and practice of IPOP emerged from structured observations and interviews with visitors to the Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, D.C. from the 1990s to the present—a dataset useful in constructing a long view. This research has had one overarching intention: to serve museum visitors better, that is, to provide visitors with experiences that are above average, special, significant, and memorable. In numerous studies and interviews during the last 16 years, visitors have repeatedly spoken about their reactions to Smithsonian museum exhibitions in four typologies distilling their primary interests: I = ideas, P = people, O = objects, and—as we were obliged to add at a later stage—a second P for “physical.” The evidence suggests that exhibitions that strongly appeal to all four visitor typologies will be highly successful with visitors.