bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Incompatibility Arises in a Sequence-Based Bioenergetic Model of Transcription Factor Binding
Authors: Tulchinsky Alexander Y , Johnson Norman A , Watt Ward B , Porter Adam H 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPostzygotic isolation between incipient species results from the accumulation of incompatibilities that arise as a consequence of genetic divergence. When phenotypes are determined by regulatory interactions, hybrid incompatibility can evolve even as a consequence of parallel adaptation in parental populations because interacting genes can produce the same phenotype through incompatible allelic combinations. We explore the evolutionary conditions that promote and constrain hybrid incompatibility in regulatory networks using a bioenergetic model (combining thermodynamics and kinetics) of transcriptional regulation, considering the bioenergetic basis of molecular interactions between transcription factors (TFs) and their binding sites. The bioenergetic parameters consider the free energy of formation of the bond between the TF and its binding site and the availability of TFs in the intracellular environment. Together these determine fractional occupancy of the TF on the promoter site, the degree of subsequent gene expression and in diploids, and the degree of dominance among allelic interactions. This results in a sigmoid genotype–phenotype map and fitness landscape, with the details of the shape determining the degree of bioenergetic evolutionary constraint on hybrid incompatibility. Using individual-based simulations, we subjected two allopatric populations to parallel directional or stabilizing selection. Misregulation of hybrid gene expression occurred under either type of selection, although it evolved faster under directional selection. Under directional selection, the extent of hybrid incompatibility increased with the slope of the genotype–phenotype map near the derived parental expression level. Under stabilizing selection, hybrid incompatibility arose from compensatory mutations and was greater when the bioenergetic properties of the interaction caused the space of nearly neutral genotypes around the stable expression level to be wide. F2’s showed higher hybrid incompatibility than F1’s to the extent that the bioenergetic properties favored dominant regulatory interactions. The present model is a mechanistically explicit case of the Bateson–Dobzhansky–Muller model, connecting environmental selective pressure to hybrid incompatibility through the molecular mechanism of regulatory divergence. The bioenergetic parameters that determine expression represent measurable properties of transcriptional regulation, providing a predictive framework for empirical studies of how phenotypic evolution results in epistatic incompatibility at the molecular level in hybrids.
Thiol Peroxidase Deficiency Leads to Increased Mutational Load and Decreased Fitness in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Kaya Alaattin , Lobanov Alexei V , Gerashchenko Maxim V , Koren Amnon , Fomenko Dmitri E , Koc Ahmet , Gladyshev Vadim N 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Thiol peroxidases are critical enzymes in the redox control of cellular processes that function by reducing low levels of hydroperoxides and regulating redox signaling. These proteins were also shown to regulate genome stability, but how their dysfunction affects the actual mutations in the genome is not known. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has eight thiol peroxidases of glutathione peroxidase and peroxiredoxin families, and the mutant lacking all these genes (∆8) is viable. In this study, we employed two independent ∆8 isolates to analyze the genome-wide mutation spectrum that results from deficiency in these enzymes. Deletion of these genes was accompanied by a dramatic increase in point mutations, many of which clustered in close proximity and scattered throughout the genome, suggesting strong mutational bias. We further subjected multiple lines of wild-type and ∆8 cells to long-term mutation accumulation, followed by genome sequencing and phenotypic characterization. ∆8 lines showed a significant increase in nonrecurrent point mutations and indels. The original ∆8 cells exhibited reduced growth rate and decreased life span, which were further reduced in all ∆8 mutation accumulation lines. Although the mutation spectrum of the two independent isolates was different, similar patterns of gene expression were observed, suggesting the direct contribution of thiol peroxidases to the observed phenotypes. Expression of a single thiol peroxidase could partially restore the growth phenotype of ∆8 cells. This study shows how deficiency in nonessential, yet critical and conserved oxidoreductase function, leads to increased mutational load and decreased fitness.
Plasmid Copy Number Underlies Adaptive Mutability in Bacteria
Authors: Sano Emiko , Maisnier-Patin Sophie , Aboubechara John Paul , Quiñones-Soto Semarhy , Roth John R 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe origin of mutations under selection has been intensively studied using the Cairns-Foster system, in which cells of an Escherichia coli lac mutant are plated on lactose and give rise to 100 Lac+ revertants over several days. These revertants have been attributed variously to stress-induced mutagenesis of nongrowing cells or to selective improvement of preexisting weakly Lac+ cells with no mutagenesis. Most revertant colonies (90%) contain stably Lac+ cells, while others (10%) contain cells with an unstable amplification of the leaky mutant lac allele. Evidence is presented that both stable and unstable Lac+ revertant colonies are initiated by preexisting cells with multiple copies of the F′lac plasmid, which carries the mutant lac allele. The tetracycline analog anhydrotetracycline (AnTc) inhibits growth of cells with multiple copies of the tetA gene. Populations with tetA on their F′lac plasmid include rare cells with an elevated plasmid copy number and multiple copies of both the tetA and lac genes. Pregrowth of such populations with AnTc reduces the number of cells with multiple F′lac copies and consequently the number of Lac+ colonies appearing under selection. Revertant yield is restored rapidly by a few generations of growth without AnTc. We suggest that preexisting cells with multiple F′lac copies divide very little under selection but have enough energy to replicate their F′lac plasmids repeatedly until reversion initiates a stable Lac+ colony. Preexisting cells whose high-copy plasmid includes an internal lac duplication grow under selection and produce an unstable Lac+ colony. In this model, all revertant colonies are initiated by preexisting cells and cannot be stress induced.
Effect of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on D2 Receptors and DAT in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Pryweller Jennifer R 
Published: September 2014

Five adult rhesus monkeys with a history of prenatal cocaine exposure (PNCE) and two saline-exposed control animals were used to optimize positron emission tomography (PET) imaging methods and to gather preliminary data on the effects of PNCE on dopamine systems in the adult non-human primate central nervous system. Dynamic PET scans were performed on each monkey to measure the binding kinetics of PET ligands specific for dopamine D2/D3 receptors ([18F]fallypride) and dopamine transporter ([18F]FECNT). PET scans were coregistered to structural T1-weighted MR images to aid in identification of regions with significant dopamine innervation for tracer kinetic analysis. Brain regions of interest (ROI) included caudate, putamen, substantia nigra and anterior cingulate cortex. Kinetic modeling using a cerebellum reference region was implemented in the PMOD software package to determine ligand binding
potentials for D2/D3 receptors and dopamine transporters (DAT) in each of the ROIs to test whether fallypride and/or FECNT binding potentials, measures of D2/D3 and DAT levels respectively, were influenced by prenatal cocaine exposure. Preliminary results suggest a trend of reduced D2/D3 binding potential with increased PNCE, but future research is necessary.
The Battered Women’s Syndrome: A History and Interpretation of the Law of Self-Defense as it Pertains to Battered Women who Kill their Husbands
Authors: England Christina L 
Published: September 2014

This paper seeks to address the role of the battered women’s syndrome in criminal court cases where battered women have killed their husbands in self-defense. A historical analysis of law pertaining to domestic relationships and violence reveals the male biases imbedded in the law and the obstacles women face in seeking equality and justice in the legal system.
After a brief description of the development of self-defense law and Lenore Walker’s “battered women’s syndrome”, court cases starting mostly from the mid-1970’s during the second wave of the women’s movement are examined. Legal criteria for self-defense are then analyzed along with important precedents that trace the emergence through a series of court cases of legal opportunities to use this psychological condition to support pleas for self-defense. In addition, important precedents are studied that have been made over the past few decades permitting expert witness testimony in the courtroom to explain this psychological theory as it pertains to the case.
The latter part of the paper deals mostly with controversies surrounding the use of the battered women’s syndrome in the courtroom and the current state of self-defense law. I conclude with a proposal for reformation of expert witness testimony and for redefining legal terms in the criteria for self-defense.
OCD: An Analysis of Clinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Modern Society
Authors: Ma Michael Yiran 
Published: September 2014

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, known as OCD in short, is a relatively recent psychological phenomena that has begun to demand an increasing amount of attention and focus from medical and psychiatric institutions due to higher rates of clinical diagnosis. While estimates of OCD sufferers range from less than 1% to more than 5% of the total population, symptoms of OCD are commonly found within a significant percentage of all individuals at one point or another of their lives.
This paper attempts to examine the current research that has been conducted of OCD and to examine released statistical data for any emerging patterns of diagnosis. This paper also attempts to clear up any current myths about OCD as portrayed by either the media or pop culture. The importance of research on OCD to our society is also mentioned within the paper, as well as potential root causes of the disorder. Finally, a prescriptive section dealing with possible effective treatment techniques and methods is detailed at the end of the paper.
Measuring Radial Velocities of Low Mass Eclipsing Binaries
Authors: Rattray Rebecca E , Hebb Leslie , Stassun Keivan G 
Published: September 2014

Due to the complex nature of the spectra of low-mass M type stars, it is difficult to determine their metallicities and temperatures directly. By studying eclipsing binary pairs comprising one F, G, or K type star with an M type star, we are able to use what we know about the primary star to learn more about the secondary star. Measuring the orbital reflex motion of the primary star, together with the eclipse light curve of the M star as it transits the primary star, allows us to determine the mass, radius, temperature, and metallicity of the M star.
We studied 23 low mass eclipsing binaries (EBLMs) previously discovered by SuperWASP photometry. We obtained spectra using the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) SMARTS 1.5-meter echelle spectrograph between June 2009 and January 2011. Each EBLM target was typically observed ~8 times over this time period. The spectra were processed using standard astronomical software, and a cross-correlation method was used to measure the radial velocity of the target star at each observed epoch.
Radial velocities were successfully determined for 21 of the 23 EBLM target objects. Orbital periods, radial velocity amplitudes, and eccentricities for these EBLMs could be determined from these radial velocities together with the preexisting light curves. Using these values and by assuming a mass for the primary star, we will be able to calculate the masses of the secondary M type star in each EBLM system.
What is the literary function of the motherhood motif in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy?
Authors: Monk Steve 
Published: September 2014

This research paper examines the literary function of the motherhood motif in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy. The paper analyzes the presentation of the major characters in the novel and their relation to motherhood. A Mercy is a multi-layered, imagery-laden novel containing hidden themes and social commentary. Analyzation of the motherhood motif reveals the subtle societal comments Morrison makes in the novel. The complex motherhood motif fuels the characterization of two of the main characters in the novel, Jacob and Florens. In addition, its multi-perspective nature comments on the influence of stereotypes and discrimination in society.
The scope of the investigation includes the opinion of Toni Morrison critics and interviews with Morrison. Thus, my critical analysis can be synthesized with Morrison’s own opinion of her own works as well as the opinion of literary critics.
Antihypertensive Treatment and Kidney Function in Routine Practice in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Results of the Prospective "The Scythian" Trial in Ukraine
Authors: Ivanov Dmitri D , Mankovsky Boris N 
Published: September 2014

Background :
Hypertension, albuminuria and decreased GFR are regarded as independent risk factors that reflect progression of the diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We carried out second phase of prospective study which aim was to learn the possibility of implementation of intensive antihypertensive therapy into the routine clinical practice and assessment of such treatment influence on kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods :
In the study 637 patients were included with DKD and arterial hypertension with BP level more than 130/80 mmHg and less than 1800 mmHg, having chronic kidneys disease (CKD) 1-4. As a basis for intensive antihypertensive treatment fixed combination of perindopril 5 mg and indapamide 1.25 mg were prescribed. If needed, after 4 weeks the dosage was increased up to perindopril 10 mg/ indapamide 2.5 mg to achieve targeted BP less that 130/80 mmHg. If targeted BP had not been achieved other antihypertensive preparations were added.

Results :
After 4 weeks of treatment average levels of systolic and diastolic BP were 141.3±0.5 and 86.3±0.3, after 8 weeks of therapy – 131.6±0.4 and 81.3±0.3 mmHg, and after 12 weeks of treatment –127.2±0.3 and 78.7±0.2 mmHg respectively. Target BP was achieved in 489 patients (73.3%) during 12 weeks of treatment. Statistically significant increase of GFR as a result of 12 weeks of antihypertensive therapy with fixed perindopril/indapamide combination was found to be between 84.3±1.1 and 94.7±1.1 ml/min./1,73m2, р<0.01.

Conclusion :
Antihypertensive therapy with fixed combination of perindopril 5-10 mg/indapamide 1.25-2.5 mg introduced into routine clinical practice of T2DM patients’ treatment, is effective for BP reduction, achievement of its targeted values and resulted in statistically significant trend to kidney function improvement.
The Raz Bladder Suspensions: Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence:
10 Years Personal Experience
Authors: Agatstein Ernest H , Raz Shlomo 
Published: September 2014

Introduction :
We report on one surgeon’s clinical experience with the 2 and 4 corner Raz bladder suspension performed for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (alone or associated with cystocoele repair) in a consecutive patient cohort between 2003 and 2012 reporting short and longer term results.

Materials and Methods :
We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent a 2 or 4 corner Raz bladder suspension by one surgeon (EHA ) to treat stress urinary incontinence over a period of time from Jan 1 2003 -Sept
2012. 3 month and longer term outcomes was determined by patient self assessment including validated questionnaires.

Results :
98.7% of 82 patients reported no stress incontinence at 3 months Longer term follow-up was available on 48 (65%) patients. Of those lost to follow up, 8 were deceased. Mean age was 66.1 years. Mean follow up was 48.2 months (range 4-111months). 21 of the 48 (44%)patients were beyond 48 months. 41 of 48 (85%) patients were either delighted, pleased or mostly satisfied. 42 of 48 patients (87.5 %) had 50 % or more improvement. Pad use of 2.6 decreased to 0.9 pads with P value less than 0.0001.

Conclusion :
The Raz bladder suspension has good short and longer term results in relieving stress incontinence in addition to low morbidity and lower costs without the use of any mesh product.
The IASB and ASBJ Conceptual Frameworks: Same Objective, Different Financial Performance Concepts
Authors: van Mourik Carien , Katsuo Yuko 
Published: September 2014

SYNOPSIS
This paper illustrates that, despite their general agreement on the decision-usefulness objective of general purpose financial reporting, the Accounting Standard Board of Japan (ASBJ) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)'s conceptual frameworks are based on two different concepts of financial performance. By identifying and contrasting the two financial performance concepts and their impact on the rest of the frameworks and by explaining the thinking that underpins the ASBJ's chosen financial performance concept, it contributes to a debate about the role of financial performance concepts in fulfilling the decision-usefulness objective. Such a debate is pertinent to the revision of the IASB's Conceptual Framework, which is scheduled for completion in 2015.
Audit Quality and the Market Value of Cash Holdings: The Case of Office-Level Auditor Industry Specialization
Authors: Kim Jeong-Bon , Lee Jay Junghun , Park Jong Chool 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARY
This study investigates the monitoring role of high-quality auditors defined as office-level industry specialists in the stock market valuation of cash assets. We find that the market value of cash holdings is significantly higher for the client of an industry specialist auditor. The marginal value of cash is 34 cents higher for the client of a joint-industry specialist at both the national and city levels than for the client of a nonspecialist. We also find that cash holdings are more closely associated with capital investment and the market value of capital investment is significantly higher when the auditor is a joint-industry specialist. Moreover, we find that the value of cash increases significantly when the client changes its auditor to a joint-industry specialist. Our findings hold even after controlling for the client's governance efficacy and financial reporting quality. Our results provide new insight into the mechanism through which high-quality audits affect firm value: External audits facilitate shareholders' monitoring over managerial cash expenditures, thereby leading market participants to attach a higher value to cash holdings.
On the Operational Reality of Auditors' Independence: Lessons from the Field
Authors: Guénin-Paracini Henri , Malsch Bertrand , Tremblay Marie-Soleil 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARY
Auditor independence, which has certainly been one of the most addressed topics in auditing literature, is a complex and ambiguous construct that can be analyzed along two dimensions. The first dimension, organizational independence, relates to auditors' willingness to act in accordance with professional standards and to report errors found during the audit. The second dimension, operational independence, relates to auditors' capability to work diligently and effectively in order to detect material anomalies. Surprisingly, “much of the debate has [so far] focused on the former,” while the latter has remained largely “under-discussed” (Power 1999, 132), if not ignored. In this paper, based on ethnographic data and semi-structured interviews, we examine the realities of auditors' operational independence and discuss the practical and theoretical implications of our findings. Our evidence suggests that auditors' operational independence is both unsettled in practice and impossible to achieve through institutional measures alone. This view may challenge orthodox and regulatory conceptions of audit, but the smooth conduct of an audit engagement largely depends on the auditees' desire to cooperate. In order to arouse and maintain this desire, audit team members resort to a number of relational strategies that aim at securing their capability to work with diligence and efficacy, but that can also undermine their willingness to take enforcement action when necessary. Audit, therefore, appears to be a complex balancing act between capability and willingness. Ultimately, it is shown that because official arrangements designed to guarantee operational independence are unlikely to be effective, the reality of auditor independence remains highly uncertain and needs to be constantly negotiated and renegotiated in the field.
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa ligand, OPG, and IGF-I expression during orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption in the recombinant human growth hormone–treated rats
Authors: Hu Yajun , Liu Wentao , Liu Zhijian , Kuang Wenying , He Hong 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate the effects of growth hormone (GH) on local receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa ligand (RANKL), OPG, and IGF-I expression during orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption in rats.

Materials and Methods:
Forty Wistar rats (gender: male; age: 7 weeks) were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. A force of 50 g was applied to move the right upper first molars mesially. The experimental and control groups received daily subcutaneous injections of recombinant human growth hormone (GH; 2 mg/kg) and equivalent volumes of saline, respectively. The rats were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Micro–computed tomography–reconstructed images of the upper right first molars were used to survey root resorption and tooth movement. Horizontal sections of the maxillae were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and immunohistochemical staining.

Results:
Resorption lacunae appeared on the compressed side of the distal buccal root of the right first molar on days 7 and 14. Compared with the control groups, GH-treated groups showed more RANKL-positive cells and osteoclasts on day 3 and more OPG- and IGF-I–positive cells and fewer odontoclasts on days 7 and 14. Indexes of root resorption were lower and tooth movement was faster in the GH-treated groups than in the control groups on days 7 and 14.

Conclusions:
The inhibitory effect of GH on root resorption by heavy force might be mediated by RANKL/OPG and IGF-I. Short-term GH administration may be a method with which to reduce root resorption and shorten treatment time, especially in patients who are susceptible to root resorption.
Adaptive Regression and Classification Models with Applications in Insurance
Authors: Jekabsons Gints , Uhanova Marina 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Nowadays, in the insurance industry the use of predictive modeling by means of regression and classification techniques is becoming increasingly important and popular. The success of an insurance company largely depends on the ability to perform such tasks as credibility estimation, determination of insurance premiums, estimation of probability of claim, detecting insurance fraud, managing insurance risk. This paper discusses regression and classification modeling for such types of prediction problems using the method of Adaptive Basis Function Construction