bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal fluctuations in ionic concentrations drive microbial succession in a hypersaline lake community
Authors: Podell Sheila , Emerson Joanne B , Jones Claudia M , Ugalde Juan A , Welch Sue , Heidelberg Karla B , Banfield Jillian F , Allen Eric E 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Microbial community succession was examined over a two-year period using spatially and temporally coordinated water chemistry measurements, metagenomic sequencing, phylogenetic binning and de novo metagenomic assembly in the extreme hypersaline habitat of Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia. Relative abundances of Haloquadratum-related sequences were positively correlated with co-varying concentrations of potassium, magnesium and sulfate, but not sodium, chloride or calcium ions, while relative abundances of Halorubrum, Haloarcula, Halonotius, Halobaculum and Salinibacter-related sequences correlated negatively with Haloquadratum and these same ionic factors. Nanohaloarchaea and Halorhabdus-related sequence abundances were inversely correlated with each other, but not other taxonomic groups. These data, along with predicted gene functions from nearly-complete assembled population metagenomes, suggest different ecological phenotypes for Nanohaloarchaea and Halorhabdus-related strains versus other community members. Nucleotide percent G+C compositions were consistently lower in community metagenomic reads from summer versus winter samples. The same seasonal G+C trends were observed within taxonomically binned read subsets from each of seven different genus-level archaeal groups. Relative seasonal abundances were also linked to percent G+C for assembled population genomes. Together, these data suggest that extreme ionic conditions may exert selective pressure on archaeal populations at the level of genomic nucleotide composition, thus contributing to seasonal successional processes. Despite the unavailability of cultured representatives for most of the organisms identified in this study, effective coordination of physical and biological measurements has enabled discovery and quantification of unexpected taxon-specific, environmentally mediated factors influencing microbial community structure.
Elevated levels of extracellular heat-shock protein 72 (eHSP72) are positively correlated with insulin resistancein vivoand cause pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and deathin vitro
Authors: Krause Mauricio , Keane Kevin , Rodrigues-Krause Josianne , Crognale Domenico , Egan Brendan , De Vito Giuseppe , Murphy Colin , Newsholme Philip 
Published: December 2013

eHSP72 (extracellular heat-shock protein 72) is increased in the plasma of both types of diabetes and is positively correlated with inflammatory markers. Since aging is associated with a low-grade inflammation and IR (insulin resistance), we aimed to: (i) analyse the concentration of eHSP72 in elderly people and determine correlation with insulin resistance, and (ii) determine the effects of eHSP72 on β-cell function and viability in human and rodent pancreatic β-cells. Fasting blood samples were collected from 50 older people [27 females and 23 males; 63.4±4.4 years of age; BMI (body mass index)=25.5±2.7 kg/m2]. Plasma samples were analysed for eHSP72, insulin, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α, leptin, adiponectin and cortisol, and glycaemic and lipid profile. In vitro studies were conducted using rodent islets and clonal rat and human pancreatic β-cell lines (BRIN-BD11 and 1.1B4 respectively). Cells/islets were incubated for 24 h with eHSP72 (0, 0.2, 4, 8 and 40 ng/ml). Cell viability was measured using three different methods. The impact of HSP72 on β-cell metabolic status was determined using Seahorse Bioscience XFe96 technology. To assess whether the effects of eHSP72 were mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLR2/TLR4), we co-incubated rodent islets with eHSP72 and the TLR2/TLR4 inhibitor OxPAPC (oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine; 30 μg/ml). We found a positive correlation between plasma eHSP72 and HOMA-IR (homoeostasis model assessment of IR) (r=0.528, P&lt;0.001), TNF-α (r=0.389, P&lt;0.014), cortisol (r=0.348, P&lt;0.03) and leptin/adiponectin (r=0.334, P&lt;0.03). In the in vitro studies, insulin secretion was decreased in an eHSP72 dose-dependent manner in BRIN-BD11 cells (from 257.7±33 to 84.1±10.2 μg/mg of protein per 24 h with 40 ng/ml eHSP72), and in islets in the presence of 40 ng/ml eHSP72 (from 0.48±0.07 to 0.33±0.009 μg/20 islets per 24 h). Similarly, eHSP72 reduced β-cell viability (at least 30% for BRIN-BD11 and 10% for 1.1B4 cells). Bioenergetic studies revealed that eHSP72 altered pancreatic β-cell metabolism. OxPAPC restored insulin secretion in islets incubated with 40 ng/ml eHSP72. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a positive correlation between eHSP72 and IR. In addition, we suggest that chronic eHSP72 exposure may mediate β-cell failure.
Econometric Analysis of Grading Standards: The Ordered Fractional Approach
Authors: Kawasaki Kentaro , Lichtenberg Erik 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe present a method for estimating the quality of production when quality is measured by discrete grades and is thus both ordinal and fractional. Monte Carlo experiments indicate that our method estimates average partial effects of quality determinants more accurately than linear estimators, and provides estimates with low bias even with weak instruments. An application of the model to wheat production in Japan demonstrates the importance of disease control in determining wheat grade. Weather variable coefficients suggest that climate change could actually improve wheat quality in Japan, thereby allowing farmers to reduce fungicide use and other inputs, as well as switch varieties.
forqs: forward-in-time simulation of recombination, quantitative traits and selection
Authors: Kessner Darren , Novembre John 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Summary: forqs is a forward-in-time simulation of recombination, quantitative traits and selection. It was designed to investigate haplotype patterns resulting from scenarios where substantial evolutionary change has taken place in a small number of generations due to recombination and/or selection on polygenic quantitative traits.
Availability and implementation: forqs is implemented as a command-line C++ program. Source code and binary executables for Linux, OSX and Windows are freely available under a permissive BSD license: https://bitbucket.org/dkessner/forqs.
Contact: jnovembre@uchicago.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structure of the mammalian ribosomal pre-termination complex associated with eRF1•eRF3•GDPNP
Authors: des Georges Amédée , Hashem Yaser , Unbehaun Anett , Grassucci Robert A. , Taylor Derek , Hellen Christopher U. T. , Pestova Tatyana V. , Frank Joachim 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Eukaryotic translation termination results from the complex functional interplay between two release factors, eRF1 and eRF3, in which GTP hydrolysis by eRF3 couples codon recognition with peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis by eRF1. Here, we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of pre-termination complexes associated with eRF1•eRF3•GDPNP at 9.7 -Å resolution, which corresponds to the initial pre-GTP hydrolysis stage of factor attachment and stop codon recognition. It reveals the ribosomal positions of eRFs and provides insights into the mechanisms of stop codon recognition and triggering of eRF3’s GTPase activity.
Evidence for G-quadruplex in the promoter of vegfr-2 and its targeting to inhibit tumor angiogenesis
Authors: Salvati Erica , Zizza Pasquale , Rizzo Angela , Iachettini Sara , Cingolani Chiara , D’Angelo Carmen , Porru Manuela , Randazzo Antonio , Pagano Bruno , Novellino Ettore , Pisanu Maria Elena , Stoppacciaro Antonella , Spinella Francesca , Bagnato Anna , Gilson Eric , Leonetti Carlo , Biroccio Annamaria 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is mainly mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a pro-angiogenic factor produced by cancer cells and active on the endothelium through the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Here we identify a G-rich sequence within the proximal promoter region of vegfr-2, able to form an antiparallel G-quadruplex (G4) structure. This G4 structure can be efficiently stabilized by small molecules with the consequent inhibition of vegfr-2 expression. Functionally, the G4-mediated reduction of VEGFR-2 protein causes a switching off of signaling components that, converging on actin cytoskeleton, regulate the cellular events leading to endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. As a result of endothelial cell function impairment, angiogenic process is strongly inhibited by G4 ligands both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the G4-mediated antiangiogenic effect seems to recapitulate that observed by using a specific interference RNA against vegfr-2, and it is strongly antagonized by overexpressing the vegfr-2 gene. In conclusion, we describe the evidence for the existence of G4 in the promoter of vegfr-2, whose expression and function can be markedly inhibited by G4 ligands, thereby revealing a new, and so far undescribed, way to block VEGFR-2 as target for anticancer therapy.
Detection of Pseudarthrosis in Adult Spinal Deformity
Authors: Klineberg Eric , Gupta Munish , McCarthy Ian , Hostin Richard 
Published: December 2013

Study Design:
Single-center, retrospective study of consecutive surgeries.

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of previously published anterior fusion grading systems and assess the ability of health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes to predict pseudarthrosis (PSAR).

Summary of Background Data:
Despite existing radiographic indicators, PSAR may still go unidentified on biplanar radiographs, and little data is available on the reliability of such grading systems in adult spinal deformity patients. As such, there is a need for a practical, noninvasive tool to help identify PSAR.

Methods:
This study included consecutive primary surgical patients with idiopathic or degenerative scoliosis undergoing anterior and posterior correction with instrumentation to the sacrum or pelvis and minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients were grouped into fused (no radiographic or clinical signs of PSAR) and PSAR (known PSAR diagnosed by surgical exploration or thin-cut computed tomography scan at least 1 year after surgery) cohorts. Two-year radiographs were graded by an independent blinded orthopedic deformity surgeon and a neuroradiologist. HRQOL scores [22-item Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)] at 1-year follow-up were analyzed as potential predictors of future PSAR.

Results:
Thirty-four patients with average follow-up of 2.2 years (2–2.5 y) were evaluated. Eight (23.5%) patients had known PSAR consisting of 40 (24.8%) anterior levels. Analysis by independent reviewers incorrectly identified 2 levels as unfused and failed to identify any PSAR levels. The PSAR group had lower average SRS scores in all domains and lower average ODI scores at 1-year postoperatively relative to fused patients. The PSAR group also showed no significant improvement in SRS or ODI scores relative to baseline. In comparison, the fused group showed significant improvement in all domains.

Conclusions:
Standard radiographs are insufficient for identifying PSAR in adult spinal deformity patients. Failure to achieve significant improvement in SRS and ODI should lead the surgeon to suspect PSAR and consider additional investigation.
US foreign aid
Authors: H. Williams James 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of similarities and distinctions between development and educational assistance in the USA as compared with other countries, this paper provides a general review of relevant materials on US foreign aid.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper reviews published books and articles as well as US government budget and Congressional reporting materials and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development statistics.

Findings
– Beginning with the Marshall Plan following Second World War, the USA has always been a leader in foreign aid. In many ways, US development agencies resemble counterparts in other countries – foreign aid is part of larger network of bilateral relationships, funding requests must compete with requests from other sectors, etc. In other ways, the US stands apart. Because of US Congressional reporting requirements and for philosophical reasons, the US has been reluctant to join other countries in provision of budgetary support. The US coordinates its work with host country governments, but generally organizes its activities in project mode, relying largely on US contractors. The US Agency for International Development and the Department of State are the largest US government development agencies. Still, unlike other donors, development funding and technical assistance is provided by up to 25 agencies with relatively little coordination. US foreign aid has always included a security as well as humanitarian and development dimensions. In recent years, as development assistance is increasingly coordinated with diplomacy and defense, the military dimension has been heightened. Perhaps the most original finding is the notion that public and government support of US foreign aid has required both security and development/humanitarian rationales to remain viable.

Originality/value
– The paper brings together information from a range of existing sources, but provides a unique perspective on US foreign aid in education.
Word-of-mouth
Authors: Chong Lim Boon , M.Y. Chung Cindy 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– This research was designed to expand the understanding of how brand familiarity may affect the motivation to process word-of-mouth (WOM) information in brand evaluation. The pre-WOM brand attitude certainty is expected to explain the moderation effect. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Two experiments were conducted. The study participants were undergraduate students from a major university in Singapore. The main statistical analysis was done using a two-way analysis of covariance.

Findings
– The results of Experiments 1 and 2 support the prediction that consumers are more likely to use the perceived expertise of the WOM sender to evaluate an unfamiliar brand vs a familiar brand. Experiment 2 also provides some preliminary evidence that this interaction effect may be due to the difference in certainty of the study respondents in regards to the pre-WOM evaluation of unfamiliar and familiar brand.

Research limitations/implications
– This manipulation method of presenting WOM in a printed format may understate the impact of WOM. A more vivid manipulation of WOM that allows for a feedback loop may be considered for future research.

Practical implications
– The results highlight the importance of considering the strength dimensions of brand attitudes (e.g. attitude certainty) in the marketplace. For marketers of unfamiliar brands, source factors (e.g. expertise of WOM sender) are important to consider for effective use of WOM to market their products. For familiar brands, source factors are less relevant.

Originality/value
– This paper highlights the importance of considering attitude certainty and the subsequent malleability of attitude toward new information about the brand in the marketplace. Hence, marketers and researchers who are interested in changing brand attitude should take meta-attitude factors into consideration.
Understanding counterfeit consumption
Authors: Tang Felix , Tian Vane-Ing , Zaichkowsky Judy 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to create a framework for broadly understanding categories and motivations behind purchasing different counterfeit products.

Design/methodology/approach
– Focus groups provided qualitative data from 509 counterfeit purchases incidents by 95 informants.

Findings
– The most frequently mentioned motivation was the utility (35 percent) received from the good over the genuine article. The second, but negative, motivation was the perceived risk involved in the purchase (22 percent), whether it is physical or social risk. Social norms, confusion, and ethical concerns each represented about 10 percent of the motivations toward the purchase of counterfeit items. The least mentioned motivations to purchase, at less than 4 percent each, were culture, habit, and desire to explore. These factors were evident across a variety of 15 product categories, headed by electronics, such as DVDs and computer software.

Practical implications
– Through targeting negative motivations, such as perceived physical and social risks, businesses can devise strategies from a demand side perspective to overcome the problem of counterfeit consumption.

Originality/value
– Qualitative responses, over many product categories, provide a unique overview to the perception of counterfeit consumption. The finding that consumer ethics may depend on whether the activity benefits the society as a whole is worthy of additional discussion. The authors learn that when consumers thought their counterfeit consumption caused little or no harm, they do not see much ethical concern in their actions.
Topic sensitivity and research design: effects on internet survey respondents' motives
Authors: Albaum Gerald , A. Roster Catherine , M. Smith Scott 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of topic sensitivity and the research design techniques of forced answering (FA) (i.e. cannot proceed if leave an answer blank) and response options (use of “prefer not to answer” (PNA) option) on respondent motives for participating in an internet-based survey.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected in a field experiment in Hong Kong using a 2×2×2 factorial design. Variables manipulated were topic sensitivity, use of FA, and response options. The dependent variables were eight specific motives which were obtained from responses to the survey participation inventory (SPI).

Findings
– Topic sensitivity has a significant influence on seven of the eight motives. The use of FA does not appear to affect motives. In contrast, the use of the response option “PNA” has a significant effect on all motives except “obligation”. The SPI appears to be a viable measure to the use with Hong Kong online panellists, and perhaps with other Asian and non-Western cultures/countries as well.

Research limitations/implications
– The present study tested only two specific topics, each with a specific level of sensitivity. Further research should apply the SPI to topics of varying levels of sensitivity. The present study used a sample of panel members. Future research could examine motivation for survey participation for use with off-line samples.

Practical implications
– There are differences in motivation for survey participation among panellists. The authors relate panellists' motivation to topic sensitivity and confirm that panellists who answered questions about a sensitive topic were less motivated to participate in every motivational aspect, except for incentives. The authors find that the survey design feature of FA is largely unrelated to panellists' motivation.

Originality/value
– This is one of the few studies that show the impact of topic sensitivity, FA, and response options on motives for responding. It is the first use of the SPI in a non-Western culture/nation.
Private food standard certification: analysis of the BRC standard in Italian agri-food
Authors: Spadoni Roberta , Lombardi Pamela , Canavari Maurizio , Hingley Martin 
Published: December 2013

Purpose– The aim of this paper is to assess the applicability and impact of private food standards – specifically that of the BRC (British Retail Consortium) – in a European country context, and to classify food companies into groups on the basis of their different perceptions regarding the Global Standard for Food safety impacts.Design/methodology/approach– The research is developed in two stages: a qualitative investigation based on in-depth interviews with quality managers (QMs); a quantitative investigation with a structured questionnaire: with response from 192 food processors in Italy, selected through a probabilistic random sampling method. Data were elaborated with descriptive statistical techniques and subsequently with multivariate analysis (factor and cluster analysis).Findings– QMs agree with most of the assumptions with regard to the impact elements of the BRC food standard. Some characteristics, such as geographic location, size, and type of processing and adoption of ISO 9001, seem to elicit different perceptions between the companies. Through factor analysis, eight factors were extracted; and subsequently, through cluster analysis applied to the factors, five different groups of companies are identified.Practical implications– The adoption of private food standards is both useful and comprehensible for food operators. However, BRC is a minimum standard and a base level for food suppliers; it cannot wholly substitute a specific retailer's dedicated second-party audit. Findings could be used by the subjects of the certification process to determine ideal marketing strategies.Originality/value– This paper provides a statistically significant description of the impact of private food standards (via the important BRC standard) in one of the most important European markets.
A decision support method for poorly structured problems in school management
Authors: Meczynska Anna , Kmieciak Roman , Michna Anna , Flajszok Iwona 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– This paper aims to propose and present a decision-making support method for poorly structured problems in schools, using the example of one of the most important and difficult decisions that principals face: terminating a teacher's employment.

Design/methodology/approach
– A literature review was conducted, along with observations and interviews with 30 experienced principals, in order to identify decisions made by Polish principals. In order to sort non-programmable decisions according to their importance and difficulty, data were collected from 377 principals. Opinions from two groups, consisting of 22 and 25 experts, respectively, were collected in order to identify and order a set of criteria for making a specified non-programmable decision.

Findings
– The four following areas of school activities were distinguished: finances, teaching and care, internal processes, and development of organisation. Within these categories, 126 decisions made by principals were identified, 96 of which were non-programmable. One of the most difficult and important non-programmable decisions was related to the termination of a teacher's employment. In order to support decisions regarding a teacher's dismissal, 44 criteria with different importance levels were identified.

Practical implications
– Principals can use the method proposed in this paper, as it increases the rationality and objectivity of making a dismissal decision. The method can also be adapted for other difficult non-programmable decisions.

Originality/value
– The expert opinion method might be useful for solving poorly structured problems in the management of educational institutions. As far as it can be ascertained, no previous empirical studies have identified and ranked the most important and difficult non-programmable decisions facing principals.