bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial metabolic exchange in 3D
Authors: Watrous Jeramie D , Phelan Vanessa V , Hsu Cheng-Chih , Moree Wilna J , Duggan Brendan M , Alexandrov Theodore , Dorrestein Pieter C 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Mono- and multispecies microbial populations alter the chemistry of their surrounding environments during colony development thereby influencing multicellular behavior and interspecies interactions of neighboring microbes. Here we present a methodology that enables the creation of three-dimensional (3D) models of a microbial chemotype that can be correlated to the colony phenotype through multimodal imaging analysis. These models are generated by performing matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) on serial cross-sections of microbial colonies grown on 8 mm deep agar, registering data sets of each serial section in MATLAB to create a model, and then superimposing the model with a photograph of the colonies themselves. As proof-of-principle, 3D models were used to visualize metabolic exchange during microbial interactions between Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces coelicolor, as well as, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The resulting models were able to capture the depth profile of secreted metabolites within the agar medium and revealed properties of certain mass signals that were previously not observable using two-dimensional MALDI-TOF IMS. Most significantly, the 3D models were capable of mapping previously unobserved chemical distributions within the array of sub-surface hyphae of C. albicans and how this chemistry is altered by the presence of P. aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen known to alter virulence of C. albicans. It was determined that the presence of C. albicans triggered increased rhamnolipid production by P. aeruginosa, which in turn was capable of inhibiting embedded hyphal growth produced beneath the C. albicans colony at ambient temperature.
Marine microbial symbiosis heats up: the phylogenetic and functional response of a sponge holobiont to thermal stress
Authors: Fan Lu , Liu Michael , Simister Rachel , Webster Nicole S , Thomas Torsten 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Large-scale mortality of marine invertebrates is a major global concern for ocean ecosystems and many sessile, reef-building animals, such as sponges and corals, are experiencing significant declines through temperature-induced disease and bleaching. The health and survival of marine invertebrates is often dependent on intimate symbiotic associations with complex microbial communities, yet we have a very limited understanding of the detailed biology and ecology of both the host and the symbiont community in response to environmental stressors, such as elevated seawater temperatures. Here, we use the ecologically important sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile as a model to explore the changes in symbiosis during the development of temperature-induced necrosis. Expression profiling of the sponge host was examined in conjunction with the phylogenetic and functional structure and the expression profile of the symbiont community. Elevated temperature causes an immediate stress response in both the host and symbiont community, including reduced expression of functions that mediate their partnership. Disruption to nutritional interdependence and molecular interactions during early heat stress further destabilizes the holobiont, ultimately leading to the loss of archetypal sponge symbionts and the introduction of new microorganisms that have functional and expression profiles consistent with a scavenging lifestyle, a lack virulence functions and a high growth rate. Previous models have postulated various mechanisms of mortality and disease in marine invertebrates. Our study suggests that interruption of symbiotic interactions is a major determinant for mortality in marine sessile invertebrates. High symbiont specialization and low functional redundancy, thus make these holobionts extremely vulnerable to environmental perturbations, including climate change.
Proteomic analysis of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum leaf microsomal fractions finds an imbalance in V-ATPase stoichiometry during the salt-induced transition from C3 to CAM
Authors: Cosentino Cristian , Di Silvestre Dario , Fischer-Schliebs Elke , Homann Ulrike , De Palma Antonella , Comunian Claudio , Mauri Pier Luigi , Thiel Gerhard 
Published: January 2013

The halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum adapts to salt stress by salt uptake and switching from C3 photosynthesis to CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism). An important role in this process is played by transport proteins in the tonoplast of the central vacuole. In the present study we examine dynamic changes in the protein composition during salt-stress adaptation in microsomes from M. crystallinum leaves. Plants challenged with 400 mM NaCl accumulate salt by day 4 of treatment and malic acid only at day 12; a switching to CAM hence follows any initial steps of salt adaptation with a delay. Using a label-free and semiquantitative approach, we identified the most dramatic changes between the proteome of control plants and plants harvested after 12 days of the treatment; the abundance of 14 proteins was significantly affected. The proteomic data revealed that the majority of the subunits of V-ATPase (vacuolar H+-ATPase) holoenzyme. The salt treatment somewhat decreased the abundance of all subunits in the short term (4 days). Long-term adaptation, including the switching to CAM, goes together with a strong increase in the representation of all detectable subunits. Because this increase is subunit-specific, with the highest rise occurring for subunits E and c, the data suggest that long-term adaptation to salt stress correlates with a change in V-ATPase subunit stoichiometry and highlight the structural plasticity of this holoenzyme.
Structure and mechanism of the PilF DNA transformation ATPase from Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Collins Richard F. , Hassan Darin , Karuppiah Vijaykumar , Thistlethwaite Angela , Derrick Jeremy P. 
Published: January 2013

Many Gram-negative bacteria contain specific systems for uptake of foreign DNA, which play a critical role in the acquisition of antibiotic resistance. The TtPilF (PilF ATPase from Thermus thermophilus) is required for high transformation efficiency, but its mechanism of action is unknown. In the present study, we show that TtPilF is able to bind to both DNA and RNA. The structure of TtPilF was determined by cryoelectron microscopy in the presence and absence of the ATP analogue p[NH]ppA (adenosine 5′-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate), at 10 and 12 Å (1 Å=0.1 nm) resolutions respectively. It consists of two distinct N- and C-terminal regions, separated by a short stem-like structure. Binding of p[NH]ppA induces structural changes in the C-terminal domains, which are transmitted via the stem to the N-terminal domains. Molecular models were generated for the apoenzyme and p[NH]ppA-bound states in the C-terminal regions by docking of a model based on a crystal structure from a closely related enzyme. Analysis of DNA binding by electron microscopy, using gold labelling, localized the binding site to the N-terminal domains. The results suggest a model in which DNA uptake by TtPilF is powered by ATP hydrolysis, causing conformational changes in the C-terminal domains, which are transmitted via the stem to take up DNA into the cell.
Subtype-selective regulation of IP3 receptors by thimerosal via cysteine residues within the IP3-binding core and suppressor domain
Authors: Khan Samir A. , Rossi Ana M. , Riley Andrew M. , Potter Barry V. L. , Taylor Colin W. 
Published: January 2013

IP3R (IP3 [inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate] receptors) and ryanodine receptors are the most widely expressed intracellular Ca2+ channels and both are regulated by thiol reagents. In DT40 cells stably expressing single subtypes of mammalian IP3R, low concentrations of thimerosal (also known as thiomersal), which oxidizes thiols to form a thiomercurylethyl complex, increased the sensitivity of IP3-evoked Ca2+ release via IP3R1 and IP3R2, but inhibited IP3R3. Activation of IP3R is initiated by IP3 binding to the IBC (IP3-binding core; residues 224–604) and proceeds via re-arrangement of an interface between the IBC and SD (suppressor domain; residues 1–223). Thimerosal (100 μM) stimulated IP3 binding to the isolated NT (N-terminal; residues 1–604) of IP3R1 and IP3R2, but not to that of IP3R3. Binding of a competitive antagonist (heparin) or partial agonist (dimeric-IP3) to NT1 was unaffected by thiomersal, suggesting that the effect of thimerosal is specifically related to IP3R activation. IP3 binding to NT1 in which all cysteine residues were replaced by alanine was insensitive to thimerosal, so too were NT1 in which cysteine residues were replaced in either the SD or IBC. This demonstrates that thimerosal interacts directly with cysteine in both the SD and IBC. Chimaeric proteins in which the SD of the IP3R was replaced by the structurally related A domain of a ryanodine receptor were functional, but thimerosal inhibited both IP3 binding to the chimaeric NT and IP3-evoked Ca2+ release from the chimaeric IP3R. This is the first systematic analysis of the effects of a thiol reagent on each IP3R subtype. We conclude that thimerosal selectively sensitizes IP3R1 and IP3R2 to IP3 by modifying cysteine residues within both the SD and IBC and thereby stabilizing an active conformation of the receptor.
Microbiota and Gut–Liver Axis
Authors: Vajro Pietro , Paolella Giulia , Fasano Alessio 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTA specific bacterial gut microbiota profile with increased extraction of energy has recently been associated with obesity, which has been shown to be a transmissible phenotype by microbiota transplantation. At the same time, there is now increasing evidence that gut microbiota plays a role in the development of hepatic steatosis and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review summarizes well known and unexpected interacting factors leading to obesity and its related hepatic diseases, including intestinal mucosal permeability and its regulation, gut microbiota and translocation of its biological products, and gut‐associated lymphoid tissue. These intestinal factors dictate also the balance between tolerance and immune response, which are critical for most of the complications in near and far organs or systems. We review novel mechanisms involving the development of gut permeability and adipose tissue plasticity, for example, the cross‐talk between the gut microbiota, lipopolysaccharide, high‐fat diet, and the endocannabinoid system tone, which have not been fully explored. Interactions between gut microbiota and other factors (eg, inflammasome deficiency) also are reviewed as emerging but far from being completely elucidated mechanisms influencing the onset of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Influence of seawater composition on SCC behavior of anodized 1050 Al‐alloy
Authors: Spathis P. , Papastergiadis E. 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behaviour of anodized 1050 Al‐alloy in marine environments at different concentrations of sulphate ions.Design/methodology/approachThe SCC experiments were performed by measuring the time to failure in 3.5% NaCl solution, or in the presence of three different concentrations of sulphate ions under conditions of applied anodic current. For the interpretation of the results, changes in potential during SCC tests and optical microscope micrographs of stress corrosion tested specimens at various periods of time, were obtained.FindingsThe influence of seawater composition on the SCC behaviour of the anodized 1050 Al‐alloy depends on the concentration of sulphate ions, the oxide thickness and the stress level. At the higher stress levels and low concentrations of sulphate ions, increased times to failure were observed. These results were attributed to the inhibitory action of sulphate ions. At a low stress level and higher concentration of sulphate ions, the increased times of exposure and the more intensive corrosive environment led to partial destruction of the anodic coatings and a decrease in the time to failure. Better protective properties were observed at an oxide thickness of 10 μm. The thicker oxides did not protect so well because they were more brittle, cracking under strain and allowing corrosive species to reach the metal surface.Research limitations/implicationsThe hypothesised mechanism of the effect of seawater composition on the SCC behaviour of anodized Al‐alloys depended on the concentration of sulphate ions and the stress level remains yet to be confirmed.Practical implicationsThe selection of suitable anodic coatings for the protection of aluminium alloys against stress corrosion cracking depends on the composition of the marine environment.Originality/valueThe paper provides information regarding the influence of sulphate ions on the anticorrosive properties of electrolytically prepared anodic coatings on aluminium alloys.
Marketing to different Asian communities
Authors: R. Massey Graham , S. Waller David , Z. Wang Paul , V. Lanasier Evi 
Published: January 2013

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to show that culture has differential effects on purchase intent, using respondents from four very different cultural groups within Indonesia, and two different advertisements (one ethical, another unethical).Design/methodology/approach– The study uses survey methods and a highly structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents in four cultural groups. In total, 100 responses were received from each of these groups within Indonesia (Bali, Batak, Java, and Minang). Data were analyzed using partial least squares.Findings– The results suggest that when advertising to culturally conservative groups, caution is required. Such groups have lower purchase intent when they do not like the advertisement. Moreover, other variables such as attitude towards the advertiser may become salient drivers of purchase intent for such groups if the advertisement is perceived to be unethical. Importantly, neither of these factors are salient for more permissive cultures, regardless of whether the advertisement is perceived to be ethical or unethical. In addition the authors identify a set of “universal paths” by which advertisement-related factors, and company-related factors indirectly influence purchase intent for both permissive and conservative cultures, regardless of the perceived ethicality of the advertisement.Research limitations/implications– The research uses four samples, with 100 respondents per group. Future research could verify these results using larger samples. In addition, the study only uses low involvement consumer products, hence future research could test the model on higher involvement products.Practical implications– Managers should test their advertising messages on target audiences to assess whether they are likeable, as advertisement likeability can influence purchase intent. In addition, whilst factors such as ethicality (and likeability, and attitude towards the advertiser) tend to not affect purchase intent directly except in specific circumstances, these antecedent variables do have strong effects on each other via the universal paths.Originality/value– This is the first study which has examined the effects of ethical/unethical advertisements across four different cultures in Indonesia. The results also reveal an important set of relationships between the model variables, which the authors refer to as the “universal paths.” These paths have important implications for advertisers and their clients in their attempts to build brand equity and increase purchase intent.
Cultural and sub-cultural differences in reliability
Authors: P. Moschis George , Sim Ong Fon , Abessi Masoud , Yamashita Takako , Mathur Anil 
Published: January 2013

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to focus on testing hypotheses derived from theories presented by leading scholars regarding possible sources of differences in reliability coefficients, using cross-sectional data from Japan and Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach– A survey was conducted in Malaysia and Japan, both of them characterized as having collectivist values. Convenience sampling and the same method of survey administration, personal interviews by trained interviewers, was used in both countries.Findings– The tests of the hypotheses regarding cultural, subcultural, and aging effects provide some results in line with the hypotheses, but they raise additional concerns about the possible sources of measurement differences and the applicability of theories and measures developed in one country to other countries and subcultures within countries. The major findings include the alpha reliability coefficient of the self-esteem scale (SSE) which is hypothesised to be lower than the alpha for the material value scale (MVS) and satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) in the Malaysian and Japanese samples, but this difference only occurs for the Japanese sample.Research limitations/implications– The study findings highlight the challenges that researchers confront when conducting cross-cultural studies.Originality/value– The present study systematically tests the reliability of measures developed in the West and employed in different countries (especially Asian countries). Although several assumptions and speculations have been made regarding the sources of potential bias in measures used when studying cultural and subcultural differences, little empirical work supports these views. Our study fills this gap.
Sales promotion in Asia: successful strategies for Singapore and Malaysia
Authors: McNeill Lisa 
Published: January 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to address the globalisation/culture issue by comparing two Asian countries in which there has been limited prior research regarding their respective supermarket industries, namely, Singapore and Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research design adopted a case-study approach, with two general cases (the New Singaporean and Malaysian supermarket retail industries), made up of two embedded cases each (retailers and manufacturers operating within each country).

Findings
– The overall finding is that despite prior assumptions that suitability is reliant on product type or country choice, there are a number of sales promotion techniques that are inherently suited to the supermarket industry as a whole. The majority of these “inherently suitable” techniques are price-based and the conclusion is then that these techniques can be used globally. Value-added techniques, on the other hand, should be localised to fit with the market in which they are being applied.

Practical implications
– Tools best suited to the grocery product sales environment appear to be price-based or linked to price reductions (i.e. price discounting and discount-linked point-of-purchase (P-O-P) or end-of-aisle (E-O-A) displays combination and volume offers), suggesting that those tools which are inherently suitable to the industry are likely to meet retailers' shorter-term objectives rather than manufacturers' longer-term ones. The difficulty faced by manufacturers, then, is aligning their sales promotion objectives with the tools that are best able to achieve results in the supermarket environment.

Originality/value
– Globalisation of the supermarket industry has also meant that marketers continue to need a better understanding of cross-cultural issues and their effect and national culture frameworks can be used to develop marketing theories which are suited to a particular region. The current research identifies preferences for different sales promotion techniques in the two nationally similar, yet ethnically diverse, countries under study, as well as examining application of these techniques in the retail environment.
A critical model of brand experience consequences
Authors: Shamim Amjad , Mohsin Butt Muhammad 
Published: January 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the direct and indirect influence of brand experience on a customer's brand attitude, brand credibility and customer-based brand equity. Design/methodology/approach

Design/methodology/approach
– The data were collected from 400 users of mobile hand sets, using convenience sampling technique. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling procedure to test the proposed relationships in the model. Findings

Findings
– The results indicate that the data were a good fit to the proposed model. All the paths in the model remained statistically significant. Although, Chi square test was not significant (6.10, df, 2, p

Research limitations/implications
– This research investigates the proposed model for a single product category. Future researchers can test the model for other product and service categories. Also, this research only explores the three most critical outcomes of brand experience; however future researchers can incorporate satisfaction, loyalty and commitment as the possible outcome of brand experience.

Practical implications
– This study demonstrates that brand experience can directly and indirectly influence some of the most important concepts in branding literature. This model will help managers to understand how investments in different aspects of branding process lead towards brand differentiation.

Originality/value
– This research is the first of its type that incorporates brand credibility, attitude and equity as the consequences of brand experience in a single causal model.
Significant tasks in training of job‐shop supervisors
Authors: Pederson Leonard S. , Dresdow Sally , Benson Joy 
Published: January 2013

PurposeThe need for effective training of first‐line supervisors is well established. Well‐trained supervision is essential to our future as a country. A fundamental step in developing effective training is to develop a jobs needs assessment. In order to develop an effective needs assessment, it is necessary to know what the tasks are of supervisors. This study aims to develop a task list with a rating for job importance. It also aims to provide suggestions for training.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the Delphi survey process methodology. An initial survey instrument was developed and pilot tested. The survey was modified and used for three Delphi rounds. A fourth round was initiated to triangulate the results.FindingsThe result of the panel was a task list of 49 tasks, with an importance to their job rating range from 1.9 to 3.7, based on 0 to 4. Using a Pareto concept of reviewing the top 20 percent or top ten tasks as sorted for importance to the job, seven of the top ten tasks were most closely related to interpersonal relationships.Practical implicationsThis study provides suggestions for the type of courses needed for an effective supervisory training curriculum.Originality/valueFew studies evaluate supervisory tasks from the supervisor's perspective. This study is unique in that it directly surveys supervisors as to their job tasks and the importance of the tasks to their job. The training recommendations focus on areas that supervisors could immediately apply to their jobs.