bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma susceptibility: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: He Jing , Liao Xiao-Yu , Zhu Jin-Hong , Xue Wen-Qiong , Shen Guo-Ping , Huang Shao-Yi , Chen Wei , Jia Wei-Hua 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMethylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism and DNA synthesis. A number of studies have examined the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility; however, the conclusions were contradictory. We searched available publications assessing the polymorphisms of MTHFR and NHL susceptibility from MEDLINE, EMBASE and CBM. Genotype-based mRNA expression analysis was performed using data from 270 individuals with three different ethnicities. Ultimately, a total of 7448 cases and 11146 controls from 25 studies were included for the C677T polymorphism, 6173 cases and 9725 controls from 19 studies for the A1298C polymorphism. Pooled results indicated that neither C677T nor A1298C polymorphism was associated with NHL susceptibility. However, C677T polymorphism showed a statistically significantly increased risk for Caucasians, but a decreased risk for Asians in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity. The same variants may confer increased susceptibility to develop follicular lymphoma (FL). Moreover, A1298C polymorphism was associated with increased NHL risk for Asians. This meta-analysis indicated that C677T polymorphism was associated with altered NHL susceptibility for Caucasians, Asians and FL. Increased NHL risk was also shown for A1298C among Asians. These findings warrant validation in large and well-designed prospective studies.
Nanothorn electrodes for ionic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles
Authors: Palmre Viljar , Pugal David , Kim Kwang J. , Leang Kam K. , Asaka Kinji , Aabloo Alvo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIonic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have recently received tremendous interest as soft biomimetic actuators and sensors in various bioengineering and human affinity applications, such as artificial muscles and actuators, aquatic propulsors, robotic end-effectors and active catheters. Main challenges in developing biomimetic actuators are the attainment of high strain and actuation force at low operating voltage. Here we first report a nanostructured electrode surface design for IPMC comprising platinum nanothorn assemblies with multiple sharp tips. The newly developed actuator with the nanostructured electrodes shows a new way to achieve highly enhanced electromechanical performance over existing flat-surfaced electrodes. We demonstrate that the formation and growth of the nanothorn assemblies at the electrode interface lead to a dramatic improvement (3- to 5-fold increase) in both actuation range and blocking force at low driving voltage (1–3 V). These advances are related to the highly capacitive properties of nanothorn assemblies, increasing significantly the charge transport during the actuation process.
Controlling gene networks and cell fate with precision-targeted DNA-binding proteins and small-molecule-based genome readers
Authors: Eguchi Asuka , Lee Garrett O. , Wan Fang , Erwin Graham S. , Ansari Aseem Z. 
Published: August 2014

Transcription factors control the fate of a cell by regulating the expression of genes and regulatory networks. Recent successes in inducing pluripotency in terminally differentiated cells as well as directing differentiation with natural transcription factors has lent credence to the efforts that aim to direct cell fate with rationally designed transcription factors. Because DNA-binding factors are modular in design, they can be engineered to target specific genomic sequences and perform pre-programmed regulatory functions upon binding. Such precision-tailored factors can serve as molecular tools to reprogramme or differentiate cells in a targeted manner. Using different types of engineered DNA binders, both regulatory transcriptional controls of gene networks, as well as permanent alteration of genomic content, can be implemented to study cell fate decisions. In the present review, we describe the current state of the art in artificial transcription factor design and the exciting prospect of employing artificial DNA-binding factors to manipulate the transcriptional networks as well as epigenetic landscapes that govern cell fate.
Overactivation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 1 and aquaporin-4 by hypoxia induces cerebral edema
Authors: Chen Shao-Jun , Yang Jia-Fang , Kong Fan-Ping , Ren Ji-Long , Hao Ke , Li Min , Yuan Yuan , Chen Xin-Can , Yu Ri-Sheng , Li Jun-Fa , Leng Gareth , Chen Xue-Qun , Du Ji-Zeng 
Published: August 2014

Significance
High-altitude cerebral edema, a serious and often fatal condition, results from lowered oxygen supply. This study explores the mechanisms by which hypoxia induces cerebral edema. We show that hypoxia induced cerebral edema and neuronal apoptosis associated with increased expression of the neuropeptide corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and its type 1 receptor (CRFR1), the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and endothelin-1; these effects could be blocked by the CRFR1 antagonist. In cultured astrocytes, CRF, acting through CRFR1, triggers intracellular signaling and contributes to phosphorylation and expression of AQP4 to enhance water influx into cells. These data provide an understanding of the development of cerebral edema by high-altitude hypoxia and suggest that CRFR1 might be a target molecule for prevention of this disorder.
Anxiety and Substance Use during Adolescence
Authors: Ohannessian Christine Mccauley 
Published: August 2014

Background The primary goal of this study was to examine the relationship between anxiety symptomatology and substance use (alcohol use and drug use) during adolescence, systematically by gender and race/ethnicity. Methods Self-report surveys were administered to 905 15–17-year-old adolescents (54% girls) in the spring of 2007. Results Results from multiple group analyses indicated that the relationship between anxiety and substance use differs by gender and race/ethnicity. For Caucasian and African American boys, higher levels of social anxiety and separation anxiety were related to less substance use. In contrast, higher levels of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder were associated with more substance use for African American boys. The pattern was much less striking for girls. For Caucasian girls, higher levels of significant school avoidance were linked to more substance use, and consistent with the results for boys, higher levels of separation anxiety were associated with less substance use. None of the anxiety disorders were related to substance use for African American girls or Hispanic girls or boys. Conclusions Findings from this study highlight the need to distinguish between different anxiety disorders. In addition, they underscore the importance of considering both gender and race/ethnicity when examining the relationship between anxiety and substance use during adolescence.
diCal-IBD: demography-aware inference of identity-by-descent tracts in unrelated individuals
Authors: Tataru Paula , Nirody Jasmine A. , Song Yun S. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Summary: We present a tool, diCal-IBD, for detecting identity-by-descent (IBD) tracts between pairs of genomic sequences. Our method builds on a recent demographic inference method based on the coalescent with recombination, and is able to incorporate demographic information as a prior. Simulation study shows that diCal-IBD has significantly higher recall and precision than that of existing single-nucleotide polymorphism–based IBD detection methods, while retaining reasonable accuracy for IBD tracts as small as 0.1 cM.
Availability: http://sourceforge.net/projects/dical-ibd
Contact: yss@eecs.berkeley.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MethylAid: visual and interactive quality control of large Illumina 450k datasets
Authors: van Iterson Maarten , Tobi Elmar W. , Slieker Roderick C. , den Hollander Wouter , Luijk René , Slagboom P. Eline , Heijmans Bastiaan T. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Summary: The Illumina 450k array is a frequently used platform for large-scale genome-wide DNA methylation studies, i.e. epigenome-wide association studies. Currently, quality control of 450k data can be performed with Illumina’s GenomeStudio and is part of a limited number 450k analysis pipelines. However, GenomeStudio cannot handle large-scale studies, and existing pipelines provide limited options for quality control and neither support interactive exploration by the user.
To aid the detection of bad-quality samples in large-scale genome-wide DNA methylation studies as flexible and transparent as possible, we have developed MethylAid; a visual and interactive Web application using RStudio’s shiny package. Bad-quality samples are detected using sample-dependent and sample-independent quality control probes present on the array and user-adjustable thresholds. In-depth exploration of bad-quality samples can be performed using several interactive diagnostic plots. Furthermore, plots can be annotated with user-provided metadata, for example, to identify outlying batches. Our new tool makes quality assessment of 450k array data interactive, flexible and efficient and is, therefore, expected to be useful for both data analysts and core facilities.
Availability and implementation: MethylAid is implemented as an R/Bioconductor package (www.bioconductor.org/packages/3.0/bioc/html/MethylAid.html). A demo application is available from shiny.bioexp.nl/MethylAid.
Contact: m.van_iterson@lumc.nl
The hunt for red active galactic nuclei: a new infrared diagnostic
Authors: Fadda Dario , Rodighiero Giulia 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
We introduce a new infrared diagnostic to separate galaxies on the basis of their dominant infrared emission: stellar or nuclear. The main novelty with respect to existing diagnostics is the use of a broad band encompassing at the same time the 9.7-μm silicate absorption feature and one of the adjacent broad polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features. This provides a robust estimate of the near- to mid-infrared continuum slope and enables a clear distinction among different classes of galaxies up to a redshift z ∼ 2.5. The diagnostic can be applied to a wealth of archival data from the ISO, Spitzer and Akari surveys, as well as future James Webb Space Telescope surveys. Based on data in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS), Lockman Hole and North Ecliptic Pole fields, we find that approximately 70 per cent of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) detected with X-ray and optical spectroscopy dominate the total mid-infrared emission. Finally, we estimate that AGNs contribute less than 30 per cent of the mid-infrared extragalactic integrated emission.
Technological and ethical antecedents of e-book piracy and price acceptance
Authors: Camarero Carmen , Antón Carmen , Rodríguez Javier 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the driving factors of e-books’ illegal downloading and price acceptance from a theoretical perspective that embraces ethical and technological aspects. The diffusion of e-readers and tablets has led to a spate of pirated copies of books.Design/methodology/approach– The proposed model holds that normative and value consciousness, as well as the self-efficacy, the usefulness and the use of the new technology, are determinants of the trend towards free downloads and the maximum acceptable price for e-books. Data are collected from a sample of 227 users of e-book reader devices.Findings– The results provide evidence that individuals are inclined towards piracy when they use and control the technology, whereas value consciousness mitigates illegal downloading and is basic to the individuals’ acceptance of a higher price.Implications– Bearing in mind that the spread of electronic devices has led to an increase in downloads, raising awareness of the norms among individuals is essential if piracy is to be curtailed. In addition, actions aimed at endowing electronic books with value would encourage consumers to pay a higher price for them.Originality/value– Few attempts have been made to apply ethics theories and the technology acceptance model to the context of e-books’ piracy, and even less effort has been devoted to analyse consumers’ price acceptance in the e-book industry.
E-Book publishing in Spain
Authors: Antonio Cordón-García José , Linder Daniel , Gómez-Díaz Raquel , Alonso-Arévalo Julio 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The aims of the present paper is electronic publishing has transformed the business model of publishing houses in Spain in such a way that two models currently coexist. The specificities of each of these models were studied and the consequences of each model for the future of electronic publishing in Spain were analysed.

Design/methodology/approach
– The first stage of this study consisted in locating studies that would allow the authors to obtain useful indicators and statistic data regarding publication in Spain. The second stage of this study consisted of extracting from the sources cited above all data relevant to the study. To wit, these were the number of electronic books published, the major publishing houses offering electronic publications, the major platforms currently selling electronic books, presently available electronic reading devices, the rates of reading on all devices, reading rates itemized by age and educational background and general tendencies in digital publishing and e-reading.

Findings
– There are traditional publishers of mostly paper-based volumes, whose business models are based on having large catalogues of titles and large print-runs, though print-runs are increasingly smaller and bookseller returns increasingly larger. Intermediary agents operating under this model, for instance booksellers, are subject to ever-greater economic pressures, especially in the current crisis

Originality/value
– In the study that follows, the authors attempt to analyse the characteristics behind these changes and learn to what extent these changes will affect the future models of publication and reading in Spain.
Building an innovation-driven economy – the case of BRIC and GCC countries
Authors: Gackstatter Steffen , Kotzemir Maxim , Meissner Dirk 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the attempts of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) countries to catch up in their national development to build an innovation-driven economy on which to base future growth and wealth. We conducted an analysis of GCC and BRIC countries to show the different strategies leaders have taken to try and achieve this aspiration. This paper analyses the various aspects of national innovation systems of BRIC and GCC countries, highlights similar and different approaches and attempts to quantify their success. For example, GCC countries spend extensively on research and development (R&D), but have so far achieved less than meaningful results. Brazil, China and India are catching up to the acknowledged world leaders in innovation, but Russia is lagging.

Design/methodology/approach
– Our comparison was based mostly on secondary data from sources and institutions that use statistical data to build country rankings, such as the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) produced by the World Economic Forum. BRIC and GCC countries were analyzed over 1996-2011 because most of the indicators data are only available from 1996. Data related to intellectual property rights have been collected since 1999 or 2000. The data available for the number of researchers proved problematic for both BRIC and GCC countries. For instance, some data for the GCC countries was missing. To not leave a gap, we extrapolated in line with the overall trend; using the least squares method to approximate a straight line for the missing data based on what had already been reported.

Findings
– Counter-intuitively, we will argue that the push toward an innovation-based economy is actually not dependent on total expenditure on R&D, but rather relies on the efficient allocation of investments and the rigorous implementation of innovation strategy. And, we will demonstrate this by showing our ideas in relation to both BRIC and GCC countries. This analysis raises fascinating points of discussion for those looking to build an innovation economy in other countries and has practical implications for policy-makers and policy implementers in all countries.

Originality/value
– First analysis of the correlation of gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) with gross domestic product (GDP) growth and Straits Times Index (STI) policy measures.
Storytelling as a means to increase consumers’ processing of financial information
Authors: Carlsson Hauff Jeanette , Carlander Anders , Gamble Amelie , Gärling Tommy , Holmen Martin 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether a narrative compared to a traditional fact-related format of financial information elicits more involved processing of such information by consumers and therefore more informed choices of retirement savings.Design/methodology/approach– A total of 394 undergraduates were recruited to three experiments. In Experiments 1 and 2 participants presented with information about a mutual fund were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (narrative format vs fact-related format crossed with optimistic vs pessimistic financial forecast). In both experiments dependent variables were positive affect, emotive response and purchase intention, and in Experiment 2 also scepticism about the information. Involvement and financial knowledge were furthermore measured in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3 information was presented about a savings account. Participants were randomly assigned to either a condition with a narrative or a fact-related information format. The dependent variables were the same as in Experiment 2.Findings– The research finds support for that information about a financial message in a narrative format results in stronger positive affect, emotive response and purchase intention. No effect of scepticism toward the message is observed. Involvement and financial knowledge tend to interact with format. Mediation analyses support that positive affect induced by the narrative format impacts on emotive response which jointly with positive affect impacts on purchase intention.Practical implications– The research suggests that a narrative message format may be used in marketing financial products to increase passive consumerś involvement.Originality/value– The first demonstration of that a narrative format has an effect on processing of financial information.
Deformation similarity clustering based collision detection in clothing simulation
Authors: Jiongzhou Liu , Jituo Li , Guodong Lu 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The 3D dynamic clothing simulation is widely used in computer-added garment design. Collision detection and response are the essential component and also the efficiency bottleneck in the simulation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a high efficient collision detection algorithm for 3D clothing-human dynamic simulation to achieve both real-time and virtually real simulation effects.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors approach utilizes the offline data learning results to simplify the online collision detection complexity. The approach includes two stages. In the off-line stage, model triangles with most similar deformations are first, partitioned into several near-rigid-clusters. Clusters from the clothing model and the human model are matched as pairs according to the fact that they hold the potential to intersect. For each cluster, a hierarchical bounding box tree is then constructed. In the on-line stage, collision detection is checked and treated parallelly inside each cluster pairs. A multiple task allocation strategy is proposed in parallel computation to ensure efficiency.

Findings
– Reasonably partitioning the 3D clothing and human model surfaces into several clusters and implementing collision detection on these cluster pairs can efficiently reduce the model primitive amounts that need be detected, consequently both improving the detection efficiency and remaining the simulation virtual effect.

Originality/value
– The current methods only utilize the dynamic clothing-human status; the authors algorithm furthermore combines the intrinsic correspondence relationship between clothing and human clusters to efficiently shrink the detection query scope to accelerate the detection speed. Moreover, partitioning the model into several independent clusters as detection units is much more profitable for parallel computation than current methods those treat the model entirety as the unit.
Manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing: effects of contingencies
Authors: Scherrer-Rathje Maike , Deflorin Patricia , Anand Gopesh 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the relationships between outsourcing and manufacturing flexibility. In doing so, the authors study four types of manufacturing flexibility: product, mix, volume, and labor competence flexibility.Design/methodology/approach– Based on transaction cost economics theory and resource-based view of competitive advantage, the authors focus on economies of scale and scope, asset specificity, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities as contingencies affecting outsourcing-flexibility relationships. Combining theoretically developed propositions with insights from case studies of 11 manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their manufacturing, the authors derive grounded hypotheses.Findings– Empirical results show that in some cases the effects of outsourcing on different types of manufacturing flexibility vary based upon some contingency factors.Research limitations/implications– Due to the qualitative nature and the geographical focus of the empirical examination, applicability of the findings to other contexts may be limited.Practical implications– The authors point out specific contingencies that managers should consider when targeting manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing.Originality/value– This paper presents the interrelationships among outsourcing of manufacturing activities, four types of manufacturing flexibilities, and theoretically derived contingencies. Based on evidence from the analyzed cases, the authors find indications that some contingencies moderate outsourcing-flexibility relationships. In addition, this paper introduces a new type of manufacturing flexibility: labor competence flexibility, which is defined as the ability of a company's workforce to deal with technology driven additions to and subtractions from products over time.