bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NF-κB RELA-deficient bone marrow macrophages fail to support bone formation and to maintain the hematopoietic niche after lethal irradiation and stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mise-Omata Setsuko , Alles Neil , Fukazawa Taro , Aoki Kazuhiro , Ohya Keiichi , Jimi Eijiro , Obata Yuichi , Doi Takahiro 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBone remodeling and hematopoiesis are interrelated and bone marrow (BM) macrophages are considered to be important for both bone remodeling and maintenance of the hematopoietic niche. We found that NF-κB Rela-deficient chimeric mice, generated by transplanting Rela−/− fetal liver cells into lethally irradiated hosts, developed severe osteopenia, reduced lymphopoiesis and enhanced mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells when BM cells were completely substituted by Rela-deficient cells. Rela−/− hematopoietic stem cells from fetal liver had normal hematopoietic ability, but those harvested from the BM of osteopenic Rela−/− chimeric mice had reduced repopulation ability, indicating impairment of the microenvironment for the hematopoietic niche. Osteopenia in Rela−/− chimeric mice was due to reduced bone formation, even though osteoblasts differentiated from host cells. This finding indicates impaired functional coupling between osteoblasts and hematopoietic stem cell-derived cells. Rela-deficient BM macrophages exhibited an aberrant inflammatory phenotype, and transplantation with wild-type F4/80+ BM macrophages recovered bone formation and ameliorated lymphopoiesis in Rela−/− chimeric mice. Therefore, RELA in F4/80+ macrophages is important both for bone homeostasis and for maintaining the hematopoietic niche after lethal irradiation and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Fast radio bursts: constraints on the dispersing medium
Authors: Dennison Brian 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Fast radio bursts appear to exhibit large dispersion measures, typically exceeding any expected Galactic interstellar contribution, especially along the moderate to high Galactic latitude directions in which such events have been most often observed. The dispersions have been therefore interpreted as extragalactic, with the sources of the bursts at Gpc distances. This then implies that the bursts are extremely energetic events, originating from quite small volumes. To circumvent the energetic difficulties, Loeb et al. propose that the bursts are produced by flares near the surfaces of M stars or contact binaries within a local volume of the Galaxy, with the observed dispersion occurring in the overlying stellar coronae. With the dispersion concentrated in a high-density region, the quadratic dispersion approximation breaks down as the plasma frequency is comparable to (although less than) the propagation frequency. The observed dispersion curves are closely quadratic, however, consistent with a low-density medium, ruling out this model. It thus appears highly likely that the dispersions occur in the intergalactic medium. This medium, probably containing most of the baryon content of the Universe, is expected to be highly structured on large scales. Hot gas within clusters and especially groups of galaxies may contribute significantly to the observed dispersion.
Scattered light correction of Hayabusa/AMICA data and quantitative spectral comparisons of Itokawa
Authors: Ishiguro Masateru 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The Hayabusa spacecraft rendezvoused with its target asteroid 25143 Itokawa in 2005 and brought an asteroidal sample back to the Earth in 2010. The onboard camera, AMICA, took more than 1400 images of Itokawa during the rendezvous phase. It was reported that the AMICA images were severely contaminated by light scatter inside the optics. The effect made it difficult to produce the color maps at longer wavelengths (&gt; 800 nm). In this paper, we demonstrate a method to subtract the scattered light by investigating the dim halos of Itokawa and the Moon taken by AMICA during the inflight operation. As a result, we found that the overall data reduction scheme including the scattered light correction enables the recognition of 3% regional differences in the relative reflectance spectra of Itokawa. We confirmed that the color variation in Itokawa was largely attributed to space weathering.
Thiopurine Metabolite Ratios for Monitoring Therapy in Pediatric Crohn Disease
Authors: Kopylov U. , Amre D. , Theoret Y. , Deslandres C. , Seidman E.G. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Thiopurines (azathioprine, 6‐mercaptopurine) are a mainstay of treatment in Crohn disease (CD). Monitoring intracellular metabolite (6‐thioguanine nucleotides [6‐TGN] and 6‐methylmercaptopurine [6‐MMP]) levels can help optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize potential toxicity. Determination of 6‐MMP/6‐TGN ratios may provide additional useful information, such as the identification of individuals with excessive thiopurine methyltransferase activity and disadvantageous 6‐MMP overproduction. These patients are at increased risk of therapeutic failure and hepatotoxicity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of 6‐MMP/6‐TGN ratios with therapeutic efficacy and risk of hepatotoxicity in CD.Methods:The present study was a single‐center cross‐sectional study including pediatric patients with CD studied prospectively with clinical and laboratory assessments along with serial measurements of 6‐MMP and 6‐TGN. Clinical response was determined using established clinical indices.Results:The study included 238 pediatric patients with CD with a total of 1648 evaluation points. The patients were in steroid‐free remission at 59.1% of the evaluation points. 6‐MMP/6‐TGN ratios of 4 to 24 were protective against relapse (odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.39 to 0.69, P = 0.001). Hepatotoxicity was associated with high 6‐MMP levels (>3919 pmol/8 × 108 red blood cell count: OR 7.65, 95% CI 3.7–15.9, P = 0.001) and high 6‐MMP/6‐TGN ratios (>24: OR 5.35, 95% CI −3.43 to 8.43, P = 0.001).Conclusions:We observed significant associations between 6‐MMP/6‐TGN ratios and clinical response, and risk of hepatotoxicity. Our results suggest that determination of thiopurine metabolite ratios is a valuable tool for identification of patients at increased risk of therapeutic failure and hepatotoxicity.
Rapid transcriptional response to physiological neuronal activityin vivorevealed by transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Katz Yarden , Velho Tarciso , Butty Vincent , Burge Christopher B. , Lois Carlos 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNeuronal activity serves as a gateway between external stimulus from environment and the brain, often inducing gene expression changes. Alternative splicing (AS) is a widespread mechanism of increasing the number of transcripts produced from a single gene and has been shown to alter properties of neuronal genes, such as ion channels (Xie and Black 2001) and neurotransmitter receptors (Mu et al. 2003). Patterns of neural tissue-specific AS have been identified, often regulated by neuron-specific splicing factors that are essential for survival (Jensen et al. 2000; Li et al. 2007), demonstrating the importance of AS in neurons.In vitrostudies of neuronal activity found AS changes in response to neuronal activity in addition to transcriptional ones, raising the question of whether such changes are recapitulatedin vivoon behaviorally relevant timescales. We developed a paradigm for studying physiological neuronal activity through controlled stimulation of the olfactory bulb, and performed RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis of olfactory bulbs from odor-deprived and stimulated mice. We found that physiological stimulation induces large, rapid and reproducible changes in transcriptionin vivo, and that the activation of a core set of activity-regulated factors is recapitulated in anin vitromodel of neuronal stimulation. However, physiological activity did not induce global changes in post-transcriptional mRNA processing, such as AS or alternative cleavage and polyadenylation. In contrast, analysis of RNA-Seq fromin vitrostimulation models showed rapid activity-dependent changes in both transcription and mRNA processing. Our results provide the first genome-wide look at neuronal activity-dependent mRNA processing and suggest that rapid changes in AS might not be the dominant form of transcriptome alterations that take place during olfactory rodent behavior.
Gene co-expression modules underlying polymorphic and monomorphic zooids in the colonial hydrozoan,Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus
Authors: Plachetzki David C. , Sabrina Pankey M. , Johnson Brian R. , Ronne Eric J. , Kopp Artyom , Grosberg Richard K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAdvances in sequencing technology have forced a quantitative revolution in Evolutionary Biology. One important feature of this renaissance is that comprehensive genomic resources can be obtained quickly for almost any taxon, thus speeding the development of new model organisms. Here we analyze 20 RNA-seq libraries from morphologically, sexually, and genetically distinct polyp types from the gonochoristic colonial hydrozoan,Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus(Cnidaria). Analyses of these data using Weighted Gene Co-expression Networks highlights deeply conserved genetic elements of animal spermatogenesis and demonstrate the utility of these methods in identifying modules of genes that correlate with different zooid types across various statistical contrasts. RNAseq data and analytical scripts described here are deposited in publicly available databases.
Validation of methods for Low-volume RNA-seq
Authors: Combs Peter A. , Eisen Michael B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRecently, a number of protocols extending RNA-sequencing to the single-cell regime have been published. However, we were concerned that the additional steps to deal with such minute quantities of input sample would introduce serious biases that would make analysis of the data using existing approaches invalid. In this study, we performed a critical evaluation of several of these low-volume RNA-seq protocols, and found that they performed slightly less well in metrics of interest to us than a more standard protocol, but with at least two orders of magnitude less sample required. We also explored a simple modification to one of these protocols that, for many samples, reduced the cost of library preparation to approximately $20/sample.
Maritime piracy and the cost of world trade*
Authors: Jones Stephanie 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this study is to determine the nature and extent of the threat of global maritime piracy. The cost of global piracy has been estimated at USD15-25 billion, reaching an all-time high in 2011, remaining an ongoing threat to world trade and contributing to high commodity costs.

Design/methodology/approach
– Based on a literature review of formal and informal published sources, this exploratory and diagnostic article attempts to approximately quantify global piracy in terms of pirate activity worldwide and shipper response, and looks at global trends and some tentative economic implications.

Findings
– The overall findings are inconclusive due to unreliable and piecemeal data, but global piracy clearly impacts goods carried by sea. The piracy problem may be estimated in terms of ships and crew affected, ransoms paid, the impact on specific commodities in terms of cargoes carried and cost implications of pirate-avoiding rerouting.

Practical implications
– Pirates are getting rich, but their compatriots are poorer than ever. Countries desperate for international aid are corruptly laundering pirate ransom income and continuing to support pirate warlords. Prices are continuing to rise for consumers in all countries. Solutions to the piracy problem remain elusive, and are considered in a follow-up article, Maritime piracy – the challenge of providing long-term solutions.

Originality/value
– Most articles in this field consider specific piracy incidents in particular locations, without an overall analysis of the impact on world trade as a whole. There is a gap in the literature for an up-to-date, analytical study of maritime piracy worldwide.
Limited purpose banking (LPB) and Islamic finance
Authors: Smolo Edib , Mirakhor Abbas 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– This paper primarily aims to review and analyze a new model for Islamic finance based on Laurence J. Kotlikoff's idea of limited purpose banking (LPB). In addition, this paper aims to highlight, explain and discuss various aspects of LPB and how it suits the original aspirations of pioneer writers in Islamic finance.Design/methodology/approach– Based on an extensive literature review, this paper aims to highlight, explain and discuss the reform of the Islamic finance industry based on Kotlikoff's model of LPB.Findings– Based on a modified LPB model, Islamic financial institutions could be established to provide specific services with clear aims and objectives. These LPB Islamic financial institutions would operate in a similar way to LPB.Research limitations/implications– As there is no perfect plan, the proposal of this paper is far from being perfect and is open to discussions and improvements. The paper will, hopefully, spark off quite a discussion on the topic; may result in a better understanding of the model; and provide some alternative solutions to the current structurally ill financial system.Practical implications– The paper provides some practical ideas for a better implementation of Shari'ah principles in financial intermediation of the Islamic financial system.Originality/value– Kotlikoff's LPB proposal for reforming the financial system is new and has been directed to the conventional financial system. This paper represents the first attempt to apply his proposal to the Islamic finance industry.
Beyond social capital: a capability approach to understanding Refugee Community Organisations and other providers for “hard to reach” groups
Authors: Clarke Jennifer 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of the “capability approach” as an alternative framework for understanding and conceptualising the role of Refugee Community Organisations (RCOs) and other providers for groups conventionally considered “hard to reach”.

Design/methodology/approach
– A study of the education services of RCOs, drawing primarily on semi-structured interviews with 71 users, is put forward as a case study for how the capability approach can be operationalised.

Findings
– The capability approach is found to offer various valuable insights, relating to its appreciation of the multi-dimensional nature of human wellbeing, the significance of individual diversity, and the importance of human agency.

Research limitations/implications
– The case study is based on a relatively small purposive sample, and may have limited external validity. As the research design proved strong for exploring how RCOs develop their users’ capabilities but weak for exploring if and how they may also constrict them, further research in this area is required.

Practical implications
– A number of valuable attributes of the capability approach are highlighted for broadening the understanding, the role of RCOs and other service providers.

Social implications
– The paper outlines the potential of the capability approach to contribute to policymaking related to RCOs and other providers, and to debates relating to social exclusion, cohesion and integration.

Originality/value
– The paper draws attention to the value of the capability approach within the field of migration research.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among juvenile offenders in Malaysian prisons and association with socio-demographic and personal factors
Authors: Aida S.A. , Aili H.H. , Manveen K.S. , Salwina W.I.W. , Subash K.P. , Ng C.G. , Muhsin A.Z.M. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The number of juvenile offenders admitted to Malaysian prisons is alarming. The purpose of this paper is to determine the presence of any psychiatric disorders and their association with personal characteristics of juvenile detainees in prisons across Peninsular Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach– Detainees were recruited from five different prisons in Peninsular Malaysia and interviewed by a psychiatrist using the MINI-Kid and FACES-IV, relevant personal and family information was also collected.Findings– A total of 105 detainees participated in the study. Almost all of the offenders (93.3 per cent) had at least one diagnosable psychiatric disorder and more than half (76.2 per cent) had two or more psychiatric diagnoses. Conduct disorder (CD) was the commonest disorder (59.0 per cent), while substance use disorders (SUD) was the commonest co-morbidity. A significant correlation was found between presence of CD, education level and SUD. Almost all (61/62, 98.4 per cent) of the detainees with CD, had not completed schooling (OR 8.03, 95 per cent CI 1.01-71.35), and detainees with this disorder were more likely to use substances than detainees without CD (OR 4.35, 95 per cent CI 1.90-9.99). Detainees with any psychiatric diagnosis were more likely to have four or more siblings in their families (OR 5.5, 95 per cent CI 1.1-26.9).Originality/value– There is a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among juvenile offenders in Malaysian prisons, detection and intervention would be important.
Public sector managers and work stress
Authors: Løkke Ann-Kristina , Madsen Henning 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of perceived work-related stress among public sector managers.Design/methodology/approach– A general questionnaire-based survey of managers at all managerial levels in Danish organizations concerning the content of their job and the way it is practiced (n=1,500, response rate 72 per cent) are applied. For the purpose of this paper only specific information related to the perception of work stress among public sector managers is analyzed (n=400).Findings– The perception of stress are influenced by factors like gender, managerial level, work load, the influence on own job situation, if they have children living at home as well as the percentage of work-at-home.Research limitations/implications– In a general survey work stress is one among a larger number of issues. This fact may influence the validity of the information – in a positive as well as a negative way. However, the findings point to issues which call for more in-depth analyses.Practical implications– The identified significant determinants influencing the perception of stress point to issues where preventive initiatives can be taken.Social implications– Since work-related stress may cause absence from work it may influence production and the health system. If preventive measures can be taken a positive impact on the economy may be the result.Originality/value– Work-related stress has been studied before. But little focus has been given to the public sector and especially managers. Furthermore, including a variety of potential explanatory determinants such a work-life balance, psycho-social work characteristics, gender and managerial level – as well as the potential interaction between them – give a detailed platform for the analyses.
Complexity as contingency in sales and operations planning
Authors: M.T. Thomé Antônio , Soucasaux Sousa Rui , F.R.R.S. do Carmo Luiz 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to test whether complexity interacts with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) practices by positively moderating the impact of S&OP practices on manufacturing operational performance dimensions of quality, flexibility and delivery.

Design/methodology/approach
– Three hypotheses are developed on the relationships between S&OP practices, task complexity and process complexity and manufacturing operational performance. Scales are validated with structural equation modelling. The hypotheses are tested through a hierarchical regression analysis using data from a sample of 725 manufacturing plants from 21 countries.

Findings
– S&OP practices of organizational management, technological integration, measurement systems and integration of plans impact positively on manufacturing operational dimensions of quality, delivery and flexibility. Process complexity moderates the effect of S&OP practices, amplifying its impact upon all three performance dimensions. Product complexity moderates the effect on quality, but not on delivery and flexibility.

Practical implications
– S&OP practices of organizational and technological coordination of manufacturing and new product design; information technology to measure information sharing and planning; dedicated information systems do impact upon manufacturing operational performance. Results are amplified by process complexity. The more complex are the manufacturing processes the larger the gains of S&OP.

Originality/value
– This research applies contingency theory to S&OP and empirically demonstrates its impact on manufacturing operational performance and the moderator role of complexity.
See ColOr: an extended sensory substitution device for the visually impaired
Authors: D. Gomez Juan , Bologna Guido , Pun Thierry 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to overcome the limitations of sensory substitution methods (SSDs) to represent high-level or conceptual information involved in vision, which are mainly produced by the biological sensory mismatch between sight and substituting senses. Thus, provide the visually impaired with a more practical and functional SSD.

Design/methodology/approach
– Unlike any other approach, the SSD extends beyond a sensing prototype, by integrating computer vision methods to produce reliable knowledge about the physical world (at the lowest cost to the user). Importantly though, the authors do not abandon the typical encoding of low-level features into sound. The paper simply argues that any visual perception can be achieved through hearing needs to be reinforced or enhanced by techniques that lie beyond mere visual-to-audio mapping (e.g. computer vision, image processing).

Findings
– Experiments reported in this paper reveal that the See ColOr is learnable and functional, and provides easy interaction. In moderate time, participants were enabled to grasp visual information of the world out of which they could derive: spatial awareness, ability to find someone, location of daily objects and skill to walk safely avoiding obstacles. The encouraging results open a door toward autonomous mobility of the blind.

Originality/value
– The paper uses the “extended” approach to introduce and justify that the system is brand new, as well as the experimental studies on computer-vision extension of SSDs that are presented. Also, this is the first paper reporting on a terminated, integrated and functional system.