bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate transcriptome-wide prediction of microRNA targets and small interfering RNA off-targets with MIRZA-G
Authors: Gumienny Rafal , Zavolan Mihaela 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knock-down is a widely used experimental approach to characterizing gene function. Although siRNAs are designed to guide the cleavage of perfectly complementary mRNA targets, acting similarly to microRNAs (miRNAs), siRNAs down-regulate the expression of hundreds of genes to which they have only partial complementarity. Prediction of these siRNA ‘off-targets’ remains difficult, due to the incomplete understanding of siRNA/miRNA–target interactions. Combining a biophysical model of miRNA–target interaction with structure and sequence features of putative target sites we developed a suite of algorithms, MIRZA-G, for the prediction of miRNA targets and siRNA off-targets on a genome-wide scale. The MIRZA-G variant that uses evolutionary conservation performs better than currently available methods in predicting canonical miRNA target sites and in addition, it predicts non-canonical miRNA target sites with similarly high accuracy. Furthermore, MIRZA-G variants predict siRNA off-target sites with an accuracy unmatched by currently available programs. Thus, MIRZA-G may prove instrumental in the analysis of data resulting from large-scale siRNA screens.
A Japanese Stretching Intervention Can Modify Lumbar Lordosis Curvature
Authors: Kadono Norio , Tsuchiya Kazushi , Uematsu Azusa , Kamoshita Hiroshi , Kiryu Kazunori , Hortobágyi Tibor , Suzuki Shuji 
Published: January 2015

Study Design:
Eighteen healthy male adults were assigned to either an intervention or control group.

Objectives:
Isogai dynamic therapy (IDT) is one of Japanese stretching interventions and has been practiced for over 70 years. However, its scientific quantitative evidence remains unestablished. The objective of this study was to determine whether IDT could modify lumbar curvature in healthy young adults compared with stretching exercises used currently in clinical practice.

Summary of Background Data:
None of previous studies have provided data that conventional stretching interventions could modify spinal curvatures. However, this study provides the first evidence that a specific form of a Japanese stretching intervention can acutely modify the spinal curvatures.

Methods:
We compared the effects of IDT, a Japanese stretching intervention (n=9 males), with a conventional stretching routine (n=9 males) used widely in clinics to modify pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis (LL) angle. We measured thoracic kyphosis (TK) and LL angles 3 times during erect standing using the Spinal Mouse before and after each intervention. IDT consisted of: (1) hip joint correction, (2) pelvic tilt correction, (3) lumbar alignment correction, and (4) squat exercise stretch. The control group performed hamstring stretches while (1) standing and (2) sitting.

Results:
IDT increased LL angle to 25.1 degrees (±5.9) from 21.2 degrees (±6.9) (P=0.047) without changing TK angle (pretest: 36.8 degrees [±6.9]; posttest: 36.1 degrees [±6.5]) (P=0.572). The control group showed no changes in TK (P=0.819) and LL angles (P=0.744).

Conclusions:
IDT can thus be effective for increasing LL angle, hence anterior pelvic tilt. Such modifications could ameliorate low back pain and improve mobility in old adults with an unfavorable pelvic position.
Induced Jasmonate Signaling Leads to Contrasting Effects on Root Damage and Herbivore Performance
Authors: Lu Jing , Robert Christelle Aurélie Maud , Riemann Michael , Cosme Marco , Mène-Saffrané Laurent , Massana Josep , Stout Michael Joseph , Lou Yonggen , Gershenzon Jonathan , Erb Matthias 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Induced defenses play a key role in plant resistance against leaf feeders. However, very little is known about the signals that are involved in defending plants against root feeders and how they are influenced by abiotic factors. We investigated these aspects for the interaction between rice (Oryza sativa) and two root-feeding insects: the generalist cucumber beetle (Diabrotica balteata) and the more specialized rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus). Rice plants responded to root attack by increasing the production of jasmonic acid (JA) and abscisic acid, whereas in contrast to in herbivore-attacked leaves, salicylic acid and ethylene levels remained unchanged. The JA response was decoupled from flooding and remained constant over different soil moisture levels. Exogenous application of methyl JA to the roots markedly decreased the performance of both root herbivores, whereas abscisic acid and the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid did not have any effect. JA-deficient antisense 13-lipoxygenase (asLOX) and mutant allene oxide cyclase hebiba plants lost more root biomass under attack from both root herbivores. Surprisingly, herbivore weight gain was decreased markedly in asLOX but not hebiba mutant plants, despite the higher root biomass removal. This effect was correlated with a herbivore-induced reduction of sucrose pools in asLOX roots. Taken together, our experiments show that jasmonates are induced signals that protect rice roots from herbivores under varying abiotic conditions and that boosting jasmonate responses can strongly enhance rice resistance against root pests. Furthermore, we show that a rice 13-lipoxygenase regulates root primary metabolites and specifically improves root herbivore growth.
Two Distinct Domains of the UVR8 Photoreceptor Interact with COP1 to Initiate UV-B Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yin Ruohe , Arongaus Adriana B. , Binkert Melanie , Ulm Roman 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
UV-B photon reception by the Arabidopsis thaliana homodimeric UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) photoreceptor leads to its monomerization and a crucial interaction with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1). Relay of the subsequent signal regulates UV-B-induced photomorphogenesis and stress acclimation. Here, we report that two separate domains of UVR8 interact with COP1: the β-propeller domain of UVR8 mediates UV-B-dependent interaction with the WD40 repeats-based predicted β-propeller domain of COP1, whereas COP1 activity is regulated by interaction through the UVR8 C-terminal C27 domain. We show not only that the C27 domain is required for UVR8 activity but also that chemically induced expression of the C27 domain is sufficient to mimic UV-B signaling. We further show, in contrast with COP1, that the WD40 repeat proteins REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (RUP1) and RUP2 interact only with the UVR8 C27 domain. This coincides with their facilitation of UVR8 reversion to the ground state by redimerization and their potential to interact with UVR8 in a UV-B-independent manner. Collectively, our results provide insight into a key mechanism of photoreceptor-mediated signaling and its negative feedback regulation.
Admitting scientific expert evidence in the UK: reliability challenges and the need for revised criteria – proposing an Abridged Daubert
Authors: Ireland Jane , Beaumont John 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– Expert evidence is a contentious area with a number of high profile cases highlighting unreliable “scientific” expert evidence, leading to appeals and acquittals. The purpose of this paper is to argue for improvement in the assessment of expert evidence reliability to avoid such difficulties.Design/methodology/approach– A review of the area focused on the history of developing legal criteria for admitting “scientific” evidence. It examined the benefits and difficulties of approaches, and proposes an amendment to criteria for increased transparency and evidenced decision making.Findings– The review indicated a range of difficulties with “expert” evidence admissibility, including inconsistency, an over-focus on narrow elements of evidence, difficulties in interpretation, and the potential to unfairly restrict evidence. An alternative to current approaches is proposed. This takes the form of a two-stage approach to consider whether or not to admit expert evidence. It comprises a preparation and an examination stage. The former seeks to critically review the evidence and define its nature. The latter applies two sets of criteria; a Daubert application for generally accepted physical sciences, and proposes an Abridged-Daubert for novel and social/behavioural sciences. Also proposed is increased involvement by experts in critically reviewing their own evidence and in providing statements of limitations.Practical implications– The paper concludes by outlining the importance of developing such an approach for the UK legal system. It focuses on the application of specific criterion which could assist both Courts and witnesses to evaluate the quality of evidence prior to submission by accounting for the nature of the opinion evidence provided.Originality/value– The paper outlines a practical approach to examining evidence which has benefit to practitioners and advocates when opinion evidence is outlined.
Dividend yields and stock returns in Hong Kong
Authors: Lemmon Michael L. , Nguyen Thanh 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The positive relationship between dividend yield and risk-adjusted return, which is called the dividend yield effect, is well documented in the US market. Yet, the drivers of the yield effect are unclear. Some argue this evidence is consistent with the prediction that the investor-level tax burden is capitalized in stock prices, also known as the tax capitalization hypothesis. Still others contend that nontax omitted factors drive the yield effect. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate by exploring if the yield effect occurs in Hong Kong market where no taxes exist on either dividend income or capital gain.Design/methodology/approach– The authors use two main approaches to detect the dividend yield effect. The first approach groups stocks into portfolios based on dividend yields and tests for the presence of a yield effect at the portfolio level. The second approach employs the Fama-MacBeth methodology at the firm level and tests if a yield effect is existent after controlling for firm characteristics known to explain stock returns.Findings– The paper documents a robust dividend yield effect in the Hong Kong market and suggests that nontax reasons help to explain the yield effect.Originality/value– Tax capitalization is a long-standing question in financial economics and the research evidence is mixed. The findings do not completely rule out the tax capitalization hypothesis. The main contribution is to illustrate the difficulty of conducting a powerful test of this hypothesis in practice and to urge caution in interpreting the dividend yield effect as evidence in support of this hypothesis.
Dividend policy in India: new survey evidence
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Kapoor Sujata 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to survey managers of dividend-paying firms listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in India to learn their views about the factors influencing dividend policy, dividend issues, and explanations for paying cash dividends and repurchasing shares. The authors compare the results to other dividend surveys based on firms in Indonesia, Canada, and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors use questionnaire to gather primary data from a sample of 500 firms listed on the NSE.

Findings
– The most important determinants of dividends involve earnings (the stability of earnings as well as the level of current and expected future earnings) and the pattern of past dividends. Comparing the overall rankings of the 21 factors by respondents from Indian firms to those of Indonesian, Canadian, and US firms reveals statistically significant correlations. Respondents also perceive that dividend policy affects firm value. Respondents also view maintaining an uninterrupted record of dividends as important. The most highly supported explanations for paying cash dividends concern signaling, the firm life cycle, and catering. Although none of the theories of repurchasing shares is dominant, respondents provide little support for the agency explanation.

Research limitations/implications
– Although the tests suggest that the sample does not suffer from non-response bias, the findings should be viewed as suggestive rather than definitive because of the relatively low response rate.

Originality/value
– The paper presents new evidence about dividend policy of Indian firms. To the knowledge, this is the most comprehensive survey of Indian firms to date that captures managerial perceptions on both cash dividends and share repurchases.
Corporate dividend policy revisited
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Weigand Rob 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview and synthesis of some important literature on dividend policy, chronicle changing perspectives and trends, provide stylized facts, offer practical implications, and suggest avenues for future research.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors provide a survey of literature surveys with a focus on insights for paying cash dividends.

Findings
– The analysis of literature surveys on dividend policy provides some stylized facts. For example, US evidence indicates that the importance of cash dividends as a part of investors’ total returns has declined over time. Share repurchases now play an increasingly important role in payout policy in countries permitting stock buybacks. The popular view is that dividend policy is important, as evidenced by the large amount of money involved and the attention that firms, security analysts, and investors give to dividends. Firms tend to follow a managed dividend policy rather than a residual dividend policy, which involves paying dividends from earnings left over after meeting investment needs while maintaining its target capital structure. Certain determinants of cash dividends are consistently important over time in shaping actual dividend policies including the stability of past dividends and current and anticipated earnings. No universal set of factors is appropriate for all firms because dividend policy is sensitive to numerous factors including firm characteristics, market characteristics, and substitute forms of dividends. Universal or one-size-fits-all theories or explanations for why companies pay dividends are too simplistic.

Practical implications
– The dividend puzzle remains an important topic in modern finance.

Originality/value
– This is the first a survey of literature surveys on cash dividends.
Demateriality
Authors: Fimbel Eric , Binninger Anne-Sophie , Karyotis Catherine 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to analyze the symbolic and practical impacts of demateriality in two areas that are emblematic of the way the modern world operates. Firstly, finance via currency, and secondly, trade via the relationship between trading firms and their customers. The article also addresses the current role played by so-called “information” technologies, exploring the double embedding of society within trade and trade within finance.

Design/methodology/approach
– A multidisciplinary approach which mobilizes available knowledge in finance, technology, marketing and sociology.

Findings
– The overall social power of the state of demateriality is that it reinforces the double-embedding.

Originality/value
– A multidisciplinary approach which mobilizes available knowledge in finance, technology, marketing and sociology to comprehend the role of a state, beyond the process creating that state.
More than three’s a crowd . . . in the best interest of companies!
Authors: Bouaiss Karima , Maque Isabelle , Meric Jérôme 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to decipher the contradictions and the ambiguities of crowdfunding as a term and as a practice to reveal the deeper significance of its underlying Zeitgeist.

Design/methodology/approach
– Three steps were followed. In the first one, the authors underline the ambiguities of crowd as a concept in its traditional meaning as well as in the realities, it may depict when referring to connected people. Thereafter, the many practices of crowdfunding with the apparent univocity of this term were confronted.

Findings
– These analyses led the authors to consider crowdfunding as ideology: an incantatory use of crowd can conceal an effective profit-making process, as well as a new way to unblock a stalling social elevator.

Originality/value
– As per the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to try to conceptualize the social roots of crowdfunding and to analyze its deeper significance, as complementary to an already developed “how-to-do-it” literature. It is worth confronting this piece of reflexivity with the emerging literature on the assessment of specific crowdfunding operations.
Alternative theory for signal contribution sections and depth of investigation characteristics in electrical prospecting
Authors: Gómez‐Treviño Enrique , Flores Carlos 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTWe present an alternative to Roy's theorem for direct current regimes with the aim of validating the theoretical basis of signal contribution sections in electrical prospecting. Roy's theorem establishes that the electrical potential at a point can be expressed as an integral over all space of the electric field weighted by the gradient of inverse distance. The integrand is interpreted to represent elementary contributions to the potential that can be analyzed to compare different electrode arrays. Signal contribution sections and depth of investigation characteristics can be beautifully illustrated with important practical applications. However, the electric potential, being the solution of a boundary value problem, cannot be uniquely decomposed into elementary contributions. There is no guarantee for the integrand of a given integral to be meaningful in all situations. In the case of Roy's theorem, the concept has been severely criticized by respected scholars who challenged the scientific legitimacy of his approach. If we are going to keep the concept of elementary contributions alive, we need to go beyond Roy's theorem. In this paper, we develop an alternative theorem and show that it merges with the concept of sensitivity, which is unique and mathematically sound, and is also open to physical validation. This prevents any possible contradictions in the future and, equally important, eliminates the dichotomy between sensitivity and elementary contributions.
Non‐additive effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition between two larval salamanders
Authors: Anderson Thomas L. , Whiteman Howard H. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Assessment of the relative strengths of intra‐ and interspecific competition has increased in recent years and is critical to understanding the importance of competition. Yet, whether intra‐ and interspecific competition can have non‐additive effects has rarely been tested. The resulting fitness consequences of such non‐additive interactions are important to provide the context necessary to advance our understanding of competition theory.

We compared the strength of additive and non‐additive intra‐ and interspecific competition by manipulating densities of a pair of larval salamanders (Ambystoma talpoideum and A. maculatum) in experimental mesocosms within a response surface design.

Intraspecific density had the strongest effect on the strength of competition for both species, and few observed comparisons indicated interspecific competition was an important factor in predicting body size, growth or larval period length of either species.

Non‐additive effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition influenced some response variables, including size and mass at metamorphosis in A. maculatum, but at a reduced strength compared to intraspecific effects alone.

Intraspecific competition was thus the dominant biotic interaction, but non‐additive effects also impact the outcome of competition in these species, validating the importance of testing for and incorporating non‐additive density effects into competition models.
Infectious disease transmission and behavioural allometry in wild mammals
Authors: Han Barbara A. , Park Andrew W. , Jolles Anna E. , Altizer Sonia 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAnimals’ social and movement behaviours can impact the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, especially for pathogens transmitted through close contact between hosts or through contact with infectious stages in the environment.Estimating pathogen transmission rates andR0from natural systems can be challenging. Because host behavioural traits that underlie the transmission process vary predictably with body size, one of the best‐studied traits among animals, body size might therefore also predict variation in parasite transmission dynamics.Here, we examine how two host behaviours, social group living and the intensity of habitat use, scale allometrically using comparative data from wild primate, carnivore and ungulate species. We use these empirical relationships to parameterize classical compartment models for infectious micro‐ and macroparasitic diseases, and examine how the risk of pathogen invasion changes as a function of host behaviour and body size. We then test model predictions using comparative data on parasite prevalence and richness from wild mammals.We report a general pattern suggesting that smaller‐bodied mammal species utilizing home ranges more intensively experience greater risk for invasion by environmentally transmitted macroparasites. Conversely, larger‐bodied hosts exhibiting a high degree of social group living could be more readily invaded by directly transmitted microparasites. These trends were supported through comparison of micro‐ and macroparasite species richness across a large number of carnivore, primate and ungulate species, but empirical data on carnivore macroparasite prevalence showed mixed results.Collectively, our study demonstrates that combining host behavioural traits with dynamical models of infectious disease scaled against host body size can generate testable predictions for variation in parasite risk across species; a similar approach might be useful in future work focused on predicting parasite distributions in local host communities.