bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of bacterial and fungal communities associated with eggshells during incubation
Authors: Grizard Stéphanie , Dini‐Andreote Francisco , Tieleman B. Irene , Salles Joana F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMicroorganisms are closely associated with eggs and may play a determinant role in embryo survival. Yet, the majority of studies focusing on this association relied on culture‐based methodology, eventually leading to a skewed assessment of microbial communities. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, we, respectively, described bacterial and fungal communities on eggshells of the homing pigeon Columba livia. We explored their structure, abundance, and composition. Firstly, we showed that sampling technique affected the outcome of the results. While broadly used, the egg swabbing procedure led to a lower DNA extraction efficiency and provided different profiles of bacterial communities than those based on crushed eggshell pieces. Secondly, we observed shifts in bacterial and fungal communities during incubation. At late incubation, bacterial communities showed a reduction in diversity, while their abundance increased, possibly due to the competitive advantage of some species. When compared to their bacterial counterparts, fungal communities also decreased in diversity at late incubation. In that case, however, the decline was associated with a diminution of their overall abundance. Conclusively, our results showed that although incubation might inhibit microbial growth when compared to unincubated eggs, we observed the selective growth of specific bacterial species during incubation. Moreover, we showed that fungi are a substantial component of the microbial communities associated with eggshells and require further investigations in avian ecology. Identifying the functional roles of these microorganisms is likely to provide news insights into the evolutionary strategies that control embryo survival.
Doubly Robust Estimation of Causal Effects with Multivalued Treatments: An Application to the Returns to Schooling
Authors: Uysal S. Derya 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThis paper provides doubly robust estimators for treatment effect parameters which are defined in a multivalued treatment effect framework. We apply this method to the unique dataset of the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70) to estimate returns to various levels of schooling. The analysis is carried out for female and male samples separately to capture possible gender differences. Average returns are estimated for the entire population, as well as conditional on having a specific educational achievement. For males, relative to no qualification, we find an average return to O‐levels of 6.3%, to A‐levels of 7.9% and to higher education of 25.4%. The estimated average returns to O‐level and A‐level relative to no qualification are insignificant for females, whereas the return to higher education is 19.9%.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallic glass thin films for potential biomedical applications
Authors: Kaushik Neelam , Sharma Parmanand , Ahadian Samad , Khademhosseini Ali , Takahashi Masaharu , Makino Akihiro , Tanaka Shuji , Esashi Masayoshi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe introduce metallic glass thin films (TiCuNi) as biocompatible materials for biomedical applications. TiCuNi metallic glass thin films were deposited on the Si substrate and their structural, surface, and mechanical properties were investigated. The fabricated films showed good biocompatibility upon exposure to muscle cells. Also, they exhibited an average roughness of <0.2 nm, high wear resistance, and high mechanical properties (hardness ∼6.9 GPa and reduced modulus ∼130 GPa). Top surface of the TiCuNi films was shown to be free from Ni and mainly composed of a thin titanium oxide layer, which resulted in the high surface biocompatibility. In particular, there was no cytotoxicity effect of metallic glass films on the C2C12 myoblasts and the cells were able to proliferate well on these substrates. Low cost, viscoelastic behavior, patternability, high electrical conductivity, and the capability to coat various materials (e.g., nonbiocompatible materials) make TiCuNi as an attractive material for biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1544–1552, 2014.
Inhibition of anaerobic ammonium oxidation by heavy metals
Authors: Li Guangbin , Puyol Daniel , Carvajal‐Arroyo Jose Maria , Sierra‐Alvarez Reyes , Field Jim A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising approach for removing nitrogen from landfill leachates and other nitrogen‐laden wastewater. Although heavy metals, which are known for their microbial toxicity, are commonly present in those wastewater streams information on their inhibitory impact on anammox activity is still limited. The main aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effects of six common metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and molybdate) on anammox activity.RESULTSThe soluble concentrations of cationic metals decreased due to precipitation reactions. Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni were the most toxic metals with 50% inhibiting soluble concentrations of 4.2, 7.6, 11.2, and 48.6 mg L‐1, respectively. Molybdate and Pb2+ were not or only moderately inhibitory at the highest soluble concentrations tested (22.7 mg Mo L‐1 and 6.0 mg Pb L‐1, respectively). A noncompetitive inhibition model successfully described the relationship between microbial inhibition and metal concentrations for all tested metals except for Pb.CONCLUSIONCu, Zn and Cd were the most toxic heavy metals for anammox bacteria. The soluble concentration of these heavy metals needs to be monitored carefully before applying anammox processes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Tetrahymena thermophila: A divergent perspective on membrane traffic
Authors: Briguglio Joseph S. , Turkewitz Aaron P. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTTetrahymena thermophila, a member of the Ciliates, represents a class of organisms distantly related from commonly used model organisms in cell biology, and thus offers an opportunity to explore potentially novel mechanisms and their evolution. Ciliates, like all eukaryotes, possess a complex network of organelles that facilitate both macromolecular uptake and secretion. The underlying endocytic and exocytic pathways are key mediators of a cell's interaction with its environment, and may therefore show niche‐specific adaptations. Our laboratory has taken a variety of approaches to identify key molecular determinants for membrane trafficking pathways in Tetrahymena. Studies of Rab GTPases, dynamins, and sortilin‐family receptors substantiate the widespread conservation of some features but also uncover surprising roles for lineage‐restricted innovation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 500–516, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐ and five‐year risk of death and cardiovascular complications for hospitalized patients with hyperglycemia without diagnosed diabetes: An observational study
Authors: Tuna Meltem , Manuel Douglas G. , Bennett Carol , Lawrence Nadine , van Walraven Carl , Keely Erin , Malcolm Janine , D. Reid Robert , Forster Alan J. 
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUNDHyperglycemia is recognized as an important threat to the health of patients, independent of diabetes status. However, no long‐term follow‐up study of patients with in‐hospital elevated glucose without diabetes has been conducted.OBJECTIVETo compare 1‐ and 5‐year risk of death and cardiovascular (CV) complications in patients with a diagnosis of diabetes versus those without a diabetes diagnosisDESIGNRetrospective cohort study.METHODSRisk of all‐cause death and CV complications (acute myocardial infarction [AMI], congestive heart failure [CHF], cardiovascular disease [CVD], peripheral vascular disease [PVD], and end‐stage renal disease [ESRD]) in those diagnosed with diabetes versus those with different glycemia categories was determined using competing risk models.SETTING/PATIENTSAll adult patients from a tertiary hospital discharged alive between 1996 and 2008 from any service except psychiatry or obstetrics.RESULTSCompared to patients with diagnosed diabetes, patients with peak serum glucose level >200 mg/dL had significantly higher 1‐year risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20‐1.43) and 5‐year risk (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.22) of death but a decreased 1‐year risk of hospitalization for CHF (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.81), PVD (HR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.18‐0.24), or ESRD (HR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.6‐0.89). There was no risk difference for AMI (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.78‐1.18) or CVD (HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.61‐1.0).CONCLUSIONSAlthough it is unclear whether hospitalized patients with elevated peak serum glucose have early diabetes or their hyperglycemia reflects hospital stress or another comorbidity, in‐hospital hyperglycemia is an important clinical indicator, carrying a higher 1‐ and 5‐year mortality risk than those with diagnosed diabetes. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:365–371. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Process development of inverted‐staggered amorphous InGaZnO thin‐film transistors with wet‐etched electrodes
Authors: Dong Chengyuan , Chen Yuting , Hu Zhe , Wu Jie , Zhou Daxiang , Xie Haiting , Chiang Cheng‐Lung , Chen Po‐Lin , Lai Tzu‐Chieh , Lo Chang‐Cheng , Lien Alan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractProcess development of inverted‐staggered amorphous InGaZnO thin‐film transistors (a‐IGZO TFTs) with wet‐etched electrodes was employed in this paper. Five metals (Al, Cu, Ti, Ta, and Cr) as well as various etchants were comparatively investigated, indicating H2O2 based solution etched Ta films were good candidates for the wet‐etched electrodes of a‐IGZO TFTs. The aforementioned findings along with other improving attempts successfully established inexpensive processing steps and conditions with which stable a‐IGZO TFTs were finally fabricated. The device performance was reasonably good enough (μFE of 6.0 cm2/V·s, Vth of 2.5 V, SS of 1.8 V/decade, and Ion/Ioff of 106) to meet the requirements of applications especially for small‐sized flat panel displays.
Personality Antecedents of Customer Citizenship Behaviors in Online Shopping Situations
Authors: Anaza Nwamaka A. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThis study examines the psychological process used in predicting customer citizenship behaviors. Hypotheses are proposed to test the effects of personality traits on customer satisfaction, and customer citizenship behaviors in an online shopping context. Two broader elemental traits—agreeableness and extraversion—are posited to lead to specific state‐based traits; namely, perspective taking and empathic concern. In turn, empathic reactions are expected to affect customer satisfaction as well as customer citizenship behaviors. Study results demonstrate that individuals high on empathic concern feel greater satisfaction with the service provider, and display a greater propensity to help other online shoppers.
Investigating Gender‐Schema Congruity Effects on Consumers’ Evaluation of Anthropomorphized Products
Authors: van den Hende Ellis A. , Mugge Ruth 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTAnthropomorphism refers to the tendency to attribute humanlike characteristics, intentions, and behavior to nonhuman artifacts. Prior research has established a product‐schema congruity effect by suggesting that successful anthropomorphism necessitates a product with schema‐congruent features next to the promotion message. This article extends this body of research for the specific case of gender anthropomorphism by proposing a gender‐schema congruity effect. Specifically, the results of two experimental studies demonstrated that when a human gender schema is primed, that is, congruent with consumers’ own gender, consumers show more preferential evaluations and are more likely to perceive the product as human, even when no product‐schema congruent features are present in the product. Results indicated that perceived anthropomorphism mediates the gender‐schema congruity effect and the product‐schema congruity effect on product evaluations.
Has Reality Television Come of Age as a Promotional Platform? Modeling the Endorsement Effectiveness of Celebreality and Reality Stars
Authors: Tran Gina A. , Strutton David 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTReality television programming (RTVP) was once simply an innovative entertainment phenomenon. But RTVP also has recently evolved into a mainstream promotional platform. Two new forms of celebrities arose during this progression: “reality” and “celebreality” stars. This study, which is grounded in connectedness theory, addresses an unresolved issue related to the use of celebrity endorsers, that is, how endorsers’ status as reality or celebreality stars influences viewers’ perceptions of, beliefs about, and purchase intentions toward products they endorse. These relationships were examined through SEM, as were the effects of viewers’ connectedness to RTVP stars and their perceptions regarding whether RTVPs are authentic. Four primary findings emerged. The observation that reality impacted viewer connectedness and that connectedness and authenticity impacted viewers’ purchase intentions (endorsement effectiveness) revealed various practical and theoretical contributions, as did the observation that endorsers’ celebreality or reality star status moderated each of these relationships.
Synthesis of hydrocarbon polymers containing bulky dibenzobicyclic moiety by ROMP and their characteristic optical properties
Authors: Shiotsuki Masashi , Endo Takeshi 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe eight‐membered cyclic monomer, prepared by Diels–Alder reaction of 1,5‐cyclooctadiene and anthracene, polymerized via Ru‐catalyzed ring‐opening metathesis to efficiently afford high polymers (Mn up to 631,000). Unsaturated moieties in the main chain of the obtained polymer were hydrogenated with a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst in quantitative conversion, confirmed by 1H‐NMR measurement. The self‐standing membranes were provided by casting the tetrahydrofuran solutions of both nonhydrogenated and hydrogenated polymers. The obtained membranes showed high transparency in the region of >300 nm with mechanical flexibility. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that both nonhydrogenated and hydrogenated polymers decomposed in two stages. The first‐stage decomposition starting at around 230 °C was caused by retro Diels–Alder reaction forming anthracene, proven by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC‐MS) analyses. Mechanical grinding of the polymers induced the formation of anthracene in solid state, which transformed the polymer into blue‐luminescent materials under UV irradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1392–1400
RETRACTED: The developmental pattern of the RAS/RAF/Erk1/2 pathway in the BTBR autism mouse model
Authors: Yin Ailan , Qiu Yuwen , jia Bei , Song Tianrong , Yu Yanhong , Alberts Ian , Zhong Mei 
Published: March 2014

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy).The work described in this article was performed at the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities (IBR), Staten Island, USA and not at the institution credited in the published article, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.This article has been retracted at the request of the IBR as the authors are not the owners of the data reported and they did not have permission to publish it.
Levels of symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). I. Efficiency and performance for interaction energies
Authors: Parker Trent M. , Burns Lori A. , Parrish Robert M. , Ryno Alden G. , Sherrill C. David 
Published: March 2014

A systematic examination of the computational expense and accuracy of Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT) for the prediction of non-covalent interaction energies is provided with respect to both method [SAPT0, DFT-SAPT, SAPT2, SAPT2+, SAPT2+(3), and SAPT2+3; with and without CCD dispersion for the last three] and basis set [Dunning cc-pVDZ through aug-cc-pV5Z wherever computationally tractable, including truncations of diffuse basis functions]. To improve accuracy for hydrogen-bonded systems, we also include two corrections based on exchange-scaling (sSAPT0) and the supermolecular MP2 interaction energy (δMP2). When considering the best error performance relative to computational effort, we recommend as the gold, silver, and bronze standard of SAPT: SAPT2+(3)δMP2/aug-cc-pVTZ, SAPT2+/aug-cc-pVDZ, and sSAPT0/jun-cc-pVDZ. Their respective mean absolute errors in interaction energy across the S22, HBC6, NBC10, and HSG databases are 0.15 (62.9), 0.30 (4.4), and 0.49 kcal mol−1 (0.03 h for adenine·thymine complex).
Prefecture-level economic conditions and risk of suicide in Japan: a repeated cross-sectional analysis 1975–2010
Authors: Suzuki Etsuji , Kashima Saori , Kawachi Ichiro , Subramanian S. V. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Background: Geographical inequalities in suicide have risen dramatically across 47 prefectures in Japan since 1995. We sought to examine temporal changes in the associations between prefecture-level economic conditions and completed suicide during the recent 35 years, controlling for individual composition in each prefecture. Methods: Based on quinquennial vital statistics and census data from 1975 to 2010, we analysed the entire population aged 25–64 years. The total number of suicides was 87 553 men and 34 559 women. As indicators of prefecture-level economic conditions, we used average yearly income, average savings and income inequality (measured by Gini coefficients for yearly income). For each sex, we estimated odds ratios and 95% credible intervals for suicide using multilevel logistic regression models, with cells at level 1, years at level 2 and prefectures at level 3. Results: Even after adjusting for individual age, occupation and time trends, low average savings at prefecture level were associated with a higher risk of suicide among men (odds ratio in low vs. high savings: 1.13, 95% credible interval: 1.05–1.21), whereas no clear patterns were observed with other economic indicators. When we further examined the associations in year-specific models by conducting a two-level analysis, both average yearly income and average savings were inversely associated with suicide risk in recent years. No clear association was found between income inequality and suicide risk for either sex. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that low area socioeconomic status may be driving the growing geographical inequalities in suicide in Japan, primarily among men.
An Analysis of Cochlear Implant Distortion from a User’s Perspective
Authors: Jacobson Barry D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe describe our first-hand experience with a cochlear implant (CI), being both a recent recipient and a hearing researcher. We note the promising loudness, but very unpleasant distortion, which makes understanding speech difficult in many environments, including in noise, on the phone or through the radio. We also discuss the extreme unpleasantness of music, which makes recognizing familiar melodies very difficult. We investigate the causes of the above problems through mathematical analysis and computer simulations of sound mixtures, and find that surprisingly, the culprit appears to be non-biological in origin, but primarily due to the envelope-based signal processing algorithms currently used. This distortion is generated before the signal even enters the cochlea. Hence, the long-held belief that inter-electrode interference or current spreading is the cause, appears incorrect. We explain that envelope processing may have been originally instituted based on an inaccurate understanding of the role of place coding vs. temporal coding, or alternatively, because of an incorrect analogy to radio modulation theory. On the basis of our analysis, we suggest immediate concrete steps, some possibly in firmware alone, that may lead to a much improved experience.
Biodesalination: A Case Study for Applications of Photosynthetic Bacteria in Water Treatment
Authors: Amezaga Jaime M. , Amtmann Anna , Biggs Catherine A. , Bond Tom , Gandy Catherine J. , Honsbein Annegret , Karunakaran Esther , Lawton Linda , Madsen Mary Ann , Minas Konstantinos , Templeton Michael R. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Shortage of freshwater is a serious problem in many regions worldwide, and is expected to become even more urgent over the next decades as a result of increased demand for food production and adverse effects of climate change. Vast water resources in the oceans can only be tapped into if sustainable, energy-efficient technologies for desalination are developed. Energization of desalination by sunlight through photosynthetic organisms offers a potential opportunity to exploit biological processes for this purpose. Cyanobacterial cultures in particular can generate a large biomass in brackish and seawater, thereby forming a low-salt reservoir within the saline water. The latter could be used as an ion exchanger through manipulation of transport proteins in the cell membrane. In this article, we use the example of biodesalination as a vehicle to review the availability of tools and methods for the exploitation of cyanobacteria in water biotechnology. Issues discussed relate to strain selection, environmental factors, genetic manipulation, ion transport, cell-water separation, process design, safety, and public acceptance.
Analysis of Positive Control STR Experiments Reveals that Results Obtained for FGA, D3S1358, and D13S317 Condition the Success Rate of the Analysis of Routine Reference Samples
Authors: Murigneux Valentine , Dufour Anne‐Béatrice , Lobry Jean R. , Pène Laurent 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAbout 120,000 reference samples are analyzed each year in the Forensic Laboratory of Lyon. A total of 1640 positive control experiments used to validate and optimize the analytical method in the routine process were submitted to a multivariate exploratory data analysis approach with the aim of better understanding the underlying sources of variability. The peak heights of the 16 genetic markers targeted by the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® STR kit were used as variables of interest. Six different 3130xl genetic analyzers located in the same controlled environment were involved. Two major sources of variability were found: (i) the DNA load of the sample modulates all peak heights in a similar way so that the 16 markers are highly correlated, (ii) the genetic analyzer used with a locus‐specific response for peak height and a better sensitivity for the most recently acquired. Three markers (FGA, D3S1358, and D13S317) were found to be of special interest to predict the success rate observed in the routine process.
A Molecular Method to Correlate Bloodstains with Wound Site for Crime Scene Reconstruction
Authors: Johnson Donald J. , Andersen Cheryl , Scriven Katherine A. , Klein Amberly N. , Choi Mo Re , Carroll Cindy , de Leon Ray D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBloodstain pattern analysis to determine the wound‐of‐origin of bloodstains is problematic with nonspecific patterns. In this proof‐of‐concept study, the authors examined a molecular approach to correlate bloodstains with injuries using the rat as a model. Specifically, investigations were conducted on the rat brain marker, rno‐miR‐124‐3p, with the QIAGEN miScript System and real‐time PCR analysis. Rno‐miR‐124‐3p was detected in brain homogenates diluted 100,000 times; in 3‐week‐old, room temperature stored, simulated brain–blood stains; and in bloodstains from head gunshot wounds collected with swabs and subsequently frozen for 9–18 months; however, rno‐miR‐124‐3p was not detected in whole blood. Proof‐of‐principle was demonstrated by the ability to distinguish bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the head versus bloodstains from a gunshot wound to the chest, by the testing of otherwise identical bloodstains from the two patterns for the presence of the marker. The results suggest a viable approach to a longstanding problem in casework.