bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EBE, an AP2/ERF Transcription Factor Highly Expressed in Proliferating Cells, Affects Shoot Architecture in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mehrnia Mohammad , Balazadeh Salma , Zanor María-Inés , Mueller-Roeber Bernd 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
We report about ERF BUD ENHANCER (EBE; At5g61890), a transcription factor that affects cell proliferation as well as axillary bud outgrowth and shoot branching in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). EBE encodes a member of the APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor superfamily; the gene is strongly expressed in proliferating cells and is rapidly and transiently up-regulated in axillary meristems upon main stem decapitation. Overexpression of EBE promotes cell proliferation in growing calli, while the opposite is observed in EBE-RNAi lines. EBE overexpression also stimulates axillary bud formation and outgrowth, while repressing it results in inhibition of bud growth. Global transcriptome analysis of estradiol-inducible EBE overexpression lines revealed 48 EBE early-responsive genes, of which 14 were up-regulated and 34 were down-regulated. EBE activates several genes involved in cell cycle regulation and dormancy breaking, including D-type cyclin CYCD3;3, transcription regulator DPa, and BRCA1-ASSOCIATED RING DOMAIN1. Among the down-regulated genes were DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN1 (AtDRM1), AtDRM1 homolog, MEDIATOR OF ABA-REGULATED DORMANCY1, and ZINC FINGER HOMEODOMAIN5. Our data indicate that the effect of EBE on shoot branching likely results from an activation of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and dormancy breaking.
Awareness and use of e‐journals by IIT Delhi and Delhi University library users
Authors: Nisha Faizul , Ali Naushad 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the use of e‐journals by the users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University.Design/methodology/approachSurvey research was conducted to access e‐journal use among IIT Delhi and Delhi University users. A stratified random sample method was used for selection of respondents. The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire taking a random sample of 300 users (PG and PhD) from different disciplines of IIT Delhi and Delhi University libraries and the response rate was 66.66 per cent. The questionnaires were administered personally among the users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University during the survey period (March‐May 2011).FindingsFrom this survey it was found that most of the users are aware of e‐journals and they are not only using them for building and updating their knowledge but also for collecting relevant material for their study and research purposes as information can be acquired expeditiously through e‐journals. The main aim of consulting these journals is for retrieving information regarding research, publishing research papers and manuscripts, assignments, presentations, seminars, and largely to update their own knowledge. However, this study also reveals several inherent problems especially with the use of e‐journals e.g. slow downloading as revealed by maximum IIT Delhi and Delhi University users. Other mechanical deficits like non‐availability of a particular issue, lack of training and limited access to terminals are also present while using e‐journals.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study consists only of e‐journal users of IIT Delhi and Delhi University. The geographical coverage is restricted to Delhi. The responses have been taken from users and the data have been collected during the months of March‐May 2011 only.Practical implicationsThe problem is selected by the investigator to understand the use of e‐journals by IIT Delhi and Delhi University users so that libraries can make further improvement in their e‐journal services depending upon the results and suggestions.Originality/valueThe paper provides suggestions derived from the analysis of data which in turn will help to enhance the use of e‐journal services and fulfill the needs and requirements of users in the libraries of IIT Delhi and Delhi University.
Dimensions of hospital service quality: a critical review
Authors: P. Pai Yogesh , T. Chary Satyanarayana 
Published: April 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to review the service quality dimensions established in various studies conducted across the world specifically applied to health care.

Design/methodology/approach
– Studies conducted on quality of care selected from literature databases – Ebsco, Emerald Insight, ABI/Inform – was subjected to a comprehensive in-depth content analysis.

Findings
– Service quality has been extensively studied with considerable efforts taken to develop survey instruments for measuring purposes. The number of dimensional structure varies across the studies. Self-administered questionnaire dominates in terms of mode of administration adopted in the studies, with respondents ranging from 18 to 85 years. Target sample size ranged from 84-2,000 respondents in self-administered questionnaires and for mail administration ranged from 300-2,600 respondents. Studies vary in terms of the scores used ranging from four to ten-point scale. A total of 27 of the studies have used EFA, 11 studies have used structural equation modelling and eight studies used gap scores. Cronbach
'
s alpha is the most commonly used measure of scale reliability. There is variation in terms of measuring the content, criteria and construct validation among the studies.

Practical implications
– The literature offers dimensions used in assessing patient perceived service quality. The review reveals diversity and a plethora of dimensions and methodology to develop the construct discussed.

Originality/value
– The reported study describes and contrasts a large number of service-quality measurement constructs and highlights the usage of dimensions. The findings are valuable to academics in terms of dimensions and methodology used, approach for analysis; whereas findings are of value to practitioners in terms of the dimensions found in the research and to identify the gap in their setting.
An evidence based approach to creating an age‐friendly culture
Authors: Broughan Christine 
Published: April 2013

PurposeRecent changes in demographics make older workers a key issue for HR practices, policy and procedure. There exists a clear business case for valuing older workers but organizations are often unclear as to how this should be achieved. The aim of this paper is to show how an evidence‐based approach using a tool from Coventry University and ACAS can help in creating an age‐friendly culture.Design/methodology/approachCoventry University and ACAS have developed an age audit tool (AAT) that enables organizations to examine various areas of the business. The results of the AAT allow organizations to develop targeted action orientated strategies that are pertinent to their situation.FindingsPilot results suggest that the AAT is relevant to different types and size of organization. However, like any change management approach, moving towards an age friendly policy will require careful planning, top level buy‐in and ownership. It will also need to be evidence based and aligned to other HR policies, procedures and government legislation.Originality/valueAs more organizations use the AAT we will be able to build a picture of the issues facing organizations and provide focused workshops, conferences and consultancy. The anonymous data gathered will also allow companies to benchmark against similar organizations in their sector.
Why do Italian households prefer adjustable rate mortgages?
Authors: Zocchi Paola 
Published: April 2013

PurposeIn Italy three quarters of the stock of households' mortgage debt is exposed to interest rate risk. The aim of this paper is to explain why the majority of mortgage holders in the Italian residential mortgage market have chosen a mortgage with a variable interest rate.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis has been carried out on a sample of 959 Italian households on the basis of data from the Survey on Household Income and Wealth by the Bank of Italy and covers the period between 1997 and 2006.FindingsThe outcomes raise some doubts about the efficiency of the Italian mortgage market in terms of risk allocation between banks and householders. Fixed rate mortgage (FRM) versus adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) choice appears to be guided by a short‐term outlook informed by the need to maximize a household's immediate utility. Furthermore, households seem to embrace a myopic perspective, since the preference for ARMs increases with the lengthening of the maturity of the mortgage and with any increase in the size of the principal amount. Also, lending policies appear to have a considerable influence on a household's FRM‐ARM choice.Practical implicationsIt seems that the Italian mortgage market requires adequate initiatives to improve households' financial literacy. Some measures to mitigate the assumption of the interest rate risk by households would be also welcomed.Originality/valueThis study represents the first investigation into the relationship between lending policies of banks and householders' mortgage choice from the perspective of a country distinguished by a high and persistent preference for the adjustable rate mortgages.
Can plant–microbe–insect interactions enhance or inhibit the spread of invasive species?
Authors: Bennett Alison E. 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Invasive species are one of the great challenges facing the world leading to great economic losses. Increasing numbers of species introductions are also increasing the likelihood of new species interactions – particularly between plants, microbes and insects.

Frequently discovered interactions between plants, microbes and insects are giving rise to a new field: plant–microbe–insect (PMI) interactions. This paper focuses on novel PMI interactions created from the introduction of new plant, insect and microbe species. In particular, this paper asks: Do novel PMI interactions promote or inhibit invasive plants, microbes and insects? And can we predict whether novel PMI interactions are likely to become invasive?

While we might predict that novel PMI interactions are likely to be simple additive interactions due to their relatively short period of interaction, instead this review demonstrates that most novel PMI interactions are actually nonadditive. This manuscript shows that there are a great number of instances where invasive species are promoted by novel PMI interactions. By contrast, the studied cases where PMI interactions limit invasive species are predominantly biocontrol PMI interactions.

Future research on novel PMI interactions should focus on predicting future novel PMI interactions that promote invasive species. Given that many novel PMI interactions involve plant pathogens and their insect vectors, this novel PMI interaction deserves more focus. New research should also focus on non‐novel PMI interactions that could be manipulated to hinder the spread of invasive plant, microbe and insect species.
Tyrosine metabolic enzymes from insects and mammals: A comparative perspective
Authors: Vavricka Christopher John , Han Qian , Mehere Prajwalini , Ding Haizhen , Christensen Bruce M. , Li Jianyong 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDifferences in the metabolism of tyrosine between insects and mammals present an interesting example of molecular evolution. Both insects and mammals possess fine‐tuned systems of enzymes to meet their specific demands for tyrosine metabolites; however, more homologous enzymes involved in tyrosine metabolism have emerged in many insect species. Without knowledge of modern genomics, one might suppose that mammals, which are generally more complex than insects and require tyrosine as a precursor for important catecholamine neurotransmitters and for melanin, should possess more enzymes to control tyrosine metabolism. Therefore, the question of why insects actually possess more tyrosine metabolic enzymes is quite interesting. It has long been known that insects rely heavily on tyrosine metabolism for cuticle hardening and for innate immune responses, and these evolutionary constraints are likely the key answers to this question. In terms of melanogenesis, mammals also possess a high level of regulation; yet mammalian systems possess more mechanisms for detoxification whereas insects accelerate pathways like melanogenesis and therefore must bear increased oxidative pressure. Our research group has had the opportunity to characterize the structure and function of many key proteins involved in tyrosine metabolism from both insects and mammals. In this mini review we will give a brief overview of our research on tyrosine metabolic enzymes in the scope of an evolutionary perspective of mammals in comparison to insects.
Predictive and prognostic roles of BRAF mutation in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Qi , Xu An Tao , Zhu Ming Ming , Tong Jin Lu , Xu Xi Tao , Ran Zhi Hua 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic roles of BRAF mutation in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs).MethodsComputer searches of the literature on BRAF mutation in mCRC patients were performed. Studies with objective response rate (ORR) to anti‐EGFR MoAbs and/or overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) with different BRAF gene expression in mCRC patients were eligible.ResultsA total of 19 studies including 2875 patients was enrolled in the meta‐analysis. BRAF mutation was detected in 246 patients. The ORR was 18.4% (40/217) in mutant BRAF group and 41.7% (831/1993) in the wild‐type BRAF group. The overall risk ratio (RR) for the ORR of BRAF mutation patients compared with wild‐type BRAF patients was 0.58 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.35–0.94, P = 0.027). The median PFS of patients with BRAF mutation was significantly shorter than that of patients with wild‐type BRAF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.98, 95% CI 2.07–4.27, P < 0.001) and the median OS of patients with BRAF mutation was also significantly shorter than that of those with wild‐type BRAF (HR 2.85, 95% CI 2.31–3.52, P < 0.001).ConclusionBRAF mutation is associated with poor response to anti‐EGFR MoAbs and it is an adverse prognostic biomarker of the survival of patients with mCRC.
Value of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT in the detection of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation: A comparative study with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Wang Xiao Yan , Chen Dong , Zhang Xiang Song , Chen Zhi Feng , Hu An Bin 
Published: April 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of positron emission tomography/computer tomography with fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG‐PET/CT) in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after hepatectomy and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and to compare its efficacy with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).MethodsA total of 36 HCC patients were included in this study. All patients underwent both 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT and CEUS at least once for the diagnosis of HCC recurrence. The time interval between PET/CT and CEUS was 14 ± 3 days. All patients were followed up for at least 24 months.ResultsIn all, 32 patients were confirmed to have HCC recurrence by pathology and clinical follow‐up. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT for intrahepatic HCC recurrence were 96.7%, 83.3%, 96.7%, 83.3% and 94.4%, respectively. The corresponding values of CEUS were 56.7%, 100%, 100%, 31.6% and 63.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and accuracy of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT for the diagnosis of HCC recurrence were significantly higher than those of CEUS (P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionsCompared with CEUS, 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT has higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting the local recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy and/or RFA. It can be used to detect recurrent extrahepatic lesions of HCC effectively.
Regional Tectonic Transformation in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt in Early Paleozoic: Constraints from the Geochronology and Geochemistry of Helegangnaren Alkali‐feldspar Granite
Authors: Ruibao LI , Xianzhi PEI , Zhuochen LI , Yu SUN , Lei PEI , Guochao CHEN , Youxin CHEN , Chengjun LIU , Fanghui WEI 
Published: April 2013

Abstract:The Helegangnaren feldspar granite exposed in the eastern part of East Kunlun, is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2 and alkaline, low abundances of Fe, Mg and Ca, metaluminous‐weak peraluminous. Trace elements analysis shows that the granite is depleted extremely in Ba, Sr and Eu, and rich in some large‐ion lithophile elements and high field strength elements. Besides, the granite has high Ga contents, the values of 104(Ga/Al) vary from 2.50 to 2.77, which is mainly greater than the lower limit of A‐type granites (2.6), and is higher than the I‐ and S‐type granites’ average (2.1 and 2.28, respectively). Rare earth element (REE) is characterized by relatively high fractionations of light REE (LREE) and heavy REE (HREE) (LREE/HREE=9.3–13.60, (La/Yb)N=10.92–18.02), pronounced negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.08–0.13), and exhibits right‐dipping gull pattern. Major elements, rare elements and trace elements features show the granite is ascribed to A‐type granite and A2 subtype in tectonic genetic type. They are plotted into post‐collision or within‐plate area in a variety of tectonic discriminations. Geological and geochemical data comprehensively suggest that the granite is formed in a post‐collision extensive tectonic setting. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) zircon U‐Pb dating yields a weighted mean age of 425 Ma, belonging to Middle Silurian, which is similar to the age of the post‐collision geological events in the region. The differences of magmatic rocks in formation age, rocks assemblage and rocks series systematically indicate that the regional tectonic stress regime in the East Kunlun orogenic belt experienced a major transformation from compress to extension in Middle Silurianin, and the Helegangnaren feldspar granite intruded in the early stage of tectonic transformation.
Geochemical Characteristics and Tectonic Significance of Triassic Granite from Taer Region, the Northern Margin of West Kunlun
Authors: Jianguo HUANG , Ruidong YANG , Jian YANG , Chunlong CUI 
Published: April 2013

Abstract:Late Hercynian‐early Indosinian (Triassic) granite is widely distributed around the Taer region of the northern margin of West Kunlun. The rock mass is mainly composed of calcalkaline porphyroid biotite adamellite and characterized by SiO2‐rich, high‐Ca, moderate‐alkaline, and strongly peraluminous attributes, and relatively low ΣREE with LREE enrichment and a moderate Eu anomaly. As shown in the trace element spider web diagram, distinct peaks appear for Th, La, Nd, and Zr and clearly low values appear for Ba, Nb, Sr, P, and Ti. Further, compared with the primitive mantle, Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba are considerably higher and Nd/Th and Nb/Ta are relative low, all falling into the scope of the crust‐origin rocks, indicating the characteristics of the crust‐origin S‐type granite. The rock mass's zircon U‐Pb isotopic age is determined to be 235.7 ± 3.9 Ma. On the basis of the age data, spatio‐temporal location, lithology, and geochemistry of the rock mass, we conclude that the formation of the rock mass is closely related to the strong compressional orogenic movement (240 Ma) of the Tianshuihai terrane and the South Kunlun terrane. The rock mass is the product of the collision orogenic movement. However, distinct differences are observed between the studied rock mass and the synorogenic Bulunkou rock mass, which may be caused by the different collision strength and different positions with respect to the collision zone.
Cenomanian‐Coniacian Sea‐level Change and Dissolved Oxygen Fluctuations in Tethys‐Himalaya: Evidences from Benthic Foraminifera of Gamba, Tibet
Authors: Jianzhong JIA , Xiaoqiao WAN , Puli CHEN , Guobiao LI , Tian JIANG , Haiying QU 
Published: April 2013

Abstract:Benthic foraminifera, preserved in the Late Cretaceous organic carbon‐rich sediments of Gamba, southern Tibet, provide high‐resolution proxies for sea‐level changes and dissolved oxygen fluctuations of southeastern Tethys. The fossils were statistically analyzed and divided into three faunas of “Cenomanian fauna”, “Turonian fauna”, and “Coniacian fauna”. A middle neritic‐upper bathal environment (50–250m) was estimated considering the ratios of planktonic and epifaunal benthic foraminifera (P/(P+E)), the morphological analysis according to the studies of recent foraminifera and the abundant distributions of depth‐related species such as Alabamina creta, Laevidentalina sp., Praebulimina spp., Pleurostomella cf. naranjoensis, Pyrulina sp., Quinqueloculina spp., Haplophragmoides spp., etc. The result shows an almost parallel trend with the global transgressive and regressive cycles, but the former fluctuates more frequently at upper Cenomanian, which probably indicates tectonic instability of the continental margin. According to the benthic foraminiferal richness (BFN), Shannon‐Weiner diversity (H(s)), as well as benthic foraminiferal oxygen index (BFOI), five periods of oxygen depleted conditions (dysoxic‐anoxic) have been recognized. They correspond to the OAE2, the lower Turonian, the upper Turonian, the Turonian‐Caniacian boundary event and the probably OAE3. In addition, the oxygen fluctuations in Gamba might be controlled directly by sea‐level changes, while the paleoproductivity and oxygen conditions interacted with each other under oxygen deficiency environments.
Weeds and native plant species are negatively associated along grassland and kiwifruit land management intensity gradients
Authors: Peltzer Duane A. , MacLeod Catriona J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAgroecosystems are increasingly recognized as both sources and sinks of non‐native weedy plant species as well as of native plant species, thus management of these systems has important implications for the composition of plant communities and landscape diversity. We quantified the distribution and abundance of both native and non‐native plant species along a habitat gradient representing four management zones: managed agroecosystem, the agroecosystem boundary, ecotone, and neighbouring native forest for two land uses: kiwifruit orchards and neighbouring grassland agroecosystems. Native plant species diversity was highest in forest zones, and declined significantly with increasing non‐native plant diversity across all management zones. The negative relationship between native and non‐native plant species richness and diversity across all management zones was surprising, and contrasts with most ecological literature. Further, non‐native plant species that have the largest ecological or ecosystem impacts were most abundant in ecotones, but were largely absent from managed zones and their margins. Our results suggest that agroecosystems and neighbouring vegetation can harbour native species, but can also be a source of non‐native invasive weeds. These results highlight that agricultural margins contain both native plant diversity and environmental weeds, and that management of these margins affects diversity both on and off the farm.