bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis MSL10 Has a Regulated Cell Death Signaling Activity That Is Separable from Its Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Activity
Authors: Veley Kira M. , Maksaev Grigory , Frick Elizabeth M. , January Emma , Kloepper Sarah C. , Haswell Elizabeth S. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Members of the MscS superfamily of mechanosensitive ion channels function as osmotic safety valves, releasing osmolytes under increased membrane tension. MscS homologs exhibit diverse topology and domain structure, and it has been proposed that the more complex members of the family might have novel regulatory mechanisms or molecular functions. Here, we present a study of MscS-Like (MSL)10 from Arabidopsis thaliana that supports these ideas. High-level expression of MSL10-GFP in Arabidopsis induced small stature, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, ectopic cell death, and reactive oxygen species- and cell death-associated gene expression. Phosphomimetic mutations in the MSL10 N-terminal domain prevented these phenotypes. The phosphorylation state of MSL10 also regulated its ability to induce cell death when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves but did not affect subcellular localization, assembly, or channel behavior. Finally, the N-terminal domain of MSL10 was sufficient to induce cell death in tobacco, independent of phosphorylation state. We conclude that the plant-specific N-terminal domain of MSL10 is capable of inducing cell death, this activity is regulated by phosphorylation, and MSL10 has two separable activities—one as an ion channel and one as an inducer of cell death. These findings further our understanding of the evolution and significance of mechanosensitive ion channels.
Board structure in listed firms: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Oba Beyza , Tigrel Elvin , Sener Pinar 
Published: July 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to understand the determinants of board structure of listed firms at institutional, industry and firm levels within an emerging economy. At the institutional level, the paper explores laws, managerial culture and the role of state in instituting and endorsing corporate governance practices. At the firm level, ownership patterns (family and non-family), experience in the capital markets, age and size of the firms are studied to find out the relation between these variables and the board structure.Design/methodology/approach– The research domain of the study is listed firms operating on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. The data for the study are collected at two phases; at the first phase, compliance reports, annual reports, articles of association and annual shareholders’ meeting reports of each firm in the sample are analyzed. At the second stage, secondary data are used for understanding the dynamics of Turkish institutional context.Findings– The results of this study reveal that boards of directors of listed Turkish firms comply with the governance practices instituted by state agencies, except on issues as independent members and committees that will influence the majority owners’ control domain and private benefits.Originality/value– This paper draws attention on institutional context and argues that “good governance” instruments developed for Anglo-Saxon stock market-controlled business systems provide limited explanation for an emerging economy that is characterized by close cooperation between the state, family-owned businesses and financial markets. The study offers insight to policy makers at a national level, interested in developing corporate governance principles regarding boards of directors of listed firms.
‘You shall not pass!’: quantifying barrier permeability and proximity avoidance by animals
Authors: Beyer Hawthorne L. , Gurarie Eliezer , Börger Luca , Panzacchi Manuela , Basille Mathieu , Herfindal Ivar , Van Moorter Bram , R. Lele Subhash , Matthiopoulos Jason 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Impediments to animal movement are ubiquitous and vary widely in both scale and permeability. It is essential to understand how impediments alter ecological dynamics via their influence on animal behavioural strategies governing space use and, for anthropogenic features such as roads and fences, how to mitigate these effects to effectively manage species and landscapes.

Here, we focused primarily on barriers to movement, which we define as features that cannot be circumnavigated but may be crossed. Responses to barriers will be influenced by the movement capabilities of the animal, its proximity to the barriers, and habitat preference. We developed a mechanistic modelling framework for simultaneously quantifying the permeability and proximity effects of barriers on habitat preference and movement.

We used simulations based on our model to demonstrate how parameters on movement, habitat preference and barrier permeability can be estimated statistically. We then applied the model to a case study of road effects on wild mountain reindeer summer movements.

This framework provided unbiased and precise parameter estimates across a range of strengths of preferences and barrier permeabilities. The quality of permeability estimates, however, was correlated with the number of times the barrier is crossed and the number of locations in proximity to barriers. In the case study we found that reindeer avoided areas near roads and that roads are semi‐permeable barriers to movement. There was strong avoidance of roads extending up to c. 1 km for four of five animals, and having to cross roads reduced the probability of movement by 68·6% (range 3·5–99·5%).

Human infrastructure has embedded within it the idea of networks: nodes connected by linear features such as roads, rail tracks, pipelines, fences and cables, many of which divide the landscape and limit animal movement. The unintended but potentially profound consequences of infrastructure on animals remain poorly understood. The rigorous framework for simultaneously quantifying movement, habitat preference and barrier permeability developed here begins to address this knowledge gap.
Evidence for weak genetic recombination at the PTP2 locus of Nosema ceranae
Authors: Gómez‐Moracho Tamara , Bartolomé Carolina , Martín‐Hernández Raquel , Higes Mariano , Maside Xulio 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe microsporidian Nosema ceranae is an emergent pathogen that threatens the health of honeybees and other pollinators all over the world. Its recent rapid spread across a wide variety of host species and environments demonstrated an enhanced ability of adaptation, which seems to contradict the lack of evidence for genetic recombination and the absence of a sexual stage in its life cycle. Here we retrieved fresh data of the patterns of genetic variation at the PTP2 locus in naturally infected Apis mellifera colonies, by means of single genome amplification. This technique, designed to prevent the formation of chimeric haplotypes during polymerase chain reaction (PCR), provides more reliable estimates of the diversity levels and haplotype structure than standard PCR‐cloning methods. Our results are consistent with low but significant rates of recombination in the history of the haplotypes detected: estimates of the population recombination rate are of the order of 30 and support recent evidence for unexpectedly high levels of variation of the parasites within honeybee colonies. These observations suggest the existence of a diploid stage at some point in the life cycle of this parasite and are relevant for our understanding of the dynamics of its expanding population.
Resource effects on denitrification are mediated by community composition in tidal freshwater wetlands soils
Authors: Morrissey Ember M. , Franklin Rima B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAccurate prediction of denitrification rates remains difficult, potentially owing to complex uncharacterized interactions between resource conditions and denitrifier communities. To better understand how the availability of organic matter (OM) and nitrate (NO3–), two of the resources most fundamental to denitrifiers, affect these populations and their activity, we performed an in situ resource manipulation in tidal freshwater wetland soils. Soils were augmented with OM to double ambient concentrations, using either compost or plant litter, and fertilized with KNO3 at two levels (low: ∼ 5 mg l–1 NO3––N and high: ∼ 50 mg l–1 NO3––N) in a full factorial design. Community composition of nirS‐denitrifers (assessed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) was interactively regulated by both NO3– concentration and OM type, and the associated shifts in community composition were relatively consistent across sampling dates (6, 9 and 12 months of incubation). Denitrification potential (pDNF) rates were also strongly affected by NO3– fertilization and increased by ∼ 10–100‐fold. Path analysis revealed that the influence of resource availability on pDNF rates was largely mediated through changes in nirS‐denitrifier community composition. These results suggest that a greater understanding of denitrifier community ecology may enable more accurate prediction of denitrification rates.
Lightning Deaths: A Retrospective Review of New Mexico's Cases, 1977–2009
Authors: Pincus Jennifer L. , Lathrop Sarah L. , Briones Alice J. , Andrews Sam W. , Aurelius Michelle B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo better understand lightning deaths, a retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator database was performed between 1977 and 2009 to update and assess current risk factors. Information on demographics, circumstances, autopsy, and death certificates were collected and analyzed. Fifty‐four decedents were identified, ages 2–71 years old (mean 34 years old), 42 males and 12 females. Common racial/ethnic groups were non‐Hispanic Whites and American Indians (together comprising 72% of all cases). Physical findings were often related to the heat carried by the electrical current including clothing alterations (29.6%) and burning of skin (53.7%). Most deaths occurred on weekend afternoons in summer months, associated with recreational activities or agricultural work, and rural locations (77.8%). Utilizing the demographic information, clustered events, and associated outdoor activities will assist in creating public awareness and provide a framework to support targeted warnings in an attempt to prevent future deaths.
Demographic Change, Differential Ageing, and Public Policy in Rural and Regional Australia: A Three‐State Case Study
Authors: SMAILES PETER , GRIFFIN TREVOR , ARGENT NEIL 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper takes a differential demographic change in six rural settlement categories within rural and regional Australia as the starting point for the measurement of differential ageing using a Relative Ageing Index which compares ageing in sub‐populations with the national norm. The spatial units employed are 412 rural communities, approximated by social catchments each consisting of a country town and its surrounding dispersed population. The study covers the period from 1981 to 2006 and includes the rural areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, excluding major cities, peri‐urban areas, and the remote rangelands. It examines demographic change and differential ageing in a selection of the rural settlement categories recommended for further analysis in the report of the ‘Demographic Change and Liveability Panel’, one of three advisory panels established in 2010 by the then Commonwealth Government seeking to develop a sustainable population strategy for Australia. Ageing profiles are produced for the whole study area, for the individual rural settlement categories, and for the urban and rural components within each category separately. Results show that differential ageing is least advanced in the ‘regional cities’, most advanced in the ‘sea change’, but of most concern in the agriculture‐based rural settlement categories where it exacerbates the effects of overall population decline. In all categories, ageing in the dispersed rural population element exceeded that of the urban component. Results emphasise the vital role of the ‘regional cities’ category in future public policy development supported by ameliorative and collaborative measures for their surrounding agriculture‐based communities.
Unconventional Gas Development: Why a Regional Community Said No
Authors: LUKE HANABETH , LLOYD DAVID , BOYD WILLIAM , den EXTER KRISTIN 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPublic concern resulting from unconventional coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and production has become a contentious planning issue in regional Australia, with public concern drawing attention to government planning obligations. To assist Lismore City Council (Northern New South Wales) in its deliberations on the topic, a referendum‐style poll on the issue of CSG industry development was held in conjunction with the local government elections of September 2012. The poll question, ‘Do you support CSG exploration and production in the Lismore City Council area?’, elicited a poll response rate of 97% of eligible voters, of which 87% voted ‘no’. This paper reports the results of an exit poll survey using the Theory of Planned Behaviour to frame motivations behind the poll result, and examines the role of the poll and exit poll survey in providing a process of deliberative democracy in the context of the CSG debate. Key details highlighted by the results were that non‐supporters of CSG exploration were primarily concerned about water quality, while supporters saw the primary benefit being regional employment. Emerging themes of this study are the need for more independent research on potential risks and benefits of CSG developments, increase in institutional transparency, and the development of renewable alternatives. The study concludes that the principles of deliberative democracy involved in the Lismore City Council poll and subsequent exit poll survey have provided an opportunity for a more open discussion and genuine discourse within the CSG debate.
The Effect of Ezetimibe on Androgen Production in Hypercholesterolemic Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Zmuda Witold , Okopien Boguslaw 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAimsStatin therapy was found to reduce circulating androgen levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). No similar data are available for ezetimibe.MethodsThe study included 14 women with PCOS and hypercholesterolemia, intolerant to statins or having contraindications to this treatment, who were treated with ezetimibe (10 mg daily). They were compared with 14 matched women with both of these disorders receiving simvastatin (40 mg daily). Plasma lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, and serum levels of androgens, sex hormone‐binding globulin, and gonadotropins were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.ResultsBoth simvastatin and ezetimibe decreased plasma levels of total and LDL cholesterol. Ezetimibe, but not simvastatin, slightly reduced insulin resistance. Simvastatin decreased serum levels of total testosterone (−23%, P < 0.001), free testosterone (−32%, P < 0.001), androstendione (−20%, P < 0.01), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (−17%, P < 0.05), as well as tended to reduce the luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone ratio (−23%, P = 0.095). Ezetimibe only insignificantly reduced serum levels of free testosterone (−14%, P = 0.098). There were no differences in the effects of simvastatin on circulating hormone levels between insulin‐resistant and insulin‐sensitive subjects. In turn, the effect of ezetimibe on free testosterone levels was stronger in insulin‐resistant patients.ConclusionsAlthough ezetimibe and simvastatin are equipotent in lowering lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic patients with coexisting PCOS, simvastatin exhibits a more pronounced effect on circulating androgen levels in this group of patients.
The Cardinal Sins of European Energy Policy: Nongovernance in an Uncertain Global Landscape
Authors: Szulecki Kacper , Westphal Kirsten 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRecent years have seen some fundamental changes in the way the global energy sector and its governance function. All of these changes have a significant impact on the energy policy choices that are available for EU policy makers and should be incorporated in a proactive European strategy for the future. Instead, however, we witness a general stalemate in the energy policy debate within the EU, and internal problems seem to impede any meaningful and coherent external policy. In this article, building on a wide literature review, we sketch the changing global energy landscape, explaining the current state of ‘unprecedented uncertainty’ around a set of major issues. Then we describe what we see as the five ‘cardinal sins’ of European energy policy and governance, which preclude effective common responses and external action. We conclude by outlining possible ways of overcoming the challenges that face European energy policy and governance.
Surgical results of resectable small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kawano Daigo , Okamoto Tatsuro , Fujishita Takatoshi , Suzuki Yuzo , Kitahara Hirokazu , Shimamatsu Shinichiro , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe standard of care for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is chemotherapy and radiotherapy, even for patients with limited disease. To define the role of surgical resection in patients with limited SCLC, we investigated the outcomes of patients diagnosed with limited‐stage disease (LD) SCLC.MethodsThe records of 57 LD SCLC patients who underwent surgical resection from April 1974 to March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThere were six women and 51 men, with a median age of 63.5 years. The overall five‐year survival rate was 28.6% (median, 18.2 months). The p‐stage II and III patients had a significantly worse survival than the p‐stage I patients (13.4% vs. 43.4%, P = 0.0036). However, the c‐stage was not found to correlate with survival. Patients who underwent pneumonectomy had a significantly worse outcome than those who underwent other surgical procedures (0.0% vs. 32.0%, P = 0.0002). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, p‐stage II or III (hazard ratio [HR] 3.040 P = 0.0017) and pneumonectomy (HR 6.177, P = 0.00159) were significant independent predictors of an adverse survival outcome.ConclusionsSurgical treatment can be considered in SCLC patients with pathologically proven N0 status, although pneumonectomy should be avoided.
A simple numerical tool to infer whether a species is extinct
Authors: Lee Tamsin E. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

Including uncertain sightings when inferring extinction of a species is relatively new and has proven to be significant. However, including uncertain sightings leads to non‐trivial mathematical problems which are inaccessible to many ecologists.

I use the Pohnpei Mountain Starling Aplonis pelzelni to describe an Excel spreadsheet which infers extinction from a sighting record. The spreadsheet implements a Bayesian model which includes uncertainty around the prior, uncertain sightings and survey effort.

Survey effort has not been included in extinction models before, but clearly plays a significant role in extinction estimates, which the Pohnpei Mountain Starling example demonstrates.

The spreadsheet (included as supplementary material) is user‐friendly, fast and accessible on Windows.
Considering species richness and rarity when selecting optimal survey traps: comparisons of semiochemical baited flight intercept traps for Cerambycidae in eastern North America
Authors: Dodds Kevin J. , Allison Jeremy D. , Miller Daniel R. , Hanavan Ryan P. , Sweeney Jon 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

We compared standard multiple‐funnel, modified multiple‐funnel, intercept panel and canopy malaise (SLAM) traps with top and bottom collecting cups for their effectiveness (species richness, rarity, abundance) at capturing Cerambycidae in eastern North America.
Experiments were conducted in New York, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Georgia in 2011 and 2012. A combination of pheromones and host volatiles chosen to match local forest types were used as lures.
Species richness tended to be higher in SLAM and modified funnel traps than standard funnel and intercept panel traps. SLAM traps also captured the highest number of species, unique species, rare (species accounting for ≤ 1% of total cerambycids at a site) and singleton species at each site.
Individual‐based rarefaction and sample‐based species accumulation curves suggested that SLAM traps are more effective for capturing cerambycid species. For many estimates, modified funnel and funnel traps were lower than SLAM traps but greater than intercept panel traps for describing cerambycid communities.
Modified funnel and SLAM traps generally captured the highest abundance of cerambycids but the response of the individual subfamily and species varied by trap type.
SLAM traps should be considered as a strong tool to describe cerambycid communities when used in conjunction with pheromones and host volatiles.
The use of pictograms improves symptom evaluation by patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Tack J. , Carbone F. , Holvoet L. , Vanheel H. , Vanuytsel T. , Vandenberghe A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBackgroundNo validated patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure exists for functional dyspepsia (FD) assessment. Verbal descriptions of different upper abdominal symptoms may be poorly distinguishable to patients.AimTo investigate whether understanding of FD symptoms is enhanced by pictograms symbolising the nature of the symptoms, besides verbal descriptors.MethodsConsecutive FD patients were randomised to fill out a questionnaire assessing nineupper gastrointestinal symptoms (post‐prandial fullness, early satiation, epigastric pain, epigastric burning, bloating centred in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, regurgitation) with or without accompanying pictograms. Symptoms were rated for frequency and severity (0–5), and patients also identified the most bothersome symptom. Subsequently, in‐depth history was taken by an expert clinician, who filled out the same symptom ratings. Concordance between patient and clinician ratings was quantified using chi‐square and kappa statistics.ResultsContent validity of pictograms was first confirmed by 15 FD patients. Next, 76 patients (52 women, age 42.2 ± 1.9) were randomised to questionnaires with or without pictograms. The concordance with clinician's assessment as gold standard rose from 36 without to 48% for questions with pictograms (P < 0.0001). Considering the Rome III subdivision, benefit in concordance with pictograms was present for post‐prandial distress, epigastric pain syndrome and reflux symptoms. Kappa statistics confirmed these gains (weighted kappa values for concordance of symptom frequency ratings rose from 0.214 to 0.446 with pictograms), and also showed better concordance of the most bothersome symptom with pictograms.ConclusionPictograms accompanying verbal descriptors significantly improve concordance of functional dyspepsia symptom ratings by patients with evaluation by their physicians.