bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using size-selected gold clusters on graphene oxide films to aid cryo-transmission electron tomography alignment
Authors: Arkill Kenton P. , Mantell Judith M. , Plant Simon R. , Verkade Paul , Palmer Richard E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA three-dimensional reconstruction of a nano-scale aqueous object can be achieved by taking a series of transmission electron micrographs tilted at different angles in vitreous ice: cryo-Transmission Electron Tomography. Presented here is a novel method of fine alignment for the tilt series. Size-selected gold clusters of ~2.7 nm (Au561 ± 14), ~3.2 nm (Au923 ± 22) and ~4.3 nm (Au2057 ± 45) in diameter were deposited onto separate graphene oxide films overlaying holes on amorphous carbon grids. After plunge freezing and subsequent transfer to cryo-Transmission Electron Tomography, the resulting tomograms have excellent (de-)focus and alignment properties during automatic acquisition. Fine alignment is accurate when the evenly distributed 3.2 nm gold particles are used as fiducial markers, demonstrated with a reconstruction of a tobacco mosaic virus. Using a graphene oxide film means the fiducial markers are not interfering with the ice bound sample and that automated collection is consistent. The use of pre-deposited size-selected clusters means there is no aggregation and a user defined concentration. The size-selected clusters are mono-dispersed and can be produced in a wide size range including 2–5 nm in diameter. The use of size-selected clusters on a graphene oxide films represents a significant technical advance for 3D cryo-electron microscopy.
Si-CSP9 regulates the integument and moulting process of larvae in the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Cheng Daifeng , Lu Yongyue , Zeng Ling , Liang Guangwen , He Xiaofang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractChemosensory proteins (CSPs) have been predicted to be involved in development; however, direct evidence for their involvement is lacking and genetic basis is largely unknown. To determine the function of the chemosensory protein 9 (Si-CSP9) gene inSolenopsis invicta,we used RNA interference to silenceSi-CSP9in 3rd-instar larvae. The 3rd-instar larvae failed to shed their cuticle after being fedSi-CSP9-directed siRNA and expression profiling of RNAi-treated and untreated control larvae showed that 375 genes were differentially expressed. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that 4 pathways associated with larval development were significantly enriched. Blast analysis revealed that one fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene was up-regulated and 4 fatty acid synthase (FAT) genes and one protein kinase DC2 gene (PKA) were down-regulated in the enriched pathways. Significantly higher expression of these genes was found in 4th-instar larvae and Pearson correlation analysis of the expression patterns revealed significant relationships amongSi-CSP9, PKA, FAAHandFAT1-4. Moreover, we confirmed that expression levels ofSi-CSP9, FAAH,andFAT1-4were significantly reduced and that the development of 3rd-instar larvae was halted withPKAsilencing. These results suggest thatSi-CSP9andPKAmay be involved in the network that contributes to development of 3rd-instar larvae.
Quantitative analysis of retinal layers' optical intensities on 3D optical coherence tomography for central retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Chen Haoyu , Chen Xinjian , Qiu Zhiqiao , Xiang Dehui , Chen Weiqi , Shi Fei , Zheng Jianlong , Zhu Weifang , Sonka Milan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOptical coherence tomography (OCT) provides not only morphological information but also information about layer-specific optical intensities, which may represent the underlying tissue properties. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively investigate the optical intensity of each retinal layers in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Twenty-nine CRAO cases at acute phase and 33 normal controls were included. Macula-centered 3D OCT images were segmented with a fully-automated Iowa Reference Algorithm into 10 layers. Layer-specific mean intensities were determined and compared between the patient and control groups using multiple regression analysis while adjusting for age and optical intensity of the entire region. The optical intensities were higher in CRAO than in controls in layers spanning from the retinal ganglion cell layer to outer plexiform layer (standardized beta = 0.657 to 0.777, all p < 0.001), possibly due to ischemia. Optical intensities were lower at the photoreceptor, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid layers (standardized beta = −0.412 to −0.611, all p < 0.01), possibly due to shadowing effects. Among the intraretinal layers, the inner nuclear layer was identified as the best indicator of CRAO. Our study provides in vivo information of the optical intensity changes in each retinal layer in CRAO patients.
Alcohol Abuse Decreases Pelvic Control and Survival in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Mayadev Jyoti , Li Chin-Shang , Lim Jihoon , Valicenti Richard , Alvarez Edwin A. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:
We examined the incidence and the effect of alcohol abuse on pelvic control (PC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in locally advanced cervical cancer patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy (RT).

Methods:
Between 2007 and 2013, 95 patients treated with RT were reviewed, and the tumor characteristics, the RT dose, the treatment time, chemotherapy, and the number of cycles were recorded. The association between alcohol abuse and DFS, OS, and the duration of PC was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:
Of the 95 patients with an average age of 54.8 years (range, 27 to 91 y), 30% were FIGO stage 1B1, 1B2, 2A, 52% stage 2B, 3A; and 18% stage 3B; 86% of the patients were treated with weekly cisplatin chemotherapy. Alcohol history showed that 10 (10.5%) patients met the CDC criteria for heavy alcohol use. With a mean follow-up time of 2 years, 85 patients (88.5%) achieved PC and 86 patients (90.5%) were free of distant metastasis. A total of 82 patients (86.3%) were alive at the last follow-up. When controlling for the total treatment time, excessive alcohol abuse was significantly associated with a decrease in DFS (P=0.005; hazard ratio [HR], 6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73, 22.18), OS (P=0.001; HR, 6.68; 95% CI: 2.10, 21.26), and PC (P=0.029; HR, 3.10; 95% CI: 1.13, 8.56) on univariable analysis. On multivariable analysis, excessive alcohol abuse was significantly associated with a decrease in DFS (P=0.005; HR, 10.57; 95% CI: 2.07, 53.93) and OS (P=0.001; HR, 10.80; 95% CI: 2.57, 45.40).

Conclusions:
In this small hypothesis-generating series of patients with heavy alcohol use, the data support the association that heavy alcohol use increases the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. Additional research is required to better define the patient- and treatment-related factors that may be targeted for intervention.
Treatment Toxicity in Elderly Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kale Minal S. , Mhango Grace , Gomez Jorge E. , Sigel Keith , Smith Cardinale B. , Bonomi Marcelo , Wisnivesky Juan P. 
Published: March 2015

Objectives:
Toxicity is a main concern limiting the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) for elderly patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study was to assess the rates of treatment-related toxicity among elderly stage IIIB and IV NSCLC patients.

Materials and Methods:
We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry linked to Medicare records to identify 2596 stage IIIB and 14,803 stage IV NSCLC patients aged 70 years and above, diagnosed in 2000 or later. We compared rates of toxicity requiring hospitalization according to treatment (chemotherapy, RT, or chemoradiation [CRT]) in unadjusted and adjusted models controlling for selection bias using propensity scores.

Results:
Among stage IIIB patients, rates of any severe toxicity were 10.1%, 23.8%, 30.4%, and 39.2% for patients who received no treatment, RT, chemotherapy alone, and CRT, respectively. In stage IV patients, rates of any severe toxicity were 31.5% versus 13.5% among those treated with and without chemotherapy, respectively. In stage IIIB patients treated with CRT, the most common toxicities was esophagitis (odds ratio, 48.5; 95% confidence interval, 6.7-350.5). Among stage IV patients treated with chemotherapy, the risk of toxicity was highest for neutropenia (odds ratio, 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 6.1-11.5).

Conclusions:
Toxicity was relatively common among stage IIIB patients with up to a 6-fold increase in elderly individuals treated with CRT and a 4-fold increase in toxicities among stage IV patients. This information should be helpful to guide discussions about the risk-benefit ratio of chemotherapy and RT in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.
Dietary Effects on Plasma Glycerophospholipids
Authors: Uhl Olaf , Hellmuth Christian , Demmelmair Hans , Zhou Shao J. , Makrides Maria , Prosser Colin , Lowry Dianne , Gibson Robert A. , Koletzko Berthold 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTObjective:Human milk provides a complex mixture of animal lipids, whereas the fat supply of most modern infant formula is based on vegetable oils. We studied the effects of breast‐feeding and of feeding infant formula either without or with dairy goat lipids on the composition of infant plasma glycerophospholipids.Methods:Healthy‐term infants were randomized double blind to feeding with infant formula based on whole goats’ milk (GIF, approximately 60% milk fat and 40% vegetable oils) or a control cows’ milk infant formula based on vegetable oils (VIF) from 2 weeks after birth. A reference group of fully breast‐fed infants was also followed. At the age 4 months, blood samples were collected and plasma glycerophospholipids were analyzed with liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.Results:The group of breast‐fed infants showed significantly higher contents of glycerophospholipid species containing sn‐2 palmitic acid [PC(16:0/16:0) and PC(18:0/16:0)] and significantly higher contents of glycerophospholipid species containing long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than infants in both formula groups. The GIF group demonstrated significantly higher glycerophospholipid species containing myristic acid [LPC(14:0), PC(14:0/18:1), PC(16:0/14:0)] and palmitoleic acid [LPC(16:1), PC(16:0/16:1), and PC(16:1/18:1)] than the VIF group.Conclusions:We conclude that breast‐feeding induces marked differences in infant plasma glycerophospholipid profiles compared with formula feeding, whereas the studied different sources of formula fat resulted in limited effects on plasma glycerophospholipids.
Latent epistatic interaction model identifies loci associated with human working memory
Authors: Kelemen János Z , Vogler Christian , Heck Angela , de Quervain Dominique , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Beerenwinkel Niko 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundEpistatic interactions among genomic loci are expected to explain a large fraction of the heritability of complex diseases and phenotypic traits of living organisms.Although epistasis detection methods are continually being developed, the current state of the art is exhaustive search methods, which become infeasible when the number of analyzed loci is large.ResultsWe develop a novel latent interaction-based selection method for polymorphic loci as the first stage of a two-stage epistasis detection approach. Given a continuous phenotype and a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), we rank the SNPs according to their interaction potential. When tested on simulated datasets and compared to standard marginal association and exhaustive search methods, our procedure significantly outperforms main-effect heuristics, especially in the presence of linkage disequilibrium (LD), which is explicitly accounted for in our model. Applied to real human genotype data, we prioritized several SNP pairs as candidates for epistatic interactions that influence human working memory performance, some of which are known to be connected to this phenotype.ConclusionsThe proposed method improves two-stage epistasis detection. Its linear runtime and increased statistical power contribute to reducing the computational complexity and to addressing some of the statistical challenges associated with the genome-wide search for epistatic loci.
The Arabidopsis RNA-Binding Protein AtRGGA Regulates Tolerance to Salt and Drought Stress
Authors: Ambrosone Alfredo , Batelli Giorgia , Nurcato Roberta , Aurilia Vincenzo , Punzo Paola , Bangarusamy Dhinoth Kumar , Ruberti Ida , Sassi Massimiliano , Leone Antonietta , Costa Antonello , Grillo Stefania 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSalt and drought stress severely reduce plant growth and crop productivity worldwide. The identification of genes underlying stress response and tolerance is the subject of intense research in plant biology. Through microarray analyses, we previously identified in potato (Solanum tuberosum) StRGGA, coding for an Arginine Glycine Glycine (RGG) box-containing RNA-binding protein, whose expression was specifically induced in potato cell cultures gradually exposed to osmotic stress. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ortholog, AtRGGA, is a functional RNA-binding protein required for a proper response to osmotic stress. AtRGGA gene expression was up-regulated in seedlings after long-term exposure to abscisic acid (ABA) and polyethylene glycol, while treatments with NaCl resulted in AtRGGA down-regulation. AtRGGA promoter analysis showed activity in several tissues, including stomata, the organs controlling transpiration. Fusion of AtRGGA with yellow fluorescent protein indicated that AtRGGA is localized in the cytoplasm and the cytoplasmic perinuclear region. In addition, the rgga knockout mutant was hypersensitive to ABA in root growth and survival tests and to salt stress during germination and at the vegetative stage. AtRGGA-overexpressing plants showed higher tolerance to ABA and salt stress on plates and in soil, accumulating lower levels of proline when exposed to drought stress. Finally, a global analysis of gene expression revealed extensive alterations in the transcriptome under salt stress, including several genes such as ASCORBATE PEROXIDASE2, GLUTATHIONE S-TRANSFERASE TAU9, and several SMALL AUXIN UPREGULATED RNA-like genes showing opposite expression behavior in transgenic and knockout plants. Taken together, our results reveal an important role of AtRGGA in the mechanisms of plant response and adaptation to stress.
DENEDDYLASE1 Deconjugates NEDD8 from Non-Cullin Protein Substrates in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mergner Julia , Heinzlmeir Stephanie , Kuster Bernhard , Schwechheimer Claus 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved 8-kD protein NEDD8 (NEURAL PRECURSOR CELL EXPRESSED, DEVELOPMENTALLY DOWN-REGULATED8) belongs to the family of ubiquitin-like modifiers. Like ubiquitin, NEDD8 is conjugated to and deconjugated from target proteins. Many targets and functions of ubiquitylation have been described; by contrast, few targets of NEDD8 have been identified. In plants as well as in non-plant organisms, the cullin subunits of cullin-RING E3 ligases are NEDD8 conjugates with a demonstrated functional role for the NEDD8 modification. The existence of other non-cullin NEDD8 targets has generally been questioned. NEDD8 is translated as a precursor protein and proteolytic processing exposes a C-terminal glycine required for NEDD8 conjugation. In animals and yeast, DENEDDYLASE1 (DEN1) processes NEDD8. Here, we show that mutants of a DEN1 homolog from Arabidopsis thaliana have no detectable defects in NEDD8 processing but do accumulate a broad range of NEDD8 conjugates; this provides direct evidence for the existence of non-cullin NEDD8 conjugates. We further identify AUXIN RESISTANT1 (AXR1), a subunit of the heterodimeric NEDD8 E1 activating enzyme, as a NEDD8-modified protein in den1 mutants and wild type and provide evidence that AXR1 function may be compromised in the absence of DEN1 activity. Thus, in plants, neddylation may serve as a regulatory mechanism for cullin and non-cullin proteins.
Innovation outcomes of knowledge-seeking Chinese foreign direct investment
Authors: Wu Xianming , Lupton Nathaniel C. , Du Yuping 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigates how organizational learning, absorptive capacity, cultural integration, specialization of the acquired firm and characteristics of transferred knowledge impact innovation performance subsequent to overseas acquisitions.Design/methodology/approach– Survey responses from 222 Chinese multinational enterprises engaged in overseas acquisitions.Findings– Differences between acquiring and acquired firms’ capabilities, while having a positive direct influence, suppress the positive impact of organizational learning and absorptive capacity, suggesting that multinationals require some basic level of capabilities to appropriate value from overseas acquisitions.Research limitations/implications– This paper investigates the impact of knowledge-seeking overseas acquisition of Chinese multinationals on innovation performance, as this appears to be the primary motive for making such acquisitions.Practical implications– Knowledge-seeking overseas acquisition should be based upon the absorptive capacity of the acquiring firm and complementarity between both firms. In knowledge-seeking overseas acquisitions, establishing an effective organizational learning mechanism is necessary for improving innovation performance.Originality/value– This paper reports on the behaviour and innovation performance of Chinese multinationals through analysis of primary data.
Creation of firm performance through resource orchestration: the case of ÜLKER
Authors: Kamasak Rifat 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This study aims to investigate the complex interaction of different resource sets and capabilities in the process of performance creation within the context of resource-based theory.Design/methodology/approach– An inductive case study approach that included multiple data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, observation and documentation was utilized.Findings– Organizational culture, reputational assets, human capital, business processes and networking capabilities were found as the most important determinants of firm performance within the context of Ülker case study.Originality/value– Although large-scale empirical studies can be used to explore the direct resource–performance relationship, these quantitative methods bypass the complex and embedded nature of intangibles and provide only a limited understanding of why some resources are identified as strategic but others are not, what their roles are, and how these resources are converted into positions of competitive advantage. However, understanding of complex nature of resources that are embedded in organizations designates the need for more fieldwork-based qualitative studies. This study aims to address this gap by providing a thorough understanding about the managerial and organizational processes through which the resources become valuable.
Are the parents to blame? Predicting franchisee failure
Authors: Alon Ilan , Boulanger Michèle , Misati Everlyne , Madanoglu Melih 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to show how franchisor characteristics influence franchisee failure. To achieve this aim, we developed a heuristic model using the methodology and power of predictive analytics.Design/methodology/approach– The authors use data from the World Franchising Council’s and from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The data cover 271 diverse USA franchise chains that are present in both databases.Findings– The model predicts potential defaults of SBA-backed loans issued to American franchisees, and the authors identify 13 variables that help explain franchisee failure.Practical implications– The authors offer guidance for stakeholder groups – lenders, franchisors and franchisees – to minimize the risk of lending and business failure.Originality/value– The paper contributes to the franchising literature by considering parent firms’ characteristics to predict franchisee failure.
Competition and competitiveness in the US airline industry
Authors: Hannigan T.J. , Hamilton III Robert D. , Mudambi Ram 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This study aims to employ a resource-based lens to explore the competitive implications of firm strategies under conditions of market commonality and shared resource pools.Design/methodology/approach– The firms’ core capabilities in these environments may focus on operational efficiency, as firms seek to compete under significant resource heterogeneity constraints.Findings– Using data from the USA airline industry from 1996-2011, we find that price has a positive relationship with firm performance, whereas quality has a negative relationship. Operational efficiency is a driver of both strategies.Research limitations/implications– The study uses US data. Extending the findings to the global setting may require recognizing other competitive dimensions.Originality/value– Firms that focus on non-core activities perform less well. The results offer insights into an industry that has interested strategy researchers for many years and may suggest an application to other industries with similar characteristics.
Miniature and microrobots: a review of recent developments
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to provide an insight into recent miniaturised robot developments and applications.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following an introduction, this article discusses the technology and applications of miniature robots and considers swarm robotics, assembly robots, flying robots and their uses in healthcare. It concludes with a brief consideration of the emerging field of nanorobotics.

Findings
– This shows that all manners of miniaturised terrestrial, airborne and aquatic robots are being developed, but size and weight restraints pose considerable technological challenges, such as power sources, navigation, actuation and control. Prototypes have been developed for military, assembly, medical, environmental and other applications, as well as for furthering the understanding of swarm behaviour. In the longer term, microrobots and nanorobots offer prospects to revolutionise many aspects of healthcare, such as cancer treatment.

Originality/value
– This study provides details of a wide-ranging selection of miniaturised robot developments.