bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GIL, a new c‐di‐GMP‐binding protein domain involved in regulation of cellulose synthesis in enterobacteria
Authors: Fang Xin , Ahmad Irfan , Blanka Andrea , Schottkowski Marco , Cimdins Annika , Galperin Michael Y. , Römling Ute , Gomelsky Mark 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn contrast to numerous enzymes involved in c‐di‐GMP synthesis and degradation in enterobacteria, only a handful of c‐di‐GMP receptors/effectors have been identified. In search of new c‐di‐GMP receptors, we screened the Escherichia coli ASKA overexpression gene library using the Differential Radial Capillary Action of Ligand Assay (DRaCALA) with fluorescently and radioisotope‐labelled c‐di‐GMP. We uncovered three new candidate c‐di‐GMP receptors in E. coli and characterized one of them, BcsE. The bcsE gene is encoded in cellulose synthase operons in representatives of Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria. The purified BcsE proteins from E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae bind c‐di‐GMP via the domain of unknown function, DUF2819, which is hereby designated GIL, GGDEF I‐site like domain. The RxGD motif of the GIL domain is required for c‐di‐GMP binding, similar to the c‐di‐GMP‐binding I‐site of the diguanylate cyclase GGDEF domain. Thus, GIL is the second protein domain, after PilZ, dedicated to c‐di‐GMP‐binding. We show that in S. enterica, BcsE is not essential for cellulose synthesis but is required for maximal cellulose production, and that c‐di‐GMP binding is critical for BcsE function. It appears that cellulose production in enterobacteria is controlled by a two‐tiered c‐di‐GMP‐dependent system involving BcsE and the PilZ domain containing glycosyltransferase BcsA.
Learning from Trade through Innovation
Authors: Damijan Jože P. , Kostevc Črt 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the idea that firms learn from trade by introducing either new products or processes influenced by their trade links with foreign markets. By exploring microdata for Spain, including data on innovation and trade, we find a robust relationship between imports, exports and innovation. The results suggest that firms learn primarily from import links, which enable them to innovate and to ‘dress up’ for starting to export. This sequencing between trade and innovation, however, is shown to be more pronounced for small firms only and technologically advanced firms.
Validation of Aintegumenta as a gene to modify floral size in ornamental plants
Authors: Manchado‐Rojo María , Weiss Julia , Egea‐Cortines Marcos 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe gene AINTEGUMENTA (AtANT) is an APETALA2 transcription factor in Arabidopsis activating growth downstream of auxin signalling. Lateral organ size is positively correlated with ANT expression in Arabidopsis. We tested the use of AtANT as a tool to modify floral size in two different plants used as model organisms and ornamental crops, Petunia × hybrida and Antirrhinum majus. Petunia plants expressing PhANT RNAi showed a decrease in PhANT expression correlated with smaller petal limbs. In contrast Petunia plants overexpressing AtANT had larger petal limbs. Petal tube length was less affected in down‐regulation of PhANT or overexpression of AtANT. Overexpression of AtANT in Antirrhinum caused increased flower size via increased petal limb width and tube length. Down‐regulation of PhANT showed an effect on cell size while overexpression of AtANT in Petunia and Antirrhinum caused significant increases in cell expansion that could explain the differences in floral organ size. The endogenous expression levels of PhANT and AmANT tended to be higher in the limb than in the tube in both Antirrhinum and Petunia. AtANT overexpression caused significant AmANT up‐regulation in Antirrhinum limbs but not of PhANT in Petunia, indicating differences in the regulatory network. The differential effect of AtANT on limb and tube in Petunia and Antirrhinum correspond to phenotypic differences observed in natural variation in the corresponding genus indicating a relation between the phenotypic space of a genus and the effect of modified ANT levels, validating ANT as a gene to modify floral size.
Genotypes of the renin–angiotensin system and glucocorticoid complications
Authors: Nakamura Akio 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundAngiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) are recognized as important regulators of body mass index (BMI) and systemic blood pressure (BP). An association between these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of AGT and ACE genes and obesity or hypertension has been established. This study examined relationships between the molecular variants of the AGT and ACE genes and bodyweight or BP in children treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome.MethodsTwenty Japanese children (male, n = 14; female, n = 6; age, 2–13 years) were genotyped for AGT polymorphisms (M235T and A‐6G) and the ACE polymorphisms (insertion/deletion: I/D and rs4341). All of the children studied were treated with daily prednisolone 2 mg/kg for 4 weeks and thereafter alternate‐day prednisolone for 8 weeks. BMI, BMI z‐scores, blood lipids, renal function and BP in each group were evaluated during the study period.ResultsBMI and BMI z‐scores during the glucocorticoid therapy were significantly higher in the TT genotype of the AGT M235T polymorphisms and the AA genotype of the AGT A‐6G polymorphisms compared to other genotypes (P < 0.05). In contrast, the molecular variant of ACE I/D and rs4341 genotypes did not change bodyweight during the glucocorticoid exposure. It was evident, however, that the BP and blood lipids and renal function were not significantly influenced by the AGT and ACE polymorphisms.ConclusionsThe TT genotype of the AGT M235T and the AA genotype of the A‐6G polymorphisms may predispose children to bodyweight gain when initially treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome.
Effects of temperature on nutrient self‐selection in the silverfish Lepisma saccharina
Authors: DeVries Zachary C. , Appel Arthur G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractNutrient self‐selection represents an important behaviour that has been measured across many taxa. Despite the amount of research on this phenomenon, few studies report the evaluation of the effects of environmental variables such as temperature on nutrient selection by animals. In the present study, the nutrient selections of the silverfish Lepisma saccharina L. are measured across a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) using feeding arenas with three nutrient choices: carbohydrate (sucrose), protein (casein) and fat (lard). An overall preference for carbohydrates is shown across the range of temperatures, followed by protein, and then fat. However, the proportional consumption of each dietary component changes with temperature; the proportional carbohydrate consumption decreases dramatically with increasing temperature (>94% of the diet at 15 °C but <58% at 30 °C), whereas the proportional protein and lipid consumption increases with increasing temperature up to 30 °C. Changes in nutrient selection with temperature may be related to the dietary requirements of the insect at different temperatures.
Doulas’ Perspectives about Providing Support to Incarcerated Women: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Shlafer Rebecca J. , Hellerstedt Wendy L. , Secor‐Turner Molly , Gerrity Erica , Baker Rae 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo document the logistical feasibility of a doula program for pregnant incarcerated women and to assess doulas' perceptions of their achievements.Design and SampleSix doulas provided written case notes (“birth stories”) about their experiences with 18 pregnant women in one Midwestern state prison.MeasuresThe birth stories were analyzed by two coders to identify major themes related to doulas' perceptions about providing support to incarcerated women. Analyses involved coder consensus about major themes and doula affirmation of findings.ResultsAll doulas reported that they met key objectives for a successful relationship with each of their clients. Key themes were their ability to empower clients, establish a trusting relationship, normalize the delivery, and support women as they were separated from their newborns.ConclusionsThe intervention was logistically feasible, suggesting that doulas can adapt their practice for incarcerated women. Doulas may need specific training to prepare themselves for institutional restrictions that may conflict with the traditional roles of doula care. It may be important for doulas to understand the level of personal and professional resources they may have to expend to support incarcerated women if they are separated from their infants soon after delivery.
ROS and p53 in Regulation of UVB‐induced HDM2 Alternative Splicing
Authors: Tong Lingying , Wu Shiyong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlternative splicing plays an important role in proteasome diversity and gene expression regulation in eukaryotic cells. Hdm2, the human homolog of mdm2 (murine double minute oncogene 2), is known to be an oncogene as its role in suppression of p53. Hdm2 alternative splicing, occurs in both tumor and normal tissues, is believed to be a response of cells for cellular stress, and thus modulate p53 activity. Therefore, understanding the regulation of hdm2 splicing is critical in elucidating the mechanisms of tumor development and progression. In this study, we determined the effect of ultraviolet B light (UVB) on alternative splicing of hdm2. Our data indicated that UVB (50 mJ cm−2) alone is not a good inducer of alternative splicing of hdm2. The less effectiveness could be due to the induction of ROS and p53 by UVB because removing ROS by L‐NAC (10 mm) in p53 null cells could lead to alternative splicing of hdm2 upon UVB irradiation.
Photoactive Hybrid Materials of Lanthanide (Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+) Beta‐Diketonates and Polymer Resin Through Ionic Liquid Bridge
Authors: Mei Ying , Yan Bing 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA special multifunctional ionic liquid compound (1‐methyl‐3‐(2‐(thiocarboxyoxy)‐ethyl)‐2H‐imidazole‐1,3‐diium bromide (SHIL)) is used as the chemical bridge to link lanthanide beta‐diketonates and polymer resin, which are designated as Ln(L)4‐SHIL‐WR/MR (Ln = Eu, Tb, Sm; L = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTA), acetylacetonate (AA), dibenzoylmethane (DBM); WR = Wang resin, MR = Merrifield resin). Among SHIL and polymer resin are assembled to form covalently bonded system through condensation reaction. Then tetrakis lanthanide beta‐diketonates are linked to SHIL through ion‐exchange reaction. Physical characterization and especially the photoluminescent performance of the multicomponent hybrids are studied. The hybrid materials possess good stability and excellent luminescent property. The results provide useful path to obtain luminescent hybrids for further practical application.
Linking waterlogging tolerance with Mn2+ toxicity: a case study for barley
Authors: Huang X. , Shabala S. , Shabala L. , Rengel Z. , Wu X. , Zhang G. , Zhou M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVast agricultural areas are affected by flooding, causing up to 80% yield reduction and resulting in multibillion dollar losses. Up to now, the focus of plant breeders was predominantly on detrimental effects of anoxia, while other (potentially equally important) traits were essentially neglected; one of these is soil elemental toxicity. Excess water triggers a progressive decrease in soil redox potential, thus increasing the concentration of Mn2+ that can be toxic to plants if above a specific threshold. This work aimed to quantify the relative contribution of Mn2+ toxicity to waterlogging stress tolerance, using barley as a case study. Twenty barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotypes contrasting in waterlogging stress tolerance were studied for their ability to cope with toxic (1 mm) amounts of Mn2+ in the root rhizosphere. Under Mn2+ toxicity, chlorophyll content of most waterlogging‐tolerant genotypes (TX9425, Yerong, CPI‐71284‐48 and CM72) remained above 60% of the control value, whereas sensitive genotypes (Franklin and Naso Nijo) had 35% less chlorophyll than 35% of controls. Manganese concentration in leaves was not related to visual Mn2+ toxicity symptoms, suggesting that various Mn2+ tolerance mechanisms might operate in different tolerant genotypes, i.e. avoidance versus tissue tolerance. The overall significant (r = 0.60) correlation between tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity and waterlogging in barley suggests that plant breeding for tolerance to waterlogging traits may be advanced by targeting mechanisms conferring tolerance to Mn2+ toxicity, at least in this species.
Use of intraspecific variation in thermal responses for estimating an elevational cline in the timing of cold hardening in a sub‐boreal conifer
Authors: Ishizuka W. , Ono K. , Hara T. , Goto S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractTo avoid winter frost damage, evergreen coniferous species develop cold hardiness with suitable phenology for the local climate regime. Along the elevational gradient, a genetic cline in autumn phenology is often recognised among coniferous populations, but further quantification of evolutionary adaptation related to the local environment and its responsible signals generating the phenological variation are poorly understood. We evaluated the timing of cold hardening among populations ofAbies sachalinensis, based on time series freezing tests using trees derived from four seed source populations × three planting sites. Furthermore, we constructed a model to estimate the development of hardening from field temperatures and the intraspecific variations occurring during this process. An elevational cline was detected such that high‐elevation populations developed cold hardiness earlier than low‐elevation populations, representing significant genetic control. Because development occurred earlier at high‐elevation planting sites, the genetic trend across elevation overlapped with the environmental trend. Based on the trade‐off between later hardening to lengthen the active growth period and earlier hardening to avoid frost damage, this genetic cline would be adaptive to the local climate. Our modelling approach estimated intraspecific variation in two model components: the threshold temperature, which was the criterion for determining whether the trees accumulated the thermal value, and the chilling requirement for trees to achieve adequate cold hardiness. A higher threshold temperature and a lower chilling requirement could be responsible for the earlier phenology of the high‐elevation population. These thermal responses may be one of the important factors driving the elevation‐dependent adaptation ofA. sachalinensis.
Rapid categorization of sound objects in anesthetized rats as indexed by the electrophysiological mismatch response
Authors: Astikainen Piia , Ruusuvirta Timo , Näätänen Risto 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIt is not known whether animals can, similarly to humans, categorize auditory objects based on an abstract rule in combining their physical features. We recorded local‐field potentials from the dura above the primary auditory cortex in urethane‐anesthetized rats presented with sound series occasionally violating a rule (e.g., “the higher the frequency, the weaker the intensity”). In a separate control condition, the same frequency and intensity levels were applied in the sound objects, but they obeyed no rule. Responses found selectively to the violations of the rule suggest that an abstract rule was represented in the rat brain, enabling auditory categorization.
The Impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān
Authors: Elbadawi Emran 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān has long been a matter of debate among scholars, especially among those of the western academe but also within circles of traditional Muslim scholarship. Central to this discussion is the language and audience of the Qur'ān. Studies on the Qur'ān's foreign vocabulary gradually gave way to more in depth analyses on the text's relationship to Syriac Christian literature as well as debates surrounding the Jewish‐Christian dimensions, the text's audience. The textual theories employed in studying the Qur'ān's relationship to the Syriac language and Biblical canon contain the strongest debate concerning the impact of Aramaic (especially Syriac) on the Qur'ān. These textual theories have been given consideration in recent scholarship, which reads the Qur'ān in light of the Aramaic translations of the Gospels, as well as the Syriac translation of theDidascalia Apostolorum.
Love in Islamic Thought
Authors: Chittick William 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLove occupied the attention of numerous Muslim scholars from early times. Taking inspiration from the Qur'an, the Hadith, pre‐Islamic poetry, and the Hellenistic legacy, they explained love's nature in order to bring out the existential import of Islam's fundamental teaching, the assertion of divine unity (tawīd). The 5th–6th/11th–12th centuries witnessed an upsurge in the literature of love, especially in Persian. Theoreticians and poets explained it as the energizing power that brings all things into existence and drives everything to its final goal. They held that God created human beings precisely because of His beginningless love for them, and that people are innately endowed with love because they were created in His image. The varieties of human love were taken as metaphors (majāz) for love's reality (aqīqa), which is God's love for beauty. Authors of such works directed their efforts not at instructing people in right conduct, which is the role of the jurists, nor at clarifying right belief, which is the job of the Kalam experts, but at helping them recognize that all pain and suffering are signs of separation from the One Beloved, and that the only truly human goal is to surrender to love's demands.
Business Cycle Synchronization in EU: A Time‐Varying Approach
Authors: Degiannakis Stavros , Duffy David , Filis George 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article investigates the time‐varying correlation between the EU12‐wide business cycle and the initial EU12 member‐countries based on Scalar‐BEKK and multivariate Riskmetrics model frameworks for the period 1980–2012. The paper provides evidence that changes in the business cycle synchronization correspond to major economic events that have taken place at a European level. In the main, business cycle synchronization until 2007 had moved in a direction positive for the operation of a single currency, suggesting that the common monetary policy was less costly in terms of lost flexibility at the national level. However, as a result of the Great Recession of 2007 and the subsequent Eurozone Crisis, a number of periphery countries, most notably Greece, have experienced desynchronization of their business cycles with the EU12‐wide cycle. Nevertheless, for most countries, any questions regarding the optimality and sustainability of the common currency area in Europe should not be attributed to a lack of cyclical synchronization.
A Propositional Model of Implicit Evaluation
Authors: Houwer Jan De 
Published: July 2014

AbstractImplicit evaluation can be defined as the automatic effect of stimuli on evaluative responses. A major advantage of this definition is that it is neutral with regard to the mental processes and representations that mediate implicit evaluation. Whereas many existing models postulate that implicit evaluation is mediated by the automatic spreading of activation along associations in memory, it is also possible to entertain the idea that implicit evaluation is due to the automatic formation or activation of propositions. In line with such a propositional model of implicit evaluation, evidence suggests that implicit evaluation (a) can be based on instructions and inferences, (b) is sensitive to information about how stimuli are related and (c) can reflect several propositions that differ only with regard to how stimuli are related. Although it might be difficult to differentiate between propositional models on the one hand and association–activation or dual process models on the other hand, merely considering the idea that implicit evaluation might be mediated by propositions offers a new perspective on existing findings and leads to novel predictions about the conditions under which implicit evaluation occurs.
Unpacking East–West Differences in the Extent of Self‐Enhancement from the Perspective of Face versus Dignity Culture
Authors: Lee Hae In , Leung Angela K‐y. , Kim Young‐Hoon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe question of whether or not the need for self‐enhancement is culturally universal has been a controversial issue in cultural psychology. Though there have been numerous studies arguing that East Asians also have the need for self‐enhancement, the controversy remained. We contend that the field is ready to see a cohesive theory that integrates and explains when and why East Asians do and do not manifest their need for self‐enhancement. In this paper, we provide the theoretical logics of and rationales behind face and dignity cultures as the new theoretical proxies that integrate and explain East Asians' self‐enhancing behaviors, supplementing the former approach that uses the individualism‐collectivism dichotomy. In particular, four representative properties of face culture — humility, public (versus private) concern, prevention regulatory focus, and harmony — are discussed to explain cross‐cultural differences in the extent and ways of manifestations of self‐enhancement motivation between European Americans and East Asians. Theoretical corroborations and empirical findings supporting this approach are also discussed.
Tough Love: The Normative Conflict Model and a Goal System Approach to Dissent Decisions
Authors: Packer Dominic J. , Miners Christopher T. H. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMost rebels have a cause, and the expression of internal criticism and dissent is vital for healthy civic and collective functioning. Here, we review the normative conflict model (NCM), which posits that social identities are key to understanding conformity and deviance in group contexts. The NCM hypothesizes that strongly identified group members are willing to articulate critical and dissenting opinions when they believe that doing so is in the interest of the collective. In this paper, we conceptually advance the NCM by exploring how responses to group norms can be understood from a goal system perspective, conceptualizing dissent decisions as often involving choices between conflicting goals. We review the evidence for this approach to dissent and outline a range of future directions.
Weapons of Influence Misused: A Social Influence Analysis of Why People Fall Prey to Internet Scams
Authors: Muscanell Nicole L. , Guadagno Rosanna E. , Murphy Shannon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInternet crime, including fraud and spread of malicious software, is a pervasive and costly global issue. Many of these crimes occur not because of technology failure but because of the human element. People can easily be manipulated through social engineering – the use of psychological tactics to influence individuals to assist in their own victimization. We employ a social influence framework, drawing upon ideas from Robert Cialdini, to understand the nature of social engineering techniques and why they are successful in exploiting unsuspecting individuals. Specifically, we discuss how social engineers misuse six pervasive weapons of influence – Liking, Authority, Scarcity, Social Proof, Reciprocity, and Commitment and Consistency – in order to effectively influence individuals to take the initial steps toward their exploitation. We conclude with a discussion of the precautions individuals can take to resist malicious influence attempts online.