bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FACS selection of valuable mutant mouse round spermatids and strain rescue via round spermatid injection
Authors: Zhu Lian , Zhou Wei , Kong Peng-Cheng , Wang Mei-Shan , Zhu Yan , Feng Li-Xin , Chen Xue-Jin , Jiang Man-Xi 
Published: December 2013

SummaryRound spermatid injection (ROSI) into mammalian oocytes can result in the development of viable embryos and offspring. One current limitation to this technique is the identification of suitable round spermatids. In the current paper, round spermatids were selected from testicular cells with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and ROSI was performed in two strains of mice. The rates of fertilization, embryonic development and offspring achieved were the same in all strains. Significantly, round spermatids selected by PCM and FACS were effectively used to rescue the infertile Pten-null mouse. The current results indicate that FACS selection of round spermatids can not only provide high-purity and viable round spermatids for use in ROSI, but also has no harmful effects on the developmental capacity of subsequently fertilized embryos. It was concluded that round spermatids selected by FACS are useful for mouse strain rederivation and rescue of infertile males; ROSI should be considered as a powerful addition to the armamentarium of assisted reproduction techniques applicable in the mouse.
Transition to self-sufficient mixed crop–dairy farming systems
Authors: Coquil Xavier , Béguin Pascal , Dedieu Benoît 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWhile plains favorable to agriculture are still dominated by specialized and intensive agriculture, self-sufficient mixed crop-dairy farming systems increasingly attract policy makers' and scientists' attention. Owing to their limited use of purchased inputs, they can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. Furthermore, self-sufficient farming tends to be linked with a search for autonomy in decision-making, i.e., farmers developing their own technical reference framework. Such farming systems can thus also contribute to alternative development pathways of rural territories. In this paper, we analyze how ten intensive mixed crop–dairy farms have progressively evolved toward more self-sufficient and autonomous systems. Through formalizing farmers' transitionin action, we identified 34 tools that the farmers implemented making them reflect on their farming system, shift socio-professional networks, reorganize work routines, and steer the evolution of their production practices. For example, they created temporary pastures in crop rotation, introduced rotational pastures, observed their herds to adjust their feed and keep the animals in good health, and they limited expenditures to manage their cash flow. Which tools were used and when they were used depends on what is meaningful to them at various stages of the transition. Our analysis of transitionsin actionhas three original features: it is centered on the transition as perceived by the actors who experience and manage it; it proposes a long-term conceptualization of the dynamics of farming systems, based on the farmer's initiative and creativity; and it highlights tools implemented by farmers during the transition to self-sufficiency and autonomy.
Phosphorylation of Arabidopsis transketolase at Ser428 provides a potential paradigm for the metabolic control of chloroplast carbon metabolism
Authors: Rocha Agostinho G. , Mehlmer Norbert , Stael Simon , Mair Andrea , Parvin Nargis , Chigri Fatima , Teige Markus , Vothknecht Ute C. 
Published: December 2013

Calcium is an important second messenger in eukaryotic cells that regulates many different cellular processes. To elucidate calcium regulation in chloroplasts, we identified the targets of calcium-dependent phosphorylation within the stromal proteome. A 73 kDa protein was identified as one of the most dominant proteins undergoing phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner in the stromal extracts of both Arabidopsis and Pisum. It was identified as TKL (transketolase), an essential enzyme of both the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Calcium-dependent phosphorylation of both Arabidopsis isoforms (AtTKL1 and AtTKL2) could be confirmed in vitro using recombinant proteins. The phosphorylation is catalysed by a stroma-localized protein kinase, which cannot utilize GTP. Phosphorylation of AtTKL1, the dominant isoform in most tissues, occurs at a serine residue that is conserved in TKLs of vascular plants. By contrast, an aspartate residue is present in this position in cyanobacteria, algae and mosses. Characterization of a phosphomimetic mutant (S428D) indicated that Ser428 phosphorylation exerts significant effects on the enzyme's substrate saturation kinetics at specific physiological pH values. The results of the present study point to a role for TKL phosphorylation in the regulation of carbon allocation.
Structural and functional characterization of NanU, a novel high-affinity sialic acid-inducible binding protein of oral and gut-dwelling Bacteroidetes species
Authors: Phansopa Chatchawal , Roy Sumita , Rafferty John B. , Douglas C. W. Ian , Pandhal Jagroop , Wright Phillip C. , Kelly David J. , Stafford Graham P. 
Published: December 2013

Many human-dwelling bacteria acquire sialic acid for growth or surface display. We identified previously a sialic acid utilization operon in Tannerella forsythia that includes a novel outer membrane sialic acid-transport system (NanOU), where NanO (neuraminate outer membrane permease) is a putative TonB-dependent receptor and NanU (extracellular neuraminate uptake protein) is a predicted SusD family protein. Using heterologous complementation of nanOU genes into an Escherichia coli strain devoid of outer membrane sialic acid permeases, we show that the nanOU system from the gut bacterium Bacteroides fragilis is functional and demonstrate its dependence on TonB for function. We also show that nanU is required for maximal function of the transport system and that it is expressed in a sialic acid-responsive manner. We also show its cellular localization to the outer membrane using fractionation and immunofluorescence experiments. Ligand-binding studies revealed high-affinity binding of sialic acid to NanU (Kd ~400 nM) from two Bacteroidetes species as well as binding of a range of sialic acid analogues. Determination of the crystal structure of NanU revealed a monomeric SusD-like structure containing a novel motif characterized by an extended kinked helix that might determine sugar-binding specificity. The results of the present study characterize the first bacterial extracellular sialic acid-binding protein and define a sialic acid-specific PUL (polysaccharide utilization locus).
Sleeping ZigBee networks at the application layer
Authors: Azevedo Joaquim , Santos Filipe , Rodrigues Maurício , Aguiar Luís 
Published: December 2013

ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 is one of the most used standards for low‐power applications. However, full function devices must be always active to route data in a mesh network. The objective of this work is to implement a sleeping technique at the application layer that enables sleep mode for all nodes of a ZigBee network. A time synchronisation mechanism to deal with the clock drift of the sensor nodes was developed. The technique also enables the recovery of lost messages. A large network is organised into smaller groups to reduce latency and packet collisions. The active interval of each node is dynamically adapted to the network operation to optimise the energy consumption. The proposed technique was applied to a real testbed and the increase in energy efficiency was evaluated. The results demonstrated energy savings of about 95% for networks containing up to 20 nodes per group and wake up periods longer than 2 min.
Datenschutz in der Rehabilitationsforschung
Authors: Exner A.-K. , Gerold H. , Breckenkamp J. , Bahmer J. , Klemke R. , Berg-Beckhoff G. , Horschke A. , Razum O. 
Published: December 2013

ZusammenfassungDer Datenschutz ist in Gesetzen festgelegt und muss von der Wissenschaftlerin/dem Wissenschaftler eingehalten werden. In dieser Übersicht wird aufgezeigt, an welchen Stellen in der Rehabilitationsforschung datenschutzrelevante Aspekte berücksichtigt werden müssen. Dabei sind das Sozialgesetzbuch X, das Bundesdatenschutzgesetz und die jeweiligen Landesdatenschutzgesetze wichtige Quellen. Für die Forschungspraxis mit Studienteilnehmenden werden konkrete Empfehlungen gegeben, was eine Patienteninformation und eine Einwilligungserklärung beinhalten sollte. Die Erhebung, Verarbeitung, Nutzung, Speicherung, Veröffentlichung und Archivierung von personenbezogenen Forschungsdaten unter Berücksichtigung der Vorgaben des Datenschutzes wird erläutert. Ein Beispiel aus der Praxis (siehe online unter www.thieme-connect.de/ejournals/toc/rehabilitation) zeigt, wie mithilfe eines externen Datentreuhänders durch eine Abtrennung der personenbezogenen Daten die Forschungsdaten pseudonymisiert bzw. anonymisiert werden können.
Trends in Bone Morphogenetic Protein Usage since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory in 2008: What Happens to Physician Practices When the Food and Drug Administration Issues an Advisory?
Authors: Mckie Janay , Qureshi Sheeraz , Iatridis James , Egorova Natalia , Cho Samuel , Hecht Andrew 
Published: December 2013

Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study of spinal procedures from 2002 to 2010 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Objective To determine the patterns of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) usage in fusion surgery before and after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2008 advisory for the anterior cervical spine to understand how advisories affect U.S. physician practices. Methods Procedures were identified through International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes and were plotted over time based on fusion procedure type, site, and area of fusion. U.S. national trends were approximated by polynomial regression analysis. Results The majority of the data trends of BMP usage reflect a second-order polynomial model. BMP usage in anterior cervical spine fusion procedures plateaued during the fourth quarter of 2007. The most apparent change in trend was noted in BMP usage pre- and postadvisory in the analysis of anterior cervical spine fusions. BMP percentage of use decreased in this area by 5% from the time of the FDA advisory to the fourth quarter of 2010. Conclusions The decrease in BMP usage in anterior cervical spinal fusion procedures coincided with the timing of the FDA advisory. The fact that BMP continued to be used in cervical spine fusion procedures, even at lower rates, despite the advisory, may reflect the availability of new clinical information that could lessen complications (i.e., lower BMP dose, perioperative steroids, BMP containment). Furthermore, factors like the natural ceiling effect of use or demand for new technology, complications, prohibitive institutional costs, access to information, and insurance compensation may have all contributed to the BMP usage trends observed.
Long-term and multi-generational animal feeding studies.
Authors: Ricroch A. E. , Berheim A. , Snell C. , Pascal G. , Paris A. , Kuntz M. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

This chapter presents recently published studies on the long-term (more than 90 days) and adverse effects of feeding transgenic plants to animals. The GM feeds were derived mainly from marketed insect-resistant (Bt) and herbicide-tolerant varieties, while some studies tested experimental GM lines. These long-term studies and multi-generational studies are compared to 90-day studies that have already been performed. The possible need to update the current regulatory framework is also discussed.
Growth and Fatty Acid Profiles of VLBW Infants Receiving a Multicomponent Lipid Emulsion From Birth
Authors: Vlaardingerbroek Hester , Vermeulen Marijn J. , Carnielli Virgilio P. , Vaz Frédéric M. , van den Akker Chris H.P. , van Goudoever Johannes B. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTObjectives:Very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants are dependent on parenteral nutrition after birth. A parenteral lipid emulsion with a multicomponent composition may improve growth and neurodevelopment and may prevent liver injury, which is often observed in association with long‐term parenteral nutrition with pure soybean oil. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a multicomponent lipid emulsion containing 30% soybean oil, 30% medium‐chain triacylglycerol, 25% olive oil, and 15% fish oil compared with a conventional pure soybean oil emulsion in VLBW infants.Methods:We conducted a double‐blind randomized controlled trial in VLBW infants randomized to parenteral nutrition with the multicomponent (study group) or pure soybean oil emulsion (control group) from birth at a dose of 2 to 3 g · kg−1 · day−1 until the infants were receiving full enteral nutrition. We assessed efficacy by growth rates and measuring plasma fatty acid profiles (representative subset). Safety was evaluated by assessing hematologic and biochemical parameters, potentially harmful phytosterol concentrations (same subset), and clinical neonatal outcome parameters.Results:Ninety‐six infants were included (subsets n = 21). The multicomponent emulsion was associated with higher weight and head circumference z scores during admission. Plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were higher in the study group. The hematological, biochemical, and neonatal outcomes were not different between groups, whereas the plasma concentrations of phytosterols were higher in the control group.Conclusions:The multicomponent lipid emulsion was well tolerated and associated with improved growth and higher plasma fatty acid profiles in VLBW infants in comparison with the pure soybean oil emulsion.
TAP46 Plays a Positive Role in the ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE5-Regulated Gene Expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hu Rongbin , Zhu Yinfeng , Shen Guoxin , Zhang Hong 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTAP46 is a protein phosphatase2A (PP2A)-associated protein that regulates PP2A activity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). To study how PP2A is involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in plants, we studied the function of TAP46 in ABA-regulated seed maturation and seedling development. Expression of TAP46 coincides with the action of ABA in developing seeds and during seed germination, and the TAP46 transcript reaches to the highest level in mature seeds. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicates that external ABA can increase TAP46 transcript level transiently during seed germination. Overexpression of TAP46 increases plant sensitivity to ABA, while tap46 knockdown mutants are less sensitive to ABA during seed germination, suggesting that TAP46 functions positively in ABA signaling. Overexpression of TAP46 also leads to lower PP2A activity, while tap46-1 knockdown mutant displays higher PP2A activity, suggesting that TAP46 negatively regulates PP2A activity in Arabidopsis. Both TAP46 and PP2A interact with the ABA-regulated transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5) in vivo, and TAP46’s binding to ABI5 can stabilize ABI5. Furthermore, TAP46’s binding to the phosphorylated ABI5 may prevent PP2A or PP2A-like protein phosphatases from removing the phosphate from ABI5, thereby maintaining ABI5 in its active form. Overexpression of TAP46 and inhibition of activities of PP2A or PP2A-like protein phosphatases can increase transcript levels of several ABI5-regulated genes, suggesting that TAP46 is a positive factor in the ABA-regulated gene expression in Arabidopsis.
To the ends of the earth: student mobility in southern Chile
Authors: K. Vázquez Lynda , R. Mesa Francisco , A. López Daniel 
Published: December 2013

Purpose– Although student mobility worldwide is increasing dramatically, systematic analysis of the effects and variables associated with its results is still recent, especially in new destinations. The purpose of this paper is to examine student mobility in southern Chile from a case study perspective. An exploratory study is presented to analyze the experiences of students in an exchange program over a five-year period and the academic performance of local students abroad.Design/methodology/approach– A single-case design with two embedded units of analysis is presented. Data were drawn from semi-structured surveys and students’ grade records. Content analysis was applied to the students’ reports and statistical methods were used to verify the influence of certain variables.Findings– The experience of Chilean students abroad centered on building up personal competences, while visiting international students concentrated on intercultural interaction, influenced mainly by the quality of accommodation and language factors, the latter determining their relations with professors and local students. Academic performance of local students abroad was determined by the type of academic activity undertaken, course validation, and the selected destination.Practical implications– Some patterns recorded in international literature are similar to the results of this particular case. However, this study reveals some unique findings that can be associated to the operation of study abroad programs in emerging countries, especially in young regional universities unprecedented in aspects related to student mobility.Originality/value– The lack of scientific studies on student mobility in Chile, a country which international student population is rapidly growing, concedes great value to this exploratory study.
The necessity to incorporate TQM and QA study into the undergraduate chemistry/science/engineering curriculum
Authors: A. Chowdhury Mohammad 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to define the necessity of total quality management (TQM) and quality assurance (QA) study into the undergraduate chemistry/science/engineering curriculum based on the consideration of current declining trend of science education, lack of social, business and technological implications with science, and for students to perceive science knowledge as useful, interesting and relevant.

Design/methodology/approach
– The course design is outlined as an integrated and part of the science curriculum where “student-centred” and participative “inquiry-based” learning approaches is suggested to teach TQM and QA.

Findings
– TQM and QA provide the opportunity to learn applied science and associated business consequences, enhance student motivation and engagements, improves decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Students become creative, develop thinking capability in a structured and logical way to express views, and evidently their knowledge-building efforts become apparent.

Research limitations/implications
– The impetus of the “unit course” design is to focus on the fundamental concepts and understanding of TQM and QA, develop basic knowledge and practices, and explain quality system development and continuous improvement process.

Practical implications
– TQM and QA study help students easily accommodate into the workforce; and enhance employability. Students achieve higher awareness of the social implications of science studies, better prepared to become future informed citizens, and take responsibility.

Originality/value
– The paper discusses the rationale of TQM and QA study in the undergraduate course, and explains the underlying causes for not being receptive in the higher education. The paper discusses implicated contents and issues related to TQM and QA required to consider for implementation and, in context of the outlined course.
Theory and practice of knowledge managed ISO 9001:2000 supported quality system
Authors: Mohan Sivakumar V. , Devadasan S.R. , Murugesh R. 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to initiate researches in the direction of integrating knowledge management (KM) principles with ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System and motivate the practitioners to implement such integrated system in real-time practice.

Design/methodology/approach
– The principles of KM were integrated with the five major clauses of ISO 9001:2000 standard. After designing this integrated system, it was subjected to peripheral implementation study in a government-managed company situated in India. The knowledge portal required for maintaining this integrated system was also developed.

Findings
– ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9001:2000 standards rest on the same process-based quality system model which is comprised of five major clauses. Hence, the integrated system proposed in this paper can be utilized by the contemporary organizations to infuse KM principles in ISO 9001:2008 based quality system.

Research limitations/implications
– Though the integrated system designed in this research could not be implemented in a full-fledged manner, the experiences gained have been useful to indicate the future direction of research and practice for integrating KM principles with ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System.

Practical implications
– A roadmap has been evolved to guide the practitioners to implement Knowledge Managed ISO 9001:2008 Supported Quality System.

Originality value
– No researcher or practitioner has so far contributed a model integrating the process-based quality system incorporated in ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 standards with KM principles. As this gap is filled in this paper, the contributions of this paper are valuable to both researchers and practitioners.
Emerging trend of customer satisfaction in academic process
Authors: Mitra Debnath Roma , Shankar Ravi 
Published: December 2013

Purpose
– The recent expansion in tertiary education in India, an increased student enrollment as well as global competition have created a challenge for the existence of the institutes. It has been realized that a quality of service is associated with customer satisfaction and it is one of the key points for survival for any organization as it minimizes the various risks associated with an organization. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study conducted to obtain the impact of various academic systems on student's satisfaction across the institution. Second, it focusses on minimizing various risks by providing an optimum combination of parameters of different academic activities.

Design/methodology/approach
– This empirical research investigates customer satisfaction on support services of academic process and focus on minimizing various risks by finding an optimum combination of parameters of academic activities.

Findings
– It identifies the levels of sensitivity of the various factors affecting the academic process of technical education that might influence the management to design the technical curricula to increase student's satisfaction.

Practical implications
– The study demonstrates the impact of statistical process control (SPC) and Taguchi parameter design to monitor the academic process of the institution and finding an optimum condition of the various parameters involved with the process, which would maximize customer satisfaction across the institution. The result suggests that this approach may add more value to both academics and practitioners.

Originality/value
– It is an original contribution to integrate SPC and Taguchi robust parameter design in assessing customers’ satisfaction in Indian scenario.