bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phage mutations in response to CRISPR diversification in a bacterial population
Authors: Sun Christine L. , Barrangou Rodolphe , Thomas Brian C. , Horvath Philippe , Fremaux Christophe , Banfield Jillian F. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryInteractions between bacteria and their coexisting phage populations impact evolution and can strongly influence biogeochemical processes in natural ecosystems. Periodically, mutation or migration results in exposure of a host to a phage to which it has no immunity; alternatively, a phage may be exposed to a host it cannot infect. To explore the processes by which coexisting, co‐evolving hosts and phage populations establish, we cultured Streptococcus thermophilus DGCC7710 with phage 2972 and tracked CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) diversification and host–phage co‐evolution in a population derived from a colony that acquired initial CRISPR‐encoded immunity. After 1 week of co‐culturing, the coexisting host–phage populations were metagenomically characterized using 454 FLX Titanium sequencing. The evolved genomes were compared with reference genomes to identify newly incorporated spacers in S. thermophilus DGCC7710 and recently acquired single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in phage 2972. Following phage exposure, acquisition of immune elements (spacers) led to a genetically diverse population with multiple subdominant strain lineages. Phage mutations that circumvented three early immunization events were localized in the proto‐spacer adjacent motif (PAM) or near the PAM end of the proto‐spacer, suggesting a strong selective advantage for the phage that mutated in this region. The sequential fixation or near fixation of these single mutations indicates selection events so severe that single phage genotypes ultimately gave rise to all surviving lineages and potentially carried traits unrelated to immunity to fixation.
Induction, rapid fixation and retention of mutations in vegetatively propagated banana
Authors: Jankowicz‐Cieslak Joanna , Huynh Owen A. , Brozynska Marta , Nakitandwe Joy , Till Bradley J. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryMutation discovery technologies have enabled the development of reverse genetics for many plant species and allowed sophisticated evaluation of the consequences of mutagenesis. Such methods are relatively straightforward for seed‐propagated plants. To develop a platform suitable for vegetatively propagated species, we treated isolated banana shoot apical meristems with the chemical mutagen ethyl methanesulphonate, recovered plantlets and screened for induced mutations. A high density of GC‐AT transition mutations were recovered, similar to that reported in seed‐propagated polyploids. Through analysis of the inheritance of mutations, we observed that genotypically heterogeneous stem cells resulting from mutagenic treatment are rapidly sorted to fix a single genotype in the meristem. Further, mutant genotypes are stably inherited in subsequent generations. Evaluation of natural nucleotide variation showed the accumulation of potentially deleterious heterozygous alleles, suggesting that mutation induction may uncover recessive traits. This work therefore provides genotypic insights into the fate of totipotent cells after mutagenesis and suggests rapid approaches for mutation‐based functional genomics and improvement of vegetatively propagated crops.
Toddlers recognize words in an unfamiliar accent after brief exposure
Authors: Schmale Rachel , Cristia Alejandrina , Seidl Amanda 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBoth subjective impressions and previous research with monolingual listeners suggest that a foreign accent interferes with word recognition in infants, young children, and adults. However, because being exposed to multiple accents is likely to be an everyday occurrence in many societies, it is unexpected that such non‐standard pronunciations would significantly impede language processing once the listener has experience with the relevant accent. Indeed, we report that 24‐month‐olds successfully accommodate an unfamiliar accent in rapid word learning after less than 2 minutes of accent exposure. These results underline the robustness of our speech perception mechanisms, which allow listeners to adapt even in the absence of extensive lexical knowledge and clear known‐word referents.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http: ⁄ ⁄www.youtube.com ⁄watch?v=bYnaZkMyKtY&feature=youtu.be
Industrial Relations Reform: Chasing a Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow?
Authors: Borland Jeff 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article reviews the economy‐wide effects of the Work Choices and Fair Work reforms to Australia's industrial relations system. Outcomes examined are wages growth and earnings inequality, labour market adjustment, labour productivity growth and industrial disputes. Little evidence is found of an effect from the industrial relations reforms made in the 2000s. I argue that this is consistent with the nature of the reforms, being primarily oriented to distributive rather than efficiency goals. I finish by describing how private interest can explain current lobbying for further reform to Australia's industrial relations system.
Geodesic Polar Coordinates on Polygonal Meshes
Authors: Melvær Eivind Lyche , Reimers Martin 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGeodesic Polar Coordinates (GPCs) on a smooth surface

S
are local surface coordinates that relates a surface point to a planar parameter point by the length and direction of a corresponding geodesic curve onS. They are intrinsic to the surface and represent a natural local parameterization with useful properties. We present a simple and efficient algorithm to approximate GPCs on both triangle and general polygonal meshes. Our approach, named DGPC, is based on extending an existing algorithm for computing geodesic distance. We compare our approach with previous methods, both with respect to efficiency, accuracy and visual qualities when used for local mesh texturing. As a further application we show how the resulting coordinates can be used for vector space methods like local remeshing at interactive frame‐rates even for large meshes.
The return of the city‐state: urban governance and the New York City H1N1 pandemic
Authors: Hoffman Lily M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article examines New York City’s response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in the context of the post‐9/11 US security regime. While the federal level ‘all‐hazards’ approach made for greater depth of support, it also generated unrealistic assumptions at odds with an effective local response. The combination of structurally induced opportunity and actor specific strengths (size, expertise) made for effective local governance by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. By underlining the importance of locality as a first line of defence and linking defence function to policy initiative in regard to health governance, this study illustrates the continuing relevance of Weber’s insight into the institutional structure of the city.
Application of generally weighted moving average method to tracking signal state space model
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Yi , Sheu Shey‐Huei , Hsu Tsung‐Shin , Chen Yan‐Chun 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn predicting time series, if a trend includes a structural break, then a state space model can be applied to revise the predictive method. Some scholars suggest that restricted damped trend models yield excellent prediction results by automatically revising unforeseen structural break factors in the prediction process. Restricted damped trend models add a smoothed error statistic to a local‐level model and use the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) method to make corrections. This paper applies the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) concept and method to a restricted damped trend model that changes the smoothed error statistic from the EWMA form to the GWMA form and adds the correction parameter λ, which distinguishes three situations , , and . The original restricted damped trend model applies only to , enabling the model to capture situations in which and increases its generality. This paper also compares the effect of various parameter values on the predictive model and finds the range of parameter settings that optimize the model.
Developing a tool for intellectual capital assessment: an individual‐level perspective
Authors: Mura Matteo , Longo Mariolina 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis paper aims to develop a model for assessing and valuing the intellectual capital of an organization by gathering data from individual employees. Also, the paper empirically investigates the relationship between intellectual capital and a specific dimension of employees’ performance. Two surveys were conducted on employees of a leading company in the Italian food product market. The sample analysed comprises 1117 observations. A structural equation modelling (SEM) methodology was used to define the measurement model and to determine the relations between intellectual capital and employees’ performance. The model for intellectual capital assessment developed in this paper may integrate already existing intellectual capital frameworks. The three dimensions of intellectual capital identified mutually affect and have a positive effect on employees’ performance. Our findings contribute to the discussion in the promising research stream of intellectual capital management. As limitations, this study focuses on a single company, and it exclusively adopts individual‐level perceptual indicators. These elements make it difficult for any inter‐company comparison.
Transient ischaemic attacks clinics provide equivalent and more efficient care than early in‐hospital assessment
Authors: Martínez‐Martínez M. M. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , Fuentes B. , Cazorla‐García R. , Ruiz‐Ares G. , Correas‐Callero E. , Lara‐Lara M. , Díez‐Tejedor E. 
Published: August 2012

Background and purposeClinics for early management of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) have been developed in some stroke centres, resulting in reduced recurrence rates compared to appointment‐based outpatient management, thus saving on hospitalization. We analysed the care process, recurrence rates and economic impact of the first year of work in our early‐management TIA clinic and compared these with our previous in‐hospital study protocols for low‐ and moderate‐risk TIA patients.MethodsThis was a prospective evaluation of the management of low‐ to moderate‐risk TIA patients, comparing a new TIA clinic model (2010) with a previous hospitalization model (2009). Demographic data, vascular risk factor profiles, diagnostic test performance, secondary prevention measures, final aetiological diagnoses and cerebrovascular recurrences at 7 and 90 days were compared between in‐hospital and TIA clinic assessed patients. We also carried out an economic comparison of the costs of each model's process.ResultsTwo hundred and eleven low‐ to moderate‐risk TIA patients were included, of whom 40.8% were hospitalized. There were no differences between the TIA clinic assessed and in‐hospital assessed patients in terms of risk factor diagnosis and secondary prevention measures. The stroke recurrence rate (2.4% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.65) was low and similar for both groups (CI 95%, 0.214–20.436; P = 0.52). Cost per patient was €393.28 for clinic versus €1931.18 for in‐hospital management. Outpatient management resulted in a 77.8% reduction in hospitalizations.ConclusionTransient ischaemic attacks clinics are efficient for the early management of low‐ to moderate‐risk TIA patients compared to in‐hospital assessment, with no higher recurrence rates and at almost one‐fifth the cost.
MicroR828 regulates lignin and H2O2 accumulation in sweet potato on wounding
Authors: Lin Jeng‐Shane , Lin Chih‐Ching , Lin Hsin‐Hung , Chen Yu‐Chi , Jeng Shih‐Tong 
Published: August 2012

Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs which post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression by directing mRNA cleavage or translational inhibition. miRNAs play multiple roles in the growth, development and stress responses in plants. However, little is known of the wounding‐responsive miRNAs and their regulation.
Here, we investigated the expression patterns of microR828 (miR828) on wounding in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv Tainung 57). The expression of miR828 was only detected in leaves, and was induced by wounding rather than by ethylene, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), methyl jasmonate or nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was necessary for miR828 accumulation in leaves on wounding.
Two miR828 target candidates, named IbMYB and IbTLD, were obtained by cDNA cloning, and their mRNA cleavage caused by miR828 was confirmed by cleavage site mapping, agro‐infiltration and transgenics studies. The reduction in IbMYB and IbTLD expression coincided with the induction of miR828, demonstrating that IbMYB and IbTLD might be miR828 targets. Furthermore, transgenic sweet potato overexpressing miR828 precursor affected lignin and H2O2 contents.
These results showed that cGMP could regulate wounding‐responsive miR828, which repressed the expression of IbMYB and IbTLD. Subsequently, lignin and H2O2 were accumulated to participate in defense mechanisms.
Habitat filtering and niche differentiation jointly explain species relative abundance within grassland communities along fertility and disturbance gradients
Authors: Maire Vincent , Gross Nicolas , Börger Luca , Proulx Raphaël , Wirth Christian , Pontes Laíse da Silveira , Soussana Jean‐François , Louault Frédérique 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Deterministic niche‐based processes have been proposed to explain species relative abundance within communities but lead to different predictions: habitat filtering (HF) predicts dominant species to exhibit similar traits while niche differentiation (ND) requires that species have dissimilar traits to coexist.

Using a multiple trait‐based approach, we evaluated the relative roles of HF and ND in determining species abundances in productive grasslands. Four dimensions of the functional niche of 12 co‐occurring grass species were identified using 28 plant functional traits. Using this description of the species niche, we investigated patterns of functional similarity and dissimilarity and linked them to abundance in randomly assembled six‐species communities subjected to fertilization/disturbance treatments.

Our results suggest that HF and ND jointly determined species abundance by acting on contrasting niche dimensions. The effect of HF decreased relative to ND with increasing disturbance and decreasing fertilization. Dominant species exhibited similar traits in communities whereas dissimilarity favored the coexistence of rare species with dominants by decreasing inter‐specific competition. This stabilizing effect on diversity was suggested by a negative relationship between species over‐yielding and relative abundance.

We discuss the importance of considering independent dimensions of functional niche to better understand species abundance and coexistence within communities.
Factors Associated With Growth in Daily Smoking Among Indigenous Adolescents
Authors: Whitbeck Les B. , Sittner Hartshorn Kelley J. , McQuillan Julia , Crawford Devan M. 
Published: August 2012

North American Indigenous adolescents smoke earlier, smoke more, and are more likely to become regular smokers as adults than youth from any other ethnic group, yet we know very little about their early smoking trajectories. We use multilevel growth modeling across five waves of data from Indigenous adolescents (aged 10–13 years at Wave 1) to investigate factors associated with becoming a daily smoker. Several factors, including number of peers who smoked at Wave 1 and meeting diagnostic criteria for major depressive episode and conduct disorder, were associated with early daily smoking. Only age and increases in the number of smoking peers were associated with increased odds of becoming a daily smoker.
Characterization of In Vitro Metabolites of CP 47,497, a Synthetic Cannabinoid, in Human Liver Microsomes by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Jin Ming J. , Lee Jaeick , In Moon K. , Yoo Hye H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCP 47,497, a potent cannabinoid receptor type 1 agonist, is the main active ingredient in the herbal mixture “Spice” sold in European countries. The illegal use of “Spice” for its psychoactive effects has become a social issue. In this study, the in vitro metabolism of CP 47,497 was investigated in human liver microsomes to characterize the metabolic fate of CP 47,497. CP 47,497 was incubated with human liver microsomes, and the reaction mixture was analyzed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. A total of eight metabolites were detected in human liver microsomes and structurally characterized based on mass spectral data. The main metabolic pathways involved hydroxylations or oxygenations. The identified metabolites were mono‐oxygenated metabolites (M1 and M4), mono‐hydroxylated metabolites (M3, M5, M6, M7, and M8), and a di‐oxygenated metabolite (M2). The detection of these metabolites could confirm the presence of CP 47,497 in biological samples; therefore, collectively, they would be excellent indicators of “Spice” drug abuse.
Tropical forest biomass estimation and the fallacy of misplaced concreteness
Authors: Clark David B. , Kellner James R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDespite the importance of measuring tropical forest biomass, the accuracy of biomass estimates is poorly constrained due to fundamental weaknesses in the design and implementation of field studies. We identify these issues and propose a radical paradigm shift to advance tropical forest biomass research to a firmer theoretical and empirical basis.
Inter‐specific and intra‐specific trait variation along short environmental gradients in an old‐growth temperate forest
Authors: Auger Sébastien , Shipley Bill 
Published: August 2012

AbstractQuestionWhen can we assume that inter‐specific trait variation is higher than intra‐specific trait variation in plant community ecology?LocationOld‐growth deciduous forest in the Gault Nature Reserve, Mount St. Hilaire (Quebec, Canada,45′32.957″ N, 73′08.884″ W), with a shorter environmental gradient than normally exists in community studies.MethodsWe measured 15 functional traits on all tree saplings occurring in 39 (5–7‐m radius) sample plots. Using variance decomposition from mixed models and from sums of squares of community‐weighted traits, we determined the relative importance of temporal, spatial, inter‐specific, intra‐specific and intra‐individual variation in each trait. In total, we collected trait information on 3317 leaves from 786 twigs sampled on 422 saplings.ResultsFor 12 of 15 traits, over 50% of the total variance existed between species and inter‐specific variation was always the most important source of variation. However for 14 traits, intra‐specific and environmental variation represented up to 28% of the total variation. Variation in community‐weighted trait means was mostly generated by changes in species composition, but intra‐specific trait variation was the dominate cause for leaf nitrogen, specific leaf area and tree branching. The intra‐individual and temporal sources of variation were not important.ConclusionsTrait variation should be dominated by inter‐specific differences in most studies since they involve systems with more pronounced environmental gradients, higher species richness and more β‐diversity than used here. However, in studies with short gradients, or when using more plastic traits, it will be necessary to measure trait values for each site. It is important to quantify the β‐diversity of the environmental gradients in question in order to compare results across studies.
Effects and modelling of ultrasonic waste‐activated sludge disintegration
Authors: Şahinkaya Serkan , Sevimli Mehmet Faik 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSonication is a well‐known sludge pretreatment technique with the advantages of simple operation and high efficiency. However, it is an energy‐intensive process. Hence, it is very important to predetermine its sludge disintegration efficiency at varying pretreatment conditions in order to minimize the ultrasonic energy consumption. In this study, it was found that the ultrasonic sludge disintegration occurred in two stages: rapid and subsequent slow disintegration stages. For this reason, it was aimed to develop a simple and accurate mathematical model to describe the two‐stage sludge disintegration as a function of pretreatment conditions. Sludge concentration and ultrasonic density along with sonication period were involved in this model as independent variables. It was determined that the mathematical model can predict accurately the degree of sludge disintegration. Thus, the proposed model was seen to be very useful for evaluating the disintegration efficiency and/or for process design using the operating parameters under different conditions.
Impact of human activities on chimpanzee ground use and parasitism (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Zommers Zinta , Macdonald David W. , Johnson Paul J. , Gillespie Thomas R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe potential of human activities, including research, to alter parasite transmission ecology in wildlife is unknown. We examined gastrointestinal parasitism in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Budongo Forest, Uganda. Trail use and time spent on the ground was recorded during 10 months of observations in four sites with differing human disturbance. Disturbance was quantified using transect plots (n = 320). Fecal (n = 435) samples were examined for helminth eggs, larvae, and for protozoan cysts. Individuals that spent more time on the ground had more infections and higher intensity infections. Prevalence of 13 parasite species was similar across sites, but percentage of multiple infections and infection intensity differed, as did ground use. Chimpanzees at the long‐term research site spent more time on the ground or on human trails. We hypothesize that researcher presence and trail creation may influence ground use, and thereby parasite burden, by altering trade‐offs between foraging and predation risk.