bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triolein and Trilinolein Ameliorate Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Luo Ting , Deng Ze‐yuan , Li Xiao‐ping , Rao Huan , Fan Ya‐wei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractUptake of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein by endothelial cells is a critical step for the initiation of atherosclerosis. Triacylglycerol uptake in these cells is understood to be a part of the process. The present investigation, comparison among the effects of simple acylglycerol, including tristearin, triolein, and trilinolein, upon oxidized low‐density lipoprotein ‐induced oxidative stress was undertaken. Results indicated that trilinolein (78 % ± 0.02) and triolein (90 % ± 0.01) increased cell viability of endothelial cells exposed to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, whereas tristearin decreased the cell viability (55 % ± 0.03) (P < 0.05). Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein treatment significantly increased apoptosis (23 %), compared to cells simultaneously exposed to trilinolein (19 %) or triolein (16 %), where apoptosis was reduced (P < 0.05). On the other hand, exposure to tristearin further increased oxidized low‐density lipoprotein ‐induced cell apoptosis (34 %). Treatment with trilinolein or triolein on oxidized low‐density lipoprotein ‐stimulated endothelial cells inhibited the expression of ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin mRNA. Moreover, both trilinolein and triolein demonstrated a strong antioxidant response to oxidative stress caused by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein. Taken together, the results indicate trilinolein and triolein possess anti‐inflammatory properties, which are mediated via the antioxidant defense system.
Profile of women seeking medical termination of pregnancy in South India
Authors: Holla Ramesh , Kanchan Tanuj , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Kotian Mangalore Shashidhar , Kumar Nithin , Thapar Rekha , Mithra Prasanna , Papanna Mohan Kumar , Kulkarni Vaman , Darshan Bhagawan Bhagyamma 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the demographic and obstetric profile of women seeking medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) in South India in accordance with the MTP Act of India.MethodsA registry‐based retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. The hospital records of all pregnant women seeking MTP over a 2‐year period between January 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed.ResultsA total of 244 women underwent MTP during the study period. More than one‐third (37.8%) were aged between 26 and 30 years. The majority of women underwent MTP during the first trimester (79.5%). Medical reasons were cited as the most common reason for undergoing MTP (39.3%), followed by unplanned pregnancy (34.8%). The majority of women were seeking MTP for the first time (84.8%). More than half of the women (52.9%) opted for post‐MTP contraception.ConclusionMTP for unplanned pregnancy can be prevented if people are well informed about methods of contraception. MTP is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to discuss fertility needs and need for contraception with women seeking MTP so that appropriate decisions can be taken for suitable family planning.
Topological selection in stratified fluids: an example from air–water systems
Authors: Camassa R. , Chen S. , Falqui G. , Ortenzi G. , Pedroni M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTopologically non-trivial configurations of stratified fluid domains are shown to generate selection mechanisms for conserved quantities. This is illustrated within the special case of a two-fluid system when the density of one of the fluids limits to zero, such as in the case of air and water. An explicit example is provided, demonstrating how the connection properties of the air domain affect total horizontal momentum conservation, despite the apparent translational invariance of the system. The correspondence between this symmetry and the selection process is also studied within the framework of variational principles for stratified ideal fluids.
Status of iodine deficiency among pregnant mothers in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Kapil Umesh , Prakash Shyam , Sareen Neha , Bhadoria Ajeet Singh , Khenduja Preetika , Nigam Sukirty , Vijay Jyoti 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveIodine is an essential micronutrient needed for the production of thyroid hormones. Pregnant mothers who are deficient in iodine provide less iodine to the fetal thyroid. This results in low production of thyroid hormones by the fetal thyroid, thereby leading to compromised mental and physical development of the fetus. The current study aimed to assess the current status of iodine nutrition among pregnant mothers in Himachal Pradesh, India, a known endemic region for iodine deficiency.DesignThree districts, namely Kangra, Kullu and Solan, were selected.SettingIn each district, thirty clusters (villages) were identified by utilizing the population-proportional-to-size cluster sampling methodology. In each cluster, seventeen pregnant mothers attending the antenatal clinics were included.SubjectsA total of 1711 pregnant mothers (647 from Kangra, 551 from Kullu and 513 from Solan) were studied. Clinical examination of the thyroid of each pregnant mother was conducted. Spot urine samples were collected from ten pregnant mothers in each cluster. Similarly, salt samples were collected from eleven pregnant mothers in each cluster.ResultsTotal goitre rate was 42·2 % (Kangra), 42·0 % (Kullu) and 19·9 % (Solan). The median urinary iodine concentration was 200 μg/l (Kangra), 149 μg/l (Kullu) and 130 μg/l (Solan). The percentage of pregnant mothers consuming adequately iodized salt (iodine content of 15 ppm and more) was found to be 68·3 % (Kangra), 60·3 % (Kullu) and 48·5 % (Solan).ConclusionPregnant mothers in Kullu and Solan districts had iodine deficiency as indicated by a median urinary iodine concentration less than 150 μg/l.
Single cell genomic study of Dehalococcoidetes species from deep-sea sediments of the Peruvian Margin
Authors: Kaster Anne-Kristin , Mayer-Blackwell Koshlan , Pasarelli Ben , Spormann Alfred M 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The phylum Chloroflexi is one of the most frequently detected phyla in the subseafloor of the Pacific Ocean margins. Dehalogenating Chloroflexi (Dehalococcoidetes) was originally discovered as the key microorganisms mediating reductive dehalogenation via their key enzymes reductive dehalogenases (Rdh) as sole mode of energy conservation in terrestrial environments. The frequent detection of Dehalococcoidetes-related 16S rRNA and rdh genes in the marine subsurface implies a role for dissimilatory dehalorespiration in this environment; however, the two genes have never been linked to each other. To provide fundamental insights into the metabolism, genomic population structure and evolution of marine subsurface Dehalococcoidetes sp., we analyzed a non-contaminated deep-sea sediment core sample from the Peruvian Margin Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) site 1230, collected 7.3 m below the seafloor by a single cell genomic approach. We present for the first time single cell genomic data on three deep-sea Chloroflexi (Dsc) single cells from a marine subsurface environment. Two of the single cells were considered to be part of a local Dehalococcoidetes population and assembled together into a 1.38-Mb genome, which appears to be at least 85% complete. Despite a high degree of sequence-level similarity between the shared proteins in the Dsc and terrestrial Dehalococcoidetes, no evidence for catabolic reductive dehalogenation was found in Dsc. The genome content is however consistent with a strictly anaerobic organotrophic or lithotrophic lifestyle.
Career performance trajectories of Olympic swimmers: Benchmarks for talent development
Authors: Allen Sian V. , Vandenbogaerde Tom J. , Hopkins William G. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe age‐related progression of elite athletes to their career‐best performances can provide benchmarks for talent development. The purpose of this study was to model career performance trajectories of Olympic swimmers to develop these benchmarks. We searched the Web for annual best times of swimmers who were top 16 in pool events at the 2008 or 2012 Olympics, from each swimmer's earliest available competitive performance through to 2012. There were 6959 times in the 13 events for each sex, for 683 swimmers, with 10 ± 3 performances per swimmer (mean ± s). Progression to peak performance was tracked with individual quadratic trajectories derived using a mixed linear model that included adjustments for better performance in Olympic years and for the use of full‐body polyurethane swimsuits in 2009. Analysis of residuals revealed appropriate fit of quadratic trends to the data. The trajectories provided estimates of age of peak performance and the duration of the age window of trivial improvement and decline around the peak. Men achieved peak performance later than women (24.2 ± 2.1 vs. 22.5 ± 2.4 years), while peak performance occurred at later ages for the shorter distances for both sexes (∼1.5–2.0 years between sprint and distance‐event groups). Men and women had a similar duration in the peak‐performance window (2.6 ± 1.5 years) and similar progressions to peak performance over four years (2.4 ± 1.2%) and eight years (9.5 ± 4.8%). These data provide performance targets for swimmers aiming to achieve elite‐level performance.
Multidrug-ResistantAcinetobacter baumanniiInfection, Colonization, and Transmission Related to a Long-Term Care Facility Providing Subacute Care
Authors: Mortensen Eva , Trivedi Kavita K. , Rosenberg Jon , Cody Sara H. , Long Janet , Jensen Bette J. , Vugia Duc J. 
Published: March 2014

Objective.To investigateAcinetobacter baumanniiinfection, colonization, and transmission related to a long-term care facility (LTCF) providing subacute care (facility A).Methods.We reviewed facility A and affiliated local hospital records for facility A residents withA. baumanniiisolated during the period January 2009 through February 2010 and comparedA. baumanniiantimicrobial resistance patterns of residents with those of hospital patients. During March 2010, we implemented a colonization survey of facility A residents who received respiratory support or who could provide sputum samples and looked forA. baumanniicolonization risks. Available clinical and survey isolates underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE); PFGE strains were linked with overlapping stays to identify possible transmission.Results.During the period January 2009 through February 2010, 33 facility A residents hadA. baumanniiisolates; all strains were multidrug resistant (MDR), which was a significantly higher prevalence of MDR strains than that found among isolates from hospital patients (81 [66%] of 122 hospital patient isolates were MDR;P< .001). The sputum survey found that 14 (20%) of 70 residents hadA. baumanniicolonization, which was associated with ventilator use (adjusted odds ratio, 4.24 [95% confidence interval, 1.06–16.93]); 12 (86%) of 14 isolates were MDR. Four facility A resident groups clustered with 3 PFGE strains and overlapping stays. One of these facility A residents also clustered with 3 patients at an affiliated hospital.Conclusions.We documented substantial MDRA. baumanniiinfections and colonization with probable intra- and interfacility spread associated with a single LTCF providing subacute care. Given the limited infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship resources in such settings, regional collaborations among facilities across the spectrum of health care are needed to address this MDR threat.
Data and time poverty in fisheries estimation: potential approaches and solutions
Authors: Bentley Nokome 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The increasingly sophisticated methods developed for stock assessment are not always suited to data-poor fisheries. Data-poor fisheries are often low in value, so the researcher time available for their assessment is also small. The dual constraints of reduced data and reduced time make stock assessments for low-value stocks particularly challenging. Prior probability distributions are useful for transferring knowledge from data-rich to data-poor fisheries. When data are limited, it is important to make the most of what few data is available. However, fully understanding potential biases in data are just as important in the data-poor context as it is in data-rich fisheries. A key aspect of stock assessment is peer review. Providing a comprehensive, yet concise, set of diagnostics is crucial to a stock assessment where time is limited. Against the standards by which data-rich stock assessments are judged, stock assessments for data-poor stocks are likely to be found deficient. A key challenge is to maintain a balance between the opposing risks of inappropriate management “action” due to assessment inaccuracy, and inappropriate management “inaction” due to assessment uncertainty.
Plants Utilize a Highly Conserved System for Repair of NADH and NADPH Hydrates
Authors: Niehaus Tom D. , Richardson Lynn G.L. , Gidda Satinder K. , ElBadawi-Sidhu Mona , Meissen John K. , Mullen Robert T. , Fiehn Oliver , Hanson Andrew D. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
NADH and NADPH undergo spontaneous and enzymatic reactions that produce R and S forms of NAD(P)H hydrates [NAD(P)HX], which are not electron donors and inhibit various dehydrogenases. In bacteria, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and mammals, these hydrates are repaired by the tandem action of an ADP- or ATP-dependent dehydratase that converts (S)-NAD(P)HX to NAD(P)H and an epimerase that facilitates interconversion of the R and S forms. Plants have homologs of both enzymes, the epimerase homolog being fused to the vitamin B6 salvage enzyme pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase. Recombinant maize (Zea mays) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) NAD(P)HX dehydratases (GRMZM5G840928, At5g19150) were able to reconvert (S)-NAD(P)HX to NAD(P)H in an ATP-dependent manner. Recombinant maize and Arabidopsis epimerases (GRMZM2G061988, At5g49970) rapidly interconverted (R)- and (S)-NAD(P)HX, as did a truncated form of the Arabidopsis epimerase lacking the pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase domain. All plant NAD(P)HX dehydratase and epimerase sequences examined had predicted organellar targeting peptides with a potential second start codon whose use would eliminate the targeting peptide. In vitro transcription/translation assays confirmed that both start sites were used. Dual import assays with purified pea (Pisum sativum) chloroplasts and mitochondria, and subcellular localization of GFP fusion constructs in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) suspension cells, indicated mitochondrial, plastidial, and cytosolic localization of the Arabidopsis epimerase and dehydratase. Ablation of the Arabidopsis dehydratase gene raised seedling levels of all NADHX forms by 20- to 40-fold, and levels of one NADPHX form by 10- to 30-fold. We conclude that plants have a canonical two-enzyme NAD(P)HX repair system that is directed to three subcellular compartments via the use of alternative translation start sites.
Analysis of management practices in performance-based outsourcing contracts
Authors: Omizzolo Lazzarotto Bruna , Borchardt Miriam , Pereira Giancarlo , Almeida Caroline 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– Outsourcing-based performance practices establish goals for supplier performance and compensation. The management of contracts based on performance is complex as is the alignment of long-term relationship and indicators. The purpose of this research is to analyse the practices that contracting companies utilise to manage outsourcing contracts with performance-based compensation.

Design/methodology/approach
– Multiple case studies were conducted with five contracting companies. Nine performance-based outsourcing contracts were analysed.

Findings
– The selection and evaluation processes have been neglected by the buyers associated with contracts that are over ten years old. The process of transferring activities relied on the knowledge of employees. Management practices based on indicators and the adoption of results-based compensation are commonplace in a number of contracts and are consistent with theory.

Originality/value
– This paper identifies management practices that differ between what is expected from the theoretical framework and what is observed in the actual examined contracts. Opportunities for improvement have been identified mainly in the areas of supplier selection and activity transfer; the use of pilot tests and the reengineering of the outsourced processes are suggested.
Corporate strategies of automotive firms: how to become global leaders
Authors: Caiazza Rosa , Nueno Pedro 
Published: March 2014

Purpose– This article aims to evidence current trend in automotive industry and discuss corporate strategies to become global leaders.Design/methodology/approach– Case studies are used to evidence the relevance of cross-border M&A in automotive industry.Findings– This study evidences how automotive firms can become global leaders.Originality/value– The article offers a better understanding of firms' strategies to compete in automotive industry.
Understanding project stakeholders’ perceptions of public participation in China's infrastructure and construction projects
Authors: Xie Lin-lin , Yang Yu , Hu Yi , P.C. Chan Albert 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– Public participation has been implemented with growing frequency as an instrument for dealing with the increased socio-economic and environmental disputes in public infrastructure and construction (PIC) projects in China. The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of major stakeholders on the major aspects related to public participation practices in China's PIC projects and intends to convey what is presently happening in this segment of the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– Specific topics of the social effects, benefits, forms, and barriers were addressed through a recent survey of the major stakeholders involved in PIC projects. The survey results were used to perform a strength-weakness-opportunity-threat analysis for evaluating the status quo of public participation in PIC projects.

Findings
– The survey results indicate that the development of public participation practices in China remains relatively slow despite the urgent need to promote this mechanism for solving socio-economic and environmental disputes in PIC projects. Thus, a four-step strategic plan is suggested to be established to overcome main barriers for the implementation of public participation and promote its development in China.

Originality/value
– This study aims to evaluate the status quo of the public participation practices in China by conducting a national survey, which has never been conducted before. The findings of this paper provide a holistic view of the status quo of public participation in China's PIC projects and promote a better application of this mechanism in the construction industry.
Having “a say”: forms of voice in Australian call centres
Authors: McDonnell Anthony , Connell Julia , Hannif Zeenobiyah , Burgess John 
Published: March 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to bridge a gap in the call centre literature by considering how individual employees perceive their level of voice over workplace decisions. The inclusion of direct voice mechanisms is noteworthy as these are forms that have received much less attentionvis-à-visindirect voice.Design/methodology/approach– A mixed-method approach was utilized comprising focus groups and questionnaires from over 350 respondents in nine call centres in Australia.Findings– The most pervasive type of employee voice found across all call centres was through direct channels. The team leader was viewed as especially important in terms of employees asserting that they have some influence over workplace issues. There was evidence that the greater the number of voice mechanisms available the higher the perception of autonomy and influence over work tasks, pace of work and quality standards.Research limitations/implications– Greater consideration is needed in the voice literature at how employees perceive different mechanisms and how institutionalized and legitimate these are within organizations. There appeared to be minimal positive feedback on how union's influenced the workplace, even in unionized environments. We call for further research on how union representation and direct voice channels work together and the impact on key individual and organizational outcomes.Practical implications– Employees may view the provision of multiple voice channels more favourable than any particular mechanism. The role of the team leader appears especially crucial in positive perceptions of employee voice.Originality/value– Call centre environments may be changing for the better and effective team leader/employee relationships appear to be at the heart of these changes. The paper demonstrates that direct voice mechanisms dominate the case study sites and that employee perceptions of “being heard” are as important as the actual voice mechanisms.
Effects of board and ownership structure on corporate performance
Authors: Arouri Houda , Hossain Mohammed , Badrul Muttakin Mohammad 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of ownership structure and board composition on bank performance as measured by Tobin's Q and market to book value in Gulf Co-Operation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach
– A dataset of 58-listed banks of GCC countries for the period 2010 is used. The methodology is based on multivariate regression analysis.

Findings
– The result shows that the extent of family ownership, foreign ownership and institutional ownership has a significant positive association with bank performance. However, government ownership does not have a significant impact on performance. Other governance variables such as CEO duality and board size appear to have an insignificant impact on performance.

Practical implications
– Better corporate governance mechanisms are imperative for every company and should be encouraged for the interest of the investors and other stakeholders. The study implies that ownership by corporate governance is more effective for GCC countries. The study also suggests that unlike in western countries, corporate boards may not be an effective corporate governance mechanism in GCC countries.

Originality/value
– The paper extends the findings of the corporate governance and bank performance relationship in GCC countries that are neglected in the previous literature.