bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic plasticity in seed germination relates differentially to overwintering and flowering temperatures
Authors: Fernández-Pascual Eduardo , Jiménez-Alfaro Borja 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity in seed dormancy may allow plant species to cope with rapid environmental changes, such as climate warming. In controlled experimental settings, plasticity in dormancy has been found to relate to temperature during seed maturation, but this relationship has not been tested in field conditions. Here we analyse for the first time the variation in dormancy during five successive years in wild populations of the study species Centaurium somedanum, to determine how this variation is related to average temperatures during specific seasons of plant activity. We performed laboratory germination experiments to measure: (1) the degree of dormancy at dispersal; and (2) the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors. We calculated average temperatures during four seasons of plant activity (overwintering, vegetative growth, flowering and seed maturation) for each year, and tested the relationship between these temperatures and patterns of dormancy variation, using Generalized Linear Models. Dormancy varied among sites and years, seeds being more dormant in colder years. For the degree of dormancy at dispersal, we found a positive relationship with flowering temperature and a significant effect of collection site. For the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors, we found no significant differences among sites, a positive relationship with flowering temperature and a negative relationship with overwintering temperature. Phenotypic plasticity in dormancy in C. somedanum is thus especially marked in the sensitivity to dormancy-breaking factors. Temperatures during overwintering and flowering have differential effects on this plasticity, allowing the plant to detect the gradient of seasonality, a main ecological feature of its distribution. These results highlight the importance of taking into account more than average temperatures when assessing the response of plant phenotypic plasticity to climate change.
Performance of the NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol in a National Population-Based Sample
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Wadley Virginia G. , McClure Leslie A. , Letter Abraham J. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Crowe Michael , Nyenhius David , Kelley Brendan J. , Kana Bhumika , Marceaux Janice , Kurella Tamura Manjula , Howard Virginia , Howard George 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn 2006, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) Vascular Cognitive Impairment Harmonization Standards recommended a 5-Minute Protocol as a brief screening instrument for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). We report demographically adjusted norms for the 5-Minute Protocol and its relation to other measures of cognitive function and cerebrovascular risk factors. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 7199 stroke-free adults in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study on the NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol score. Total scores on the 5-Minute Protocol were inversely correlated with age and positively correlated with years of education, and performance on the Six-Item Screener, Word List Learning, and Animal Fluency (all p-values <.001). Higher cerebrovascular risk on the Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP) was associated with lower total 5-Minute Protocol scores (p <.001). The 5-Minute Protocol also differentiated between participants with and without confirmed stroke and with and without stroke symptom histories (p <.001). The NINDS-CSN 5-Minute Protocol is a brief, easily administered screening measure that is sensitive to cerebrovascular risk and offers a valid method of screening for cognitive impairment in populations at risk for VCI. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–12)
Socio-economic and behavioural determinants of fruit and vegetable intake in Moroccan women
Authors: Landais Edwige , Bour Abdellatif , Gartner Agnès , McCullough Fiona , Delpeuch Francis , Holdsworth Michelle 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate daily fruit and vegetable intakes and to investigate socio-economic and behavioural differences in fruit and vegetable consumption among urban Moroccan women.DesignA cross-sectional survey. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured with a single 24 h recall.SettingsA representative population-based survey conducted in the area of Rabat-Salé.SubjectsWomen (n894) of child-bearing age (20–49 years).ResultsMean fruit and vegetable intake was 331 g/d (155 g/d for fruit and 176 g/d for vegetables). Only one-third (32·1 %) of women consumed ≥400 g/d and half the sample (50·6 %) were considered as low consumers, i.e. <280 g/d. Women of higher economic status ate significantly more fruit (P<0·05) and more fruit and vegetables combined (P<0·05). Women ate significantly less vegetables if they ate out of home more often or skipped at least one main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or ate more processed foods (P<0·05,P<0·01 andP<0·001, respectively). Fruit and vegetable diversity was not associated with any of the factors investigated.ConclusionsIn this population, fruit and vegetable intakes are driven by different determinants. Indeed, while vegetable consumption was related only to behavioural determinants, fruit consumption was influenced only by economic status. Therefore, programmes promoting fruit and vegetable intake would be more effective if they account for these specific determinants in their design.
The astrobiological mission EXPOSE-R on board of the International Space Station
Authors: Rabbow Elke , Rettberg Petra , Barczyk Simon , Bohmeier Maria , Parpart Andre , Panitz Corinna , Horneck Gerda , Burfeindt Jürgen , Molter Ferdinand , Jaramillo Esther , Pereira Carlos , Weiß Peter , Willnecker Rainer , Demets René , Dettmann Jan , Reitz Guenther 
Published: August 2014

AbstractEXPOSE-R flew as the second of the European Space Agency (ESA) EXPOSE multi-user facilities on the International Space Station. During the mission on the external URM-D platform of the Zvezda service module, samples of eight international astrobiology experiments selected by ESA and one Russian guest experiment were exposed to low Earth orbit space parameters from March 10th, 2009 to January 21st, 2011. EXPOSE-R accommodated a total of 1220 samples for exposure to selected space conditions and combinations, including space vacuum, temperature cycles through 273 K, cosmic radiation, solar electromagnetic radiation at >110, >170 or >200 nm at various fluences up to GJ m−2. Samples ranged from chemical compounds via unicellular organisms and multicellular mosquito larvae and seeds to passive radiation dosimeters. Additionally, one active radiation measurement instrument was accommodated on EXPOSE-R and commanded from ground in accordance with the facility itself. Data on ultraviolet radiation, cosmic radiation and temperature were measured every 10 s and downlinked by telemetry and data carrier every few months. The EXPOSE-R trays and samples returned to Earth on March 9th, 2011 with Shuttle flight, Space Transportation System (STS)-133/ULF 5, Discovery, after successful total mission duration of 27 months in space. The samples were analysed in the individual investigators laboratories. A parallel Mission Ground Reference experiment was performed on ground with a parallel set of hardware and samples under simulated space conditions following to the data transmitted from the flight mission.
The RING ubiquitin E3 RNF114 interacts with A20 and modulates NF-κB activity and T-cell activation
Authors: Rodriguez M S , Egaña I , Lopitz-Otsoa F , Aillet F , Lopez-Mato M P , Dorronsoro A , Lobato-Gil S , Sutherland J D , Barrio R , Trigueros C , Lang V 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAccurate regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity is crucial to prevent a variety of disorders including immune and inflammatory diseases. Active NF-κB promotes IκBα and A20 expression, important negative regulatory molecules that control the NF-κB response. In this study, using two-hybrid screening we identify the RING-type zinc-finger protein 114 (RNF114) as an A20-interacting factor. RNF114 interacts with A20 in T cells and modulates A20 ubiquitylation. RNF114 acts as negative regulator of NF-κB-dependent transcription, not only by stabilizing the A20 protein but also IκBα. Importantly, we demonstrate that in T cells, the effect of RNF114 is linked to the modulation of T-cell activation and apoptosis but is independent of cell cycle regulation. Altogether, our data indicate that RNF114 is a new partner of A2O involved in the regulation of NF-κB activity that contributes to the control of signaling pathways modulating T cell-mediated immune response.
Personalized Metabolomics for Predicting Glucose Tolerance Changes in Sedentary Women After High-Intensity Interval Training
Authors: Kuehnbaum Naomi L. , Gillen Jenna B. , Gibala Martin J. , Britz-McKibbin Philip 
Published: August 2014

AbstractHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers a practical approach for enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness, however its role in improving glucose regulation among sedentary yet normoglycemic women remains unclear. Herein, multi-segment injection capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry is used as a high-throughput platform in metabolomics to assess dynamic responses of overweight/obese women (BMI > 25, n = 11) to standardized oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed before and after a 6-week HIIT intervention. Various statistical methods were used to classify plasma metabolic signatures associated with post-prandial glucose and/or training status when using a repeated measures/cross-over study design. Branched-chain/aromatic amino acids and other intermediates of urea cycle and carnitine metabolism decreased over time in plasma after oral glucose loading. Adaptive exercise-induced changes to plasma thiol redox and orthinine status were measured for trained subjects while at rest in a fasting state. A multi-linear regression model was developed to predict changes in glucose tolerance based on a panel of plasma metabolites measured for naïve subjects in their untrained state. Since treatment outcomes to physical activity are variable between-subjects, prognostic markers offer a novel approach to screen for potential negative responders while designing lifestyle modifications that maximize the salutary benefits of exercise for diabetes prevention on an individual level.
Transport spectroscopy of coupled donors in silicon nano-transistors
Authors: Moraru Daniel , Samanta Arup , Anh Le The , Mizuno Takeshi , Mizuta Hiroshi , Tabe Michiharu 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe impact of dopant atoms in transistor functionality has significantly changed over the past few decades. In downscaled transistors, discrete dopants with uncontrolled positions and number induce fluctuations in device operation. On the other hand, by gaining access to tunneling through individual dopants, a new type of devices is developed: dopant-atom-based transistors. So far, most studies report transport through dopants randomly located in the channel. However, for practical applications, it is critical to control the location of the donors with simple techniques. Here, we fabricate silicon transistors with selectively nanoscale-doped channels using nano-lithography and thermal-diffusion doping processes. Coupled phosphorus donors form a quantum dot with the ground state split into a number of levels practically equal to the number of coupled donors, when the number of donors is small. Tunneling-transport spectroscopy reveals fine features which can be correlated with the different numbers of donors inside the quantum dot, as also suggested by first-principles simulation results.
The role of mass communication methods in the development of tourism industry in Iran
Authors: Zamani Mahmoud , Valmohammadi Changiz 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of new methods of mass communication (employing customer relationship management (CRM) software and web site) in the development of tourism industry in Iran.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from managers and experts of companies involving in tourism field in Iran through survey questionnaire. The SPSS 17 and LISREL 8 statistical programs were used for the data analysis.Findings– The results reveal that using CRM application is significantly correlated with the development of tourism industry. In addition, the findings indicated that using web site has a positive and significant relationship with the development of tourism.Research limitations/implications– As this study is limited to Iran and given cultural differences among various nations cautions should be taken in generalizability of the obtained results. Also, to better clarify the role of mass communication methods, it is recommended similar study in other countries to be carry out in order to be able to compare the results.Originality/value– To the best of knowledge of the authors this is the first endeavor toward the survey of the relationship and the effects of CRM application and internet advertisement on the development of tourism in the context of Iran. Also, the results obtained could act as a good guidance for Iranian tourism policy makers to make more effective decisions.
Estimating cross-sectional regressions in event studies with conditional heteroskedasticity and regression designs that have leverage
Authors: Karafiath Imre 
Published: August 2014

Purpose– In the finance literature, fitting a cross-sectional regression with (estimated) abnormal returns as the dependent variable and firm-specific variables (e.g. financial ratios) as independent variables has becomede rigueurfor a publishable event study. In the absence of skewness and/or kurtosis the explanatory variable, the regression design does not exhibit leverage – an issue that has been addressed in the econometrics literature on the finite sample properties of heteroskedastic-consistent (HC) standard errors, but not in the finance literature on event studies. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approach– In this paper, simulations are designed to evaluate the potential bias in the standard error of the regression coefficient when the regression design includes “points of high leverage” (Chesher and Jewitt, 1987) and heteroskedasticity. The empirical distributions of test statistics are tabulated from ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, and HC standard errors.Findings– None of the test statistics examined in these simulations are uniformly robust with regard to conditional heteroskedasticity when the regression includes “points of high leverage.” In some cases the bias can be quite large: an empirical rejection rate as high as 25 percent for a 5 percent nominal significance level. Further, the bias in OLS HC standard errors may be attenuated but not fully corrected with a “wild bootstrap.”Research limitations/implications– If the researcher suspects an event-induced increase in return variances, tests for conditional heteroskedasticity should be conducted and the regressor matrix should be evaluated for observations that exhibit a high degree of leverage.Originality/value– This paper is a modest step toward filling a gap on the finite sample properties of HC standard errors in the event methodology literature.
Wear behaviour of PMMA against 316L stainless steel under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Liza S. , Haseeb A.S.M.A. , Masjuki H.H. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to gain a better understanding of wear behaviour of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). PMMA is commonly used in low-stress sliding application against metal. The effects of applied load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel were examined.

Design/Methodology/Approach
– Tests were conducted under dry condition, in distilled water and in Ringer’s solution by using reciprocating wear machine. Worn surface morphology and composition was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings
– PMMA wear rate increases with the increase in applied load, naturally. An increase in sliding frequency increases the wear rate under dry condition, but it decreases the wear rate in water and in Ringer’s solution.

Originality value
– The objective of the present work was to gain a better understanding of the wear behaviour of PMMA in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). The effects of applied normal load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel at various conditions were examined experimentally. This information may have future implications for the design of materials which have a contact with physiological fluid in orthopeadic implants.
Development of a model on profit orientation with organizational variables in the context of emerging economies
Authors: Sekhar Bhattacharyya Som , Jha Sumi 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of the study was to develop a model on profit orientation (PRO) with organizational variables, learning orientation practises (LOP), empowerment self-determination (ESD), organization citizenship behaviour altruism (OCBA), customer orientation (CO), professional development (PD) and performance orientation (PO).

Design/methodology/approach
– The research was conducted by using a structured survey questionnaire on 411 Indian managers engaged in various public and private manufacturing and services firms. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 18 for structured equation modelling.

Findings
– The results of this research imply that the exogenous variables were LOP, ESD and OCBA. The intervening variables were CO, PD and PO. The endogenous variable was PRO. LOP showed significant positive relationship with CO and PD. ESD had significant positive relationship with CO, PD and PO. OCBA showed significant positive relationship with CO and PO. PD had significant positive relationship with CO and PO. PO had significant positive relationship with CO. PRO had significant positive relationship with LOP, OCBA, CO, PD and PO.

Research limitations/implications
– This research attempt is one of the first of its kind which developed a model relating PRO with three internal organizational exogenous variables: LOP, ESD and OCBA. The model also had three intervening variables: CO, PD and PO.

Practical implications
– In the context of emerging economies characterized by high potentiality for market growth and increased competition, the human resource managers involved in developing PRO culture can take the inputs from this study to design elements of LOP, ESD, OCBA, CO, PD and PO among the employees.

Originality/value
– The model on PRO is one of its kind relating PRO with LOP, ESD, OCBA, CO, PD and PO in the context of emerging economy markets.
Organizational learning culture and psychological empowerment as antecedents of employees’ job related attitudes: a mediation model
Authors: Islam Talat , Ur Rehman Khan Saif , Norulkamar Bt. Ungku Ahmad Ungku , Ali Ghulam , Ahmed Ishfaq 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationship among organizational learning culture (OLC), psychological empowerment (PE), job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment and turnover intention, as very little has been conducted in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach
– A quantitative research design was used via a questionnaire among 412 Malay-Chinese working in the banking and insurance sector of Malaysia.

Findings
– OLC and PE were found to influence positively on job satisfaction and affective commitment, but negatively on turnover intention. In addition, job satisfaction was found to perform the role of mediator.

Research limitations/implications
– The study used self-reported data based on cross-sectional survey.

Practical implications
– OLC and PE were found to influence affective commitment and turnover intention directly and indirectly, providing an avenue of approach for managers to retain their key employees.

Originality/value
– The paper examines OLC and PE as antecedents of employees’ attitudes (i.e. job satisfaction, affective commitment and turnover intention), neglected variables along with the mediation of job satisfaction.
Satisfaction of first-time residential clients with architectural services
Authors: Adewunmi Oluwatayo Adedapo , Ibem Eziyi , Amole Dolapo 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this study was to investigate the factors which define and predict the satisfaction of first-time residential clients of architects in Nigeria using Lagos as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was based on the notion that satisfaction of first-time residential clients with architectural services is a combination of satisfaction with service, design and relationship qualities as well as reputation of the architect. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected first-time residential clients of architects in the study area was conducted using pre-tested questionnaire as the principal data gathering instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor and regression analyses.

Findings
– Of the seven factors identified, the factors which best define the satisfaction of the first-time residential clients were personalization of service, reliability of, confidence inspired by and personality of the architect. The best predictors of the satisfaction of the first-time residential clients of architects in Nigeria varied with the nature of service. However, it was observed that the experience of the architect cut across all service types as a significant predictor of client satisfaction.

Research limitation/implication
– Only residential clients were considered in the study. Other categories of clients may be considered in further studies.

Practical implications
– There is need for architects to consider the nature of services provided in their quest to satisfy their first-time residential clients.

Originality/value
– Previous studies have focused on experienced and mostly public sector clients. This study provides empirical data on the factors that influence the satisfaction of first-time private clients who engaged the services of architects for their personal homes.