bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upstream Transcription Factor 1 (USF1) allelic variants regulate lipoprotein metabolism in women and USF1 expression in atherosclerotic plaque
Authors: Fan Yue-Mei , Hernesniemi Jussi , Oksala Niku , Levula Mari , Raitoharju Emma , Collings Auni , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Juonala Markus , Marniemi Jukka , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Seppälä Ilkka , Mennander Ari , Tarkka Matti , Kangas Antti J. , Soininen Pasi , Salenius Juha Pekka , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Laitinen Tomi , Ala-Korpela Mika , Laaksonen Reijo , Viikari Jorma , Kähönen Mika , Raitakari Olli T. , Lehtimäki Terho 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUpstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) allelic variants significantly influence future risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality in females. We investigated sex-specific effects of USF1 gene allelic variants on serum indices of lipoprotein metabolism, early markers of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and their changes during six years of follow-up. In addition, we investigated the cis-regulatory role of these USF1 variants in artery wall tissues in Caucasians. In the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study, 1,608 participants (56% women, aged 31.9 ± 4.9) with lipids and cIMT data were included. For functional study, whole genome mRNA expression profiling was performed in 91 histologically classified atherosclerotic samples. In females, serum total, LDL cholesterol and apoB levels increased gradually according to USF1 rs2516839 genotypes TT < CT < CC and rs1556259 AA < AG < GG as well as according to USF1 H3 (GCCCGG) copy number 0 < 1 < 2. Furthermore, the carriers of minor alleles of rs2516839 (C) and rs1556259 (G) of USF1 gene had decreased USF1 expression in atherosclerotic plaques (P = 0.028 and 0.08, respectively) as compared to non-carriers. The genetic variation in USF1 influence USF1 transcript expression in advanced atherosclerosis and regulates levels and metabolism of circulating apoB and apoB-containing lipoprotein particles in sex-dependent manner, but is not a major determinant of early markers of atherosclerosis.
A simple, inexpensive method for preparing cell lysates suitable for downstream reverse transcription quantitative PCR
Authors: Shatzkes Kenneth , Teferedegne Belete , Murata Haruhiko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSample nucleic acid purification can often be rate-limiting for conventional quantitative PCR (qPCR) workflows. We recently developed high-throughput virus microneutralization assays using an endpoint assessment approach based on reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR). The need for cumbersome RNA purification is circumvented in our assays by making use of a commercial reagent that can easily generate crude cell lysates amenable to direct analysis by one-step RT-qPCR. In the present study, we demonstrate that a simple buffer containing a non-ionic detergent can serve as an inexpensive alternative to commercially available reagents for the purpose of generating RT-qPCR-ready cell lysates from MDCK cells infected with influenza virus. We have found that addition of exogenous RNase inhibitor as a buffer component is not essential in order to maintain RNA integrity, even following stress at 37°C incubation for 1–2 hours, in cell-lysate samples either freshly prepared or previously stored frozen at −80°C.
Reversible and selective luminescent determination of ClO−/H2S redox cycle in vitro and in vivo based on a ruthenium trisbipyridyl probe
Authors: Liu Fengyu , Gao Yulong , Wang Jitao , Sun Shiguo 
Published: April 2014

A reversible and highly selective luminescent probe was successfully employed for the determination of ClO− and H2S and for monitoring the ClO−/H2S redox cycle both in vitro and in vivo.
Some positivities in certain triangular arrays
Authors: Zhu Bao-Xuan 
Published: April 2014

Let

{

T

n
,
k

}

n
,
k
≥
0

\{T_{n,k}\}_{n,k\ge 0}

be an array of nonnegative numbers satisfying the recurrence relation

T

n
,
k

=
(

a
1

k
2

+

a
2

k
+

a
3

)

T

n
−
1
,
k

+
(

b
1

k
2

+

b
2

k
+

b
3

)

T

n
−
1
,
k
−
1

\begin{equation*} T_{n,k}=(a_1k^2+a_2k+a_3)T_{n-1,k}+(b_1k^2+b_2k+b_3)T_{n-1,k-1} \end{equation*}

with

T

n
,
k

=
0

T_{n,k}=0

unless

0
≤
k
≤
n

0\le k\le n

. We obtain some results for the total positivity of the matrix

(

T

n
,
k

)

n
,
k
≥
0

\left (T_{n,k}\right )_{n,k\ge 0}

, Pólya frequency properties of the row and column generating functions, and

q
q

-log-convexity of the row generating functions. This allows a unified treatment of the properties above for some triangular arrays of the second kind, including the Stirling triangle, Jacobi-Stirling triangle, Legendre-Stirling triangle, and central factorial numbers triangle.
Intestinal Expression of the Anti‐Inflammatory Interleukin‐1 Homologue IL‐37 in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Weidlich Simon , Bulau Ana‐Maria , Schwerd Tobias , Althans Johanna , Kappler Roland , Koletzko Sibylle , Mayr Doris , Bufler Philip 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:The function of interleukin (IL)‐37 has not been resolved. We recently showed that IL‐37 suppresses colonic inflammation in mice. To gain more insight into its relevance in human disease, we investigated the expression of IL‐37 in the intestine of pediatric patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).Methods:Intestinal biopsies were obtained from children with IBD (18 Crohn disease [CD], 14 ulcerative colitis [UC] and 11 controls) during endoscopy and analyzed for IL‐37 expression by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results were correlated with immunostaining for IL‐18 and IL‐17, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and clinical parameters.Results:IL‐37 protein was detected in epithelial cells and submucosal lymphoid cells of patients with CD and UC as well as healthy controls. IL‐37 protein expression tended to be higher with submucosal lymphoid cell infiltration of patients with CD and UC and correlated with histological severity score of inflammation. IL‐18 showed a staining pattern similar to that of IL‐37, whereas staining for IL‐17 revealed distinct positive cells scattered in the submucosal layer. mRNA expression of IL‐8, IL‐17, and IL‐10 was upregulated in patients with CD and UC. mRNA levels of IL‐18 and IL‐37 were not significantly elevated compared with controls. Levels of IL‐37 and IL‐18 mRNA showed a positive correlation in the CD group.Conclusions:IL‐37 protein is expressed in healthy and diseased bowel tissue. IL‐37 and IL‐18 show a similar expression pattern and correlate at mRNA levels. Future studies are warranted to delineate the specific contribution of IL‐37 to modulate chronic bowel inflammation in humans.
Body Positioning and Medical Therapy for Infantile Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms
Authors: Loots Clara , Kritas Stamatiki , van Wijk Michiel , McCall Lisa , Peeters Laura , Lewindon Peter , Bijlmer Rob , Haslam Ross , Tobin Jacinta , Benninga Marc , Davidson Geoffrey , Omari Taher 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjective:Proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal acid exposure in infants; however, they do not reduce total GER or symptoms attributed to GER. Reflux is reduced in the left lateral position (LLP). We hypothesize that the effect of LLP in combination with acid suppression is most effective in reducing GER symptoms in infants.Methods:In this prospective sham‐controlled trial, infants (0–6 months) with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied using 8‐hour pH‐impedance, cardiorespiratory and video monitoring, direct nurse observation, and a validated questionnaire. Infants demonstrating a positive GER symptom association were randomized to 1 of 4 groups; PPI + LLP, PPI + head of cot elevation (HE), antacid (AA) + LLP, or AA + HE. HE and AA were considered “sham” therapies. After 2 weeks the 8‐hour studies were repeated on‐therapy.Results:Fifty‐one patients were included (aged 13.6 [2–26] weeks). PPI + LLP was most effective in reducing GER episodes (69 [13] to 46 [10], P < 0.001) and esophageal acid exposure (median [interquartile range] 8.9% [3.1%–18.1%] to 1.1% [0%–4.4%], P = 0.02). No treatment group showed improvement in crying/irritability, although vomiting was reduced in AA + LLP (from 7 [2] to 2 [0] episodes P = 0.042). LLP compared with HE produced greater reduction in total GER (−21 [4] vs −10 [4], P = 0.056), regardless of acid‐suppressive therapy. Acid exposure was reduced on PPI compared with AA (−6.8 [2.1] vs −0.9 [1.4]%, pH < 4, P = 0.043) regardless of positional intervention. A post‐hoc analysis using automated analysis software revealed a significant reduction in crying symptoms in the PPI + LLP group (99 [65–103] to 62 [32–96] episodes, P = 0.018).Conclusions:“Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease” implies disease causation for distressing infant symptoms. In infants with symptoms attributed to GER, LLP produced a significant reduction in total GER, but did not result in a significant improvement in symptoms other than vomiting; however, automated analysis appeared to identify infants with GER‐associated crying symptoms who responded to positioning therapy. This is an important new insight for future research.
Screening Electronic Health Record–Related Patient Safety Reports Using Machine Learning
Authors: Marella William M. , Sparnon Erin , Finley Edward 
Published: April 2014

Introduction
The objective of this study was to develop a semiautomated approach to screening cases that describe hazards associated with the electronic health record (EHR) from a mandatory, population-based patient safety reporting system.

Methods
Potentially relevant cases were identified through a query of the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System. A random sample of cases were manually screened for relevance and divided into training, testing, and validation data sets to develop a machine learning model. This model was used to automate screening of remaining potentially relevant cases.

Results
Of the 4 algorithms tested, a naive Bayes kernel performed best, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.927 ± 0.023, accuracy of 0.855 ± 0.033, and F score of 0.877 ± 0.027.

Discussion
The machine learning model and text mining approach described here are useful tools for identifying and analyzing adverse event and near-miss reports. Although reporting systems are beginning to incorporate structured fields on health information technology and the EHR, these methods can identify related events that reporters classify in other ways. These methods can facilitate analysis of legacy safety reports by retrieving health information technology–related and EHR-related events from databases without fields and controlled values focused on this subject and distinguishing them from reports in which the EHR is mentioned only in passing.

Conclusions
Machine learning and text mining are useful additions to the patient safety toolkit and can be used to semiautomate screening and analysis of unstructured text in safety reports from frontline staff.
A Positive Regulator of Nodule Organogenesis, NODULE INCEPTION, Acts as a Negative Regulator of Rhizobial Infection in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Yoro Emiko , Suzaki Takuya , Toyokura Koichi , Miyazawa Hikota , Fukaki Hidehiro , Kawaguchi Masayoshi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Legume-rhizobium symbiosis occurs in specialized root organs called nodules. To establish the symbiosis, two major genetically controlled events, rhizobial infection and organogenesis, must occur. For a successful symbiosis, it is essential that the two phenomena proceed simultaneously in different root tissues. Although several symbiotic genes have been identified during genetic screenings of nonsymbiotic mutants, most of the mutants harbor defects in both infection and organogenesis pathways, leading to experimental difficulty in investigating the molecular genetic relationships between the pathways. In this study, we isolated a novel nonnodulation mutant, daphne, in Lotus japonicus that shows complete loss of nodulation but a dramatically increased numbers of infection threads. Characterization of the locus responsible for these phenotypes revealed a chromosomal translocation upstream of NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) in daphne. Genetic analysis using a known nin mutant revealed that daphne is a novel nin mutant allele. Although the daphne mutant showed reduced induction of NIN after rhizobial infection, the spatial expression pattern of NIN in epidermal cells was broader than that in the wild type. Overexpression of NIN strongly suppressed hyperinfection in daphne, and daphne phenotypes were partially rescued by cortical expression of NIN. These observations suggested that the daphne mutation enhanced the role of NIN in the infection pathway due to a specific loss of the role of NIN in nodule organogenesis. Based on these results, we provide evidence that the bifunctional transcription factor NIN negatively regulates infection but positively regulates nodule organogenesis during the course of the symbiosis.
Profiling potential food tourists: an Australian study
Authors: N.S. Robinson Richard , Getz Donald 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to share the findings of a study of self-declared “foodies”. In particular this paper provides a demographic and socio-economic profile of the sample and their behavioural and travel preferences.

Design/methodology/approach
– An online survey was designed, incorporating existing literature. It was administered to a population of foodies in Australia. Data is analysed using SPSS®.

Findings
– Key results suggest food tourists are mostly female, well-educated and generally affluent. They seek diverse, regional and authentic yet tactile rather than passive experiences, and are willing to travel for food (and drink) complemented by cultural and sightseeing activities.

Research limitations/implications
– The geographic scope of this study is limited and the volume of data yielded from the study inhibits efforts to report all findings in a compact paper; the implication being future analysis and research is required.

Practical implications
– This study provides valuable insights to destination marketers seeking to niche food tourists.

Originality/value
– This study demographically and socio-behaviourally profiles foodies and provides insights into the domestic travel behaviours.
Product strategies for growth in niche food firms
Authors: Kvam Gunn-Turid , Magnus Trine , Petter Stræte Egil 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of growth processes of speciality food firms and how these processes influence the producers' perception of quality demands of the products.

Design/methodology/approach
– A case study approach was chosen covering four specialty food companies in Norway. This explorative study was conducted from the producer's perspective.

Findings
– Results show that, as part of growth processes, firms invest in different activities to strengthen the quality of their products to achieve distinctiveness in more competitive markets. The most important quality that contributes to distinctiveness and increased value seems to be traditional handicraft production processes. In some cases, expensive and time-consuming processes are invested in developing qualities that are not transformed into higher value in the market.

Research limitations/implications
– The number of cases is too small for statistical analysis, but this explorative case study may provide a basis for a survey of a larger sample of firms.

Practical implications
– The study indicates a need for companies to gain more knowledge about consumers' preferences and behaviour, and to develop product qualities and market communication accordingly.

Originality/value
– Research is scarce on obstacles to growth in specialty food firms. This study contributes important knowledge to enhance further development of the industry.
Individual motivations for limiting meat consumption
Authors: Zur Ifat , A. Klöckner Christian 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to identify predictors of meat consumption and the intention to reduce it. Since meat consumption is one of the major contributors to human made environmental destruction including climate change, biodiversity loss or water and air pollution and at the same time under volitional control meat consumption is an interesting target for interventions.

Design/methodology/approach
– An integrated model was derived from the theory of planned behaviour, the norm activation theory and the protection motivation theory which was tested in a paper-pencil based questionnaire study including self-reported meat consumption was conducted with a convenience sample of 210 adult inhabitants of Trondheim (Norway).

Findings
– The model was confirmed to a large extent. Meat consumption was predicted strongly by meat eating habits, but also negatively by reduction intentions. Reduction intentions were determined by attitudes, moral beliefs and health beliefs. Moral beliefs were predicted by injunctive and descriptive norms as well as perceived behavioural control.

Research limitations/implications
– The study was based on a convenience sample, thus the sample is not representative. Furthermore, some of the measurement instruments are of only mediocre quality.

Practical implications
– The results show that interventions to reduce meat consumption need to include habits braking components to be effective. Meat consumption reduction is motivated by a broad array of motivations, including morality and health. Intervention campaigns need to cover this spectrum.

Originality/value
– This study is one of the first that systematically analyses determinants of meat consumption which makes it valuable in spite of its limitations.
Dividend payment and earnings quality: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Sirait Febriela , Veronica Siregar Sylvia 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This research aims to examine the relationship between dividend payment and earnings quality.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors examine four dividend features: dividend-paying status, dividend size, dividend changes, and dividend persistence. The samples consist of 90 firms from the manufacturing industry in the years 2005-2009. Multiple regression is used for testing hypotheses.

Findings
– The results show that dividend-paying status, dividend increase, and persistence in dividend payment have significant positive association with earnings quality. However, the authors do not find evidence that larger dividend size is an indicator of higher earnings quality. Overall, the results show that dividend-paying status, increase in dividend size, and persistence in dividend payment are indicators or signals of higher earnings quality.

Research limitations/implications
– This study examines only the manufacturing firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Further study based on different industries and/or different emerging markets is needed before generalizing results.

Originality/value
– Few studies have examined dividend payment in emerging markets. This study fills the void.
Emotion regulation and intragroup conflict: when more distracted minds prevail
Authors: A. Griffith Jennifer , Connelly Shane , E. Thiel Chase 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– In order to shed light on whether and how leaders should help manage group members' emotions related to intragroup conflict, the aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of several outcomes associated with two cognitive emotion regulation strategies, cognitive reappraisal and distraction, in the presence of two distinct types of conflict, relationship or task-oriented.Design/methodology/approach– A 2×3 between subjects' experimental design was employed to investigate the influence of intragroup conflict and emotion regulations strategies on individual-level discrete emotions and group processes and outcomes.Findings– Results suggest that emotion regulation plays an important role in moderating the negative consequences associated with relationships conflict. Specifically, distraction served a critical function to those in the relationship conflict conditions such that both cohesion levels and task performance levels were elevated when group members used distraction as a means of regulating emotions.Research limitations/implications– This study extends research in the area of emotion regulation into a group context and extends other research that suggests distraction may have potential as a means of regulating emotion. Long-term groups with experience in problem solving may have behaved in different ways than participants in this study.Originality/value– Emotion regulation strategies have been studied only in an individual context. This study is particularly valuable in understanding how emotion regulation strategies work differentially when applied to multiple individuals in a shared setting. Additionally, it incorporates the use of distraction as a viable regulation strategy.
Relating patient satisfaction to nurses' job satisfaction, job security, and obedience OCBs
Authors: Bassam Mahmoud Ali , D. Reisel William 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– This paper aims at investigating the relationships among patient satisfaction, and nurses' job security, job satisfaction, and obedience OCBs within the setting of private hospitals in Damascus and Rural Damascus Governorates.Design/methodology/approach– A cross-sectional survey conducted within private hospitals in Damascus and Rural Damascus Governorates had resulted in (325) subjects of nurses, and (393) subjects of patients. Double-translation, face validation, exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha were used to validate measures used in this study with respect to the Syrian context. Afterwards, the two samples were aggregated on the basis of hospital-department. That is, 217 cases had resulted, and were used to test the proposed model, and revise it if required.Findings– The results indicate that job security positively influences both job satisfaction and obedience OCBs. Both job satisfaction and obedience OCBs fully mediate the relationship between job security and patient satisfaction. Obedience OCBs partially mediate the relationship between job satisfaction and patient satisfaction.Research limitations/implications– Further investigations in other service-providing settings (e.g. telecommunications) are needed for more evidence of the model validity. Using cross-sectional design in testing causalities has been criticized by several researchers, so longitudinal method is recommended in further investigations for the model. Wider views could be delivered if more of other attitudinal variables are included in the model.Practical implications– Better levels of patient satisfaction could be achieved through enhancing nurses' perceptions towards job security. Job satisfaction would be an important factor in keeping positive levels of patient satisfaction, especially when employment at one private hospital lacks security and stability.Originality/value– This research comes to be one of the first studies to provide evidence of the full mediation that job satisfaction and obedience OCBs play regarding the relationship between job security and patient satisfaction. In addition, this study proves the partial mediation that obedience OCBs play between job satisfaction and patient satisfaction.