bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large, rapidly evolving gene families are at the forefront of host–parasite interactions inApicomplexa
Authors: REID ADAM J 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYTheApicomplexais a phylum of parasitic protozoa, which includes the malaria parasitePlasmodium, amongst other species that can devastate human and animal health. The past decade has seen the release of genome sequences for many of the most important apicomplexan species, providing an excellent basis for improving our understanding of their biology. One of the key features of each genome is a unique set of large, variant gene families. Although closely related species share the same families, even different types of malaria parasite have distinct families. In some species they tend to be found at the ends of chromosomes, which may facilitate aspects of gene expression regulation and generation of sequence diversity. In others they are scattered apparently randomly across chromosomes. For some families there is evidence they are involved in antigenic variation, immune regulation and immune evasion. For others there are no known functions. Even where function is unknown these families are most often predicted to be exposed to the host, contain much sequence diversity and evolve rapidly. Based on these properties it is clear that they are at the forefront of host–parasite interactions. In this review I compare and contrast the genomic context, gene structure, gene expression, protein localization and function of these families across different species.
The dual role of microbes in corrosion
Authors: Kip Nardy , van Veen Johannes A 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Corrosion is the result of a series of chemical, physical and (micro) biological processes leading to the deterioration of materials such as steel and stone. It is a world-wide problem with great societal and economic consequences. Current corrosion control strategies based on chemically produced products are under increasing pressure of stringent environmental regulations. Furthermore, they are rather inefficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly and sustainable corrosion control strategies. The mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion and microbially influenced corrosion inhibition are not completely understood, because they cannot be linked to a single biochemical reaction or specific microbial species or groups. Corrosion is influenced by the complex processes of different microorganisms performing different electrochemical reactions and secreting proteins and metabolites that can have secondary effects. Information on the identity and role of microbial communities that are related to corrosion and corrosion inhibition in different materials and in different environments is scarce. As some microorganisms are able to both cause and inhibit corrosion, we pay particular interest to their potential role as corrosion-controlling agents. We show interesting interfaces in which scientists from different disciplines such as microbiology, engineering and art conservation can collaborate to find solutions to the problems caused by corrosion.
Arabidopsis cell expansion is controlled by a photothermal switch
Authors: Johansson Henrik , Jones Harriet J. , Foreman Julia , Hemsted Joseph R. , Stewart Kelly , Grima Ramon , Halliday Karen J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn Arabidopsis, the seedling hypocotyl has emerged as an exemplar model system to study light and temperature control of cell expansion. Light sensitivity of this organ is epitomized in the fluence rate response where suppression of hypocotyl elongation increases incrementally with light intensity. This finely calibrated response is controlled by the photoreceptor, phytochrome B, through the deactivation and proteolytic destruction of phytochrome-interacting factors (PIFs). Here we show that this classical light response is strictly temperature dependent: a shift in temperature induces a dramatic reversal of response from inhibition to promotion of hypocotyl elongation by light. Applying an integrated experimental and mathematical modelling approach, we show how light and temperature coaction in the circuitry drives a molecular switch in PIF activity and control of cell expansion. This work provides a paradigm to understand the importance of signal convergence in evoking different or non-intuitive alterations in molecular signalling.
Lumbar Disk Herniation Surgery: Outcome and Predictors
Authors: Sedighi Mahsa , Haghnegahdar Ali 
Published: September 2014

Study Design A retrospective cohort study. Objectives To determine the outcome and any differences in the clinical results of three different surgical methods for lumbar disk herniation and to assess the effect of factors that could predict the outcome of surgery. Methods We evaluated 148 patients who had operations for lumbar disk herniation from March 2006 to March 2011 using three different surgical techniques (laminectomy, microscopically assisted percutaneous nucleotomy, and spinous process osteotomy) by using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, Resumption of Activities of Daily Living scale and changes of visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain and radicular pain. Our study questionnaire addressed patient subjective satisfaction with the operation, residual complaints, and job resumption. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States). Statistical significance was set at 0.05. For statistical analysis, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and repeated measure analysis were performed. For determining the confounding factors, univariate analysis by chi-square test was used and followed by logistic regression analysis. Results Ninety-four percent of our patients were satisfied with the results of their surgeries. VAS documented an overall 93.3% success rate for reduction of radicular pain. Laminectomy resulted in better outcome in terms of JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire. The outcome of surgery did not significantly differ by age, sex, level of education, preoperative VAS for back, preoperative VAS for radicular pain, return to previous job, or level of herniation. Conclusion Surgery for lumbar disk herniation is effective in reducing radicular pain (93.4%). All three surgical approaches resulted in significant decrease in preoperative radicular pain and low back pain, but intergroup variation in the outcome was not achieved. As indicated by JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire–Low Back Pain (JOABPQ-LBP) and lumbar function functional scores, laminectomy achieved significantly better outcome compared with other methods. It is worth mentioning that relief of radicular pain was associated with subjective satisfaction with the surgery among our study population. Predictive factors for ineffective surgical treatment for lumbar disk herniation were female sex and negative preoperative straight leg raising. Age, level of education, and preoperative VAS for low back pain were other factors that showed prediction power.
Evidence for close side-chain packing in an early protein folding intermediate previously assumed to be a molten globule
Authors: Rosen Laura E. , Connell Katelyn B. , Marqusee Susan 
Published: September 2014

Significance
Molten globules—defined as compact protein conformations with significant secondary structure but only loosely packed tertiary structure—have been hypothesized to be general folding intermediates. In this work we investigate one folding intermediate long thought to be a molten globule and find significant evidence that it likely has a well-folded region, with closely packed tertiary structure. These results suggest that the evidence for moltenness in other protein folding intermediates should be revisited and that even for fairly simple, small proteins, exclusion of water can occur before the rate-limiting step to folding.
Climate change, plant traits and invasion in natural and agricultural ecosystems.
Authors: Blumenthal D. M. , Kray J. A. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Invasive plant species often thrive in new and resource-rich environments and may therefore benefit from global changes that create such environments. Global change effects on invasion risk will depend both on the environment in which competition between invasive and resident plant species occurs and on the physiological and life history traits of the competing species. In agricultural environments, risks include the northward movement of many problematic invasive species, decreased biotic resistance to invasion with extreme climatic events and strong global change responses of particular invasive species. However, due to their similar rapid resource acquisition and growth strategies, invasive species and crops may respond similarly to changes that increase resources. Furthermore, management adaptations, such as planting crops or varieties suited to new climate conditions, will help to maintain biotic resistance to invasion in crops. In natural ecosystems, global changes that increase resources rapidly may favour fast-growing invasive plant species and inhibit the slower-growing native species adapted to current climate conditions. In addition, management options to help native species compete with invasive species in novel environments, such as assisted migration, are relatively limited. Thus, with the predicted increases in CO2, precipitation (in some regions) and extreme events, natural ecosystems may be particularly vulnerable to invasion.
Ragweed in Eastern Europe.
Authors: Makra L. , Matyasovszky I. , Deák Á. J. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Ambrosia artemisiifolia, common ragweed, is an invasive plant species whose introduction and spread in Eastern Europe has resulted in enormous environmental and economic losses in agriculture and public health in recent decades. The aim of this chapter is: (i) to provide an overview on the origin and distribution of Ambrosia from North America to Europe, with special focus on Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary; and (ii) to identify and quantify those human-related factors on either a regional or global basis that may act to facilitate the spread and pollen production of this plant species. The chapter shows that socio-economic changes, particularly in agriculture following the fall of the Soviet Union, may be factors in contributing to the degree of soil disturbance necessary for ragweed establishment and spread. In addition, a temporal analysis is conducted of ragweed pollen characteristics and local meteorological factors from Szeged, Hungary (located in the biogeographical region of Hungary with the highest recorded ragweed pollen counts). This analysis demonstrates that most of the A. artemisiifolia pollen is from local (<100 km) sources on non-rainy days, but that recent anthropogenic changes in surface temperatures have likely lengthened both the growing season and the time of pollen exposure for common ragweed (i.e. delay in the onset of the autumn frost) in this location. Overall, both ongoing changes in land use and anthropogenic changes in climate are likely to continue to drive the spread of this invasive species, with negative consequences, particularly for allergic rhinitis, in Eastern Europe.
Climate change and alien species in South Africa.
Authors: Irlich U. M. , Richardson D. M. , Davies S. J. , Chown S. L. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

South Africa has a long history of human-mediated introductions of species from all major taxonomic groups. Close to 9000 alien terrestrial plant species have been introduced, and all of the country's biomes have already been invaded. Invasive species are threatening the country's ecosystems in numerous ways, but the effect of climate change on these invasions is predicted to be complex and cascading and remains poorly understood. The relationship between climate and invasive species biology is well established, and there is no question that climate change will influence the ecology of invasive species significantly. If left un-managed, these effects are expected to increase substantially. Besides terrestrial plants, numerous animals have also invaded the country's landscapes. South Africa's freshwater ecosystems have been invaded by both alien as well as extralimital introductions (indigenous species outside their historical extent of occurrence). The status of invasion in the marine environment remains poorly studied, and knowledge of the status of invasions and predictions regarding the impacts of climate change remain largely speculative. This chapter highlights the current status of invasions in South Africa and discusses some of the direct and indirect effects climate change is likely to have on these invasions.
Climate change and 'Alien Species in National Parks': revisited.
Authors: Stohlgren T. J. , Resnik J. R. , Plumb G. E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Many units comprising the National Park Service system in the USA were established to protect native species and historical landscapes and scenery, and to provide public enjoyment of the same, as long as the natural area remained 'unimpaired for future generations'. However, a growing human population and a global economy have spawned a 40-fold increase in global trade and transportation since 1950. This created what may turn out to be the most significant challenge to Park Service management: the invasion of alien (i.e. exotic, non-native) plants, animals and diseases into 'protected areas'. Climate change may compound the problem by interacting with other existing ecosystem stressors to affect the distribution, abundance and impact of invasive species. Scientists' warnings have not been entirely ignored, but harmful invasions may be outpacing effective managerial responses. This chapter revisits a paper published in 1995 by D.B. Houston and E.G. Schreiner entitled 'Alien Species in National Parks: Drawing Lines in Space and Time', to demonstrate that despite efforts to contain alien plants, animals and diseases, the number and abundance of conspicuous invaders may be increasing. New and spreading alien species are directly affecting native species abundance, their genetic integrity and the management of adjacent lands, and human health. While climate change may add an additional or interacting threat to park resources, we found that at park scales and over short periods (17 years in this case), it has become increasingly difficult to achieve the primary mission of the National Park Service, for example protecting native species and ecosystems for present and future generations, due to the continuing invasions of alien organisms largely resulting from increased trade and transportation.
Adapting to invasions in a changing world: invasive species as an economic resource.
Authors: Barnes M. A. , Deines A. M. , Gentile R. M. , Grieneisen L. E. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Management and policy decisions regarding biological invasions and other aspects of global change such as the changing climate have the potential to influence one another. Recently, interest in harvest as an invasive species management strategy has surged. Researchers have speculated about the potential positive (e.g. population and impact reduction, economic losses recouped through new profits) and negative (e.g. generation of economic incentives to encourage further introductions) consequences of such management strategies, but few experimental analyses exist despite the fact that real-world 'experiments' in harvesting invasive species continue to accrue. This chapter provides the first comprehensive list of the many ways humankind has adapted to the presence of invasive species through harvest and considers trends that emerge from this list. The spectrum ranges from collection of feral invasive populations to cultivation of potential invaders as crops, and harvested invasive species serve a variety of purposes ranging from biofuels to foods. The costs of invasion and benefit from harvest can be difficult to quantify, and this difficulty is compounded by the fact that costs and benefits are often incurred by different stakeholders. Climate and other aspects of global change accompanying invasive species harvest have rarely been taken into account, and the climate effects of invasive species harvest should become an explicit consideration of harvest strategies moving forward. Ecologists, economists, environmental managers and stakeholders must work together to ensure the successful and responsible application of ongoing harvests and to inform future efforts.
Nonlethal Sex Determination of the Greater Amberjack, with Direct Application to Sex Ratio Analysis of the Gulf of Mexico Stock
Authors: Smith Geoffrey H. , Murie Debra J. , Parkyn Daryl C. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Stock assessments for the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili continue to designate the stock as overfished and undergoing overfishing, despite increasing regulatory measures. Knowledge of sex specific spatial distribution and fishing mortality may contribute to our understanding of the stock's overexploitation, especially since Greater Amberjacks may be subject to sex specific mortality resulting from minimum size regulations. Currently, the sex ratio of the stock is assumed to be 1:1. An average and range of sex ratios were estimated for the Gulf stock based on sampling of fish landed in the recreational and commercial fisheries and based on released fish that were nonlethally sexed during a tagging study of sex specific movement patterns and release mortality. The nonlethal method of sex determination was developed based on external features of the urogenital region; urogenital catheterization was used to validate the external sexing and to collect oocyte samples for determining maturity stages of females during the spawning season. Of the 238 fish (108 males and 130 females) for which sex was verified, only one smaller female was incorrectly sexed. Urogenital catheterization identified females that were spawning or that would likely spawn in the upcoming spawning season, but no differentiation could be made between immature and resting females. Analysis of published data sets suggested that the Gulf stock has an overall female skewed sex ratio, with estimates ranging from 1:1.7 to 1:2.5 (male : female), while the nonlethal sexing data from the current study suggest that the overall sex ratio is slightly male skewed (1:0.8) in some regions. All studies report a female skewed sex ratio of 1:2.3, on average, for 1,000 mm FL and larger fish in the Gulf. Sex ratios that deviate from the assumed 1:1 ratio should be incorporated into future assessments of the Gulf Greater Amberjack stock to investigate potential consequences for stock status and management.
Received December 30, 2013; accepted May 8, 2014
The role of control systems in partner selection/evaluation processes in established distribution channels
Authors: Manuel Sanchez Vazquez Jose , Cuevas Rodriguez Gloria , Kekale Tauno 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the partner selection/evaluation processes in established distribution channels (DCs) and the role played by control systems (CS) over major changes in the internal complexity and the external uncertainty of the distribution network.Design/methodology/approach– The research is based on a longitudinal case study of a manufacturing firm and its outsourced DC.Findings– Over time, the manufacturer's market-focused strategy provoked the adoption through CS of more objective and formal selection processes. It was very clear in this case that while the growth of internal complexity indeed required changes towards formalisation, only the rapidly increasing environmental uncertainty in the 1990s required significantly more elaborate CS to evaluate partners.Research limitations/implications– Original longitudinal case – limitations typical for such design of study, e.g. not possible to expand the findings out of company type and historical periods.Practical implications– The process of selecting partners, because it is ongoing, requires a formal and active involvement from CS; no CS are indefinitely stable but must be developed whenever significant internal or environmental changes occur. The changes to counter internal complexity seem less elaborate than the changes required by external uncertainty.Originality/value– Original longitudinal case illustrates the screening and signalling mechanisms used by both parties to provide information to each other in three different internal complexity/environmental uncertainty scenarios.
An international learning typology: strategies and outcomes for internationalizing firms
Authors: Åkerman Niklas 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of heterogeneous strategies for new knowledge development in the internationalization processes of firms.Design/methodology/approach– A typology of international learning strategies is developed. The typology is supported by a case study of seven Swedish international firms that show heterogeneous strategies. The case study suggests links between learning strategies and international growth.Findings– The results suggest an international learning-strategy typology derived from extant theory on knowledge acquisition in internationalization, constituted by four types: Passive Learners, Endogenous Learners, Exogenous Learners, and Diversified Learners. The results further suggest that the typology is empirically relevant and, moreover, suggest a potential heterogeneity in outcomes for these strategies. The study suggests that there is a link between learning strategy and outcomes in terms of growth and international sales distribution.Research limitations/implications– The strategy for how firms learn when internationalizing has implications for the firm's international growth. The case-study design has limitations for generalizability and future quantitative validation is called for.Practical implications– Managers need to be aware of the consequences of their learning strategy for the internationalization performance. This study informs strategic decision making for how to learn from international markets.Originality/value– The results suggest a typology based on heterogeneity of international learning strategies and their consequences for internationalization.
The challenges facing international HRM in an increasingly globalised environment
Authors: J. Hurn Brian 
Published: September 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper to examine the responses that international HRM needs to make to the challenges it faces with increasing responsibilities in the globalised environment. It covers the key areas of recruitment, selection, training and retention and uses examples from the author's involvement in working with a major multinational in the recruitment of potential international managers.

Design/methodology/approach
– Analysis of the concerns expressed about an international career and the coping strategies offered by employers.

Findings
– The paper highlights the paramount aim of international companies to reduce failure on assignment overseas and maintain retention on return to the home country.

Research limitations/implications
– Analysis and review of current trends to meet challenges facing international HRM.

Practical implications
– The increased competition to recruit potential high quality international managers, to prepare them for overseas assignments to ensure successful appointments and to plan their repatriation and retention.

Originality/value
– Emphasises with real-life examples the key challenges and analyses what is being done to meet them.