bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule inhibition of human kinesin by adociasulfate-13 and -14 from the spongeCladocroce aculeata
Authors: Smith Thomas E. , Hong Weili , Zachariah Malcolm M. , Harper Mary Kay , Matainaho Teatulohi K. , Van Wagoner Ryan M. , Ireland Chris M. , Vershinin Michael 
Published: November 2013

SignificanceKinesin motor proteins are central to cellular processes and considered good drug targets, but very few reported kinesin inhibitors exhibit potential as drugs. Adociasulfates uniquely inhibit kinesins by competing with microtubules for binding. A declining interest in these compounds resulted from a report of large aggregates of adociasulfate-2 responsible for kinesin inhibition, poor cell permeability, and broad kinesin inhibition, limiting potential therapeutic applications. In this study, we show that kinesin inhibition is likely a 1:1 interaction and does not involve aggregates. We suggest a means by which cell permeability may be improved and show that adociasulfates inhibit kinesin-1 and -5 families of motors to a significantly different extent. These results collectively bring adociasulfates back to the foreground of chemical biology.
NMR reveals the allosteric opening and closing of Abelson tyrosine kinase by ATP-site and myristoyl pocket inhibitors
Authors: Skora Lukasz , Mestan Jürgen , Fabbro Doriano , Jahnke Wolfgang , Grzesiek Stephan 
Published: November 2013

Significance
Current understanding of the interactions of Abelson tyrosine kinase (c-Abl) and other kinases with inhibitors is largely based on crystallographic structures. These present frozen snapshots of molecules and may not always reflect physiologically relevant conformations and dynamics. Our solution NMR study of various c-Abl complexes with allosteric and ATP-competitive inhibitors reveals a dynamic equilibrium between several c-Abl conformations that is distinctly modulated by both types of inhibitors. The observation of a hitherto unknown open state of the c-Abl•imatinib complex can explain an unusual dose–response in cellular inhibition assays. Our data provide detailed insight into the combined effect of the two inhibitor types, which is able to overcome drug resistance. This may have important implications for the development of new drugs.
Structural basis of ATG3 recognition by the autophagic ubiquitin-like protein ATG12
Authors: Metlagel Zoltan , Otomo Chinatsu , Takaesu Giichi , Otomo Takanori 
Published: November 2013

Significance
Autophagy-related (ATG)12 is a ubiquitin-like protein essential to autophagy. It has been known for years that ATG12 is conjugated to the structural protein ATG5 and that the resulting protein–protein conjugate acts like an E3 enzyme that facilitates the attachment of the LC3 ubiquitin-like protein to a lipid molecule, phosphatidylethanolamine. However, the exact role of ATG12 in the E3 complex and the significance of ATG12 being a ubiquitin-like protein have remained elusive. We show that ATG12 binds to a short peptide region of the E2 enzyme ATG3 and describe the structural details of this interaction. This work establishes ATG12 as the ATG3 recruitment factor and explains how ATG12 uses its ubiquitin-like fold for binding to the ATG3 peptide.
Long-term depression triggers the selective elimination of weakly integrated synapses
Authors: Wiegert J. Simon , Oertner Thomas G. 
Published: November 2013

Significance
Long-term plasticity, the ability of synapses to change their strength, is considered a possible basis of learning and memory. Extending the study of individual synapses to timescales relevant for behavior has been challenging: although rats can retain specific memories for several weeks, intracellular recordings that monitor the strength of individual synapses are typically limited to 1 h. Here we introduce an all-optical approach to stimulate and monitor synaptic function for 7 d. We show that long-term depression of hippocampal synapses significantly shortens their lifetime. While synapses with a high probability of transmitter release often recovered from depression, unreliable synapses were selectively removed from the circuit. Thus, specific activity patterns not only modulate synaptic weights but alter hippocampal connectivity.
Phytoplasmal infection derails genetically preprogrammed meristem fate and alters plant architecture
Authors: Wei Wei , Davis Robert Edward , Nuss Donald L. , Zhao Yan 
Published: November 2013

Significance
In higher plants, the destiny of apical meristems (stem cells) is specific organogenesis, which determines the pattern of plant growth, and therefore morphotype and fertility. We found that bacterial infection can derail the meristems from their genetically preprogrammed destiny, altering plant morphogenesis. We identified four abnormal growth patterns, symptoms, in tomato infected with a cell wall-less bacterium, and found that each symptom corresponds to a distinct phase in meristem fate derailment. We unveiled molecular events that underlie the pathogen-induced meristem fate derailment and proposed a model to explain the phenomenon. Through probing the pathologically altered destiny of stem cells, our findings contribute to understanding plant growth and development under both normal and pathological conditions.
Epileptic baboons have lower numbers of neurons in specific areas of cortex
Authors: Young Nicole A. , Szabó C. Ákos , Phelix Clyde F. , Flaherty David K. , Balaram Pooja , Foust-Yeoman Kallie B. , Collins Christine E. , Kaas Jon H. 
Published: November 2013

Significance
We examined the variability of neuron packing densities across cortical regions and areas in two baboons with spontaneous, untreated epilepsy and two baboons without epilepsy. The two baboons without epilepsy had the distribution of neocortical neurons expected for Old World monkeys and baboons, whereas the baboons with untreated epilepsy had reduced numbers of cortical neurons overall, with the greatest reductions in motor and frontal areas of the cortex, and with little or no reduction in the primary visual cortex. The results suggest that neuron loss may follow untreated seizure activity, and this loss is greatest in areas of the cortex related to motor functions.
Dysregulation of synaptogenesis genes antecedes motor neuron pathology in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Zhang Zhenxi , Pinto Anna Maria , Wan Lili , Wang Wei , Berg Michael G. , Oliva Isabela , Singh Larry N. , Dengler Christopher , Wei Zhi , Dreyfuss Gideon 
Published: November 2013

Significance
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a common genetic motor neuron (MN) degenerative disease and leading hereditary cause of infant mortality, results from survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency. However, SMN’s ubiquitous expression and housekeeping functions in biogenesis of snRNPs, the spliceosome’s subunits, seems difficult to reconcile with SMA’s MN selective pathology. Here, we sequenced transcriptomes of MNs and adjacent white matter microdissected from spinal cords of presymptomatic SMA mice. This process revealed selective and MN-specific splicing and expression-level perturbations of mRNAs, including those essential for establishing neuromuscular junctions, the first structures that degenerate in SMA. We suggest that SMN’s central role in transcriptome regulation explains the gene-expression perturbations that impair MN function and survival in SMA.
StochDecomp—Matlab package for noise decomposition in stochastic biochemical systems
Authors: Jetka Tomasz , Charzyńska Agata , Gambin Anna , Stumpf Michael P.H. , Komorowski Michał 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Stochasticity is an indispensable aspect of biochemical processes at the cellular level. Studies on how the noise enters and propagates in biochemical systems provided us with non-trivial insights into the origins of stochasticity, in total, however, they constitute a patchwork of different theoretical analyses.
Results: Here we present a flexible and widely applicable noise decomposition tool that allows us to calculate contributions of individual reactions to the total variability of a system’s output. With the package it is, therefore, possible to quantify how the noise enters and propagates in biochemical systems. We also demonstrate and exemplify using the JAK-STAT signalling pathway that the noise contributions resulting from individual reactions can be inferred from data experimental data along with Bayesian parameter inference. The method is based on the linear noise approximation, which is assumed to provide a reasonable representation of analyzed systems.
Availability and implementation: http://sourceforge.net/p/stochdecomp/
Contact: mkomor@ippt.gov.pl or m.stumpf@imperial.ac.uk
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Simulation-based Assessment to Identify Critical Gaps in Safe Anesthesia Resident Performance
Authors: Blum Richard H. , Boulet John R. , Cooper Jeffrey B. , Muret-Wagstaff Sharon L. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background:
Valid methods are needed to identify anesthesia resident performance gaps early in training. However, many assessment tools in medicine have not been properly validated. The authors designed and tested use of a behaviorally anchored scale, as part of a multiscenario simulation-based assessment system, to identify high- and low-performing residents with regard to domains of greatest concern to expert anesthesiology faculty.

Methods:
An expert faculty panel derived five key behavioral domains of interest by using a Delphi process (1) Synthesizes information to formulate a clear anesthetic plan; (2) Implements a plan based on changing conditions; (3) Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills with patients and staff; (4) Identifies ways to improve performance; and (5) Recognizes own limits. Seven simulation scenarios spanning pre-to-postoperative encounters were used to assess performances of 22 first-year residents and 8 fellows from two institutions. Two of 10 trained faculty raters blinded to trainee program and training level scored each performance independently by using a behaviorally anchored rating scale. Residents, fellows, facilitators, and raters completed surveys.

Results:
Evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the assessment scores was procured, including a high generalizability coefficient (ρ2 = 0.81) and expected performance differences between first-year resident and fellow participants. A majority of trainees, facilitators, and raters judged the assessment to be useful, realistic, and representative of critical skills required for safe practice.

Conclusion:
The study provides initial evidence to support the validity of a simulation-based performance assessment system for identifying critical gaps in safe anesthesia resident performance early in training.
Improving Faculty Feedback to Resident Trainees during a Simulated Case
Authors: Minehart Rebecca D. , Rudolph Jenny , Pian-Smith May C. M. , Raemer Daniel B. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background:
Although feedback conversations are an essential component of learning, three challenges make them difficult: the fear that direct task feedback will harm the relationship with the learner, overcoming faculty cognitive biases that interfere with their eliciting the frames that drive trainees’ performances, and time pressure. Decades of research on developmental conversations suggest solutions to these challenges: hold generous inferences about learners, subject one’s own thinking to test by making it public, and inquire directly about learners’ cognitive frames.

Methods:
The authors conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine whether a 1-h educational intervention for anesthesia faculty improved feedback quality in a simulated case. The primary outcome was an analysis of the feedback conversation between faculty and a simulated resident (actor) by using averages of six elements of a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale and an objective structured assessment of feedback. Seventy-one Harvard faculty anesthesiologists from five academic hospitals participated.

Results:
The intervention group scored higher when averaging all ratings. Scores for individual elements showed that the intervention group performed better in maintaining a psychologically safe environment (4.3 ± 1.21 vs. 3.8 ± 1.16; P = 0.001), identifying and exploring performance gaps (4.1 ± 1.38 vs. 3.7 ± 1.34; P = 0.048), and they more frequently emphasized the professionalism error of failing to call for help over the clinical topic of anaphylaxis (66 vs. 41%; P = 0.008).

Conclusions:
Quality of faculty feedback to a simulated resident was improved in the interventional group in a number of areas after a 1-h educational intervention, and this short intervention allowed a group of faculty to overcome enough discomfort in addressing a professionalism lapse to discuss it directly.
Towards a theory of social responsibility reporting
Authors: Li Yuanhui , Zhang Jie , Foo Check-Teck 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Here, the paper aims to model major corporate characteristics associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting (in particular, its quality). Corporations in China are increasingly expected by the public and government to be more socially responsible. As such, it will be intriguing to ask, what are the characteristics associated with higher quality CSR reporting?

Design/methodology/approach
– CSR report quality scores are hand-gathered from HEXUN (web site) whilst financial and stock market information from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research (CSMAR) database. A total of 613 CSR reports' quality scores were utilized (Rankins CSR ratings) in the process of developing the model. Reports are hand-gathered from corporations listed on both the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges (SSE).

Findings
– The results suggest most interestingly, the quality of CSR report (mandatory) to be strongly, positively related with corporate financial characteristics: market capitalization (corporate size), shareholders' concentration of powers, corporate financial leverage (implying bondholders/debtors' influence). Surprisingly, CSR reporting is associated neither with corporate profitability nor by state-ownership. The presence of independent directors (at least in China) seems to have negative influences.

Practical implications
– CSR reporting may easily be mandated by government through a regulatory process. However, this does not necessarily lead to reports of a high quality. Instead, orientation towards higher visibility in social responsibility for listed corporations is better explained by financial characteristics: market valuation, ownership and leverage.

Originality/value
– This paper utilizes for the first time, in-depth and multi-faceted quality CSR scores (overall, segregated into macro-social, content and technology) for investigating CSR behavior of listed corporations in China. The findings suggest financial characteristics size (market valuation), ownership (shareholders' concentration of powers) and corporate leverage are better predictors of CSR behavior among listed corporations.
Corporate accidents, media coverage, and stock market responses
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Wang Han , Fan Jin , Zhang Yujuan 
Published: November 2013

Purpose– This study aims to explore the mutual relation of corporate accidents, stock market responses, and media coverage.Design/methodology/approach– This paper empirically investigated 119 listed firms' accidents during the 2005-2012 period using the methods of event study, correlation analysis, and multiple regressions.Findings– The stock market response and media response are independent with each other in the following 30 days after accidents. Corporate accidents have significant negative effects on the stock market responses. As time goes by, the market reaction tapers off. In a mediate term period, accident onset has significantly positive effect and firm's ownership has weakly positive effect in addition to factors of asset and number of shareholders.Originality/value– This paper first examines the interrelationships among accidents, media coverage, and stock market responses. It is part of the corporate social responsibility to avoid or reduce the stakeholders' nervous behaviors in times of accident. Hence, accident-stricken firms should release sufficient and transparent information to shareholders so that they can trade the share more rationally.
Organizational structure and corporate performance: insights from 6,065 listed corporations
Authors: Zhu Song , Jiao Hao 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Due to the great distinctions for the legal environments, institutions and taxations, the restrictive external financing and costly financing cost, and great influence of macroeconomy or regulations on single industry, firms may change or adjust their organization structure to adapt to rapidly changing environment. Flat structure can decentralize the powers to subsidiary managers and can internalize the managerial market to promote competition among subsidiary managers and create an internal capital market within firms to alleviate external financing constrains, and it is matched with the diversification strategy to lower the operation risk and regulation risk for firms in changing environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The data of 6,065 listed corporations in China securities market since 2001-2006 are used to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings
– The paper examines the efficiency of flat structure within the firm, investigating its influence on capital allocation and corporate performance. It shows that flat structure is better in emerging market since it is efficient in capital allocation, reducing the inefficient investment by reducing the overinvestment and alleviating the underinvestment, thus beneficial for corporate performance, both short-term and long-term accounting returns.

Practical implications
– From the results of this study, the paper can derive the important managerial implications that top managers should strengthen flexibility through flat structure so that their firms can grasp opportunities and obtain advantages through efficient improvement of mobility, adaptability, and combination in an uncertain environment. Moreover, flat structure can decentralize the powers to subordinate managers and create an internal managerial market and internal capital market within firms.

Originality/value
– By using the previous and change of multi-unit structure, the change of corporate performance, diverse and concentrated firms, the paper shows that results are not due to the endogenous problem. The study finds that in less-developed capital market under the current situation, flat structure is better, which suggests that flat structure can properly implement the strategies in emerging market and beneficial for corporate performance.
Ultimate ownership, institutionality, and capital structure
Authors: Su Kun , Wan Rui , Li Bin 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and examine the effects of ultimate ownership, institutionality and their interactions on capital structure in a unified framework, based on evidence from China.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using six years of panel data of Chinese non-financial listed firms between 2004 and 2009, this paper estimates with correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings
– This paper finds that debt financing facilitates the ultimate owner's expropriation behavior. The separation of control rights and cash flow rights is positively related to capital structure, while cash flow rights negatively affect it. Compared with private ultimate owners, state ultimate owners have less incentive to reap the benefits of expropriation, implying that the separation of control rights and cash flow rights has a smaller effect on the capital structure of state-owned firms. The improvement of institutionality can restrain ultimate owners' expropriation behavior, and regional institutional development is negatively related to capital structure. The separation of control rights and cash flow rights has a smaller positive effect on capital structure in regions with better-developed institutionality.

Originality/value
– This paper incorporates ultimate ownership and institutionality into a unified analytical framework of capital structure. It not only enriches related studies on capital structure, but also helps us understand the institutional roots of irrational capital structure behaviors in China. This paper also provides further evidence on ultimate owners' expropriation of minority shareholders through debt financing.
Can HR practices retain flexworkers with their agency?
Authors: Kroon Brigitte , Freese Charissa 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Workers have different motives to be employed at specialist contract work agencies, such as career development aspirations, or a desire for freedom and independence. The purpose of this paper is to study how these different motives relate to the appreciation of HR practices applied by agencies and consequently to employee retention at the agency.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected in a contract work agency for financial professionals. Management was interviewed about the HR practices used for employee retention. In addition, 291 agency employees filled out a questionnaire about their motives to be employed at the agency, their appreciation of the HR practices of the contract agency and their turnover intentions.

Findings
– Regression analysis showed that career development motivation was related to retention at the agency, but that this relation became weaker when tenure with the agency increased. HR practices (like training, supervisory support, career development support, information sharing and employee participation) proved to be related to lower turnover intentions of flex workers with a career development motivation. For flex workers with a freedom motivation the HR practices had no relationship with retention.

Research limitations/implications
– Data collection in one agency may limit generalization. Additional research needs to zoom in on alternative HR retention practices that align with freedom motivation.

Originality/value
– Specialist contract work agencies typically experience difficulties with employee retention. Agencies may retain their workers if they apply HR practices that are aligned with the motivation of people engaging in contract work.
Operational regulatory risks facing private equity firms
Authors: Legault Jeffrey , Quiňones Pablo , G. Pedretti Mark , Poe Alexandra , Zhou Lina 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explain various regulatory risks and problem areas facing private equity firms and to recommend compliance policies and procedures to minimize those risks.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper explains several problem areas that have been the subject of regulatory investigations, including fees and expenses, antitrust, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), fundraising, and insider trading.

Findings
– Regulators and prosecutors are increasingly focusing on private equity firms.

Practical implications
– Many private equity advisers met their registration deadlines but have not dedicated meaningful attention to customizing and implementing compliance policies and procedures, often purchased from non-law firm compliance consultants. Now is the time to take the next step.

Originality/value
– Practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.