bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Redox Potential of the Plastoquinone Pool of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis Species Strain PCC 6803 Is under Strict Homeostatic Control
Authors: Schuurmans R. Milou , Schuurmans J. Merijn , Bekker Martijn , Kromkamp Jacco C. , Matthijs Hans C.P. , Hellingwerf Klaas J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A method is presented for rapid extraction of the total plastoquinone (PQ) pool from Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 cells that preserves the in vivo plastoquinol (PQH2) to -PQ ratio. Cells were rapidly transferred into ice-cold organic solvent for instantaneous extraction of the cellular PQ plus PQH2 content. After high-performance liquid chromatography fractionation of the organic phase extract, the PQH2 content was quantitatively determined via its fluorescence emission at 330 nm. The in-cell PQH2-PQ ratio then followed from comparison of the PQH2 signal in samples as collected and in an identical sample after complete reduction with sodium borohydride. Prior to PQH2 extraction, cells from steady-state chemostat cultures were exposed to a wide range of physiological conditions, including high/low availability of inorganic carbon, and various actinic illumination conditions. Well-characterized electron-transfer inhibitors were used to generate a reduced or an oxidized PQ pool for reference. The in vivo redox state of the PQ pool was correlated with the results of pulse-amplitude modulation-based chlorophyll a fluorescence emission measurements, oxygen exchange rates, and 77 K fluorescence emission spectra. Our results show that the redox state of the PQ pool of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 is subject to strict homeostatic control (i.e. regulated between narrow limits), in contrast to the more dynamic chlorophyll a fluorescence signal.
Internalizing cross-cultural sensitivity: reflective journals of migrant students
Authors: Starr-Glass David 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This article, which is exploratory in nature, considers the experiences of migrant students enrolled in the transnational degree program of an accredited American college located in the Czech Republic. Migrant students have considerable experience in negotiating the different national cultures of their college and of the new country in which they live. Students, participating in a Cross-culture Management course, were asked to maintain reflective journals in which they recorded their experiences of national culture difference. The purpose was to encourage consideration, reflection, and the growing internalization of cross-cultural appreciation and negotiation.

Design/methodology/approach
– Participants were asked to maintain reflective journals during the semester, in which they identified and considered critical incidents and defining issues in their cross-cultural experiences. Journals were analyzed from an inductive phenomenological perspective with no preconceived imposition of structure, although participants had been informed that the root-metaphor of the journal should be that of “journeys”. Ten emergent themes were identified and a number of these, which seemed to impact national culture adaptation, are discussed. In an attempt to retain the authentic voice of participants, verbatim quotations are reproduced in some detail.

Findings
– The emergent themes identified give insight into the range of national cultural complexities that these migrant students confronted. Sharing these issues with those who have less national culture experience might increase their understanding of the adaption process. More importantly, the journal increased reflection, prompted deeper sensemaking, and allowed participants to articulate their experiences. Making explicit their own cultural adaption problems may also be beneficial for these participants.

Originality/value
– Cross-culture education has often taken a didactic approach that emphasized teaching and learning. The reflective journal focuses on an experiential approach to making sense of cultural experience. From a learner perspective, the use of a reflective journal stimulates reflection and contributes to resolution. From an instructor perspective, journals provide valuable insight into issues significant in a developing awareness of a national culture. Journals also provide an unrecognized insight into the personal experiences of international and transnational students that may have implications in their general learning and broader education.
Proverbial wisdom – a “serious” international business game
Authors: E. Witte Anne , Daly Peter 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to describe a proverb game where the themes of work and money introduce participants to world perspectives on handling social transactions and establishing “fair play” between people.

Design/methodology/approach
– Students are involved in a “serious game” where they work in international groups to piece together parts of a linguistic puzzle drawing on the language competencies of the group. They exchange viewpoints about “fair play”. This experiential learning opportunity introduces an ethics and cross-cultural framework into the curriculum.

Findings
– The game has been used to “break the ice” at the start of international business programs and allow exchange students greater opportunity to become involved in problem solving activities.

Practical implications
– In three versions, the authors have tested over three academic years, the proverb game has allowed the participants to reach the objectives: become involved with international classmates, co-produce cultural knowledge with peers (an alternative to a teacher-driven seminar on culture), develop awareness of cultural self, study world values through proverbs, and examine the importance of rule-based behavior and fair play.

Originality/value
– To the authors' knowledge, there are no “language” games suitable for the international business classroom whose purpose is actually ethical.
Flexibility i-deals: how much is ideal?
Authors: R. Vidyarthi Prajya , Chaudhry Anjali , Anand Smriti , C. Liden Robert 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– This paper aimed to explore the relationship between flexibility i-deals and employee attitudes. The authors developed theory and tested a non-linear model between i-deals and perceived organizational support (POS), and career satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach– Hierarchical linear modeling using multisource data collected in a field study from 207 employees and 39 managers supported the hypotheses.Findings– Consistent with the proposed non-linear model, low and high levels of flexibility i-deals were associated with high POS and career satisfaction. At moderate levels of i-deals, employee attitudes were lower.Research limitations/implications– Though non-linear relationships are unlikely to result from multi source common method data, the cross-sectional study design limits the authors from claiming causality between the variables of interest. This study is an important step towards elucidating the complex nature of relationship between flexibility i-deals and employee outcomes.Practical implications– Organizations must heed the needs of employees who seek accommodations in their work schedule. However, organizations should be cognizant of the associated implications at different levels of flexibility granted.Social implications– I-deals partly satisfied employees' need for affiliation by strengthening their emotional bonds with the organization (i.e. POS). I-deals also enhanced employees' career satisfaction which is an important component of self-actualization. By meeting employees' higher order needs i-deals have the potential to create a workplace that provides overall wellbeing rather than just a living.Originality/value– This is the first study to investigate non-linear relationships between flexibility i-deals and employee attitudes.
The impact of impression management over time
Authors: C. Bolino Mark , C. Klotz Anthony , Daniels Denise 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of these studies was to investigate how the repeated use of impression management (IM) tactics is related to supervisor perceptions in newly formed supervisor-subordinate dyads.Design/methodology/approach– Two studies were conducted – a lab study in which participants evaluated a confederate who performed an accounting task while using different types of IM across five trials, and a field study examining the IM tactics of new employees and their supervisors' ratings of likability and performance at two points in time.Findings– In the lab study, the repeated use of ingratiation had an increasingly positive effect on performance ratings, whereas repeated apologies had an increasingly negative effect on evaluations of performance. The influence of IM tactics on ratings of subordinate likability did not change with repeated use. In the field study, subordinates' use of apologies and justifications was more strongly associated with supervisor evaluations of likability and performance in earlier stages of their relationship.Practical implications– Employees need to be mindful that IM tactics may vary in their effectiveness depending on the timing and frequency of their use. Furthermore, supervisors should consider the initial influence that IM has on their ability to objectively evaluate new subordinates.Originality/value– This research is unique in that it examined how the repeated use of both assertive (i.e. ingratiation and self-promotion) and defensive (i.e. apologies and justifications) IM tactics are related to both evaluations of likability and performance ratings at multiple points in time.
The effect of multiple host species on a keystone parasitic plant and its aphid herbivores
Authors: Rowntree Jennifer K. , Fisher Barham David , Stewart Alan J. A. , Hartley Sue E. 
Published: April 2014

Summary

The exploitation of shared resources by diverse organisms underpins the structure of ecological communities. Hemiparasitic plants and the insect herbivores feeding on them both rely, directly and indirectly, on the resources supplied by the parasite's host plant. Therefore, the identity and number of host plant species providing these resources is likely to be critical for parasite and herbivore performance.

We tested the effect of single and multiple host species on the biomass of the generalist parasitic plant Rhinanthus minor and the abundance of its aphid (Aphis gossypii) herbivores.

Parasite biomass was proportional to the number of haustorial connections to host roots and was determined by host species identity rather than host functional group. Host species identity was also an important influence on aphid population size, and parasites attached to Lotus corniculatus experienced a considerable reduction in aphid herbivory.

The effects on the parasite attaching to multiple hosts depended on the combination of species present. However, host mixtures generally benefitted aphids by diluting the negative effects of particular host species.

Our findings suggest that the specificity of host attachment alters the impact of this keystone parasitic plant on its own herbivores and, potentially, on the wider plant and herbivore community.
The impact of precipitation change on nitrogen cycling in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Cregger Melissa A. , McDowell Nate G. , Pangle Robert E. , Pockman William T. , Classen Aimée T. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryClimatic change is altering ecosystem structure and function, especially in the southwesternUnitedStates where trees are near their physiological water stress threshold. In piñon‐juniper (Pinus edulis‐Juniperus monosperma;PJ) woodlands, increased drought is causing differential mortality of piñon resulting in an ecosystem that is becoming juniper dominated.Using a precipitation manipulation, we assessed how both increased and decreased precipitation altered ecosystem function beneath piñon and juniper. We predicted that changes in precipitation would alter nitrogen (N) availability and mineralization at the site. Further, we predicted that these responses would differ beneath piñon and juniper crowns due to plant‐level differences in transpiration andNuptake in response to drought.We found minimal interactions between tree species and the precipitation treatments onNcycling. However, across all years measured, soil nitrate decreased with increasing soil volumetric water content; a pattern that is likely due to reduced turnover in dry plots. In contrast, potential soil net‐nitrogen mineralization was reduced in water removal plots relative to water addition plots indicating that nitrogen cycling rates were slower under drought. Tree type also influenced nitrogen dynamics in this woodland. Across all 4 years, soilNavailability and potential soil net‐mineralization rates were higher in soils beneath piñon relative to juniper across all treatments. Interestingly, the observed shifts inNcycling were not reflected in the abundance ofNin microbial biomass or in ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria, which are responsible for nitrification. The observed patterns may be due to increasedNleaching from the soil during periods of increased rainfall or due to decreased microbial activity or plantNuptake when conditions are dry.The effect of precipitation change onNcycling may have long‐term consequences on the plant community in this semi‐arid ecosystem. Nitrogen concentrations are highest in the soil when water availability is low, thus whenNconcentrations are high, plants and microbes are relatively inactive and unable to use this resource.
Are State Renewable Portfolio Standards Contagious?
Authors: Dincer Oguzhan , Payne James E. , Simkins Kristi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study examines whether the target levels of a state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) are influenced by target levels in neighboring states, controlling for state‐specific characteristics. Contrary to previous studies, target levels in neighboring states have a positive and statistically significant impact. In addition, the renewable energy potential and transmission capacity within a state, as well as in neighboring states, all have a positive and statistically significant impact. Both a state's unemployment rate and its educational attainment have a positive impact. Furthermore, states with Democratic governors have higher RPS target levels. The results also indicate significant regional variation in RPS target levels.
A Dynamic Study on Ecological Disaster, Government Regulation, and Renewable Resources
Authors: Nie Pu‐yan , Sun Peng , Yang Bill Z. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article develops a dynamic model to investigate renewable resource markets under different property rights. We find that different property rights regimes in renewable resource markets yield very different equilibria. Under private property rights, the valve point increases with the natural growth rate, productivity, number of firms, and marginal costs. Under common property rights, “the tragedy of the commons” inescapably occurs. This study suggests how to avoid ecological disaster by implementing a set of public policies.
Is increased choroidal thickness association with primary angle closure?
Authors: Zhou Minwen , Wang Wei , Huang Wenbin , Gao Xinbo , Li Zheng , Li Xingyi , Zhang Xiulan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether increased choroidal thickness is a risk factor for primary angle closure.MethodsThe study consisted of 162 patients with primary angle‐closure (primary angle‐closure suspect [PACS], 73 eyes; primary angle closure [PAC], 33 eyes; and primary angle‐closure glaucoma [PACG], 56 eyes) and 87 healthy controls with no ophthalmic symptoms. EDI‐OCT was used to measure and to compare the macular choroidal thickness between the primary angle‐closure and normal eyes. The association between the choroidal thickness and the presence of primary angle closure was evaluated using logistic regression models to determine the odds ratio.ResultsThe primary angle‐closure eyes had a thicker choroid than the control eyes at all macular locations (all p < 0.05). It remained significantly thicker after controlling for age, axial length (AL) and gender, except at 1 mm, 3 mm superior and 3 mm nasal from the fovea. Univariate analysis showed that the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was significantly associated with primary angle closure. After adjustment for the anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and lens thickness (LT), the SFCT was still significantly associated with primary angle closure. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.008 (1.003, 1.014). The choroidal thickness at most macular locations was positively associated with primary angle closure. The area under the curve (AUC) for detecting primary angle closure was 0.619 with SFCT, and the result was statistically significant (p = 0.002).ConclusionsPrimary angle‐closure eyes have a higher level of macular choroidal thickness than normal eyes. Increased choroidal thickness might be association with primary angle closure. However, the SFCT showed only low specificity in screening for primary angle closure.
Effects of atorvastatin on systemic and renal NO dependency in patients with non‐diabetic stage II–III chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mose Frank Holden , Larsen Thomas , Jensen Janni Majgaard , Hansen Annebirthe Bo , Bech Jesper Nørgaard , Pedersen Erling Bjerregaard 
Published: April 2014

AimsClinical trials suggest that statins have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system independent from their cholesterol lowering properties. In patients with chronic kidney disease stage II–III, we tested the hypothesis that atorvastatin increased systemic and renal nitric oxide (NO) availability using L‐NG‐monomethyl arginine (L‐NMMA) as an inhibitor of NO production.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study patients were treated with atorvastatin for 5 days with standardized diet and fluid intake. Glomerular filtration reate (GFR), fractional excretions of sodium (FENa), urinary excretion of aquaporin‐2 (u‐AQP2) and epithelial sodium channels (u‐ENaCγ), vasoactive hormones (renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, arginine vasopressin, endothelin‐1 and brain natriuretic peptide) and central blood pressure (BP) estimated by applanation tonometry were measured before and after systemic administration of the NO inhibitor L‐NMMA.ResultsAtorvastatin caused a significant reduction in U‐ENaCγ, but sodium excretion, , FENa and u‐AQP2 were not changed by atorvastatin. L‐NMMA reduced renal effect variables, including GFR, FENa and u‐ENaCγ and increased brachial BP and central BP to a similar extent during both treatments. Vasoactive hormones were changed in the same way by L‐NMMA during atorvastatin and placebo treatment.ConclusionDuring, atorvastatin and placebo treatment, inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis induced the same response in brachial and central blood pressure, GFR, renal tubular function and vasoactive hormones. Thus, the data do not support that atorvastatin changes nitric oxide availability in patients with mild nephropathy. The reduced u‐ENaC may reflect changes in sodium absorption in the nephron induced by atorvastatin.
Pharmacokinetics of mycophenolate mofetil in children with lupus and clinical findings in favour of therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Woillard Jean‐Baptiste , Bader‐Meunier Brigitte , Salomon Rémi , Ranchin Bruno , Decramer Stéphane , Fischbach Michel , Berard Etienne , Guigonis Vincent , Harambat Jérôme , Dunand Olivier , Tenenbaum Julie , Marquet Pierre , Saint‐Marcoux Franck 
Published: April 2014

AimsThe use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is increasing. However, the clinical benefit of its monitoring has been scarcely studied, and little is known about its pharmacokinetics in this context. The objectives of the present study were: (i) to describe mycophenolic acid (MPA, the active moiety of MMF) pharmacokinetics, (ii) to develop a Bayesian estimator (BE) allowing the determination AUC (area under the curve) from a limited number of blood samples and (iii) to explore the relationships between exposure indices to MPA and the clinical status in children with SLE.MethodsThis was a retrospective study including 36 children with SLE, extracted from the expert system ISBA, for whom full‐ pharmacokinetic profiles of MPA were collected together with clinical data. A pharmacokinetic model and a BE were developed using an iterative two stage Bayesian approach. ROC curve analyses and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association of exposure and active disease.ResultsA pharmacokinetic model and a BE were developed that allowed good AUC estimation performance (bias ± SD = −0.02 ± 0.15). ROC curve analyses showed that AUC/dose <0.06 and AUC <4 mg l−1 h were associated with a good sensitivity and specificity for active disease (78%/94% and 94%/56%, respectively). When introduced in a logistic regression model, AUC <44 mg l−1 h and AUC/dose <0.06 were associated with an increased risk of active disease (OR = 21.2, 95% CI 2.3, 196.1, P = 0.007 and OR = 59.5, 95% CI 5.9, 588.2, P = 0.0005 respectively].ConclusionsThe developed pharmacokinetic BE could be used to test prospectively the interest of MPA monitoring for limiting relapse of the disease or its progression.
Puerarin Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride‐Induced Liver Oxidative Stress and Hyperlipidaemia in Mouse by JNK/c‐Jun/CYP7A1 Pathway
Authors: Ma Jie‐Qiong , Ding Jie , Zhao Hai , Liu Chan‐Min 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPuerarin (PU), a natural flavonoid, has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of puerarin on hepatic oxidative stress and hyperlipidaemia in mice exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male ICR mice were injected with CCl4 with or without puerarin co‐administration (200 and 400 mg/kg intragastrically once‐daily) for 8 weeks. Our data showed that puerarin significantly prevented CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of the liver damage (serum aminotransferase levels) and histopathological analysis. Puerarin decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the protein carbonyl content (PCO) in the liver of CCl4‐treated mice. Puerarin also restored the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the liver. Furthermore, the increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) induced by CCl4 was effectively suppressed by puerarin. The high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level in the CCl4 treatment mice was also increased by puerarin. Western blot analysis showed that puerarin remarkably inhibited hyperlipidaemia by regulating the expression of phosphorylated Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK), phosphorylated c‐Jun protein and cholesterol 7a‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) in the liver of CCl4‐treated mice. Altogether, these results suggest that puerarin could protect the CCl4‐induced liver injury and hyperlipidaemia by reducing reactive oxygen species S production, renewing the total antioxidant capacity and influencing expression of hepatic lipid biosynthesis and metabolism genes.