bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activating transcription factor 4 regulates adipocyte differentiation via altering the coordinate expression of CCATT/enhancer binding protein β and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ
Authors: Yu Kaifan , Mo Delin , Wu Ming , Chen Hu , Chen Luxi , Li Mingsen , Chen Yaosheng 
Published: March 2014

Adipose tissue is crucial for energy homeostasis and is a topic interest with respect to investigating the regulation of adipose tissue formation for the ever‐increasing health concerns of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte differentiation is tightly regulated by the characteristic sequential expression change of adipocyte genes, including members of the CCATT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and tribbles homolog 3. In the present study, we demonstrate that C/EBPβ and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (but not tribbles homolog 3) are targeted for activation by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a member of cAMP response element‐binding/activator transcription factor family. Importantly, overexpression of ATF4 in 3T3‐L1 cells enhanced adipogenesis, whereas small‐interfering ATF4 blocked conversion of preadipocytes to adipocytes. These findings were accomplished by altering the coordinate expression of adipogenic transcription factors. Taken together, our results suggest that ATF4 is a positive regulator of adipocyte differentiation. This notion is also supported by the results of the present study showing that the expression of ATF4 is induced during adipocyte differentiation. Thus, ATF4 could be an important regulator of energy homeostasis.
L‐Asp is a useful tool in the purification of the ionotropic glutamate receptor A2 ligand‐binding domain
Authors: Krintel Christian , Frydenvang Karla , Ceravalls de Rabassa Anna , Kærn Anne M. , Gajhede Michael , Pickering Darryl S. , Kastrup Jette S. 
Published: March 2014

In purification of the ionotropic glutamate receptor A2 (GluA2) ligand‐binding domain (LBD), l‐Glu‐supplemented buffers have previously been used for protein stabilization during the procedure. This sometimes hampers structural studies of low‐affinity ligands, because l‐Glu is difficult to displace, despite extensive dialysis. Here, we show that l‐Asp binds to full‐length GluA2 with low affinity (Ki = 0.63 mm) and to the GluA2 LBD with even lower affinity (Ki = 2.6 mm), and we use differential scanning fluorimetry to show that l‐Asp is able to stabilize the isolated GluA2 LBD. We also show that l‐Asp can replace l‐Glu during purification, providing both equal yields and purity of the resulting protein sample. Furthermore, we solved three structures of the GluA2 LBD in the presence of 7.5, 50 and 250 mm l‐Asp. Surprisingly, with 7.5 mm l‐Asp, the GluA2 LBD crystallized as a mixed dimer, with l‐Glu being present in one subunit, and neither l‐Asp nor l‐Glu being present in the other subunit. Thus, residual l‐Glu is retained from the expression medium. On the other hand, only l‐Asp was found at the binding site when 50 or 250 mm l‐Asp was used for crystallization. The binding mode observed for l‐Asp at the GluA2 LBD is very similar to that described for l‐Glu. Taking our findings together, we have shown that l‐Asp can be used instead of l‐Glu for ligand‐dependent stabilization of the GluA2 LBD during purification. This will enable structural studies of low‐affinity ligands for lead optimization in structure‐based drug design.DatabaseStructural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 4O3B (7.5 mm l‐Asp), 4O3C (50 mm l‐Asp), and 4O3A (250 mm l‐Asp)Structured digital abstract

GluA2 and GluA2 bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Lake eutrophication and its implications for organic carbon sequestration in Europe
Authors: Anderson N. J. , Bennion H. , Lotter A. F. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe eutrophication of lowland lakes in Europe by excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is severe because of the long history of land‐cover change and agricultural intensification. The ecological and socio‐economic effects of eutrophication are well understood but its effect on organic carbon (OC) sequestration by lakes and its change overtime has not been determined. Here, we compile data from ~90 culturally impacted European lakes [~60% are eutrophic, Total P (TP) >30 μg P l−1] and determine the extent to which OC burial rates have increased over the past 100–150 years. The average focussing corrected, OC accumulation rate (C ARFC) for the period 1950–1990 was ~60 g C m−2 yr−1, and for lakes with >100 μg TP l−1 the average was ~100 g C m−2 yr−1. The ratio of post‐1950 to 1900–1950 C AR is low (~1.5) indicating that C accumulation rates have been high throughout the 20th century. Compared to background estimates of OC burial (~5–10 g C m−2 yr−1), contemporary rates have increased by at least four to fivefold. The statistical relationship between C ARFC and TP derived from this study (r2 = 0.5) can be used to estimate OC burial at sites lacking estimates of sediment C‐burial. The implications of eutrophication, diagenesis, lake morphometry and sediment focussing as controls of OC burial rates are considered. A conservative interpretation of the results of the this study suggests that lowland European meso‐ to eutrophic lakes with >30 μg TP l−1 had OC burial rates in excess of 50 g C m−2 yr−1 over the past century, indicating that previous estimates of regional lake OC burial have seriously underestimated their contribution to European carbon sequestration. Enhanced OC burial by lakes is one positive side‐effect of the otherwise negative impact of the anthropogenic disruption of nutrient cycles.
Cattle feed or bioenergy? Consequential life cycle assessment of biogas feedstock options on dairy farms
Authors: Styles David , Gibbons James , Williams Arwel Prysor , Stichnothe Heinz , Chadwick David Robert , Healey John Robert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOn‐farm anaerobic digestion (AD) of wastes and crops can potentially avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but incurs extensive environmental effects via carbon and nitrogen cycles and substitution of multiple processes within and outside farm system boundaries. Farm models were combined with consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) to assess plausible biogas and miscanthus heating pellet scenarios on dairy farms. On the large dairy farm, the introduction of slurry‐only AD led to reductions in global warming potential (GWP) and resource depletion burdens of 14% and 67%, respectively, but eutrophication and acidification burden increases of 9% and 10%, respectively, assuming open tank digestate storage. Marginal GWP burdens per Mg dry matter (DM) feedstock codigested with slurry ranged from –637 kg CO2e for food waste to +509 kg CO2e for maize. Codigestion of grass and maize led to increased imports of concentrate feed to the farm, negating the GWP benefits of grid electricity substitution. Attributing grass‐to‐arable land use change (LUC) to marginal wheat feed production led to net GWP burdens exceeding 900 kg CO2e Mg−1 maize DM codigested. Converting the medium‐sized dairy farm to a beef‐plus‐AD farm led to a minor reduction in GWP when grass‐to‐arable LUC was excluded, but a 38% GWP increase when such LUC was attributed to marginal maize and wheat feed required for intensive compensatory milk production. If marginal animal feed is derived from soybeans cultivated on recently converted cropland in South America, the net GWP burden increases to 4099 kg CO2e Mg−1 maize DM codigested – equivalent to 55 Mg CO2e yr−1 per hectare used for AD‐maize cultivation. We conclude that AD of slurry and food waste on dairy farms is an effective GHG mitigation option, but that the quantity of codigested crops should be strictly limited to avoid potentially large international carbon leakage via animal feed displacement.
The use of publicly available quality information when choosing a hospital or health‐care provider: the role of the GP
Authors: Doering Nora , Maarse Hans 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients barely use publicly available quality information for making a decision concerning secondary health care, but instead rely on information coming from their general practitioner (GP). An intermediate role of GPs has been suggested concerning the use of publicly available quality information. The aim of the study is to quantify and explore GPs' use of publicly available quality information when referring patients or suggesting secondary health‐care provider to them.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, an invitation to an electronic questionnaire was sent to 858 GPs in the south of the Netherlands. GPs were asked about their use of and perception towards publicly available quality information through closed‐ended and open‐ended questions. Differences among subgroups were tested for significance using Pearson's chi‐square tests.ResultsThe majority of respondents (89.5%) never or rarely use publicly available quality information. They perceive them as invalid and unreliable. Distance to the hospital, prior experiences and personal contacts with specialists guide them when advising and referring. Almost 90% of respondents never or rarely suggest quality information as support for decision making to their patients. No significant differences between subgroups were observed.ConclusionThis study is among the firsts exploring and quantifying GPs' use of publicly available quality information. The results suggest that publicly available quality information appears in its current format and application not useful for GPs. GPs have to be aware of their influential role in patients' decision making and possibly have to take more responsibility in guiding them through the jungle of quality information.
Transnational Networks and Paths to EU Environmental Compliance: Evidence from New Member States
Authors: Andonova Liliana B. , Tuta Ioana A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article examines transnational environmental networks as an important and thus far under‐studied mechanism that can influence the pathways toward compliance with European Union (EU) legislation in new Member States. The argument stipulates that transnational networks, on balance, increase the capacity and political leverage of Central and Eastern European states and societal actors to activate management and enforcement paths to compliance with EU environmental norms. The theoretical framework specifies the network assets and the mechanisms through which they can support the two paths to compliance. In the empirical section, this framework is used to examine the impact of transnational environmental networks on the compliance with EU biodiversity directives in two of the most recent Member States: Bulgaria and Romania.
Mechanistic action of gibberellins in legume nodulation
Authors: Hayashi Satomi , Gresshoff Peter M. , Ferguson Brett J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLegume plants are capable of entering into a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria. This results in the formation of novel organs on their roots, called nodules, in which the bacteria capture atmospheric nitrogen and provide it as ammonium to the host plant. Complex molecular and physiological changes are involved in the formation and establishment of such nodules. Several phytohormones are known to play key roles in this process. Gibberellins (gibberellic acids; GAs), a class of phytohormones known to be involved in a wide range of biological processes (i.e., cell elongation, germination) are reported to be involved in the formation and maturation of legume nodules, highlighted by recent transcriptional analyses of early soybean symbiotic steps. Here, we summarize what is currently known about GAs in legume nodulation and propose a model of GA action during nodule development. Results from a wide range of studies, including GA application, mutant phenotyping, and gene expression studies, indicate that GAs are required at different stages, with an optimum, tightly regulated level being key to achieve successful nodulation. Gibberellic acids appear to be required at two distinct stages of nodulation: (i) early stages of rhizobia infection and nodule primordium establishment; and (ii) later stages of nodule maturation.
Semen characteristics of captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): a comparison of a German with aBrazilian colony
Authors: del Rio do Valle Rodrigo , del Rio do Valle Cristiane Macedo , Nichi Marcilio , Pereira Carneiro Muniz José Augusto , Nayudu Penelope Lea , de Barros Vaz Guimarães Marcelo Alcindo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is of interest for reproductive studies because of their high and variable fertility in captivity. However, to understand this variability, much basic information still needs to be gathered. This study is the first to characterize marmoset semen comparing aGerman and aBrazilian colony.MethodsAll animals were weighted, and semen samples were collected by penile vibratory stimulation and analyzed according to standard criteria.Results and ConclusionsThe German animals had a higher mean and maximum weight than theBrazilian. Further, sperm concentration tended to be higher with heavier animals in theGerman population, but not in theBrazilian. Additionally, major defects tended to be more frequent with higher weight but also only inGerman sample. In spite of these differences, the total range and variability in sperm concentration were similar in both populations, suggesting that this is characteristic for the species.
Rethinking Institutions and Organizations
Authors: Greenwood Royston , Hinings C. R. , Whetten Dave 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this Point–Counterpoint article we argue that institutional scholarship has become overly concerned with explaining institutions and institutional processes, notably at the level of the organization field, rather than with using them to explain and understand organizations. Especially missing is an attempt to gain a coherent, holistic account of how organizations are structured and managed. We also argue that when institutional theory does give attention to organizations it inappropriately treats them as though they are the same, or at least as though any differences are irrelevant for purposes of theory. We propose a return to the study of organizations with an emphasis upon comparative analysis, and suggest the institutional logics perspective as an appropriate means for doing so.
Erving Goffman: Theorizing the Self in the Age of Advanced Consumer Capitalism
Authors: Hancock Black Hawk , Garner Roberta 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe authors argue that Erving Goffman developed concepts that contribute to an understanding of historical changes in the construction of the self and enable us to see the new forms that self‐construction is taking in a society driven by consumption, marketing, and media. These concepts include: commercial realism; dramatic scripting; hyper‐ritualization; the glimpse; and the dissolution or undermining of the real, the authentic, and the autonomous. By placing Goffman's under‐discussed work, Gender Advertisements, in rapprochement with the work of Guy Debord, Jean Baudrillard, and Fredric Jameson, we draw out shared concerns over the ways that the self becomes externally defined and incoherent in advanced consumer capitalism. We then turn to Goffman's “Territories of the Self” (in which Goffman discusses the self in terms of the spatial concepts of “preserves” and “markers”) in order to show that Goffman balances his historicist analysis with a theory of a self that can maintain its coherence amidst the fragmenting forces of the media and the consumer society. Thus we document the continuing relevance of Goffman's thought for cultural and media analysis in contemporary consumer society.
Cognitive Mechanisms of Ingroup/Outgroup Distinction
Authors: Shkurko Alexander V. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPeople use social categories to perceive and interact with the social world. Different categorizations often share similar cognitive, affective and behavioral features. This leads to a hypothesis of the common representational forms of social categorization. Studies in social categorization often use the terms “ingroup” and “outgroup” without clear conceptualization of the terms. I argue that the ingroup/outgroup distinction should be treated as an elementary relational ego‐centric form of social categorization based on specific cognitive mechanisms. Such an abstract relational form should produce specific effects irrespective of the nature of a particular social category. The article discusses theoretical grounds for this hypothesis as well as empirical evidence from behavioral and brain research. It is argued that what is commonly termed as “ingroup” and “outgroup” can be produced by distinct cognitive operations based on similarity assessment and coalitional computation.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Cure Rates of Short‐Duration Trimethoprim‐Sulfamethoxazole Treatment in Female Dogs with Uncomplicated Bacterial Cystitis
Authors: Clare S. , Hartmann F.A. , Jooss M. , Bachar E. , Wong Y.Y. , Trepanier L.A. , Viviano K.R. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundLong‐duration beta‐lactam antibiotics are used for empirical treatment in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis. However, women with bacterial cystitis are treated with short‐duration potentiated sulfonamides because longer courses of beta‐lactams result in lower cure and higher recurrence rates.Hypothesis/ObjectivesShort‐duration potentiated sulfonamide treatment is more efficacious than long‐duration beta‐lactam treatment in achieving clinical and microbiological cures in female dogs with uncomplicated bacterial cystitis.AnimalsThirty‐eight client‐owned female dogs.MethodsRandomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Dogs were treated with TMP‐SMX (15 mg/kg PO q12h for 3 days followed by a placebo capsule PO q12h for 7 days; Group SDS; n = 20) or cephalexin (20 mg/kg PO q12h for 10 days; Group LDBL; n = 18). Dogs were monitored for clinical and microbiological cure during treatment and at short‐ and long‐term follow‐up.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between treatment groups in clinical cure rates after 3 days of treatment (89% SDS, 94% LDBL; P = 1.00) and 4 days (85% SDS, 72% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (50% SDS, 65% LDBL; P = .50) after conclusion of treatment or in microbiological cure rates 4 days (59% SDS, 36% LDBL; P = .44) or >30 days (44% SDS, 20% LDBL; P = .40) after conclusion of treatment.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWe did not identify a difference in cure rates between short‐duration sulfonamide and long‐duration beta‐lactam treatments in female dogs with uncomplicated cystitis. Long‐term cure rates in both treatment groups were low. In some female dogs, “uncomplicated” bacterial cystitis may be more complicated than previously recognized.
The Clinical Efficacy of Dietary Fat Restriction in Treatment of Dogs with Intestinal Lymphangiectasia
Authors: Okanishi H. , Yoshioka R. , Kagawa Y. , Watari T. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundIntestinal lymphangiectasia (IL), a type of protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE), is a dilatation of lymphatic vessels within the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary fat restriction previously has been proposed as an effective treatment for dogs with PLE, but limited objective clinical data are available on the efficacy of this treatment.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical efficacy of dietary fat restriction in dogs with IL that were unresponsive to prednisolone treatment or showed relapse of clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia when the prednisolone dosage was decreased.AnimalsTwenty‐four dogs with IL.MethodsRetrospective study. Body weight, clinical activity score, and hematologic and biochemical variables were compared before and 1 and 2 months after treatment. Furthermore, the data were compared between the group fed only an ultra low‐fat (ULF) diet and the group fed ULF and a low‐fat (LF) diet.ResultsNineteen of 24 (79%) dogs responded satisfactorily to dietary fat restriction, and the prednisolone dosage could be decreased. Clinical activity score was significantly decreased after dietary treatment compared with before treatment. In addition, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration were significantly increased after dietary fat restriction. At 2 months posttreatment, the ALB concentrations in the ULF group were significantly higher than that of the ULF + LF group.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDietary fat restriction appears to be an effective treatment in dogs with IL that are unresponsive to prednisolone treatment or that have recurrent clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia when the dosage of prednisolone is decreased.
THE ECONOMICS OF CONFLICTING INTERESTS: NORTHERN BALTIC SALMON FISHERY ADAPTION TO GRAY SEAL ABUNDANCE
Authors: HOLMA MAIJA , LINDROOS MARKO , OINONEN SOILE 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe successful conservation of gray seals has led to increased seal‐induced damage to the Atlantic salmon fisheries of the Baltic Sea. This paper addresses the conflict between the conservation of a formerly endangered species, the gray seal, and professional fishermen, whose livelihoods are affected by both seal‐induced damage and salmon fisheries management. We develop a bioeconomic model that incorporates the age structure of Atlantic salmon and gray seal populations. To determine the social optimum, we maximize the discounted net present value of the trap net fishery, taking into account the presence of seals in the form of seal‐induced losses, which we describe using a damage function. By choosing the optimal combination of fishing gear over time, we obtain the socially optimal fishing efforts, salmon stock size, and salmon catch. In addition, we study the private effects of introducing a technology subsidy aimed at mitigating the seal‐salmon conflict. The results suggest that technological adaptation would effectively reduce the cause of the conflict, while a technology subsidy encouraging such adaptation would shift the economic responsibility from individual fishermen to the broader public.
In‐Orbit Geometric Calibration And Validation Of Zy‐3 Linear Array Sensors
Authors: Zhang Guo , Jiang Yonghua , Li Deren , Huang Wenchao , Pan Hongbo , Tang Xinming , Zhu Xiaoyong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe ZiYuan‐3 surveying satellite (ZY‐3), launched on 9th January 2012, is China's first civilian high‐resolution stereo mapping satellite. To ensure the mapping accuracy of ZY‐3, considerable research has been conducted since its launch on the calibration and validation of its three‐line array charge‐coupled device (CCD) sensors (TLC sensors). Its dynamic exterior systematic errors (such as camera installation errors) and static interior distortion were eliminated using 1:2000 digital orthophotomaps and digital elevation models (DEMs) of the Dengfeng (Henan) and Tianjin areas of China as control data. Various CCD alignment calibration models were compared, on the basis of their geometric accuracy after calibration, to determine the optimal model. Finally, validation experiments were performed using ZY‐3 TLC images and ground control points (GCPs) collected over Anping in Hebei Province, Zhaodong in Heilongjiang Province and the Taihang Mountain area in China. The positioning accuracy attained its theoretical value over the Anping and Zhaodong areas. Using GCPs whose image coordinates were obtained manually, the plan and height accuracy were found to be better than 3 m and 2 m, respectively.