bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine-mapping cellular QTLs with RASQUAL and ATAC-seq
Authors: Kumasaka Natsuhiko , Knights Andrew , Gaffney Daniel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWhen cellular traits are measured using high-throughput DNA sequencing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) manifest at two levels: population level differences between individuals and allelic differences betweencis-haplotypes within individuals. We present RASQUAL (Robust Allele Specific QUAntitation and quality controL), a novel statistical approach for association mapping that integrates genetic effects and robust modelling of biases in next generation sequencing (NGS) data within a single, probabilistic framework. RASQUAL substantially improves causal variant localisation and sensitivity of association detection over existing methods in RNA-seq, DNaseI-seq and ChIP-seq data. We illustrate how RASQUAL can be used to maximise association detection by generating the first map of chromatin accessibility QTLs (caQTLs) in a European population using ATAC-seq. Despite a modest sample size, we identified 2,706 independent caQTLs (FDR 10%) and illustrate how RASQUAL’s improved causal variant localisation provides powerful information for fine-mapping disease-associated variants. We also map “multipeak” caQTLs, identical genetic associations found across multiple, independent open chromatin regions and illustrate how genetic signals in ATAC-seq data can be used to link distal regulatory elements with gene promoters. Our results highlight how joint modelling of population and allele-specific genetic signals can improve functional interpretation of noncoding variation.
An R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor Regulates Eugenol Production in Ripe Strawberry Fruit Receptacles
Authors: Medina-Puche Laura , Molina-Hidalgo Francisco Javier , Boersma Maaike , Schuurink Robert C. , López-Vidriero Irene , Solano Roberto , Franco-Zorrilla José-Manuel , Caballero José Luis , Blanco-Portales Rosario , Muñoz-Blanco Juan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEugenol is a volatile phenylpropanoid that contributes to flower and ripe fruit scent. In ripe strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruit receptacles, eugenol is biosynthesized by eugenol synthase (FaEGS2). However, the transcriptional regulation of this process is still unknown. We have identified and functionally characterized an R2R3 MYB transcription factor (EMISSION OF BENZENOID II [FaEOBII]) that seems to be the orthologous gene of PhEOBII from Petunia hybrida, which contributes to the regulation of eugenol biosynthesis in petals. The expression of FaEOBII was ripening related and fruit receptacle specific, although high expression values were also found in petals. This expression pattern of FaEOBII correlated with eugenol content in both fruit receptacle and petals. The expression of FaEOBII was repressed by auxins and activated by abscisic acid, in parallel to the ripening process. In ripe strawberry receptacles, where the expression of FaEOBII was silenced, the expression of CINNAMYL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE1 and FaEGS2, two structural genes involved in eugenol production, was down-regulated. A subsequent decrease in eugenol content in ripe receptacles was also observed, confirming the involvement of FaEOBII in eugenol metabolism. Additionally, the expression of FaEOBII was under the control of FaMYB10, another R2R3 MYB transcription factor that regulates the early and late biosynthetic genes from the flavonoid/phenylpropanoid pathway. In parallel, the amount of eugenol in FaMYB10-silenced receptacles was also diminished. Taken together, these data indicate that FaEOBII plays a regulating role in the volatile phenylpropanoid pathway gene expression that gives rise to eugenol production in ripe strawberry receptacles.
Safe foster care for victims of child sexual exploitation
Authors: Shuker Lucie Elizabeth 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to report on an evaluation of a pilot of specialist foster care for children at risk, or victims, of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and/or trafficking.Design/methodology/approach– The research adopted a multi-case study approach, gathering placement documentation, interviews and weekly monitoring logs throughout the duration of the 13 placements.Findings– This evaluation found that safety for those at risk, or victims, of CSE within the in-care population has both a physical and a relational element. The most successful placements were able to deploy restrictive safety measures effectively by tipping the balance of care and control towards demonstrations of compassion and acceptance. Good relationships in these foster homes unlocked other positive outcomes, including reduced missing incidences and increased awareness of exploitation.Research limitations/implications– The small sample size within this pilot project suggests the need for further research to test the applicability of the notion of multi-dimensional safety to young people’s welfare more generally.Practical implications– The findings confirm previous research that highlights the importance of stable relationships in child protection. They have implications for current tendencies to commission short-term CSE interventions that are unlikely to create the relational security that can improve community safety for young people.Originality/value– This is the first published evaluation of specialist accommodation for those affected by CSE in the UK, and its findings will therefore be of most value to commissioners and providers of care to looked after young people. The concept of multi-dimensional safety will be relevant to those with responsibility for child welfare/safeguarding.
Utilising the arts to tackle child sexual exploitation
Authors: Cody Claire 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to consider the potential use of creative, arts-based methods to address child sexual exploitation (CSE) through connecting with and supporting young people affected by CSE; and engaging the wider community through awareness-raising and education to help keep young people safe. The use of the arts in building understanding, promoting agency, educating and countering negative portrayals of those affected by CSE are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach
– A literature review identified that there is currently a limited evidence-base surrounding the use of arts in addressing the negative outcomes for young people affected by CSE and promoting the inclusion and safety of young people in the community. To explore the potential use of the arts in engaging young people and the communities they inhabit, this paper draws from research with other “hard to engage” and stigmatised groups, and learning from efforts to tackle other sensitive and challenging issues that impact on communities.

Findings
– The paper suggests that despite the relatively young evidence base concerning the role of creative, arts-based methods to tackle CSE, there is relevant transferable learning that suggests that there is potential in utilising the arts to help prevent CSE and promote community safety.

Research limitations/implications
– There is a clear need to consider the ethical implications of this work and to further examine how the arts may be utilised to tackle CSE and bring about positive outcomes for both individuals and for the wider community.

Originality/value
– The paper brings together bodies of literature from other fields to explore the potential use of creative arts-based methods to tackle a significant contemporary issue of community safety.
Frequent marijuana use, binge drinking and mental health problems among undergraduates
Authors: Keith Diana R. , Hart Carl L. , McNeil Michael P. , Silver Rae , Goodwin Renee D. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectivesIn light of the rapidly changing legal status of marijuana in the U.S., there has been increased interest in the potentially adverse outcomes of heavy marijuana use among young persons. The goal of this study was to investigate frequent marijuana use among undergraduates, and its association with the use of illicit substances, mental health problems, and stress.MethodsUndergraduates from one university in the Northeast were surveyed using a questionnaire derived from the American College Health Association‐National College Health Assessment (N = 1,776). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships between frequency of marijuana use and other substance use, binge drinking, negative consequences of drinking, mental health problems, and perceived stress. Analyses were adjusted for demographics differences such as gender, race, year in school, and sorority/fraternity membership.ResultsApproximately 1 in 12 undergraduates (8.5%) reported using marijuana more than 10 days in the past month. Frequent marijuana use was associated with increased likelihood of other substance use and alcohol‐related negative outcomes. Marijuana use was associated with increased reports of anxiety, and frequent use was associated with depression and substance use problems. Perceived stress was not associated with marijuana use.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThese findings, indicating that frequent use is related to depression, other substance use and negative outcomes, contribute to our understanding of marijuana use among undergraduates. Given the relatively high prevalence of marijuana use among young persons, future studies should seek to uncover potentially causal relationships between frequent marijuana use and a variety of negative outcomes. (Am J Addict 2015;24:499–506)
The direct integral method for confidence intervals for the ratio of two location parameters
Authors: Wang Yanqing , Wang Suojin , Carroll Raymond J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn a relative risk analysis of colorectal caner on nutrition intake scores across genders, we show that, surprisingly, when comparing the relative risks for men and women based on the index of a weighted sum of various nutrition scores, the problem reduces to forming a confidence interval for the ratio of two (asymptotically) normal random variables. The latter is an old problem, with a substantial literature. However, our simulation results suggest that existing methods often either give inaccurate coverage probabilities or have a positive probability to produce confidence intervals with infinite length. Motivated by such a problem, we develop a new methodology which we call the Direct Integral Method for Ratios (DIMER), which, unlike the other methods, is based directly on the distribution of the ratio. In simulations, we compare this method to many others. These simulations show that, generally, DIMER more closely achieves the nominal confidence level, and in those cases that the other methods achieve the nominal levels, DIMER has comparable confidence interval lengths. The methodology is then applied to a real data set, and with follow up simulations.
Communication Skills, Cultural Sensitivity, and Collaboration in an Experiential Language Village Simulation
Authors: Clark Allen , Minami Nathan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article discusses five college students' experiences in a simulated full‐immersion, Arabic‐speaking language village and the impact of that experience on learners' beliefs about the power of collaborative learning, the critical importance of cultural awareness, the efficacy of learning languages within a functioning community of practice, and the utility of role play and experiential learning. The article also shares students' insights into the value of both classroom and unstructured language learning opportunities and the contribution that such immersion scenarios can make as a stepping‐stone into a full‐immersion, long‐term study abroad experience.
Influence of dietary supplementation with flaxseed and lactobacilli on the mucosal morphology and proliferative cell rate in the jejunal mucosa of piglets after weaning
Authors: Jonecova Zuzana , Toth Stefan , Ciccocioppo Rachele , Rodrigo Luis , Kruzliak Peter , Nemcova Radomira 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of flaxseed and lactobacilli supplementation to the diet of piglets during the time period between 10 days before and 21 days after weaning. The morphometry of the jejunal mucosa and proliferative ratio of both epithelial and lamina propria cells were compared with those found in a group of piglets fed with the usual diet added with sunflower oil during the same time period. The addition of flaxseed oil to the diet significantly increased the crypt depth in comparison with both groups supplemented with sunflower (P < 0.05 and 0.001 respectively) on the weaning day. Moreover, the flaxseed addition caused a significant decrease in villus height (P < 0.01) and crypt depth (P < 0.01) 21 days postweaning in comparison with the sunflower group. The proliferative ratio of the epithelial cells in the sunflower group on the weaning day was significantly higher than in both flaxseed groups (P < 0.01). Paradoxically, significantly higher proliferative activity in the mucosal connective tissue in the group with flaxseed supplementation in comparison with the sunflower group was observed on the day of weaning, as well as 3 days later (P < 0.05 both). A combination of flaxseed with lactobacilli showed significantly lower proliferative activity in the connective tissue cells from weaning up to 7 days after weaning (P < 0.05 all) in comparison with the flaxseed group.
EU‐Average Impacts of Wheat Production: A Meta‐Analysis of Life Cycle Assessments
Authors: Achten Wouter M.J. , Van Acker Karel 
Published: May 2015

SummaryWheat is an important commodity in Europe. With a production of 133 million tonnes per year and annual import and export accounting for 6.3 and 5.3 billion US$, respectively, wheat is the most important cereal in Europe. Wheat cultivation further feeds into a wide variety of products ranging from bread, over imitation meat, to biofuels and bio‐based materials. Therefore, it is desirable to have a synthetic life cycle assessment (LCA) of the impacts of an average kilogram (kg) of wheat produced in Europe. This article aims to provide such a synthesis using two strategies. In the first strategy, we give an overview of published LCA impacts of wheat production. A second strategy is a meta‐analysis in which a re‐evaluation is made of 20 available life cycle inventories representing cases in 11 different European countries. Based on the production shares of these countries in the total European production, weighted average impacts are calculated. These weighted averages of the re‐evaluated inventories show that an average kg of wheat grain produced in Europe demands 3.25 megajoules of nonrenewable, fossil energy, emits 0.61 to 0.65 kg carbon dioxide equivalents, triggers terrestrial acidification of 4.94 to 6.51 grams (g) sulphur dioxide equivalents, freshwater eutrophication of 0.08 to 0.09 g phosphorous equivalents, marine eutrophication of 4.97 to 7.60 g nitrogen equivalents, and occupies 1.63 square meter years of agricultural land. The re‐evaluation of studies results in similar impacts as the mere reviewing of energy demands and global warming potentials. Given the many applications of wheat, the presented meta‐analysis is interesting to evaluate the average and range of environmental performance of wheat production in Europe, but is also useful as an input in assessing impacts of wheat‐based products.
REINVENTING FOREIGN AID FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: KUZNETS, PIKETTY AND THE GREAT POLICY REVERSAL
Authors: Asongu Simplice 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis survey essay reviews close to 200 papers in arguing that in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive development, foreign aid should not orient developing countries toward industrialization in the perspective of Kuznets but in the view of Piketty. Abandoning the former's view that inequality will fall with progress in industrialization and placing more emphasis on inequality in foreign aid policy will lead to more sustainable development outcomes. Inter alia: mitigate short‐term poverty, address concerns of burgeoning population growth, train recipient governments on inclusive development, fight corruption and mismanagement and avoid the shortfalls of celebrated Kuznets’ conjectures. We discuss how the essay addresses post‐2015 development challenges and provide foreign aid policy instruments with which discussed objectives can be achieved. In summary, the essay provides useful policy measures to avoid past pitfalls. ‘Output may be growing, and yet the mass of the people may be becoming poorer’ (Lewis). ‘Lewis led all developing countries to water, proverbially speaking, some African countries have so far chosen not to drink’ (Amavilah). Piketty has led all developing countries to the stream again and a challenging policy syndrome of our time is how foreign aid can help them to drink.
The Beauty Contest and Short‐Term Trading
Authors: CESPA GIOVANNI , VIVES XAVIER 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTShort‐termism need not breed informational price inefficiency even when generating beauty contests. We demonstrate this claim in a two‐period market with persistent liquidity trading and risk‐averse, privately informed, short‐term investors and find that prices reflect average expectations about fundamentals and liquidity trading. Informed investors engage in “retrospective” learning to reassess inferences (about fundamentals) made during the trading game's early stages. This behavior introduces strategic complementarities in the use of information and can yield two stable equilibria that can be ranked in terms of liquidity, volatility, and informational efficiency. We derive implications that explain market anomalies as well as empirical regularities.
The Total Cost of Corporate Borrowing in the Loan Market: Don't Ignore the Fees
Authors: BERG TOBIAS , SAUNDERS ANTHONY , STEFFEN SASCHA 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTMore than 80% of U.S. syndicated loans contain at least one fee type and contracts typically specify a menu of spreads and fee types. We test the predictions of existing theories on the main purposes of fees and provide supporting evidence that: (1) fees are used to price options embedded in loan contracts such as the drawdown option for credit lines and the cancellation option in term loans, and (2) fees are used to screen borrowers based on the likelihood of exercising these options. We also propose a new total‐cost‐of‐borrowing measure that includes various fees charged by lenders.
Arbitrage Asymmetry and the Idiosyncratic Volatility Puzzle
Authors: STAMBAUGH ROBERT F. , YU JIANFENG , YUAN YU 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBuying is easier than shorting for many equity investors. Combining this arbitrage asymmetry with the arbitrage risk represented by idiosyncratic volatility (IVOL) explains the negative relation between IVOL and average return. The IVOL‐return relation is negative among overpriced stocks but positive among underpriced stocks, with mispricing determined by combining 11 return anomalies. Consistent with arbitrage asymmetry, the negative relation among overpriced stocks is stronger, especially for stocks less easily shorted, so the overall IVOL‐return relation is negative. Further supporting our explanation, high investor sentiment weakens the positive relation among underpriced stocks and, especially, strengthens the negative relation among overpriced stocks.
The Labor Market for Directors and Externalities in Corporate Governance
Authors: LEVIT DORON , MALENKO NADYA 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper studies how directors' reputational concerns affect board structure, corporate governance, and firm value. In our setting, directors affect their firms' governance, and governance in turn affects firms' demand for new directors. Whether the labor market rewards a shareholder‐friendly or management‐friendly reputation is determined in equilibrium and depends on aggregate governance. We show that directors' desire to be invited to other boards creates strategic complementarity of corporate governance across firms. Directors' reputational concerns amplify the governance system: strong systems become stronger and weak systems become weaker. We derive implications for multiple directorships, board size, transparency, and board independence.
MR Imaging of the Lumbosacral Plexus: A Review of Techniques and Pathologies
Authors: Neufeld Ethan A. , Shen Peter Yi , Nidecker Anna E. , Runner Gabriel , Bateni Cyrus , Tse Gary , Chin Cynthia 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThe lumbosacral plexus is a complex anatomic area that serves as the conduit of innervation and sensory information to and from the lower extremities. It is formed by the ventral rami of the lumbar and sacral spine which then combine into larger nerves serving the pelvis and lower extremities. It can be a source of severe disability and morbidity for patients when afflicted with pathology. Patients may experience motor weakness, sensory loss, and/or debilitating pain. Primary neurologic processes can affect the lumbosacral plexus in both genetic and acquired conditions and typically affect the plexus and nerves symmetrically. Additionally, its unique relationship to the pelvic musculature and viscera render it vulnerable to trauma, infection, and malignancy. Such conditions are typically proceeded by a known history of trauma or established pelvic malignancy or infection. Magnetic resonance imaging is an invaluable tool for evaluation of the lumbosacral plexus due to its anatomic detail and sensitivity to pathologic changes. It can identify the cause for disability, indicate prognosis for improvement, and be a tool for delivery of interventions. Knowledge of proper MR protocols and imaging features is key for appropriate and timely diagnosis. Here we discuss the relevant anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus, appropriate imaging techniques for its evaluation, and discuss the variety of pathologies that may afflict it.
Performance‐Based Probabilistic Capacity Models and Fragility Estimates for RC Columns Subject to Vehicle Collision
Authors: Sharma Hrishikesh , Gardoni Paolo , Hurlebaus Stefan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWith the increasing population and the demand associated with it, the infrastructure and transportation facilities have increased rapidly over the years. The progress has been accompanied by an increasing number of vehicle collisions with structures. This type of collision might lead to the damage and sometimes collapse of the structures. In reinforced concrete (RC) structures, columns are usually the most vulnerable members exposed to collisions. However, the existing design guidelines and provisions for protection of these members against collision of vehicles are not adequate. In particular, the desired behavior and the associated performance levels of a structure during a vehicle collision are not defined. Therefore, there is a need to assess the vulnerability of structures against such collisions. This article develops performance‐based probabilistic models for the dynamic shear force capacity of RC columns in bridges and buildings. A framework is also developed to estimate the fragility of the RC columns subject to vehicle collision. The developed probabilistic dynamic shear force capacity models can be used for a performance‐based design of structures such as buildings and bridges. The developed framework can be used to estimate the adequacy of a structure to sustain a collision event and make recommendations for repair and retrofit. Proposed approach can be applied to study similar cases of collision such as ship collision to bridge piers, projectile collision into concrete walls and develop adequate models.