bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CK2 activates kinesin via induction of a conformational change
Authors: Mattson-Hoss Michelle K. , Niitani Yamato , Gordon Elizabeth A. , Jun Yonggun , Bardwell Lee , Tomishige Michio , Gross Steven P. 
Published: April 2014

Significance
Kinesin regulation by autoinhibition has been extensively studied. However, it is known that cargo-bound kinesin motion can be altered by various signaling pathways. How are these kinesins regulated? Kinesin regulation by the signaling kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) was previously reported to activate inactive kinesin at the level of the single motor head domain, but the mechanism was unknown. Here, using a multidisciplinary approach, we discover that kinesin inactivation involves a specific conformational change in the molecule’s neck linker, which controls microtubule affinity and is reversed by CK2.
Phenotypic switching in gene regulatory networks
Authors: Thomas Philipp , Popović Nikola , Grima Ramon 
Published: April 2014

Significance
Phenotypes of an isogenic cell population are determined by states of low and high gene expression. These are often associated with multiple steady states predicted by deterministic models of gene regulatory networks. Gene expression is, however, regulated via stochastic molecular interactions at transcriptional and translational levels. Here, we show that intrinsic noise can induce multimodality in a wide class of regulatory networks whose corresponding deterministic description lacks multistability, thus offering a plausible alternative mechanism for phenotypic switching without the need for ultrasensitivity or highly cooperative interactions. We derive a general analytical framework for quantifying this phenomenon, thereby elucidating how cells encode decisions, and how they retain memory of transient environmental signals, using common gene regulatory motifs.
Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals system-wide signaling pathways downstream of SDF-1/CXCR4 in breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Yi Tingfang , Zhai Bo , Yu Yonghao , Kiyotsugu Yoshikawa , Raschle Thomas , Etzkorn Manuel , Seo Hee-Chan , Nagiec Michal , Luna Rafael E. , Reinherz Ellis L. , Blenis John , Gygi Steven P. , Wagner Gerhard 
Published: April 2014

Significance
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of cancer lethality, whereas the underlying mechanisms are obscure. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are essential for breast cancer relapse and metastasis and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a key regulator of tumor dissemination. We report a large-scale quantification of SDF-1/CXCR4–induced phosphoproteome events and identify several previously unidentified phosphoproteins and signaling pathways in breast CSCs. This study provides insights into the understanding of the mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis.
Moving gating charges through the gating pore in a Kv channel voltage sensor
Authors: Lacroix Jérôme J. , Hyde H. Clark , Campos Fabiana V. , Bezanilla Francisco 
Published: April 2014

Significance
Voltage sensors are integral membrane protein domains that regulate ion channels and enzymes by transporting electrically charged residues across a narrow constriction that focuses the membrane electrical field. Here, we investigated how this constriction, also called the “gating pore,” controls this transport by studying the effects of a large number of point mutations. Our analysis indicates the presence of nonambiguous statistical correlations between specific amino acid lateral-chain physicochemical properties (size, hydrophobicity) and specific functional features of the voltage sensor (voltage sensitivity and transport kinetics). This study allowed us to propose engineering-like mechanisms by which gating pore residues control the voltage sensor operation.
Development of hypoallergenic galacto-oligosaccharides on the basis of allergen analysis
Authors: Kaneko Kimiyuki , Watanabe Yoko , Kimura Kazumasa , Matsumoto Keisuke , Mizobuchi Takahiro , Onoue Masaharu 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) are recognized as prebiotics beneficial to human health through their abilities to modulate gut microbiota. On the other hand, it has been reported that immediate allergic reactions are caused by a GOS product (Bc-GOS) produced by treating lactose with β-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans. The objective of this study was to create a safer GOS product that is less likely to cause GOS-induced allergy (GOS-AL). First, we identified two derivatives of tetrasaccharide sugar chains in Bc-GOS as the factors responsible for GOS-AL by histamine release test (HRT) using blood samples obtained from two GOS-AL patients. Through our search for non-allergic GOS, we developed a new GOS product, SK-GOS, which was produced by catalyzing lactose with β-galactosidase derived from Sporobolomyces singularis and Kluyveromyces lactis. We regard it as a hypoallergic and safe GOS product that does not cause GOS-AL.
Chemical ecology of insect–plant interactions: ecological significance of plant secondary metabolites
Authors: Nishida Ritsuo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPlants produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites as chemical barriers against herbivores. Many phytophagous insects are highly adapted to these allelochemicals and use such unique substances as the specific host-finding cues, defensive substances of their own, and even as sex pheromones or their precursors by selectively sensing, incorporating, and/or processing these phytochemicals. Insects also serve as pollinators often effectively guided by specific floral fragrances. This review demonstrates the ecological significance of such plant secondary metabolites in the highly diverse interactions between insects and plants.
Sevoflurane Induces Tau Phosphorylation and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Activation in Young Mice
Authors: Tao Guorong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Lei , Dong Yuanlin , Yu Buwei , Crosby Gregory , Culley Deborah J. , Zhang Yiying , Xie Zhongcong 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background:
Children with multiple exposures to anesthesia and surgery may have an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. Sevoflurane is a commonly used anesthetic in children. Tau phosphorylation contributes to cognitive dysfunction. The authors therefore assessed the effects of sevoflurane on Tau phosphorylation and the underlying mechanisms in young mice.

Methods:
Six-day-old wild-type and Tau knockout mice were exposed to sevoflurane. The authors determined the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on Tau phosphorylation, levels of the kinases and phosphatase related to Tau phosphorylation, interleukin-6 and postsynaptic density protein-95 in hippocampus, and cognitive function in both young wild-type and Tau knockout mice.

Results:
Anesthesia with 3% sevoflurane 2 h daily for 3 days induced Tau phosphorylation (257 vs. 100%, P = 0.0025, n = 6) and enhanced activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, which is the kinase related to Tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of postnatal day-8 wild-type mice. The sevoflurane anesthesia decreased hippocampus postsynaptic density protein-95 levels and induced cognitive impairment in the postnatal day-31 mice. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitor lithium inhibited the sevoflurane-induced glycogen synthase kinase 3β activation, Tau phosphorylation, increased levels of interleukin-6, and cognitive impairment in the wild-type young mice. Finally, the sevoflurane anesthesia did not induce an increase in interleukin-6 levels, reduction in postsynaptic density protein-95 levels in hippocampus, or cognitive impairment in Tau knockout young mice.

Conclusions:
These data suggested that sevoflurane induced Tau phosphorylation, glycogen synthase kinase 3β activation, increase in interleukin-6 and reduction in postsynaptic density protein-95 levels in hippocampus of young mice, and cognitive impairment in the mice. Future studies will dissect the cascade relation of these effects.
The H+-ATPase HA1 of Medicago truncatula Is Essential for Phosphate Transport and Plant Growth during Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: Krajinski Franziska , Courty Pierre-Emmanuel , Sieh Daniela , Franken Philipp , Zhang Haoqiang , Bucher Marcel , Gerlach Nina , Kryvoruchko Igor , Zoeller Daniela , Udvardi Michael , Hause Bettina 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
A key feature of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is improved phosphorus nutrition of the host plant via the mycorrhizal pathway, i.e., the fungal uptake of Pi from the soil and its release from arbuscules within root cells. Efficient transport of Pi from the fungus to plant cells is thought to require a proton gradient across the periarbuscular membrane (PAM) that separates fungal arbuscules from the host cell cytoplasm. Previous studies showed that the H+-ATPase gene HA1 is expressed specifically in arbuscule-containing root cells of Medicago truncatula. We isolated a ha1-2 mutant of M. truncatula and found it to be impaired in the development of arbuscules but not in root colonization by Rhizophagus irregularis hyphae. Artificial microRNA silencing of HA1 recapitulated this phenotype, resulting in small and truncated arbuscules. Unlike the wild type, the ha1-2 mutant failed to show a positive growth response to mycorrhizal colonization under Pi-limiting conditions. Uptake experiments confirmed that ha1-2 mutants are unable to take up phosphate via the mycorrhizal pathway. Increased pH in the apoplast of abnormal arbuscule-containing cells of the ha1-2 mutant compared with the wild type suggests that HA1 is crucial for building a proton gradient across the PAM and therefore is indispensible for the transfer of Pi from the fungus to the plant.
A H+-ATPase That Energizes Nutrient Uptake during Mycorrhizal Symbioses in Rice and Medicago truncatula
Authors: Wang Ertao , Yu Nan , Bano S. Asma , Liu Chengwu , Miller Anthony J. , Cousins Donna , Zhang Xiaowei , Ratet Pascal , Tadege Million , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Downie J. Allan , Murray Jeremy D. , Oldroyd Giles E.D. , Schultze Michael 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Most plant species form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which facilitate the uptake of mineral nutrients such as phosphate from the soil. Several transporters, particularly proton-coupled phosphate transporters, have been identified on both the plant and fungal membranes and contribute to delivering phosphate from fungi to plants. The mechanism of nutrient exchange has been studied in plants during mycorrhizal colonization, but the source of the electrochemical proton gradient that drives nutrient exchange is not known. Here, we show that plasma membrane H+-ATPases that are specifically induced in arbuscule-containing cells are required for enhanced proton pumping activity in membrane vesicles from AM-colonized roots of rice (Oryza sativa) and Medicago truncatula. Mutation of the H+-ATPases reduced arbuscule size and impaired nutrient uptake by the host plant through the mycorrhizal symbiosis. Overexpression of the H+-ATPase Os-HA1 increased both phosphate uptake and the plasma membrane potential, suggesting that this H+-ATPase plays a key role in energizing the periarbuscular membrane, thereby facilitating nutrient exchange in arbusculated plant cells.
ABORTED MICROSPORESActs as a Master Regulator of Pollen Wall Formation inArabidopsis
Authors: Xu Jie , Ding Zhiwen , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Shi Jianxin , Liang Wanqi , Yuan Zheng , Werck-Reichhart Danièle , Schreiber Lukas , Wilson Zoe A. , Zhang Dabing 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMature pollen is covered by durable cell walls, principally composed of sporopollenin, an evolutionary conserved, highly resilient, but not fully characterized, biopolymer of aliphatic and aromatic components. Here, we report that ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) acts as a master regulator coordinating pollen wall development and sporopollenin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Genome-wide coexpression analysis revealed 98 candidate genes with specific expression in the anther and 70 that showed reduced expression in ams. Among these 70 members, we showed that AMS can directly regulate 23 genes implicated in callose dissociation, fatty acids elongation, formation of phenolic compounds, and lipidic transport putatively involved in sporopollenin precursor synthesis. Consistently, ams mutants showed defective microspore release, a lack of sporopollenin deposition, and a dramatic reduction in total phenolic compounds and cutin monomers. The functional importance of the AMS pathway was further demonstrated by the observation of impaired pollen wall architecture in plant lines with reduced expression of several AMS targets: the abundant pollen coat protein extracellular lipases (EXL5 and EXL6), and CYP98A8 and CYP98A9, which are enzymes required for the production of phenolic precursors. These findings demonstrate the central role of AMS in coordinating sporopollenin biosynthesis and the secretion of materials for pollen wall patterning.
Measuring skills in Europe
Authors: Martinaitis Žilvinas 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– “Skills” is a central concept in a number of academic and policy debates. Yet measurement of skills of labour force remains highly problematic. The dominant approach uses signals of individual capacities (e.g. level of education) as a proxy of skills. This paper develops and tests a methodology for more direct measurement of skills by focusing on how individuals perform their tasks rather than what they could be capable of doing.

Design/methodology/approach
– The proposed theoretical framework assumes that skills used at workplace represent the skills an individual has. This is captured by the analysis of how tasks are performed. Level of skills-in-use is measured at three dimensions: degree of uncertainty, level of autonomy and opportunities for continuous skill-building. Empirical analysis utilises survey data on 29 European countries.

Findings
– First, the paper proposes a novel methodology for measuring skills. Second, it uses data from European Working Conditions Survey to measure skills of workforce in 29 European countries.

Research limitations/implications
– The depth of indicators used for measurement of skills could be further expanded, if additional questions could be inserted in the pan-European surveys.

Practical implications
– Findings suggest that the quality of employment domain (tasks, technologies, work organisation, etc.) could be as important as formal education systems in upgrading the skills of labour force.

Originality/value
– The paper proposes and tests a methodology for more direct measurement of skills than the ones previously employed in academic and policy debates.
Learning outcomes of a work-based training programme
Authors: Ellström Eva , Ellström Per-Erik 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which first-line managers' (FLMs') support of employee learning activities influence the learning outcomes and the transfer of training from a work-based vocational education and training (VET) programme.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was designed as a multiple-case study including six service units in elder care. Data were collected through interviews with managers and care workers in the six units.

Findings
– The study demonstrated that the role of FLMs was a significant condition for the learning outcomes attained and for positive transfer of training. For care workers to attain benefits from training that went beyond the individual level, that is, benefits at the level of the work team or the organisation, a supportive FLM role appeared to be necessary.

Research limitations/implications
– The statistical generalisability of the study is limited by its character of a multiple-case study of six work units. At the same time, a strength of the study lies in its potential for analytic generalisations, that is, for identifying and verifying theoretically meaningful patterns across a number of cases.

Practical implications
– The findings suggest a need for management development that promotes a broader understanding of the task as FLM, and, specifically, improved knowledge and skills regarding how to lead and organise learning and development processes in a workplace.

Originality/value
– Using a qualitative approach, this study adds to the limited knowledge of FLMs' influences on the learning outcomes and the positive transfer from work-based training.
The role of maintenance and facility management in logistics: a literature review
Authors: Mangano Giulio , De Marco Alberto 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature review on the different ways of carrying out facility management and related topics in order to uncover that there is limited research regarding the impact of facility management on the logistics and operational performance of warehouses.

Design/methodology/approach
– Four different focus areas have been identified and for each one different methodologies and streams of research have been studied.

Findings
– The study underlines the importance of facility management for the logistics operations; therefore it supports the notion that investments aiming at preserving the status of the building and service components of warehouses are crucial.

Originality/value
– This paper aims to suggest to facilities management managers that they can contribute to enhance business performance by designing effective facility management strategies.
Safety climate and injury occurrence of repair, maintenance, minor alteration and addition works
Authors: K.H. Hon Carol , Hinze Jimmie , P.C. Chan Albert 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The repair, maintenance, minor alteration and addition (RMAA) sector has been expanding in many developed cities. Safety problems of the RMAA sector have attracted the attention of many governments. This study has the objectives of comparing the level of safety climate of workers, supervisors and managers in the RMAA sector; and explaining/predicting the impact of safety climate on injury occurrence of workers, supervisors and managers.

Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire survey was administered to RMAA contracting companies in Hong Kong.

Findings
– When comparing the safety climate perception of workers, supervisors and managers in the RMAA sector, the supervisors group had the lowest mean safety climate score. Results showed that a positive workforce safety attitude and acceptance of safety rules and regulations reduced the workers' likelihood of having injuries. A reasonable production schedule led to a lower probability of supervisors being injured. Management commitment and effective safety management reduced the probability of managers being injured.

Originality/value
– This study revealed variations of safety climate at the different levels in the organizational hierarchy and their varying influence on safety performance of the RMAA sector. Safety of RMAA works could be improved by promulgating specific safety measures at the different hierarchy levels.
Gender and entrepreneurial self-efficacy: a learning perspective
Authors: Dempsey Dianna , Jennings Jennifer 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the four major factors known to contribute to self-efficacy in general (enactive mastery, vicarious experience, physiological arousal and verbal persuasion) can help account for observed differences in the entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) of young women and men, in particular.Design/methodology/approach– The authors adopted a two-stage design, which included collecting data from 222 university students via an online survey followed by a quasi-experiment involving an opportunity evaluation task.Findings– The findings demonstrate that the significantly lower ESE of the young women in the sample was attributable to their lower level of prior entrepreneurial experience, their lower level of positive and negative affect towards entrepreneurship and their higher likelihood of receiving failure feedback due to their actual performance on an opportunity evaluation task.Research limitations/implications– Given the importance of understanding why females continue to be under-represented in entrepreneurial activity the world over, these findings provide additional insight into why young women tend to feel less efficacious than young men about their ability to successfully undertake an entrepreneurial career.Originality/value– This paper offers a comprehensive and unified theoretical framework, derived from social learning theory, for furthering the understanding of the factors that contribute to gender differences in ESE. The authors also offer a novel quasi-experimental design involving an opportunity evaluation task that others might find useful, particularly for empirical research adopting a cognitive and/or affective lens on entrepreneurship.
Technology and medication errors: impact in nursing homes
Authors: Baril Chantal , Gascon Viviane , St-Pierre Liette , Lagacé Denis 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study a medication distribution technology's (MDT) impact on medication errors reported in public nursing homes in Québec Province.

Design/methodology/approach
– The work was carried out in six nursing homes (800 patients). Medication error data were collected from nursing staff through a voluntary reporting process before and after MDT was implemented. The errors were analysed using: totals errors; medication error type; severity and patient consequences. A statistical analysis verified whether there was a significant difference between the variables before and after introducing MDT.

Findings
– The results show that the MDT detected medication errors. The authors' analysis also indicates that errors are detected more rapidly resulting in less severe consequences for patients.

Practical implications
– MDT is a step towards safer and more efficient medication processes. Our findings should convince healthcare administrators to implement technology such as electronic prescriber or bar code medication administration systems to improve medication processes and to provide better healthcare to patients.

Originality/value
– Few studies have been carried out in long-term healthcare facilities such as nursing homes. The authors' study extends what is known about MDT's impact on medication errors in nursing homes.
Healthcare quality indicators – a systematic review
Authors: Yildiz Özkan , Demirors Onur 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on quality model development, validation and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach
– The systematic literature review used online journal indexes between January 1995 and April 2010. International studies focusing on multiple functional domains and those in which development methods were selected. Two reviewers assessed all studies and 18 were shortlisted.

Findings
– Literature reviews, peer reviews, questionnaires and expert panels are the most frequently used model development methods. Expert judges were widely used to validate the models. The most important limitation was that key indicators were missing.

Originality/value
– Existing healthcare quality models are not comprehensive and there is no consensus on targets, clinical areas or diseases.