bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide transcription factor activities are explained by intrinsic conformational dynamics of binding-sites and distal flanking-regions
Authors: Andrabi Munazah , Hutchins Andrew Paul , Miranda-Saavedra Diego , Kono Hidetoshi , Nussinov Ruth , Mizuguchi Kenji , Ahmad Shandar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTranscription factors (TFs) recognize small DNA sequence motifs directly or through their sequence-dependent structure. While sequence composition and degeneracy are verified to be the defining factors of TF binding specificity, the role of conformational dynamics of the DNA remains poorly understood. With growing evidence from next generation sequencing (NGS) data suggesting the inadequacy of sequence-only models, alternative models for describing the TF binding preferences are required, wherein the conformational dynamics presents an attractive option. Here, we report a novel method (DynaSeq) which accurately predicts DNA-conformational ensembles for genomic targets of TFs. UsingDynaSeqwe demonstrate how the dynamics of binding sites and their distal flanking regions can be used to elucidate TF-binding patterns for two model systems: cell type-specific binding of STAT3 and chromatin structural specificity of 3 functional TF classes viz. pioneers, settlers and migrants. We find that TF preferences in both these systems can be accurately explained by the conformational dynamics of their binding sites and their distal flanking DNA regions. Conformational dynamics not only distinguishes binding sites from genomic backgrounds in STAT3; it also points to a modular organization of their surrounding regions. Further, the differential binding modes of STAT3-DNA reveal a potential mechanism of cellular specificity. Our model identifies clear signatures to accurately classify pioneer, migrant and settler TF targets from the dynamics of distal flanking regions. This suggests that the chromatin preferences of TFs are significantly influenced by the intrinsic conformational dynamics of the DNA surrounding the TF binding sites.
Management commitment and awareness creation – ICT safety and security in electric power supply network companies
Authors: Skotnes Ruth Østgaard 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to follow-up on previous research by studying the degree of management commitment to information and communication technology (ICT) safety and security within network companies in the electric power supply sector, implementation of awareness creation and training measures for ICT safety and security within these companies and the relationship between these two variables.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were mainly collected through a survey among users of ICT systems in network companies within the Norwegian electric power supply sector. In addition, qualitative data were gathered through interviews with representatives from the regulatory authorities, and observation studies were conducted at ICT safety and security conferences.

Findings
– In accordance with previous research, our survey data showed a statistically significant correlation between management commitment to ICT safety and security and implementation of awareness creation and training measures. The majority of survey respondents viewed the degree of management commitment to ICT safety and security within their own organization as high, even though qualitative studies showed contradictory results. The network companies had implemented awareness creation and training measures to a varying degree. However, interactive awareness measures were used to a lesser extent than formal one-way communication methods.

Originality/value
– The paper provides insight into management commitment to and implementation of awareness creation and training measures for ICT safety and security within network companies.
Effects of curing ingredients and nisin on product characteristics of Vawksa rep (smoked pork product)
Authors: Lalchamliani Lalchamliani , Hazarika Pragati , Singh Tarun Pal , Talukder Suman 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of curing ingredients (salt, sugar, nitrate and nitrite) and nisin as preservative on the storage stability of a traditional smoked pork product of Mizoram known as Vawksa rep, under different packaging conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
– Meat cuts (preferably ham) were cut into small pieces of uniform size and allotted to four different treatment groups, namely, T1 (Traditional Vawksa rep + Aerobic packaging); T2 (Traditional Vawksa rep + Vacuum packaging); T3 (Modified Vawksa rep + Aerobic packaging) and T4 (Modified Vawksa rep + Vacuum packaging). Vawksa rep is traditionally produced by light smoking of pork chunks. Modification was carried out by applying curing prior to smoking and applying nisin to the pork chunks after smoking and before packaging. The products were compared on the basis of physicochemical, microbiological, proximate composition and sensory qualities at five days interval under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions.

Findings
– Among the treatments, pH was recorded significantly lower for T4 as compared to other treatments with the advancement of the storage periods. The mean tyrosine value and thio-barbituric acid number of all the treatment show increasing trend with the advancement of the storage period. T4 had better microbiological quality than other treatments, with lower aerobic plate count, Coliform count and Yeast and Mould count. Aerobic plate count was found to differ significantly (p
<
0.05) throughout the period of storage. Coliform and Yeast and Mould counts were not detected in T3 and T4 on entire storage period. The sensory evaluation revealed highest scores for appearance, flavour, texture, juiciness and overall acceptability for T4 than other treatments.

Originality/value
– The manuscript has stated that combination of curing ingredients and nisin improved all the attributes (physicochemical, microbiological and sensory) and also ensured a longer shelf-life of the product.
From anticipation to anxiety in a market for lottery-like stocks
Authors: Boisen Mikael , Durand Robert B. , Gould John 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a unique sample of lottery-like stocks and contextualize their short-run price behavior with respect to behavioral principles.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors conduct a short-run event-study of the abnormal returns for stock market investments in Australian small-cap oil and gas (O
&
G) explorers centered on the drilling commencement (spudding) of 157 wildcat oil or gas wells drilled between January 2000 and June 2010.

Findings
– Small-cap stock market investments associated with newly spudded wildcat O
&
G wells are negative NPV gambles rather than fair (zero NPV) investments. Once a wildcat well is spudded, the 30-day expected abnormal return is 6-8 percent: wealth-maximizing stockholders are advised to sell upon news of spudding, but gamblers may wish to hold on for the chance of a 10.6 percent 30-day average abnormal return (if the well is not plugged and abandoned). In the lead-up to each gamble the authors observe a significant pre-spudding stock price run-up on average, perhaps indicative of positively affected investors aroused by an easily imagined successful wildcat gusher as per evidence on the influence of image and affect on investors’ decisions (MacGregor et al., 2000; Loewenstein et al., 2001; Rottenstreich and Hsee, 2001; Peterson, 2002).

Originality/value
– The wildcat drilling events considered in this paper are lottery-like by nature, and spudding represents the distinct moment when the gamble is unambiguously on, following shortly on from which investors either strike it lucky or strike out. The specifically small-cap wildcatters are typically heavily vested in one well at a time, therefore the sample stocks are uniquely lottery like. This differs from other studies which infer the lottery-like nature of their sample stocks from characteristics such as price and idiosyncratic volatility.
Men's Sheds and the experience of depression in older Australian men
Authors: Culph Jennifer S. , Wilson Nathan J. , Cordier Reinie , Stancliffe Roger J. 
Published: June 2015

Background/aimMen's Sheds are community spaces where, usually, older men can socialise as they participate in a range of woodwork and other activities. There is currently little research evidence supporting the anecdotally reported mental health and wellbeing benefits of Men's Sheds. This research project investigated how older men with self‐reported symptoms of depression experience their participation in Men's Sheds.MethodsThis study included in‐depth interviews and administration of the Beck Depression Inventory‐II with 12 men from 3 Men's Sheds, triangulated with observation of the different shed environments. Interviews explored how participation in the Men's Shed, living in a regional area, and retirement intersected with experiences of depression. Participants had either self‐reported symptoms of depression or a diagnosis of depression.ResultsThe findings from this study support the notion that participation at Men's Sheds decreases self‐reported symptoms of depression. Beck Depression Inventory‐II scores showed that most participants were currently experiencing minimal depression. The Men's Sheds environment promoted a sense of purpose through relationships and in the sharing of skills, new routines, motivation, and enjoyment for its members. The shed encouraged increased physical activity and use of cognitive skills. Finally, participants reported feelings of pride and achievement which had an impact on their sense of self‐worth.ConclusionMen's Sheds provide an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing among retired men. The shed's activity and social focus offers a way to help men rediscover purpose and self. Further research is required to measure symptoms of depression before and after participation in Men's Sheds.
Thalassaemia major and infectious risk: High Mobility Group Box‐1 represents a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Chirico Valeria , Lacquaniti Antonio , Piraino Basilia , Cutrupi Maricia , Cuppari Caterina , Grasso Luisa , Rigoli Luciana , David Antonio , Arrigo Teresa , Salpietro Carmelo 
Published: June 2015

SummaryHigh mobility group box ‐1 (HMGB1) represents a common causal agent for various types of diseases, including infective pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the role of HMGB1 in β‐thalassemia major (TM) by evaluating its diagnostic and prognostic role. Fifty‐one TM patients and 30 healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was employed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) for HMGB1 to determine the best cut‐off values capable of identifying infectious episodes. Adjusted risk estimates for infective events were calculated using univariate followed by multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Serum HMGB1 levels were higher in TM patients than in HS (14·6 ± 8·7 vs. 2·08 ± 0·9 ng/ml, P < 0·0001). Patients who underwent splenectomy were characterized by lower levels of HMGB1, when compared with patients with an intact spleen (10·2 ± 8 vs. 19·1 ± 7 ng/ml, P = 0·004). ROC analyses revealed an AUC for serum HMGB1 of 0·801, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92·3% and 68·2% to detect an infectious episode. Low HMGB1 levels predicted high risk of infective events (HR: 0·81; P = 0·006). HMGB1 represents a prognostic marker for TM patients and a predictive factor for infectious events.
Dismantling Public Housing, Reconstructing the Lives of Children
Authors: Barrett Edith J. 
Published: June 2015

Just as the lives of adults may be turned upside down when a move is made from public housing, so too may be the lives of children. Over the course of 5 years, mothers relocated out of a housing development in the southwest U.S. participated in surveys and focus groups, discussing among many topics the lives of their children after the move. Mothers talked about their children's behaviour, the lack of play spaces, their children experiences in their schools, and the schools' responses. The mothers offered insights into ways to ease the relocation process and make the new space home.
Dynamic reorganization of neural activity in motor cortex during new sequence production
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Ashe James 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAlthough previous studies have shown that primary motor cortex (M1) neurons are modulated during the performance of a sequence of movements, it is not known how this neural activity in the M1 reorganizes during new learning of sequence‐dependent motor skills. Here we trained monkeys to move to each of four spatial targets to produce multiple distinct sequences of movements in which the spatial organization of the targets determined uniquely the serial order of the movements. After the monkeys memorized the sequences, we changed one element of these over‐practised sequences and the subjects were required to learn the new sequence through trial and error. When one element in an over‐learned four‐element sequence was changed, the sequence‐specific neural activity was totally disrupted, but relatively minor changes in the direction‐specific activity were observed. The data suggest that sequential motor skills are represented within M1 in the context of the complete sequential behavior rather than as a series of single consecutive movements; and sequence‐specific neurons in the M1 are involved in new learning of sequence by using memorized knowledge to acquire complex motor skill efficiently.
Contentious Politics in Austere Times
Authors: Nolan Laura‐Jane , Featherstone David 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe current conjuncture is becoming defined by political austerity, and this paper engages with different forms of contentious politics that are emerging in response. The paper reviews debates on post‐politics arguing that while post‐political perspectives speak to important tensions in relation to contemporary social and political relations, they also risk limiting an engagement with existing forms of political contestation. The paper makes three cuts through crisis geographies by exploring contested place making in relation to the 2011 riots, debates about localism and resilience, and the construction of spaces of antagonism by the Occupy Movement. By considering such diverse forms of resistance alongside each other rather than treating them separately, we emphasize the importance of attending to multiple articulations of contentious politics. We conclude by arguing that it is important to recognize the different means by which actors are seeking to bring crisis and austerity into contestation.
Acute kidney injury after near drowning: The way from the beach to hemodialysis
Authors: Alp Alper , Akdam Hakan , Meteoğlu İbrahim , Ünsal Alparslan , Akar Harun , Yeniçerioğlu Yavuz 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) occurs in many different situations and may have a variable prognosis influenced by clinical setting, underlying cause, and comorbidity. This is important because of the high mortality and morbidity risk affecting many people around the world. Near‐drowning related AKI requiring hemodialysis is very seldom reported in literature. Although cardiovascular and respiratory disorders are more frequently seen after this entity, we aimed to emphasize this rare but dangerous complication in near‐drowning patients.
Induction of a quorum sensing pathway by environmental signals enhances group A streptococcal resistance to lysozyme
Authors: Chang Jennifer C. , Jimenez Juan Cristobal , Federle Michael J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe human‐restricted pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is responsible for wide‐ranging pathologies at numerous sites in the body but has the proclivity to proliferate in individuals asymptomatically. The ability to survive in diverse tissues is undoubtedly benefited by sensory pathways that recognize environmental cues corresponding to stress and nutrient availability and thereby trigger adaptive responses. We investigated the impact that environmental signals contribute to cell‐to‐cell chemical communication [quorum sensing (QS)] by monitoring activity of the Rgg2/Rgg3 and SHP‐pheromone system in GAS. We identified metal limitation and the alternate carbon source mannose as two environmental indicators likely to be encountered by GAS in the host that significantly induced the Rgg‐SHP system. Disruption of the metal regulator MtsR partially accounted for the response to metal depletion, whereas ptsABCD was primarily responsible for QS induction due to mannose, but each sensory system induced Rgg‐SHP signaling apparently by different mechanisms. Significantly, we found that induction of QS, regardless of the GAS serotype tested, led to enhanced resistance to the antimicrobial agent lysozyme. These results indicate the benefits for GAS to integrate environmental signals with intercellular communication pathways in protection from host defenses.
Locomotive Crash Energy Management Test Plans
Authors: Llana Patricia 
Published: June 2015

The Office of Research, Development, and Technology of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Volpe Center are continuing to evaluate new technologies for increasing the safety of passengers and operators in rail equipment. The results of vehicle-to-vehicle override, where the strong underframe of one vehicle, typically a locomotive, impacts the weaker superstructure of the other vehicle, can be devastating. Crashworthy components which can be integrated into the end structure of a locomotive have been developed to inhibit override in the event of collision. Recent research has resulted in the development of a design concept, including evaluation with finite-element analysis (FEA), fabrication, and component tests. The design concept developed incorporates two key components: a push-back coupler and a deformable anti-climber. Detailed designs for these components were developed and the performance of the designs was evaluated through large deformation dynamic FEA. Test articles were fabricated and dynamically tested to verify their individual performance characteristics. The tests were successful in demonstrating the required performance of the components. Test results were consistent with finite element model predictions of energy absorption capability, force-displacement behavior, and modes of deformation.
Work is ongoing to retrofit these crashworthy components onto conventional locomotives and conduct full-scale dynamic impact tests of colliding cars, as well as colliding trains. Service tests will be performed to measure the impact speed at which push-back coupler triggering occurs. Vehicle-to-vehicle tests will be conducted to demonstrate the performance of the crashworthy components working together as an integrated system. The vehicle-to-vehicle tests will also allow an evaluation of the crashworthiness compatibility of a modified locomotive with a range of equipment, including conventional locomotives, cab cars, and freight cars. Train-to-train tests are planned to demonstrate incremental improvement, increased crashworthiness, compatibility, and serviceability.
This paper describes the tests that are planned to demonstrate the behavior of these components when they are integrated into the end structure of a locomotive. The tests will demonstrate the in-service and crashworthiness performance of the modified locomotives. This research program endeavors to advance locomotive crashworthiness technology and develop the technical basis for generating specifications for push-back couplers and deformable anti-climbers.
Effect of Concrete Release Strength on the Development Length and Flexural Capacity of Members Made With Different Prestressing Wires Commonly Used in Pretensioned Concrete Railroad Ties
Authors: Momeni Amir Farid , Peterman Robert J. , Beck B. Terry , Wu Chih-Hang John , Bodapati Naga Narendra B. 
Published: June 2015

A study was conducted to determine the effect of concrete release strength on the development length and flexural capacity of members utilizing five different 5.32-mm-diameter prestressing wires that are commonly used in the manufacture of prestressed concrete railroad ties worldwide. These included two chevron-indented wires with different indent depths, one spiral-indented wire, one dot-indented wire, and one smooth wire (with no surface indentation). A consistent concrete mixture was used for the manufacture of all test specimens, and the different release strengths were obtained by allowing the specimens to cure for different amounts of time prior to de-tensioning. Each prismatic specimen (prism) had a 3.5″ (88.9 mm) × 3.5″ (88.9 mm) square cross section with four wires arranged symmetrically. The prisms were identical except for the wire type and the compressive strength at the time of de-tensioning. All four wires were each initially tensioned to 7000 pounds (31.14 KN) and then de-tensioned gradually when the concrete compressive strength reached 3500 (24.13 MPa), 4500 (31.03 MPa) and 6000 (41.37 MPa) psi. Precise de-tensioning strengths were ensured by testing 4-in.-diameter (101.6 mm) × 8-in.-long (203.2 mm) compression strength cylinders that were temperature match-cured.
The prisms were loaded in 3-point-bending to determine the ultimate bond characteristics of each reinforcement type for the different concrete release strengths. A loading rate of 300 lb/min (1334 N/min) was applied at mid-span and the maximum sustained moment was calculated for each test. Two 69-in.-long (175.26 cm) prisms, each having different concrete release strength, were tested with each of the 5 wire types. These prisms were tested at both ends, with a different embedment length assessed at each end. Thus, for each wire type and concrete release strength evaluated, a total of 4 tests were conducted for a total of 60 tests (5 wire types × 3 release strengths × 4 tested embedment lengths). Test results indicate that the concrete compressive strength at de-tensioning can have a direct impact on the ultimate flexural capacity of the members, and this has significant design implications for pretensioned concrete railroad ties. Results are discussed and recommendations made.