bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing spoof surface-plasmons with gradient metasurfaces
Authors: Kong Ling-Bao , Huang Cheng-Ping , Du Chao-Hai , Liu Pu-Kun , Yin Xiao-Gang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe coupling between surface plasmons and free electrons may be used to amplify waves or accelerate particles. Nonetheless, such an interaction is usually weak due to the small interaction length or velocity mismatching. Here a mechanism for enhancing the coupling between plasmonic fields and relativistic electrons is proposed. By using a weakly gradient meta-surface that supports the spoof surface-plasmons (SSP), the phase velocity of SSP mode can be manipulated and quasi-velocity-matching between SSP and electrons may be achieved. The dynamic coupling equations suggest that, due to the strong coupling, the energy can be extracted continuously from the relativistic electrons. The sustained increase of SSP in a narrow frequency band has been demonstrated by the particle-in-cell simulations, where the output power of SSP attains 65 W at 1 THz (with 28 mm interaction length) and the coupling efficiency is enhanced by two orders of magnitude. The results may find potential applications for designing new compact and efficient THz wave sources.
Mechanism of Action of Thalassospiramides, A New Class of Calpain Inhibitors
Authors: Lu Liang , Meehan Michael J. , Gu Shuo , Chen Zhilong , Zhang Weipeng , Zhang Gen , Liu Lingli , Huang Xuhui , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Xu Ying , Moore Bradley S. , Qian Pei-Yuan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThalassospiramides comprise a large family of lipopeptide natural products produced by Thalassospira and Tistrella marine bacteria. Here we provide further evidence of their nanomolar inhibitory activity against the human calpain 1 protease. Analysis of structure-activity relationship data supported our hypothesis that the rigid 12-membered ring containing an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety is the pharmacologically active functional group, in contrast to classic electrophilic “warheads” in known calpain inhibitors. Using a combination of chemical modifications, mass spectrometric techniques, site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling, we show the covalent binding of thalassospiramide's α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety to the thiol group of calpain's catalytic Cys115 residue by a Michael 1,4-addition reaction. As nanomolar calpain inhibitors with promising selectivity and low toxicity from natural sources are rare, we consider thalassospiramides as promising drug leads.
Pathway and kinetics of cyhalothrin biodegradation by Bacillus thuringiensis strain ZS-19
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Deng Yinyue , Chang Changqing , Lee Jasmine , Cheng Yingying , Cui Zining , Zhou Jianuan , He Fei , Hu Meiying , Zhang Lian-Hui 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCyhalothrin is a common environmental pollutant which poses increased risks to non-target organisms including human beings. This study reported for the first time a newly isolated strain, Bacillus thuringiensis ZS-19 completely degraded cyhalothrin in minimal medium within 72 h. The bacterium transformed cyhalothrin by cleavage of both the ester linkage and diaryl bond to yield six intermediate products. Moreover, a novel degradation pathway of cyhalothrin in strain ZS-19 was proposed on the basis of the identified metabolites. In addition to degradation of cyhalothrin, this strain was found to be capable of degrading 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, a common metabolite of pyrethroids. Furthermore, strain ZS-19 participated in efficient degradation of a wide range of pyrethroids including cyhalothrin, fenpropathrinn, deltamethrin, beta-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin and bifenthrin. Taken together, our results provide insights into the mechanism of cyhalothrin degradation and also highlight the promising potentials of B.thuringiensis ZS-19 in bioremediation of pyrethroid-contaminated environment. This is the first report of (i) degradation of cyhalothrin and other pyrethroids by B.thuringiensis, (ii) identification of 3-phenoxyphenyl acetonitrile and N-(2-isoproxy-phenyl)-4-phenoxy-benzamide as the metabolites in the degradation pathway of pyrethroids and (iii) a pathway of degradation of cyhalothrin by cleavage of both the ester linkage and diaryl bond in a microorganism.
Autoimmunity conferred by chs3-2D relies on CSA1, its adjacent TNL-encoding neighbour
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhu Chipan , Cevik Volkan , Johnson Kaeli , Liu Yanan , Sohn Kee , Jones Jonathan D. , Holub Eric B. , Li Xin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPlant innate immunity depends on the function of a large number of intracellular immune receptor proteins, the majority of which are structurally similar to mammalian nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) proteins. CHILLING SENSITIVE 3 (CHS3) encodes an atypical Toll/Interleukin 1 Receptor (TIR)-type NLR protein with an additional Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 (LIM) domain at its C-terminus. The gain-of-function mutant allele chs3-2D exhibits severe dwarfism and constitutively activated defense responses, including enhanced resistance to virulent pathogens, high defence marker gene expression and salicylic acid accumulation. To search for novel regulators involved in CHS3-mediated immune signaling, we conducted suppressor screens in the chs3-2D and chs3-2D pad4-1 genetic backgrounds. Alleles of sag101 and eds1-90 were isolated as complete suppressors of chs3-2D and alleles of sgt1b were isolated as partial suppressors of chs3-2D pad4-1. These mutants suggest that SAG101, EDS1-90 and SGT1b are all positive regulators of CHS3-mediated defense signaling. Additionally, the TIR-type NLR-encoding CSA1 locus located genomically adjacent to CHS3 was found to be fully required for chs3-2D-mediated autoimmunity. CSA1 is located 3.9 kb upstream of CHS3 and is transcribed in the opposite direction. Altogether, these data illustrate the distinct genetic requirements for CHS3-mediated defense signaling.
FOXK2 Transcription Factor Suppresses ERα-positive Breast Cancer Cell Growth Through Down-Regulating the Stability of ERα via mechanism involving BRCA1/BARD1
Authors: Liu Ying , Ao Xiang , Jia Zhaojun , Bai Xiao-Yan , Xu Zhaowei , Hu Gaolei , Jiang Xiao , Chen Min , Wu Huijian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEstrogen receptors (ERs) are critical regulators of breast cancer development. Identification of molecules that regulate the function of ERs may facilitate the development of more effective breast cancer treatment strategies. In this study, we showed that the forkhead transcription factor FOXK2 interacted with ERα and inhibited ERα-regulated transcriptional activities by enhancing the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of ERα. This process involved the interaction between FOXK2 and BRCA1/BARD1, the E3 ubiquitin ligase of ERα. FOXK2 interacted with BARD1 and acted as a scaffold protein for BRCA1/BARD1 and ERα, leading to enhanced degradation of ERα, which eventually accounted for its decreased transcriptional activity. Consistent with these observations, overexpression of FOXK2 inhibited the transcriptional activity of ERα, decreased the transcription of ERα target genes and suppressed the proliferation of ERα-positive breast cancer cells. In contract, knockdown of FOXK2 in MCF-7 cells promoted cell proliferation. However, when ERα was also knocked down, knockdown of FOXK2 had no effect on cell proliferation. These findings suggested that FOXK2 might act as a negative regulator of ERα and its association with both ERα and BRCA1/BARD1 could lead to the down-regulation of ERα transcriptional activity, effectively regulating the function of ERα.
Isolated Tricuspid Valve Surgery: A Single Institutional Experience with the Technique of Minimally Invasive Surgery via Right Minithoracotomy
Authors: Minol Jan , Weinreich Tobias , Heimann Meret , Gramsch-Zabel Hildegard , Akhyari Payam , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Lichtenberg Artur , Boeken Udo 
Published: March 2015

Background Minimally invasive cardiac surgery via right lateral minithoracotomy is a well-described approach. However, reports on isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) in this technique are rare. Therefore, we like to give a contribution by reporting our experience.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed 25 tricuspid valve operations via right lateral minithoracotomy with femoral cannulation between August 2009 and September 2013 (18 repairs, 7 replacements, and 72% repair rate). Three patients (12%) presented for a re-do operation, and nine patients (36%) suffered from active endocarditis at admission. All patients underwent TVS as single valve procedure. Ten patients received additional procedures such as removal of infected leads, resection of atrial tumors, or closure of atrial septal defects. An annuloplasty ring was inserted in 12 cases. We investigated the short-term morbidity and mortality with regard to the surgical procedure.
Results Repair rate was 72%. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality were 4 and 20%, respectively. The only patient with early mortality received the surgical procedure on the tricuspid valve as fourth cardiac-related surgery and postoperative mortality was due to intracranial air embolism. Perioperative morbidity included reoperation for bleeding (8%) and stroke (4%). No disturbance of wound healing occurred. Durations of intensive care unit stay and hospital stay were 2.3 ± 2.4 and 17.4 ± 13.1 days, respectively. Endocarditis-caused surgery did not reveal any significant difference in the intra- or perioperative course compared with other indications.
Conclusion Minimally invasive TVS via right lateral minithoracotomy is feasible with good results. Even in a cohort of patients suffering from elevated rate of active endocarditis, a high repair rate can be achieved.
NFκB activation by modified vaccinia virus as a novel strategy to enhance neutrophil migration and HIV-specific T-cell responses
Authors: Di Pilato Mauro , Mejías-Pérez Ernesto , Zonca Manuela , Perdiguero Beatriz , Gómez Carmen Elena , Trakala Marianna , Nieto Jacobo , Nájera José Luis , S. Sorzano Carlos Oscar , Combadière Christophe , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Planelles Lourdes , Esteban Mariano 
Published: March 2015

Significance
Although poxvirus vectors are widely used in preclinical and clinical trials as candidate vaccines for multiple pathogens, how these vectors affect the host immune response is not clear. In this study, we developed a poxvirus vector based on the attenuated New York vaccinia virus (NYVAC), which is able to target a central host-cell signaling pathway, NFκB. In mice, the modified NYVAC acts on the immune system by increasing specific neutrophil migration via NFκB activation and in turn enhances CD8 T-cell responses to HIV antigens delivered by the viral vector. We show that these inherent properties define a mechanism for poxvirus-induced immune responses and offer novel approaches to vaccine vector design.
Ceftaroline Desensitization Procedure in a Pregnant Patient With Multiple Drug Allergies
Authors: Kuhlen James L. , Blumenthal Kimberly G. , Sokol Caroline L. , Balekian Diana S. , Weil Ana A. , Varughese Christy A. , Shenoy Erica S. , Banerji Aleena 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Validated skin testing is lacking for many drugs, including ceftaroline. The cross-reactivity between ceftaroline and other β-lactam antibiotics is unknown. We report a case of a pregnant patient with cystic fibrosis and multiple drug allergies who required ceftaroline for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and underwent an uncomplicated empiric desensitization procedure.
A framework for understanding the website preferences of Egyptian online travel consumers
Authors: Hagag Wegdan , Clark Lillian , Wheeler Colin 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for understanding issues affecting Egyptian online travel website preferences.Design/methodology/approach– Grounded theory was selected due to its suitability in generating frameworks from data gathered plus existing theory.Findings– The research describes the development of the electronic cultural adaptation framework (E-CAF), which consists of six theoretical dimensions that allow both researchers and practitioners to comprehend how Egyptian cultural values can affect their online travel shopping behaviour, in particular website design preferences.Research limitations/implications– The construction of the E-CAF is based on research into Egyptian online travel consumers. Development of the E-CAF could be expanded using participants from different cultural groups and other shopping domains.Practical implications– This research will help practitioners to understand how Egyptian cultural values can affect online behaviour and assist in developing strategies for local adaptations of online travel offerings. The framework will also provide web designers with guidelines for gathering and developing requirements from clients to implement culturally adaptive web interfaces for Egyptian consumers.Originality/value– While there are a number of existing cultural frameworks in existence, such as those of Hofstede, Hall, or Schwartz, these frameworks are not based on consumer behaviour, either online or offline, and are, therefore, not optimally suited for use in online marketing strategies or web design for Egyptian consumers. This research overcomes these limitations by providing a framework that recognises how cultural values can impact Egyptian consumer behaviour and provides a platform for further research, as well as online marketing strategies and tactics.
Resistance to cast iron seizure determined by the technological condition of the surface layer
Authors: Laber Stanislaw 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The aim of this study was to evaluate a surface layer of the condition resistance to seizure. The surface layer was shaped in the processing grinding and burnishing.

Design/methodology/approach
– The resistance to seizure tests were carried out on a test station specially designed by the author. It is possible to simultaneously test the same two pairs of pivot–pan kinematic pairs on this station. Moreover, the time, route and the temperature of the friction area were registered. The time of sliding group operation from the moment when a lubricant is no longer added to the friction pair to the moment the sliding group reaches the critical temperature T = 418 K (145°C) is taken as a seizure indicator.

Findings
– The structure and state of the surface layer have an influence on the seizure of the surface of cooperating elements. Greater resistance to the seizure of the burnished surface in comparison to the ground surface is associated with differences in the state of the surface layer. The burnished surface has a smaller surface roughness and a higher value of the bearing surface curve, and the compressive stress occurs more often in the surface layer.

Originality/value
– There have been no studies on the effects of burnishing machining and grinding of cast iron in resistance to seizure.
The impact of brand communication on brand equity through Facebook
Authors: Schivinski Bruno , Dabrowski Dariusz 
Published: March 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this article is to fill the gap in the discussion of the ways in which firm-created and user-generated social media brand communication impacts consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) metrics through Facebook.

Design/methodology/approach
– We evaluated 302 data sets that were generated through a standardized online survey to investigate the impact of firm-created and user-generated social media brand communication on brand awareness/associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty across 60 brands within three different industries: non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and mobile network providers. We applied a structural equation modeling technique to investigate the effects of social media communication on consumers’ perception of brand equity metrics, as well as in an examination of industry-specific differences.

Findings
– The results of our empirical studies showed that both firm-created and user-generated social media brand communication influence brand awareness/associations; whereas user-generated social media brand communication had a positive impact on brand loyalty and perceived brand quality. Additionally, there are significant differences between the industries being investigated.

Originality/value
– This article is pioneering in that it exposes the effects of two different types of social media communication (i.e. firm-created and user-generated social media brand communication) on CBBE metrics, a topic of relevance for both marketers and scholars in the era of social media. Additionally, it differentiates the effects of social media brand communication across industries, which indicate that practitioners should implement social media strategies according to industry specifics to lever CBBE metrics.
False recall of brands in advergames: a cross-country comparison
Authors: Hernandez Monica D , Minor Michael S 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to attempt to answer whether there is a difference between retrieving memory by using recall or false recall of brands in an interactive and imagery-rich environment such as advergaming, and there are differences in memory in the same context if the languages of proficiency are based on the same script (e.g. alphabetic/alphabetic such as Spanish/English) versus cross-script (e.g. logographic/alphabetic, such as Chinese/English).Design/methodology/approach– A series of international experiments addressed memory of brand placements in advergames – via correct and false recall – across groups of bilinguals from China, Mexico and South Korea.Findings– The most salient finding of this study revealed advergame interactivity increased false memory more pronouncedly in the proficient groups (“experts”), supporting the notion of increased false recall as a result of feelings of accountability that experts naturally experience.Research limitations/implications– The procedures of the international experiments were susceptible to some limitations concerning sampling design and experimental stimuli. Despite its limitations, this study helps to uncover the effect of these elements in short-term brand memory, to guide marketers for an effective use of brand and product placements in advergames.Originality/value– Analysis of both correct and false recall of bilinguals in imagery-rich environments is of utmost importance. In these environments, memory may originate from experience or from imagination. The study addressed brand memory among diverse Internet audiences by taking into account both correct memory scores as well as false memory scores within the advergaming context.
Corporate social responsibility disclosures and earnings quality
Authors: Muttakin Mohammad Badrul , Khan Arifur , Azim Mohammad I 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures and earnings quality proxied by earnings accruals. Specifically, we examine whether CSR disclosures are context-specific, that is, whether companies dominated by powerful stakeholders are obliged to behave in a responsible manner to constrain earnings management, thereby reporting higher-quality earnings to investors.Design/methodology/approach– This paper explores the relationship between CSR disclosures and earnings quality proxied by earnings accruals. Specifically, we examine whether CSR disclosures are context-specific, that is, whether companies dominated by powerful stakeholders are obliged to behave in a responsible manner to constrain earnings management, thereby reporting higher-quality earnings to investors.Findings– Results show that managers in an emerging economy manage earnings when they provide more CSR disclosures. Such earnings management is achieved through income increasing discretionary accruals. Furthermore, companies from export-oriented industries dominated by powerful stakeholders (international buyers) disclosing more CSR activities, provide transparent financial reports through constraining earnings management.Originality/value– The findings of this study are significant for both investors and policymakers. Investors should not take for granted that firms engage in CSR activities, behave ethically and provide transparent financial reports. As we document that firms might manipulate earnings through discretionary accruals and provide less transparent financial reports to shareholders, the credibility of firms’ CSR policies should be assessed with caution. Policies directing at promoting socially responsible practices instead of motivating the desired behaviour, may provide managers with additional incentives to utilise CSR for opportunistic behaviour. Thus, policymakers need to be cautious about this opportunistic behaviour and enhance monitoring to enforce social compliance. Possibly, some guidelines can be introduced to confirm that CSR disclosures are based on actual practice and not just a “green wash” statement to deceive stakeholders.
Minority perceptions of the police: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Peck Jennifer H 
Published: March 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review of empirical studies that have examined perceptions and attitudes of the police across various racial and ethnic groups. The specific focus aimed to highlight if minorities perceive the police differently compared to their white counterparts.Design/methodology/approach– A systematic literature search of various academic databases (Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Host, Web of Science, etc.) was conducted. Searches on Google Scholar were also conducted to locate empirical articles that are presently forthcoming in academic journals.Findings– The meta-review identified 92 studies that matched the selection criteria. The majority of the studies focussed on black/white, non-white/white, and black/Hispanic/white comparisons. Overall, individuals who identified themselves as black, non-white, or minority were more likely to hold negative perceptions and attitudes toward the police compared to whites. This finding held regardless of the measures used to operationalize attitudes and various dependent variables surrounding the police. Hispanics tended to have more positive views of the police compared to blacks, yet more negative views than whites.Originality/value– The present study provided a systematic literature search of studies that were included in two prior reviews (i.e. Decker, 1985; Brown and Benedict, 2002), but also updated the literature based on research that was conducted after 2002. Different exclusion restrictions were also used in the current study compared to earlier research. These restrictions add to the originality/value of the present meta-review in light of current events in the media which have focussed on minority perceptions of the police.