bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the transformation efficiency of Sacchaaromyces cerevisiae by altering carbon sources in pre-culture
Authors: Konishi Tatsunori , Harata Masahiko 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
We show here that the transformation efficiency of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is improved by altering carbon sources in media for pre-culturing cells prior to the transformation reactions. The transformation efficiency was increased up to sixfold by combination with existing transformation protocols. This method is widely applicable for yeast research since efficient transformation can be performed easily without changing any of the other procedures in the transformation.
Yamogenin in fenugreek inhibits lipid accumulation through the suppression of gene expression in fatty acid synthesis in hepatocytes
Authors: Moriwaki Sayaka , Murakami Hiroki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Uemura Taku , Taketani Keiko , Hoshino Shohei , Tsuge Nobuaki , Narukami Toshihiko , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kawada Teruo 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Yamogenin is a diastereomer of diosgenin, which we have identified as the compound responsible for the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of fenugreek. Here, we examined the effects of yamogenin on the accumulation of triacylglyceride (TG) in hepatocytes, because yamogenin is also contained in fenugreek. It was demonstrated that yamogenin also inhibited TG accumulation in HepG2 hepatocytes and suppressed the mRNA expression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes such as fatty acid synthase and sterol response element-binding protein-1c. Indeed, yamogenin also antagonized the activation of the liver X receptor (LXR) in luciferase ligand assay similar to diosgenin. However, yamogenin could not exert such effects in the presence of T0901713, a potent agonist of LXR. These findings indicate that the effects of yamogenin on TG accumulation would be weaker than those of diosgenin, suggesting that the structural difference between yamogenin and diosgenin would be important for the inhibition of LXR activation.
Loss of ATP-dependent lysine uptake in the vacuolar membrane vesicles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ypq1∆ mutant
Authors: Sekito Takayuki , Nakamura Kyosuke , Manabe Kunio , Tone Junichi , Sato Yumika , Murao Nami , Kawano-Kawada Miyuki , Kakinuma Yoshimi 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ypq1p is a vacuolar membrane protein of the PQ-loop protein family. We found that ATP-dependent uptake activities of amino acids by vacuolar membrane vesicles were impaired by ypq1∆ mutation. Loss of lysine uptake was most remarkable, and the uptake was recovered by overproduction of Ypq1p. Ypq1p is thus involved in transport of amino acids into vacuoles.
Antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid oxidation in anhydrous media
Authors: Miura Yukari , Honda Sari , Masuda Akiko , Masuda Toshiya 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study investigated antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives of amino and carboxylic acid moieties against lipid oxidation in anhydrous acetonitrile. Only cysteine derivatives bearing free amino or carboxylate ion were found to exert potent antioxidant activities. Sequential proton loss and electron transfer-like proton shift and subsequent electron transfer (PS-ET) mechanism may facilitate the antioxidant activities of cysteine derivatives against lipid oxidation in anhydrous media.
Political Campaign Debates
Authors: Birdsell David S. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Over more than four decades, debate scholarship has addressed the auspices under which debates are conducted, debate formats, variables in news coverage, and debate’s influence on issue knowledge and candidate support across a wide range of audiences, primarily through examination of general election presidential debates in the United States. Primary debates and debates for other offices have received far less attention. While evidence strongly suggests that debates produce more acclaims than attacks from participants and attend more closely to policy than to character, a systematic understanding of performance and performance variables has eluded debate scholarship. Evidence does show that viewers learn from debates and that they can also influence the formation of opinions about candidates, although both phenomena depend to some extent on prior knowledge and partisanship.
Long-term Outcomes Following Radiotherapy for Adolescent Patients With Nonmetastatic WHO Type III Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Greenwalt Julie C. , Indelicato Daniel J. , Amdur Robert J. , Morris Christopher G. , Kirwan Jessica M. , Mendenhall William M. 
Published: June 2014

Objectives:
To report long-term results of primary radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) presenting in the adolescent group.

Methods:
Ten adolescent patients with World Health Organization (WHO) type III NPC were treated with primary radiotherapy at our institution between 1969 and 2007. Median age was 16.5 years (range, 11 to 21). Median radiotherapy dose to the primary target volume was 67.5 Gy (range, 60 to 74.8). The bilateral neck received 51.1 Gy (range, 50 to 60 Gy). Five patients were treated with once-daily radiotherapy and 5 received twice-daily radiotherapy. Three patients received neoadjuvant cisplatin and 5FU, and 1 patient received adjuvant maintenance cisplatin and 5FU.

Results:
Median follow-up time was 9.5 years (range, 1.94 to 34.74). Fifteen-year overall survival, cause-specific survival, and progression-free survival rates were all 70%. Fifteen-year local and regional control rates were 100% and 90%. One patient recurred regionally and distantly simultaneously, and 2 patients developed distant metastases alone. All 3 died of their disease within 3 years. One patient died from multiple radiation-induced secondary meningiomas 34 years after radiotherapy. Five patients developed hypothyroidism, 3 developed sensorineural hearing loss, and 4 developed dental complications. The overall rates of CTCAE grade 3, 4, and 5 toxicity were 40%, 10%, and 10%, respectively. Despite high-radiation doses to the skull base, none of the patients in this study developed grade 3+ cognitive or vision toxicity.

Conclusions:
Radiotherapy achieves excellent local control in adolescent patients with unresectable WHO type III NPC. Our data support current protocols to systematically tailor treatment volumes and deescalate radiation doses to reduce treatment toxicity.
Analysis of Prognostic Factors Affecting the Outcome of Stage IB-IIB Cervical Cancer Treated by Radical Hysterectomy and Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
Authors: Xia Xi , Xu Hongbin , Wang Zhonghai , Liu Ronghua , Hu Ting , Li Shuang 
Published: June 2014

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors predicting the prognosis of patients with early-stage cervical cancer and to evaluate the effect of adjuvant therapy in patients with certain risk factors.

Methods:
The study population consisted of 274 patients who were presented with FIGO stage IB-IIB cervical cancers. They all received radical hysterectomy (type III) and systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy in our institute. Of the patients, 188 received postoperative adjuvant therapy including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was performed with a total of 50 Gy of external whole pelvic irradiation. Remote after loading of intravaginal iridium-192 brachytherapy were placed 1 to 2 weeks after completion of external RT. Chemotherapy was operated with 4 to 6 courses of platinum-based treatment. Chemotherapy plus radiotherapy was performed with the combination of periodically sequential chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Results:
Univariate analysis revealed clinical stage, parametrial invasion, and pelvic node metastasis affected patients’ disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates, whereas multivariate analysis demonstrated parametrial invasion and pelvic node metastasis were independent risk factors for DFS and OS rates. Further analyses showed that adjuvant therapy could significantly enhance DFS and OS rates in patients without the above independent risk factors.

Conclusions:
Patients with combination of pelvic node metastasis and parametrial invasion have the poorest prognosis, and adjuvant therapy significantly increases DFS and OS rates among patients without parametrial invasion and pelvic node metastasis.
Relative deprivation, self-interest and social justice: why I do research on in-equality
Authors: S.W. Ng Eddy 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to offer an insight into why men do research on in-equality.Design/methodology/approach– The author utilizes autoethnography, as a form of self-reflection, to help make sense of the own experiences and to connect it with the broader world. It is a narrative based on personal experiences which connects the author's biography with his research endeavours. It also enables to engage in self-analysis and self-awareness of the motives for conducting research on in-equality.Findings– In this narrative, the author shares his journey as an equality scholar, and how his multiple identities as a visible minority, an immigrant to Canada, and a gay person shapes my worldview, attitudes, and beliefs, which in turn influences his own work on equality and diversity. The narrative is based on the intersection of multiple identities, and not just solely based on the author's gender. The attribute feeling deprived on behalf of others, rational self-interest, and social justice as the chief reasons for engaging in in-equality research.Research limitations/implications– Autoethnography is inherently subjective, based upon the author's own biases and interpretation of events, but the subjectivity can also be an opportunity for intentional self-awareness and reflexivity. Given the multiple identities that the author holds, some of the experiences recounted here may be unique to the author, and some may be shared with others. Thus, it is not the author's intention to represent, in general, why men do in-equality research.Originality/value– This autoethnography has allowed the author the opportunity to be self-aware of the complexity of the multiple identities. This self-awareness also allows the author to be more respectful, authentic, and inclusive of others. The author hopes that these reflections will resonate with some of you, and perhaps inspire one to engage in similar work, for reasons that are unique to one and all.
Bank-based financial development and economic growth
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo Nicholas M 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper was to survey the existing literature on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth, highlighting the theoretical and empirical evidence from recent work. Although some previous studies have attempted to conduct a survey of the existing research on the finance-growth nexus, the majority of these studies have failed to distinguish between bank-based and market-based financial developments. To our knowledge, this may be the first study of its kind to survey the existing research on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth – in both developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach
– Overall, our study shows that most of the literature reviewed in this paper either supports bidirectional causality between bank-based financial development and economic growth or reinforces the conventional supply-leading response phenomenon. Notwithstanding this outcome, the study also finds the literature in favour of a demand-following response to be increasing – in both number and substance – especially in recent years.

Findings
– The paper, therefore, concludes that the causal relationship between financial development and economic growth is not clear-cut and that the notion that financial development automatically leads to economic growth is merely based on prima facie or superficial evidence.

Originality/value
– Although some previous studies have attempted to conduct a survey of the existing research on the finance-growth nexus, the majority of these studies have failed to distinguish between bank-based and market-based financial developments. To our knowledge, this may be the first study of its kind to survey the existing research on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth – in both developed and developing countries.
Pakistan research repository: a showcase of theses and dissertations
Authors: Ullah Ahsan , Rafiq Muhammad 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The paper aims to describe the characteristics and purposes of Pakistan Research Repository (PRR). A quantitative analysis of this repository is carried out by analyzing the content of the repository. A critical analysis of the entire growth strategy, population and web interface is also included in this paper. This study also proposes certain measures to make it more effective and efficient for archiving the research output of a nation. The study was designed to investigate issues relating to PRR and outline steps to develop a strategy to overcome these challenges.Design/methodology/approach– This article focuses on quantitative aspects and critical analysis of PRR. A multi-tier research design was used to meet the objectives of the study. A web search was conducted, and information was drawn from documents available on the Web site of Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, PRR and directories of open-access repositories; data were complemented by quantitative and critical analysis of the content of the repository. Information was also gathered by literature-based review of project documents which were created for the implementation of this project.Findings– The paper has highlighted how far this repository has succeeded in bringing the research output from universities across Pakistan to the researcher community by analyzing the available content by institution, type, subject and year. This study has provided a valuable insight about the current status of PRR by identifying gaps in the content of the repository. The quantitative analysis of the repository shows that the creation of this repository was a landmark achievement, as it provided the opportunity to researchers, faculty and students for preserving, disseminating and furthering their existing knowledge at a national-level platform.Research limitations/implications– This research article is a case study and focuses on PRR only. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to throw light on other repositories in Pakistan and sharing of resources among institutional repositories in Pakistan.Practical implications– This study will be helpful for the administrative authorities of HEC and university faculty to plan for effective collection of content from the institutions and digitization of this content. The paper includes implications for the development of repositories at an institutional level in Pakistan.Social implications– This paper will help in managing PRR, and it will ultimately lead to enhance and better manage research output in Pakistan.Originality/value– This paper has identified the characteristics and purposes for creating a research repository at the national level and provided a critical view of policies and statistical view of the content of the repository.
Mobile 3D Library Map: an innovative wayfinding tool for library users on the move
Authors: Ying Chia Wai 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to deliver a mobile solution for our next-generation users to locate the library’s collections and facilities effectively through advanced visualisation and interactivity techniques. The widespread use of mobile devices within our students and staff community for their day-to-day operations has significantly driven the demand for more library services to go mobile.

Design/methodology/approach
– Development of the solution was done in two phases. The first is to construct a real-world model of the library to optimise visual impact and interactivity. The model captures all library facilities such as discussion rooms, cafés, service counters, book shelves, furniture as well as the décor and general ambience. The second is to build the native mobile application on the popular iOS and Android platforms, making use of the same back-end functionalities and services as the existing online and kiosk application. Perspective rendering technique is also used to generate 360° panorama, path overview and step-by-step guide which greatly enhance user orientation and navigation. The guiding principle is to develop a lightweight solution and to keep the design intuitive so that users are able to access the service without any assistance.

Findings
– This initiative has received good feedback from our users, especially Generation Y students who prefer visual images rather than large amounts of text. Compared to static maps and directories, the ability to interact with the system appeals to all groups of users.

Originality/value
– The integration with the library catalogue to allow users to pinpoint the exact location of resources is unique. On top of the wayfinding services that have been developed, there is a lot of potential for further development of richer user interactive applications to embrace the new generation of users.
Purchasing behavior of consumers for foreign medical services
Authors: Menvielle Loick , Menvielle William , Tournois Nadine 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The present study aims to use the qualitative approach of soft laddering to gather insight into both risk perception and subsequent marketing strategies of medical tourism. Medical tourism has recently started to spark interest of marketing researchers and has been a frequently discussed topic by both journalists and physicians. Nevertheless, there are only few marketing studies offering in-depth research on the phenomenon of medical tourism. In the present article, we will concentrate on the central notion of risk inherent to any medical procedure anda fortiorito surgery in the so-called Third World countries. Because medical tourism is a product to be sold to costumers, the perceived risk needs to be dealt with on the marketing level.Design/methodology/approach– In the present study, the qualitative approach of soft laddering was used with 23 participants from France and 22 participants from Quebec to gather insight into both risk perception and subsequent marketing strategies of medical tourism.Findings– The results show significant differences in consumer behavior between the two nationalities involved. We will see how these differences are related to underlying values as well as different reasons and constraints to purchase.Practical implications– The results could help developed countries’ government to implement health policy.Originality/value– Qualitative research does not often use soft laddering, which was used in this paper. Moreover, this qualitative approach has some advantages as the number of chains, as well as the frequencies of selection and the diversity of elements quoted by consumers (kinds of risks, values and consequences of the choices made).
Forecasting operating profitability with DuPont analysis
Authors: P. Bauman Mark 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to re-examine the relation between changes in profit margin (ΔPM) and changes in return on net operating assets (ΔRNOA) by partitioning on the direction of the change in PM. DuPont analysis provides a means of disaggregating a firm’s return on net operating assets (RNOA) into asset turnover (ATO) and profit margin (PM) components to gain insights into the underlying drivers of operating profitability. Prior research finds that changes in ATO are informative about one-year-ahead changes in RNOA, while changes in PM are not.

Design/methodology/approach
– Consistent with prior research, regression analysis is used to develop a predictive model for one-year-ahead changes in RNOA. Results based on in-sample parameter estimates are used to examine the out-of-sample forecasting accuracy of alternative model specifications.

Findings
– The results are consistent with significant forecast improvement resulting from considering the impact on future RNOA of the direction of the ΔPM.

Originality/value
– The study contributes to the literature on the determinants of profitability ratios by providing further guidance on how financial statement information can be utilized to improve forecasts of firm performance.
How aphids find their host plants, and how they don't
Authors: Döring Thomas F. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThere is a considerable interest in trying to understand how aphids find their host plants because they are a major cause of economic losses in agricultural and horticultural production systems. Indeed, the specific behavioural sequences during host finding by aphids are one of the main reasons for their prominent role as vectors of plant pathogenic viruses. This paper reviews the visual and olfactory stimuli involved in host‐finding behaviour of aphids, both basic and applied aspects are covered. Although controlling aphids by manipulation of visual and olfactory stimuli involved in host finding and host selection can be highly successful, as shown by research, most of these measures can still be further optimised and adoption in practice is currently limited. Research therefore needs to address some critical open questions, including (a) the effects of visual contrasts on aphid behaviour; (b) the specific responses of aphids to ultraviolet (UV) light during different stages in host finding; (c) the quantification of behavioural sequences in the field and (d) the response of aphid behaviour to plant diversity at varying spatial scales; further, (e) a much more comprehensive coverage of aphid taxa and aphid ecological groups is needed in host‐finding related research to uncover ecological principles underlying this critical behaviour.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells cooperate to mediate type 2 immune response in mice
Authors: Drake L. Y. , Iijima K. , Kita H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundInnate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play important roles in innate immunity and tissue remodeling via production of various cytokines and growth factors. Group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) were recently shown to mediate the immune pathology of asthma even without adaptive immunity. However, little is known about possible interactions between ILC2s and other immune cells. We sought to investigate the capacity of ILC2s to regulate effector functions of T cells.MethodsWe isolated ILC2s from the lungs of naïve mice. We cultured CD4+ T cells with ILC2s in vitro and examined the functions of these cell types. The mechanisms were investigated using blocking antibodies and cells isolated from cytokine‐deficient mice. For the in vivo study, we adoptively transferred ILC2s and CD4+ T cells into Il7ra−/− mice and subsequently exposed the mice to ovalbumin and a cysteine protease.ResultsLung ILC2s enhanced CD4+ T‐cell proliferation and promoted production of type 2 cytokines in vitro. The interaction between ILC2s and CD4+ T cells involved costimulatory molecule OX40L and cytokine IL‐4, which was mainly derived from ILC2s. Adoptive transfer of both ILC2 and CD4+ T‐cell populations, but not each population alone, into Il7ra−/− mice resulted in induction of a robust antigen‐specific type 2 cytokine response and airway inflammation.ConclusionLung ILC2s function to promote adaptive immunity in addition to their established roles in innate immunity. This novel function of ILC2s needs to be taken into account when considering the pathophysiology of asthma and other allergic airway diseases.