bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in foliar stable carbon isotopes among functional groups and along environmental gradients in China – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang N. , Xu S. S. , Jia X. , Gao J. , Zhang W. P. , Qiu Y. P. , Wang G. X. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractVariations in foliar stable carbon isotope signatures (δ13C) of different plant functional groups (PFGs) and their relationships with environmental factors in China were investigated in this meta‐analysis. There were some significant, but small differences in δ13C among PFGs categorised by life form (<1‰). Trees (−26.78‰) and shrubs (−26.89‰) had similar mean δ13C that were significantly higher than those of herbs (−27.49‰). Evergreen shrubs (−25.82‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than deciduous shrubs (−26.92‰). Perennial herbs (−26.83‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than annual herbs (−27.10‰). Grasses (−26.46‰) had significantly higher mean δ13C than forbs (−26.96‰). For pooled data, δ13C was significantly and negatively correlated with mean annual precipitation (MAP) and mean annual temperature (MAT), while it was significantly and positively correlated with latitude and altitude. There was a threshold value of MAP along the gradients, and δ13C did not change significantly with higher rainfall. The δ13C of PFGs changed with altitude, suggesting that increases in δ13C with altitude cannot be generalised. Differences in δ13C between PFGs were generally much <1‰ and therefore insignificant. In contrast, MAP and MAT had relatively large effects on δ13C (more than 4‰ between extremes). The δ13C of some PFGs responded to environmental gradients in the same manner, while their ‘rates’ of change were significantly different in some cases. This information could help predict potential changes in the distribution of PFGs in response to future climate change.
Post‐transcriptional regulation on a global scale: form and function of Csr/Rsm systems
Authors: Romeo Tony , Vakulskas Christopher A. , Babitzke Paul 
Published: June 2012

SummaryOriginally described as a repressor of gene expression in the stationary phase of growth, CsrA (RsmA) regulates primary and secondary metabolic pathways, biofilm formation, motility, virulence circuitry of pathogens, quorum sensing and stress response systems by binding to conserved sequences in its target mRNAs and altering their translation and/or turnover. While the binding of CsrA to RNA is understood at an atomic level, new mechanisms of gene activation and repression by this protein are still emerging. In the γ‐proteobacteria, small non‐coding RNAs (sRNAs) use molecular mimicry to sequester multiple CsrA dimers away from mRNA. In contrast, the FliW protein of Bacillus subtilis inhibits CsrA activity by binding to this protein, thereby establishing a checkpoint in flagellum morphogenesis. Turnover of CsrB and CsrC sRNAs in Escherichia coli requires a specificity protein of the GGDEF‐EAL domain superfamily, CsrD, in addition to the housekeeping nucleases RNase E and PNPase. The Csr system of E. coli contains extensive autoregulatory circuitry, which governs the expression and activity of CsrA. Interaction of the Csr system with transcriptional regulatory networks results in a variety of complex response patterns. This minireview will highlight basic principles and new insights into the workings of these complex eubacterial regulatory systems.
Genetic diversity of planktonic eukaryotes in high mountain lakes (Central Pyrenees, Spain)
Authors: Triadó‐Margarit Xavier , Casamayor Emilio O. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe genetic diversity of planktonic eukaryotic microorganisms (size range 3–40 µm) inhabiting 11 alpine lakes of the Central Pyrenees (Spain) was analysed by cloning and sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. The selected lakes covered a wide range of environmental conditions representative of the regional landscape heterogeneity. Overall, we obtained 953 sequences (averaged length 750 bp) that were grouped in 343 representative OTUs (98% identity). The genetic richness was high, and the 18S rRNA gene sequences spread within nine high‐rank taxonomic groups and grouped in 26 eukaryal classes. Most of the sequences affiliated with Stramenopiles (> 55% of total sequences, mostly Chrysophyceae), Cryptophyta and Alveolata (15% each). Three groups had relative abundance < 5%, i.e. Opisthokonta (mostly Fungi), Viridiplantae (mostly Chlorophyceae) and Rhizaria (cercomonads). Finally, minor groups were related to Katablepharidophyta, Euglenozoa and Telonemida. The lakes showed a different community structure being pH, and phosphorous and Chl a concentrations the main environmental drivers. The novelty level was high, and a quarter of the retrieved OTUs were notably divergent (< 97% identity) from any previously known sequence, mainly for Rhizaria and Opisthokonta. More than 50% of the sequences affiliated with clusters exclusively formed by uncultured protists. Cryptophyta and Viridiplantae showed the largest number of sequences closely related to cultured counterparts. This work is the first description of the genetic diversity of eukaryotic assemblages in ultraoligotrophic high mountain lakes, and the study unveils alpine environments as an important reservoir of microbial eukaryotic biodiversity.
Geographic distance and pH drive bacterial distribution in alkaline lake sediments across Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiong Jinbo , Liu Yongqin , Lin Xiangui , Zhang Huayong , Zeng Jun , Hou Juzhi , Yang Yongping , Yao Tandong , Knight Rob , Chu Haiyan 
Published: June 2012

SummaryContinent‐scale biogeography has been extensively studied in soils and marine systems, but little is known about biogeographical patterns in non‐marine sediments. We used barcode pyrosequencing to quantify the effects of local geochemical properties and geographic distance for bacterial community structure and membership, using sediment samples from 15 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau (4–1670 km apart). Bacterial communities were surprisingly diverse, and distinct from soil communities. Four of 26 phyla detected were dominant: Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, albeit 20.2% of sequences were unclassified at the phylum level. As previously observed in acidic soil, pH was the dominant factor influencing alkaline sediment community structure, phylotype richness and phylogenetic diversity. In contrast, archaeal communities were less affected by pH. More geographically distant sites had more dissimilar communities (r = 0.443, P = 0.030). Variance partitioning analysis showed that geographic distance (historical contingencies) contributed more to bacterial community variation (12.2%) than any other factor, although the environmental factors explained more variance when combined (28.9%). Together, our results show that pH is the best predictor of bacterial community structure in alkaline sediments, and confirm that both geographic distance and chemical factors govern bacterial biogeography in lake sediments.
Improving the management of patients with prostate cancer receiving long‐term androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Schulman C. , Irani J. , Aapro M. 
Published: June 2012

In many patients with prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is administered over prolonged periods of time. The benefits of long‐term ADT in patients with advanced disease are well established and, more recently, studies have shown that long‐term adjuvant ADT used in combination with radiotherapy improves survival in patients with earlier stages of disease. Nevertheless, clinicians should remain aware of the potential long‐term side effects of ADT and the strategies that can be used to manage or prevent long‐term complications.One such strategy is intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD), in which patients receive cycles of ADT, the duration of which is usually determined by PSA levels. Accumulating data indicate that this approach improves the tolerability of ADT (particularly sexual dysfunction) and patients' quality of life, without compromising clinical outcomes (progression and survival). Indeed, the latest European Association of Urology guidelines state that IAD should no longer be considered investigational. Nevertheless, some questions remain unanswered, including: who are the most suitable patients for IAD and what are the optimal PSA levels for stopping and restarting treatment?Osteoporosis (and the resultant increased risk of fractures) is a well‐recognized complication of long‐term ADT. Bone mineral density should be measured before and during long‐term ADT and patients advised to make appropriate lifestyle changes to help preserve bone health. Pharmacological intervention is also an option. Denosumab (an NF‐κB ligand inhibitor) significantly reduces ADT‐induced bone loss and the risk of fractures in patients with non‐metastatic disease. In those whose disease has metastasized, zoledronate and denosumab are licensed to prevent skeletal‐related events and a large randomized study has shown that denosumab is more effective than zoledronate in this setting.
Femoral–gluteal adiposity is not associated with insulin sensitivity in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shay C. M. , Secrest A. M. , Miller R. G. , Strotmeyer E. S. , Goodpaster B. H. , Kelsey S. F. , Orchard T. J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAims  To quantify and compare associations between femoral–gluteal adiposity and insulin sensitivity in adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus with adults with normal glucose tolerance.Methods  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes (n = 28) were recruited from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complication study, a 24‐year prospective study of childhood‐onset diabetes, and compared cross‐sectionally with individuals with normal glucose tolerance (n = 56) of similar age, sex and BMI. Insulin sensitivity was defined as whole‐body glucose disposal measured by hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamps. Adiposity was quantified by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry.Results  Individuals with Type 1 diabetes exhibited lower insulin sensitivity (5.8 vs. 8.2 mg min−1 kg fat‐free mass−1, P < 0.01), lower total fat mass (20.1 vs. 29.0 kg, P < 0.001) and lower proportional leg fat mass (36.0 vs.37.7%, P = 0.03), but similar proportional trunk fat (% trunk fat mass) compared with individuals with normal glucose tolerance. Overall, results from linear regression demonstrated that higher % leg fat mass (P < 0.01) and lower % trunk fat mass (P < 0.01) were independently associated with lower insulin sensitivity after adjustments for age, sex, height, total fat mass (kg) and diabetes status. Higher % leg fat mass was independently associated with higher insulin sensitivity in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (P < 0.01) after similar adjustment; significant associations were not observed in Type 1 diabetes.Conclusions  Reduced insulin sensitivity is a prominent feature of Type 1 diabetes and is associated with total and abdominal adiposity. Compared with adults with normal glucose tolerance, leg fat mass does not show any positive association with insulin sensitivity in Type 1 diabetes.
Clinical evaluation of a new device in the assessment of peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes
Authors: Bracewell N. , Game F. , Jeffcoate W. , Scammell B. E. 
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1553–1555 (2012)AbstractAims  Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines state that patients with diabetes should have annual examination of their feet to exclude signs of sensory impairment. The VibraTip is a new disposable device producing a vibratory stimulus, which has been developed in order to screen for peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes. This study was designed to evaluate the device by assessing intra‐rater reliability and comparing the ability of the VibraTip to detect or exclude peripheral sensory neuropathy with other bedside methods.Methods  One hundred and forty‐one patients with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) were examined for diabetic peripheral sensory neuropathy using a Neurothesiometer, 10‐g monofilament, a 128‐Hz tuning fork, a Neurotip™ and a VibraTip. The failure to perceive the Neurosthesiometer stimulus at ≥ 25 V in either foot was considered the reference method for the presence of peripheral sensory neuropathy. Receiver operating characteristic curves were produced for each device and the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios for the diagnosis of peripheral sensory neuropathy were calculated. Repeat testing with the VibraTip was performed in 18 patients and intra‐rater reliability assessed using Cronbach alpha.Results  Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the 10‐g monofilament was significantly better than the 128‐Hz tuning fork (P = 0.0056) and the Neurotip (P = 0.0022), but was no different from the VibraTip (P = 0.3214). The alpha coefficient for the VibraTip was calculated to be 0.882, indicating good reliability.Conclusions  The VibraTip is a device comparable with the 10‐g monofilament and therefore could be considered a useful tool for screening for peripheral sensory neuropathy in diabetes.
Validity and reliability of a self‐reported measure of medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Singapore
Authors: Wang Y. , Lee J. , Toh M. P. H. S. , Tang W. E. , Ko Y. 
Published: June 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e338–e344 (2012)AbstractAims  A reliable and valid measure is essential for the assessment of medication adherence. Until now, no patient‐reported medication adherence measure has been validated in Singapore. The aim of this study was to validate a modified 4‐item Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore.Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a sample of outpatients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore from September to December in 2009. Respondents completed either an English or Chinese version of the modified 4‐item Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale. The scale scores ranged from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating better medication adherence. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Content validity was assessed by expert review. Construct validity was examined using factor analysis and hypothesis testing.Results  Of the 294 respondents who completed the modified Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale, 13.3, 21.4, 35.7 and 29.6% had a score of 0–1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The internal consistency of the scale was moderate (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.62). Principal component analysis showed that the four items loaded onto one factor (eigenvalue = 1.95). Respondents with higher scores were older (P < 0.001), had lower HbA1c levels (P < 0.001) and had better adherence to physician‐recommended diet (P < 0.001) and physical exercise (P = 0.02).Conclusions  The psychometric properties of the modified Morisky–Green–Levine Medication Adherence Scale were less than satisfactory. A ceiling effect was observed. The scale may not be an adequate measure to assess medication adherence in patients with Type 2 diabetes in Singapore. Future research could target refining the scale and investigating its use in other patient populations.
How Corporate Social Responsibility Engagement Strategy Moderates the CSR–Financial Performance Relationship
Authors: Tang Zhi , Hull Clyde Eiríkur , Rothenberg Sandra 
Published: June 2012

abstractWe propose that firm profits are shaped by how firms engage in corporate social responsibility. Recent research on the corporate social responsibility (CSR)–corporate financial performance (CFP) relationship proposes a variety of contextual and organizational factors to create a more robust link. However, few of these studies explore the role of the CSR engagement strategy. Drawing on absorptive capacity theory and related perspectives such as time compression diseconomies, asset mass efficiencies, and path dependence theory, we argue that when a firm engages in CSR slowly and consistently, focuses on related CSR dimensions, and starts with internal dimensions of CSR, CFP will be enhanced. With longitudinal data collected from 130 firms from 1995 to 2007, we find that firms benefit more when they adopt a CSR engagement strategy that is consistent, involves related dimensions of CSR, and begins with aspects of CSR that are more internal to the firm. The pace of the CSR engagement strategy, however, does not moderate the CSR–CFP relationship. This study helps fill the gap in CSR research by showing that, regardless of contextual factors, a firm can choose the proper strategy to enhance the financial benefits of the CSR engagement.
Has Management Studies Lost Its Way? Ideas for More Imaginative and Innovative Research
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Sandberg Jörgen 
Published: June 2012

abstractDespite the huge increase in the number of management articles published during the three last decades, there is a serious shortage of high‐impact research in management studies. We contend that a primary reason behind this paradoxical shortage is the near total dominance of incremental gap‐spotting research in management. This domination is even more paradoxical as it is well known that gap‐spotting rarely leads to influential theories. We identify three broad and interacting key drivers behind this double paradox: institutional conditions, professional norms, and researchers' identity constructions. We discuss how specific changes in these drivers can reduce the shortage of influential management theories. We also point to two methodologies that may encourage and facilitate more innovative and imaginative research and revisions of academic norms and identities.
Metering for Exposure Stacks
Authors: Gallo O. , Tico M. , Manduchi R. , Gelfand N. , Pulli K. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWhen creating a High‐Dynamic‐Range (HDR) image from a sequence of differently exposed Low‐Dynamic‐Range (LDR) images, the set of LDR images is usually generated by sampling the space of exposure times with a geometric progression and without explicitly accounting for the distribution of irradiance values of the scene. We argue that this choice can produce sub‐optimal results both in terms of the number of acquired pictures and the quality of the resulting HDR image.This paper presents a method to estimate the full irradiance histogram of a scene, and a strategy to select the set of exposures that need to be acquired. Our selection usually requires a smaller or equal set of LDRs, yet produces higher quality HDR images.
Importance Caching for Complex Illumination
Authors: Georgiev Iliyan , Křivánek Jaroslav , Popov Stefan , Slusallek Philipp 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRealistic rendering requires computing the global illumination in the scene, and Monte Carlo integration is the best‐known method for doing that. The key to good performance is to carefully select the costly integration samples, which is usually achieved via importance sampling. Unfortunately, visibility is difficult to factor into the importance distribution, which can greatly increase variance in highly occluded scenes with complex illumination. In this paper, we present importance caching – a novel approach that selects those samples with a distribution that includes visibility, while maintaining efficiency by exploiting illumination smoothness. At a sparse set of locations in the scene, we construct and cache several types of probability distributions with respect to a set of virtual point lights (VPLs), which notably include visibility. Each distribution type is optimized for a specific lighting condition. For every shading point, we then borrow the distributions from nearby cached locations and use them for VPL sampling, avoiding additional bias. A novel multiple importance sampling framework finally combines the many estimators. In highly occluded scenes, where visibility is a major source of variance in the incident radiance, our approach can reduce variance by more than an order of magnitude. Even in such complex scenes we can obtain accurate and low noise previews with full global illumination in a couple of seconds on a single mid‐range CPU.
Maternal Religiosity, Family Resources and Stressors, and Parent–Child Attachment Security in Northern Ireland
Authors: Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Cairns Ed , Merrilees Christine E. , Schermerhorn Alice C. , Shirlow Peter , Cummings E Mark 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis study explores the associations between mothers' religiosity, and families' and children's functioning in a stratified random sample of 695 Catholic and Protestant mother–child dyads in socially deprived areas in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a region which has experienced centuries of sectarian conflict between Protestant Unionists and Catholics Nationalists. Findings based on mother and child surveys indicated that even in this context of historical political violence associated with religious affiliation, mothers' religiosity played a consistently positive role, including associations with multiple indicators of better family functioning (i.e., more cohesion and behavioral control and less conflict, psychological distress, and adjustment problems) and greater parent–child attachment security. Mothers' religiosity also moderated the association between parent–child attachment security and family resources and family stressors, enhancing positive effects of cohesion and mother behavioral control on mother–child attachment security, and providing protection against risks associated with mothers' psychological distress. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for understanding the role of religiosity in serving as a protective or risk factor for children and families.
The Performance of Socially Responsible Funds: Does the Screening Process Matter?
Authors: Capelle‐Blancard Gunther , Monjon Stéphanie 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this study, we examine whether the financial performances of socially responsible investment (SRI) mutual funds are related to the features of the screening process. Based on a sample of French SRI funds, we find evidence that a greater screening intensity slightly reduces financial performance (but the relationship runs in the opposite direction when screening gets tougher). Further, we show that only sectoral screens – such as avoiding ‘sin’ stocks – decrease financial performance, while transversal screens – commitment to UN Global Compact Principles, ILO/Rights at Work, etc. – have no impact. Lastly, when the quality of the SRI selection process is proxied by the rating provided by Novethic, its impact is not significant, while a higher strategy distinctiveness amongst SRI funds, which also gives information on the quality of the selection process, is associated with better financial performance.