bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signal Integration by the Two-Component Signal Transduction Response Regulator CpxR
Authors: Wolfe Alan J. , Parikh Niyati , Lima Bruno P. , Zemaitaitis Bozena 
Published: January 2008

ABSTRACT

The CpxAR two-component signal transduction system in
Escherichia coli
and other pathogens senses diverse envelope stresses and promotes the transcription of a variety of genes that remedy these stresses. An important member of the CpxAR regulon is
cpxP
. The CpxA-dependent transcription of
cpxP
has been linked to stresses such as misfolded proteins and alkaline pH. It also has been proposed that acetyl phosphate, the intermediate of the phosphotransacetylase (Pta)-acetate kinase (AckA) pathway, can activate the transcription of
cpxP
in a CpxA-independent manner by donating its phosphoryl group to CpxR. We tested this hypothesis by measuring the transcription of
cpxP
using mutants with mutations in the CpxAR pathway, mutants with mutations in the Pta-AckA pathway, and mutants with a combination of both types of mutations. From this epistasis analysis, we learned that CpxR integrates diverse stimuli. The stimuli that originate in the envelope depend on CpxA, while those associated with growth and central metabolism depend on the Pta-AckA pathway. While CpxR could receive a phosphoryl group from acetyl phosphate, this global signal was not the primary trigger for CpxR activation associated with the Pta-AckA pathway. On the strength of these results, we contend that the interactions between central metabolism and signal transduction can be quite complex and that successful investigations of such interactions must include a complete epistatic analysis.
Platinum group element distribution in the soils from urban areas of the Campania region (Italy)
Authors: Cicchella D. , Fedele L. , De Vivo B. , Albanese S. , Lima A. 
Published: January 2008

This paper represents a detailed study to assess the platinum group element (PGE) content of topsoils from urban areas in the Campania region (Italy), following on from previous work. Samples were collected from residual and non-residual soils from flowerbeds in the urban areas of Avellino, Benevento and Caserta (characterized by low population density, LPD), and in Salerno (a city with high population and high automobile traffic densities).
The soils (<100-mesh size fraction, i.e. <150 μm) were analysed for Pt, Pd and Rh by fire assay ICP-MS and for 37 other elements by ICP-AES and ICP-MS after a modified aqua regia digestion. In LPD cities, PGE concentrations were close to background values (with the exception of the industrial areas), but Salerno proved to be contaminated by PGEs. Platinum, Pd and Rh concentrations are in the <0.1–278, <0.5–432 and 0.07–47 ppb range, respectively. Moreover, a high correlation among Pt, Pd and Rh (R=0.98), and between PGEs and other typical traffic-emitted metals such as Cr, Cu, Sb and Sn has been detected only in Salerno. Finally, the statistical analysis pointed out a lower background for PGEs in soils formed on sedimentary rocks (in the eastern sector of Caserta, in Benevento and Salerno) compared to those formed on volcanic rocks (Avellino and the western area of Caserta).
Physicians' Persistence and Its Implications for Their Response to Promotion of Prescription Drugs
Authors: Janakiraman Ramkumar , Dutta Shantanu , Sismeiro Catarina , Stern Philip 
Published: January 2008

Motivated by the medical literature findings that physicians are inertial, we seek to understand (1) whether physicians exhibit structural persistence in drug choice (structural persistence occurs when the drug chosen for a patient depends structurally on the drug previously prescribed by the physician to other patients) and (2) whether persistence, if present, is a physician-specific characteristic or a physician state that can change over time. We further explore the role of promotional tools on persistence and drug choice, and we investigate whether physicians who exhibit persistence respond differently to three forms of sales promotion: one-to-one meetings (detailing), out-of-office meetings, and symposium meetings. Our results show significant levels of physician persistence in drug choice. We find that persistence is mostly a cross-sectional physician feature. Nonpersistent physicians appear to be responsive to detailing and symposium meetings, whereas persistent physicians seem to be responsive only to symposium meetings. Out-of-office meetings, such as golf or lunch, have no effect on physicians' drug choice. We also find that (1) older physicians and those who work in smaller practices are more likely to be persistent and (2) physicians who are more willing to receive sales force representatives have a lower likelihood of being persistent. Finally, we discuss implications for public policy from our rich set of results.
Double-Stranded RNA Induces Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis by Activation of the Toll-Like Receptor 3 and Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 Pathways
Authors: Dogusan Zeynep , García Mónica , Flamez Daisy , Alexopoulou Lena , Goldman Michel , Gysemans Conny , Mathieu Chantal , Libert Claude , Eizirik Decio L. , Rasschaert Joanne 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE— Viral infections contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Viruses, or viral products such as double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), affect pancreatic β-cell survival and trigger autoimmunity by unknown mechanisms. We presently investigated the mediators and downstream effectors of dsRNA-induced β-cell death.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Primary rat β-cells and islet cells from wild-type, toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, type I interferon receptor (IFNAR1), or interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3 knockout mice were exposed to external dsRNA (external polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [PICex]) or were transfected with dsRNA ([PICin]).
RESULTS— TLR3 signaling mediated PICex-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and IRF-3 activation and β-cell apoptosis. PICin activated NF-κB and IRF-3 in a TLR3-independent manner, induced eukaryotic initiation factor 2α phosphorylation, and triggered a massive production of interferon (IFN)-β. This contributed to β-cell death, as islet cells from IFNAR1−/− or IRF-3−/− mice were protected against PICin-induced apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS— PICex and PICin trigger β-cell apoptosis via the TLR3 pathway or IRF-3 signaling, respectively. Execution of PICin-mediated apoptosis depends on autocrine effects of type I IFNs.
Direct Administration of Insulin Into Skeletal Muscle Reveals That the Transport of Insulin Across the Capillary Endothelium Limits the Time Course of Insulin to Activate Glucose Disposal
Authors: Chiu Jenny D. , Richey Joyce M. , Harrison L. Nicole , Zuniga Edward , Kolka Cathryn M. , Kirkman Erlinda , Ellmerer Martin , Bergman Richard N. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE—Intravenous insulin infusion rapidly increases plasma insulin, yet glucose disposal occurs at a much slower rate. This delay in insulin's action may be related to the protracted time for insulin to traverse the capillary endothelium. An increased delay may be associated with the development of insulin resistance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether bypassing the transendothelial insulin transport step and injecting insulin directly into the interstitial space would moderate the delay in glucose uptake observed with intravenous administration of the hormone.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Intramuscular injections of saline (n = 3) or insulin (n = 10) were administered directly into the vastus medialis of anesthetized dogs. Injections of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 3.0 units insulin were administered hourly during a basal insulin euglycemic glucose clamp (0.2mU · min−1 · kg−1).
RESULTS—Unlike the saline group, each incremental insulin injection caused interstitial (lymph) insulin to rise within 10 min, indicating rapid diffusion of the hormone within the interstitial matrix. Delay in insulin action was virtually eliminated, indicated by immediate dose-dependent increments in hindlimb glucose uptake. Additionally, bypassing insulin transport by direct injection into muscle revealed a fourfold greater sensitivity to insulin of in vivo muscle tissue than previously reported from intravenous insulin administration.
CONCLUSIONS—Our results indicate that the transport of insulin to skeletal muscle is a rate-limiting step for insulin to activate glucose disposal. Based on these results, we speculate that defects in insulin transport across the endothelial layer of skeletal muscle will contribute to insulin resistance.
Secondary social anxiety in hyperkinesias
Authors: Ozel‐Kizil Erguvan Tugba , Akbostanci M. Cenk , Ozguven Halise D. , Atbasoglu Esref Cem 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis is a comparison study that is aimed to investigate and compare the frequency and severity of secondary social anxiety disorder (SAD) in patients with hyperkinesias, which is associated with a significant sense of disfigurement and compromised social interaction. Patients with hemifacial spasm (n = 20), cervical dystonia (n = 20), and essential tremor (n = 20) were evaluated by SCID‐I, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales, and Sheehan Disability Scale. The DSM‐IV H criterion excluding social anxiety related to a medical condition was disregarded for the diagnosis of secondary SAD. The control group (n = 60) consisted of matched healthy subjects. The frequency of the diagnosis and severity of symptoms were compared and associations with sociodemographic and clinical factors were explored. There was no difference between three patient groups in terms of the frequency or the severity of secondary SAD. Younger age and depressive symptoms were associated with the severity of secondary SAD, while severity or duration of the movement disorder or social disability was not. This study revealed a high frequency of secondary SAD in hyperkinesias, emphasizing the need for psychiatric assessment, especially for younger and depressed patients, who seem to be at greater risk. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Tumor Size Predicts Malignant Potential in Hürthle Cell Neoplasms of the Thyroid
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Elaraj Dina M. , Khanafshar Elham , Zarnegar Rasa , Kebebew Electron , Duh Quan‐Yang , Clark Orlo H. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundA fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of a Hürthle cell neoplasm is associated with a 20% risk of malignancy. We sought to determine if the primary tumor size correlated with the risk of malignancy in patients with a preoperative FNA diagnosis of a Hürthle cell neoplasm.MethodsBetween January 2000 and November 2006, 57 patients underwent a thyroidectomy with a preoperative FNA diagnosis of a Hürthle cell neoplasm. Patient histories, FNA reports, operative notes, and pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsThe overall rate of malignancy in patients with Hürthle cell neoplasms was 21%. The average tumor size was 3.2 cm, with malignant tumors being significantly larger than benign tumors (5.0 vs. 2.7 cm, p < 0.01). The risk of malignancy directly correlated with tumor size. No malignancies were seen in tumors 2 cm or smaller (0/15). The risk of malignancy was only 13% (6/46) in tumors 4 cm or smaller and increased to 55% (6/11) in tumors larger than 4 cm. All tumors larger than 6 cm were malignant (4/4).ConclusionsTumor size correlates directly with malignant potential in patients with Hürthle cell neoplasms of the thyroid. Among our patients, malignancy was not present in any tumors 2 cm or smaller and was present in all tumors larger than 6 cm. Because the risk of malignancy is greater than 50% in patients with a tumor larger than 4 cm, consideration should be given for an initial total thyroidectomy in these patients.
Arabidopsis NAD-Malic Enzyme Functions As a Homodimer and Heterodimer and Has a Major Impact on Nocturnal Metabolism
Authors: Tronconi Marcos A. , Fahnenstich Holger , Gerrard Weehler Mariel C. , Andreo Carlos S. , Flügge Ulf-Ingo , Drincovich María F. , Maurino Verónica G. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Although the nonphotosynthetic NAD-malic enzyme (NAD-ME) was assumed to play a central role in the metabolite flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the knowledge on this enzyme is still limited. Here, we report on the identification and characterization of two genes encoding mitochondrial NAD-MEs from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtNAD-ME1 and AtNAD-ME2. The encoded proteins can be grouped into the two clades found in the plant NAD-ME phylogenetic tree. AtNAD-ME1 belongs to the clade that includes known α-subunits with molecular masses of approximately 65 kD, while AtNAD-ME2 clusters with the known β-subunits with molecular masses of approximately 58 kD. The separated recombinant proteins showed NAD-ME activity, presented comparable kinetic properties, and are dimers in their active conformation. Native electrophoresis coupled to denaturing electrophoresis revealed that in vivo AtNAD-ME forms a dimer of nonidentical subunits in Arabidopsis. Further support for this conclusion was obtained by reconstitution of the active heterodimer in vitro. The characterization of loss-of-function mutants for both AtNAD-MEs indicated that both proteins also exhibit enzymatic activity in vivo. Neither the single nor the double mutants showed a growth or developmental phenotype, suggesting that NAD-ME activity is not essential for normal autotrophic development. Nevertheless, metabolic profiling of plants completely lacking NAD-ME activity revealed differential patterns of modifications in light and dark periods and indicates a major role for NAD-MEs during nocturnal metabolism.
A bibliometric analysis of the literature of chemoinformatics
Authors: Willett Peter 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the literature of chemoinformatics, a subject that has arisen over the last few years and that draws on techniques from a range of disciplines, most notably chemistry (particularly computational and medicinal chemistry), computer science and information science.Design/methodology/approachDiscusses subject, author and citation searches of (principally) the web of knowledge database.FindingsThe Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling (previously the Journal of Chemical Information and Computer Sciences) is the core journal for the subject, but with many significant papers being published in journals whose principal focus is molecular modelling, quantitative structure‐activity relationships or more general aspects of chemistry. The discipline is international in scope, and many of the most cited papers describe software packages that play a key role in modern chemoinformatics research.Originality/valueThis is the first bibliometric study of chemoinformatics, and one of only a very few that consider the bibliometrics of computational chemistry more generally.
Assessing the international web connectivity of research groups
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Li Xuemei , Barjak Franz , Robinson Simon 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to claim that it is useful to assess the web connectivity of research groups, describe hyperlink‐based techniques to achieve this and present brief details of European life sciences research groups as a case study.Design/methodology/approachA commercial search engine was harnessed to deliver hyperlink data via its automatic query submission interface. A special purpose link analysis tool, LexiURL, then summarised and graphed the link data in appropriate ways.FindingsWebometrics can provide a wide range of descriptive information about the international connectivity of research groups.Research limitations/implicationsOnly one field was analysed, data was taken from only one search engine, and the results were not validated.Practical implicationsWeb connectivity seems to be particularly important for attracting overseas job applicants and to promote research achievements and capabilities, and hence we contend that it can be useful for national and international governments to use webometrics to ensure that the web is being used effectively by research groups.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to make a case for the value of using a range of webometric techniques to evaluate the web presences of research groups within a field, and possibly the first “applied” webometrics study produced for an external contract.
Effectiveness of UMLS semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical domain ontology
Authors: Na Jin‐Cheon , Leng Neoh Hock 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of the unified medical language system (UMLS) semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical field ontology.Design/methodology/approachThe information extraction process known as the knowledge engineering approach was used to extract concepts and their semantic relations from documents on “colon cancer treatment”. The UMLS semantic network was used as a seed ontology, and was extended and enriched with the extracted concepts and semantic relations using Protégé.FindingsOnly half of the semantic relations extracted manually were defined (or inferable) in the UMLS semantic network. The remaining half could be added to the network to extend its coverage. In addition, two semantic types in the network were found to be too general and four new sublevel semantic types were proposed to make them more specific.Research limitations/implicationsSince only 109 research paper abstracts in the “colon cancer treatment” domain were analyzed in this study, more abstracts from the colon cancer treatment domain as well as from other cancer treatment domains (such as breast cancer treatment) can be analyzed to give a better generalization of our findings.Originality/valueThis study shares our findings on the effectiveness of the UMLS semantic network as a seed ontology for building a medical domain ontology, and also provides the basic guidelines for building or extending a medical domain ontology using the UMLS.
The academic impact of Chinese humanities and social science research
Authors: Jie Zhang , Xinning Su , Sanhong Deng 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThis paper is written as an attempt to employ the Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) in the evaluation of Chinese humanities and social science research.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses statistics in the CSSCI (2000‐2004) to analyze the academic impact of researchers, papers and works, institutions and regions on Chinese humanities and social science research.FindingsThe authors identify 100 highly cited people, 50 highly cited papers, 50 highly cited works, 20 highly productive institutions and 20 highly cited institutions. Also provided is some regional information about Chinese humanities and social science research.Originality/valueIt is hoped that the CSSCI, as well as the analysis and evaluation based on it, will give researchers a better understanding of Chinese humanities and social science research.
Modes of qualities in development of speciality food
Authors: Petter Stræte Egil 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of alternative processes of restructuring in the agri‐food chain, emphasising the socio‐cultural aspects.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual discussion as to how qualities are embedded in speciality products to make them different from conventional products leads to the presentation of a model of modes of designed qualities. This model is applied to an empirical study of the milk supply chains and the related infrastructure in Norway and Wales.FindingsThe research argues that qualities of food are constructed in relations between participants along the supply chain, consumers included. Development of speciality food needs new networks to create other modes of quality than the standard.Research limitations/implicationsThe concepts are contributions to analytical generalisations and not to statistical generalisations, i.e. they must be applied to cases. This study is related to the milk sector in two contexts. There is a need to explore other empirical cases.Originality/valueThis paper uses new conceptual tools to analyse how food qualities are constructed in relations between food producers, processors and consumers. It contributes to the debate on the alternative food economy, especially with relation to aspects of quality.
An open economy model with currency substitution and real dollarization
Authors: Corrado Germana 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe paper aims at developing a theoretical model for de facto dollarized small open economies focusing on currency substitution and nominal wages indexation to the exchange rate.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is performed in a general equilibrium “New Open Economy Macroeconomics” framework with nominal rigidities and imperfect competition in the nontraded good sector.FindingsThe paper finds that a dollar‐indexed economy with low degrees of payments/financial dollarization could experience higher costs in terms of exchange rate and output fluctuations when nominal shocks dominate real shocks, making stabilization programs more difficult to achieve in a rapid and less costly way.Practical implicationsThe speed of adjustment of macro variables is faster in the highly dollarized economy as a response to a higher and more volatile inflation rate. A higher level of financial dollarization increases the frequency of domestic prices and wages revisions to nominal exchange rate shocks. This might explain, in turn, why nominal disturbances are shorter lived in the higher dollarized economies, and the asymmetry between financial and real dollarizationOriginality/valueContrary to the “conventional wisdom” that predicts a positive relationship between the degrees of dollarization and the exchange rate pass‐through, our model shows that the degree of dollarization and the degree of dollar indexation are not necessarily the same or even correlated.
Wagner's hypothesis
Authors: Mohammadi Hassan , Cak Murat , Cak Demet 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to prove the validity of Wagner's hypothesis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the validity of Wagner's hypothesis with annual data for Turkey over 1950‐2005 period.FindingsThe empirical results using the ARDL bounds tests of cointegration provide strong support for the hypothesis. Also, the results are robust across six alternative specifications of the Wagner's hypothesis as well as four alternative lag length selection criterions.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on the validity of Wagner's hypothesis.
The hidden financial costs of ERP software
Authors: Lindley James T. , Topping Sharon , Lindley Lee T. 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to detail how the adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems creates major distortions in the corporate decision‐making process.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is to focus on the distortion in the capital – budgeting process of corporations emanating from the rigidity of ERP software. The rigidity negatively influences decision‐making because ERP software often dictates that the firm must change its core business procedures and processes to fit the software.FindingsLack of flexibility limits the introduction of new products, or targeting a new customer segment by increasing costs and imposing delays in implementation.Research limitations/implicationsFirms would benefit from performing detailed analysis of the impact of ERP systems on their ability to make operational decisions.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on the problem of decreased flexibility in making changes in the production and accounting components of the firm when purchasing and installing ERP systems that cannot accommodate minor or major changes in the corporation.