Showing papers by "University of Nebraska–Lincoln published in 2003"
TL;DR: This work identified selenoprotein genes in sequenced mammalian genomes by methods that rely on identification of selenocysteine insertion RNA structures, the coding potential of UGA codons, and the presence of cysteine-containing homologs.
Abstract: In the genetic code, UGA serves as a stop signal and a selenocysteine codon, but no computational methods for identifying its coding function are available. Consequently, most selenoprotein genes are misannotated. We identified selenoprotein genes in sequenced mammalian genomes by methods that rely on identification of selenocysteine insertion RNA structures, the coding potential of UGA codons, and the presence of cysteine-containing homologs. The human selenoproteome consists of 25 selenoproteins.
2,096 citations
TL;DR: Spectral reflectance of maple, chestnut, wild vine and beech leaves in a wide range of pigment content and composition was investigated and it was shown that reciprocal reflectance (R lambda)-1 in the spectral range lambda related closely to the total chlorophyll content in leaves of all species.
1,667 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the validity of the measurement model and factor structure of Bass and Avolio's Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Form 5X).
Abstract: In this study, we examined the validity of the measurement model and factor structure of Bass and Avolio’s Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Form 5X). We hypothesized that evaluations of leadership—and hence the psychometric properties of leadership instruments—may be affected by the context in which leadership is observed and evaluated. Using largely homogenous business samples consisting of 2279 pooled male and 1089 pooled female raters who evaluated same-gender leaders, we found support for the nine-factor leadership model proposed by Bass and Avolio. The model was configurally and partially metrically invariant—suggesting that the same constructs were validly measured in the male and female groups. Mean differences were found between the male and female samples on four leadership factors (Study 1). Next, using factor-level data of 18 independently gathered samples (N=6525 raters) clustered into prototypically homogenous contexts, we tested the nine-factor model and found it was stable (i.e., fully invariant) within homogenous contexts (Study 2). The contextual factors comprised environmental risk, leader–follower gender, and leader hierarchical level. Implications for use of the MLQ and nine-factor model are discussed.
1,518 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a special issue on bullying and victimization in school psychology review highlights current research efforts in American schools on bullying, peer victimization, and how this research can in
Abstract: This special issue on bullying and victimization in School Psychology Review highlights current research efforts in American schools on bullying and peer victimization, and how this research can in
1,186 citations
28 Nov 2003
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the potential for conserving natural resources while meeting increased demand for cereals, and conclude that avoiding expansion of cultivation into natural ecosystems, increased nitrogen use efficiency, and improved soil quality are pivotal components of a sustainable agriculture that meets human needs and protects natural resources.
Abstract: ▪ Abstract Agriculture is a resource-intensive enterprise. The manner in which food production systems utilize resources has a large influence on environmental quality. To evaluate prospects for conserving natural resources while meeting increased demand for cereals, we interpret recent trends and future trajectories in crop yields, land and nitrogen fertilizer use, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions to identify key issues and challenges. Based on this assessment, we conclude that avoiding expansion of cultivation into natural ecosystems, increased nitrogen use efficiency, and improved soil quality are pivotal components of a sustainable agriculture that meets human needs and protects natural resources. To achieve this outcome will depend on raising the yield potential and closing existing yield gaps of the major cereal crops to avoid yield stagnation in some of the world's most productive systems. Recent trends suggest, however, that increasing crop yield potential is a formidable scienti...
905 citations
TL;DR: Examination of primary psychosocial factors that predict problem drinking in college students found that interventions and prevention programs would need to reach college students at all three levels--the environment, individual personality traits, and cognitive processes.
778 citations
TL;DR: The relationship between vegetation vigor and moisture availability, however, is complex and has not been adequately studied with satellite sensor data as mentioned in this paper, however, an analysis was conducted on time series of monthly NDVI (1989-2000) during the growing season in the north and central U.S. Great Plains.
723 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define agroecology as the ecology of food systems and provide a framework that will guide research, education, and action in the multiple and interacting facets of an increasingly complex global agriculture and food system.
Abstract: We present a compelling rationale for defining agroecology as the ecology of food systems. Our purpose is to provide a framework that will guide research, education, and action in the multiple and interacting facets of an increasingly complex global agriculture and food system. To accomplish such goals, it is essential to build bridges and connections among and beyond our disciplines in production agriculture, as well as beyond the farm gate into the rural landscape and community. Fields of sociology, anthropology, environmental sciences, ethics, and economics are crucial to the mix. They provide additional vantage points from which we can view the food system anew, as well as insights on how to establish valuation criteria beyond neoclassical economics. Examples from Mexico, California, and the Nordic Region are used to illustrate the successful implementation of this educational strategy in universities. Design of individual farms using principles of ecology is expanded to the levels of landsca...
722 citations
New England Biolabs1, New York State Department of Health2, Columbia University3, Wayne State University4, University of Basel5, University of Toledo6, University of Edinburgh7, University of Alabama8, University of Portsmouth9, Moscow State University10, University of Illinois at Chicago11, University of Bristol12, University of Rochester13, Duke University14, University of Sheffield15, Vilnius University16, University of Giessen17, University of Copenhagen18, Hungarian Academy of Sciences19, North Carolina State University20, University of Tokyo21, Humboldt University of Berlin22, Brookhaven National Laboratory23, University of Massachusetts Medical School24, National Institutes of Health25, Indian Institute of Science26, University of Warsaw27, University of California, Santa Barbara28, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR29, University of Oregon30, The Chinese University of Hong Kong31, University of Maryland, College Park32, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center33, University of Wisconsin-Madison34, University of Nebraska–Lincoln35, University of Lisbon36
TL;DR: In this article, a nomenclature for restriction endonucleases, DNA methyltransferases, homing endon nucleases and related genes and gene products is described.
Abstract: A nomenclature is described for restriction endonucleases, DNA methyltransferases, homing endonucleases and related genes and gene products. It provides explicit categories for the many different Type II enzymes now identified and provides a system for naming the putative genes found by sequence analysis of microbial genomes.
710 citations
TL;DR: Understanding of the reaction mechanisms of B12 enzymes has been greatly enhanced by the availability of large amounts of enzyme that have afforded detailed structure-function studies, and these recent advances are the subject of this review.
Abstract: Vitamin B12 is a complex organometallic cofactor associated with three subfamilies of enzymes: the adenosylcobalamin-dependent isomerases, the methylcobalamin-dependent methyltransferases, and the dehalogenases. Different chemical aspects of the cofactor are exploited during catalysis by the isomerases and the methyltransferases. Thus, the cobalt-carbon bond ruptures homolytically in the isomerases, whereas it is cleaved heterolytically in the methyltransferases. The reaction mechanism of the dehalogenases, the most recently discovered class of B12 enzymes, is poorly understood. Over the past decade our understanding of the reaction mechanisms of B12 enzymes has been greatly enhanced by the availability of large amounts of enzyme that have afforded detailed structure-function studies, and these recent advances are the subject of this review.
692 citations
01 Apr 2003
TL;DR: Gaining customer trust in m-commerce is a daunting process, extending from initial trust formation to continuous trust development---but it can be done.
Abstract: Gaining customer trust in m-commerce is a daunting process, extending from initial trust formation to continuous trust development---but it can be done.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed 10 projects with quantitative data on nontarget effects and found that relatives of the pest are most likely to be attacked; host-specificity testing defines physiological host range, but not ecological range; prediction of ecological consequences requires population data; the level of impact varied, often in relation to environmental conditions; information on magnitude of nontarget impact is sparse; attack on rare native species can accelerate their decline; and no evidence on adaptation is available.
Abstract: Controversy exists over ecological risks in classical biological control. We reviewed 10 projects with quantitative data on nontarget effects. Ten patterns emerged: (a) Relatives of the pest are most likely to be attacked; (b) host-specificity testing defines physiological host range, but not ecological range; (c) prediction of ecological consequences requires population data; (d) level of impact varied, often in relation to environmental conditions; (e) information on magnitude of nontarget impact is sparse; (f) attack on rare native species can accelerate their decline; (g) nontarget effects can be indirect; (h) agents disperse from agroecosystems; (i) whole assemblages of species can be perturbed; and (j) no evidence on adaptation is available in these cases. The review leads to six recommendations: Avoid using generalists or adventive species; expand host-specificity testing; incorporate more ecological information; consider ecological risk in target selection; prioritize agents; and pursue genetic data on adaptation. We conclude that retrospective analyses suggest clear ways to further increase future safety of biocontrol.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a technique to estimate LAI and green leaf biomass remotely using reflectances in two spectral channels either in the green around 550 nm, or at the red edge near 700 nm, and in the NIR (beyond 750 nm).
Abstract: [1] Leaf area index (LAI) is an important variable for climate modeling, estimates of primary production, agricultural yield forecasting, and many other diverse studies. Remote sensing provides a considerable potential for estimating LAI at local to regional and global scales. Several spectral vegetation indices have been proposed, but their capacity to estimate LAI is highly reduced at moderate-to-high LAI. In this paper, we propose a technique to estimate LAI and green leaf biomass remotely using reflectances in two spectral channels either in the green around 550 nm, or at the red edge near 700 nm, and in the NIR (beyond 750 nm). The technique was tested in agricultural fields under a maize canopy, and proved suitable for accurate estimation of LAI ranging from 0 to more than 6.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of spin-dependent tunnelling in magnetic tunnel junctions and discuss various factors that control the spin polarization and magnetoresistance in MTJ.
Abstract: The phenomenon of electron tunnelling has been known since the advent of quantum mechanics, but continues to enrich our understanding of many fields of physics, as well as creating sub-fields on its own. Spin-dependent tunnelling (SDT) in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) has recently aroused enormous interest and has developed in a vigorous field of research. The large tunnelling magnetoresistance (TMR) observed in MTJs garnered much attention due to possible applications in non-volatile random-access memories and next-generation magnetic field sensors. This led to a number of fundamental questions regarding the phenomenon of SDT. In this review article we present an overview of this field of research. We discuss various factors that control the spin polarization and magnetoresistance in MTJs. Starting from early experiments on SDT and their interpretation, we consider thereafter recent experiments and models which highlight the role of the electronic structure of the ferromagnets, the insulating layer, and the ferromagnet/insulator interfaces. We also discuss the role of disorder in the barrier and in the ferromagnetic electrodes and their influence on TMR.
TL;DR: Comparing internal and external approaches to enterprise business integration is a good place to start if you want to know how to integrate your company into the global supply chain.
Abstract: Comparing internal and external approaches to enterprise business integration.
TL;DR: The 5 most critical factors identified by the CIOs were top management support, project champion, ERP teamwork and composition, project management, and change management program and culture.
Abstract: This article reports the results of a survey of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from Fortune 1000 companies on their perceptions of the critical success factors in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation. Through a review of the literature, 11 critical success factors were identified , with underlying subfactors, for successful ERP implementation. The degree of criticality of each of these factors were assessed in a survey administered to the CIOs. The 5 most critical factors identified by the CIOs were top management support, project champion, ERP teamwork and composition, project management, and change management program and culture. The importance of each of these factors is discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the moderating effect of collectivism on the relationship between transformational leadership and work-related outcomes, such as facets of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and perceptions of organizational withdrawal behaviours.
Abstract: Previous cross-cultural research on transformational leadership has focused mainly on replicating the augmentation effects of transformational leadership over transactional leadership on followers' attitudes and behaviours Relatively few studies have systematically examined cultural impacts in moderating the influence of transformational leadership on work-related outcomes taking a cross-cultural perspective Using a field survey of 577 employees from banking and financial sectors in three emerging economies, namely: China, India and Kenya, we examined the moderating effect of collectivism on the relationships between transformational leadership, work-related attitudes and perceptions of withdrawal behaviours Our results found support for the moderating effect of collectivism on the relationship between transformational leadership and work-related outcomes, such as facets of job satisfaction, organizational commitment and perceptions of organizational withdrawal behaviours In addition, our results lend
TL;DR: It has been demonstrated that thioltransferase has a remarkable resistance to oxidation (H(2)O(2)) in cultured human and rabbit lens epithelial cells under oxidative stress conditions when other oxidation defense systems of GSH peroxidase and GSH reductase are severely inactivated.
King's College London1, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center2, Pasteur Institute3, Monell Chemical Senses Center4, Oregon Health & Science University5, University of Colorado Boulder6, Drexel University7, Pennsylvania State University8, Wadsworth Center9, Leibniz Association10, Health Canada11, University of Tennessee Health Science Center12, Washington University in St. Louis13, University of Memphis14, University of Massachusetts Medical School15, Hebrew University of Jerusalem16, University of Groningen17, Roswell Park Cancer Institute18, Purdue University19, University of California, Davis20, University of Oxford21, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center22, International Livestock Research Institute23, Max Planck Society24, University of Alabama at Birmingham25, National Institutes of Health26, Charité27, RWTH Aachen University28, University of California, Los Angeles29, McGill University30, Royal Melbourne Hospital31, Rutgers University32, Stanford University33, Columbia University34, Princeton University35, University of Nebraska–Lincoln36, Harvard University37, University of Toronto38, Vanderbilt University39, Northwestern University40, Shriners Hospitals for Children41, University of Colorado Denver42, Thomas Jefferson University43, University of Vermont44, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill45, Southern Illinois University Carbondale46, Medical Research Council47, New York University48, University of Kentucky49
TL;DR: This white paper by eighty members of the Complex Trait Consortium presents a community's view on the approaches and statistical analyses that are needed for the identification of genetic loci that determine quantitative traits.
Abstract: This white paper by eighty members of the Complex Trait Consortium presents a community's view on the approaches and statistical analyses that are needed for the identification of genetic loci that determine quantitative traits. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) can be identified in several ways, but is there a definitive test of whether a candidate locus actually corresponds to a specific QTL?
TL;DR: It is reported that Pseudomonas AvrPtoB acts inside the plant cell to inhibit programmed cell death (PCD) initiated by the Pto and Cf9 disease resistance proteins and, remarkably, the pro‐apoptotic mouse protein Bax.
Abstract: The AvrPtoB type III effector protein is conserved among diverse genera of plant pathogens suggesting it plays an important role in pathogenesis. Here we report that Pseudomonas AvrPtoB acts inside the plant cell to inhibit programmed cell death (PCD) initiated by the Pto and Cf9 disease resistance proteins and, remarkably, the pro-apoptotic mouse protein Bax. AvrPtoB also suppressed PCD in yeast, demonstrating that AvrPtoB functions as a cell death inhibitor across kingdoms. Using truncated AvrPtoB proteins, we identified distinct N- and C-terminal domains of AvrPtoB that are sufficient for host recognition and PCD inhibition, respectively. We also identified a novel resistance phenotype, Rsb, that is triggered by an AvrPtoB truncation disrupted in the anti-PCD domain. A Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 strain with a chromosomal mutation in the AvrPtoB C-terminus elicited Rsb-mediated immunity in previously susceptible tomato plants and disease was restored when full-length AvrPtoB was expressed in trans. Thus, our results indicate that a type III effector can induce plant susceptibility to bacterial infection by inhibiting host PCD.
TL;DR: Results provided evidence that smaller-scale (i.e., nanometer dimension) carbon fibers promoted osteoblast adhesion, and greater weight percentages of high surface energy carbon nanofibers in the PCU/CNF composite increased osteobleft adhesion while at the same time decreased fibroblast adhesion.
TL;DR: Members of the family Geminiviridae characteristically have circular single-stranded DNAgenomes packaged within twinned (so-called geminate) particles that cause yield losses to many crop plants throughout the world.
Abstract: Members of the family Geminiviridae characteristically have circular single-stranded DNAgenomes packaged within twinned (so-called geminate) particles. Geminiviruses are currentlydivided into four genera on the basis of their genome organizations and biological properties[2,20].Thosethathaveamonopartitegenomeandaretransmittedbyleafhoppervectors,primarilyto monocotyledonous plants, are included in the genus Mastrevirus, of which Maize streak virus isthe type species. Viruses that have monopartite genomes distinct from those of the mastrevirusesand that are transmitted by leafhopper vectors to dicotyledonous plants are included in thegenus Curtovirus, with Beet curly top virus as the type species. The genus Topocuvirus, recentlyrecognized by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) [18], has only onemember (also the type species), Tomato pseudo-curly top virus, which has a monopartite genomeandistransmittedbyatreehoppervectortodicotyledonousplants.ThegenusBegomoviruscontainsviruses that are transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) to dicotyledonous plants,with Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (originally Bean golden mosaic virus – Puerto Rico)asthetype species. Many begomoviruses have bipartite genomes (DNA A and DNA B components),although numerous begomoviruses with a monopartite genome occur in the Old World, and thereare some for which a single component is not infectious yet no DNA B component has been found.Geminiviruses cause significant yield losses to many crop plants throughout the world [5, 7].Because of their economic importance and the relative ease with which their DNA genomescan be cloned, many geminiviruses have been isolated and characterized. Guidelines for naming
TL;DR: This article conducted a meta-analysis of the correlational literature on measures of phonological awareness, rapid naming, reading, and related abilities and found that the importance of RAN and PA measures in accounting for reading performance has been overstated.
Abstract: This study provides a meta-analysis of the correlational literature on measures of phonological awareness, rapid naming, reading, and related abilities. Correlations (N = 2,257) were corrected for sample size, restriction in range, and attenuation from 49 independent samples. Correlations between phonological awareness (PA) and rapid naming (RAN) were low (.38) and loaded on different factors. PA and RAN were moderately correlated with real-word reading (.48 and .46, respectively). Other findings were that (a) real-word reading was correlated best (r values were .60 to .80) with spelling and pseudoword reading, but correlations with RAN, PA, vocabulary, orthography, IQ, and memory measures were in the low-to-moderate range (.37 to .43); and (b) correlations between reading and RAN/PA varied minimally across age groups but were weaker in poor readers than in skilled readers. The results suggested that the importance of RAN and PA measures in accounting for reading performance has been overstated.
TL;DR: This paper found that boards are more likely to appoint a CEO that will change firm policies and strategies when forecasted five-year EPS growth is low and there is greater uncertainty (more dispersion) among analysts about the firm's long-term forecasts.
Abstract: Our analysis suggests that boards focus on deviation from expected performance, rather than performance alone, in making the CEO turnover decision, especially when there is agreement (less dispersion) among analysts about the firm's earnings forecast or there are a large number of analysts following the firm. In addition, our results suggest that boards are more likely to appoint a CEO that will change firm policies and strategies (i.e., an outsider) when forecasted five-year EPS growth is low and there is greater uncertainty (more dispersion) among analysts about the firm's long-term forecasts.
TL;DR: A new sequence distance measure based on the relative information between the sequences using Lempel-Ziv complexity is proposed, which can be used to construct phylogenetic trees.
Abstract: Motivation Most existing approaches for phylogenetic inference use multiple alignment of sequences and assume some sort of an evolutionary model. The multiple alignment strategy does not work for all types of data, e.g. whole genome phylogeny, and the evolutionary models may not always be correct. We propose a new sequence distance measure based on the relative information between the sequences using Lempel-Ziv complexity. The distance matrix thus obtained can be used to construct phylogenetic trees. Results The proposed approach does not require sequence alignment and is totally automatic. The algorithm has successfully constructed consistent phylogenies for real and simulated data sets. Availability Available on request from the authors.
TL;DR: Infection of swine with virulent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus induced a rapid, robust antibody response that comprised predominantly nonneutralizing antibodies and waned after approximately 3 months, whereas the initial onset of virus-specific interferon (IFN)-gamma-secreting cells in the pig lymphocyte population remained at a fairly low level during this period and then increased gradually in frequency.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide the conceptual background, meta-analyze available behavioral management studies (N= 72) in organizational settings, and examine whether combined reinforcement effects on task performance are additive (sum of individual effects), redundant (combined effects are less than the additive effects), or synergistic (combining effects are greater than the sum of the individual effects).
Abstract: In this study, we provide the conceptual background, meta-analyze available behavioral management studies (N= 72) in organizational settings, and examine whether combined reinforcement effects on task performance are additive (sum of individual effects), redundant (combined effects are less than the additive effects), or synergistic (combined effects are greater than the sum of the individual effects). We found a significant overall average effect size of (d.) = .47 (16% improvement in performance; 63% probability of success), and a significant within-group heterogeneity of effect sizes. To account for this variation, we conducted a theory-driven moderator analysis, which indicated that money, feedback, and social recognition each had a significant impact on task performance. However, when these 3 reinforcers were used in combination, they produced the strongest (synergistic) effect on task performance. Based on our findings, we offer directions for future research, and suggestions for effective application of behavioral management at work.
TL;DR: For example, this article found that high- as compared to low-hope leaders had more profitable work units and had better satisfaction and retention rates among their subordinates, and the implications of these preliminary findings of the positive impact that hopeful leaders may have in the workplace are discussed.
Abstract: Although hope is commonly used in terms of wishful thinking, as a positive psychological concept consisting of the dimensions of both willpower (agency) and waypower (pathways), it has been found to be positively related to academic, athletic and health outcomes The impact of hopeful leaders, however, has not been empirically analyzed This exploratory study (N = 59) found that high‐ as compared to low‐hope leaders had more profitable work units and had better satisfaction and retention rates among their subordinates The implications of these preliminary findings of the positive impact that hopeful leaders may have in the workplace are discussed
TL;DR: It is reported here that the coat protein (CP) of Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) strongly suppresses PTGS, and it is suggested that TCV CP functions to suppress RNA silencing at an early initiation step, likely by interfering the function of the Dicer-like RNase in plants.
Abstract: Posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS), or RNA silencing, is a sequence-specific RNA degradation process that targets foreign RNA, including viral and transposon RNA for destruction. Several RNA plant viruses have been shown to encode suppressors of PTGS in order to survive this host defense. We report here that the coat protein (CP) of Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) strongly suppresses PTGS. The Agrobacterium infiltration system was used to demonstrate that TCV CP suppressed the local PTGS as strongly as several previously reported virus-coded suppressors and that the action of TCV CP eliminated the small interfering RNAs associated with PTGS. We have also shown that the TCV CP must be present at the time of silencing initiation to be an effective suppressor. TCV CP was able to suppress PTGS induced by sense, antisense, and double-stranded RNAs, and it prevented systemic silencing. These data suggest that TCV CP functions to suppress RNA silencing at an early initiation step, likely by interfering the function of the Dicer-like RNase in plants.