bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Religious and Existential Well‐being in Families with Lynch Syndrome: Prevention, Family Communication, and Psychosocial Adjustment
Authors: Morris Bronwyn A. , Hadley Donald W. , Koehly Laura M.
Published: January 2013

This study explored the role of religious (RWB) and existential well‐being (EWB) on psychosocial factors, support network characteristics, and screening practices in families with Lynch syndrome, also referred to as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Participants were individuals with Lynch syndrome associated cancers and their first‐degree relatives at risk of inheriting an identified deleterious mutation. Analyses considered both family RWB and EWB norms and individual deviations from that norm. Analyses controlled for age, gender, cancer diagnosis, number of respondents, and network size. Higher family RWB was associated with increased depressive symptoms (p < .05) and avoidant cognitions (p < .05). Higher family EWB was related to decreased depression symptoms (p < .001). Higher family EWB was associated with fecal occult blood testing (p < .01), and family communication about genetic counselling and testing (p < .01). Analyses pointed to individual effects of EWB above and beyond family‐level effects. Individuals with lower EWB than their family had lower perceived risk for colorectal cancer (p < .05), communicated disease risk information to less family members (p < .05), and were less likely to undergo recent colonoscopies (p < .05). Participants with lower EWB than their family also had higher cancer worry (p < .01) and increased depressive symptoms (p < .001). Findings indicate the importance of assessing individuals within the context of their family network and being aware of family characteristics which may impact individual adjustment to disease risk. Interventions considering family‐level factors may provide efficient pathways to improving psychosocial factors, screening practices, communication about disease risk and genetic testing, and cancer prevention.
Explaining variability in parasite aggregation levels among host samples
Authors: POULIN ROBERT
Published: January 2013

Aggregated distributions among individual hosts are a defining feature of metazoan parasite populations. Heterogeneity among host individuals in exposure to parasites or in susceptibility to infection is thought to be the main factor generating aggregation, with properties of parasites themselves explaining some of the variability in aggregation levels observed among species. Here, using data from 410 samples of helminth parasites on fish hosts, I tested the contribution of (i) within-sample variation in host body size, taken as a proxy for variability in host susceptibility, and (ii) parasite taxon and developmental stage, to the aggregated distribution of parasites. Log-transformed variance in numbers of parasites per host was regressed against log mean number across all samples; the strong relationship (r2 = 0·88) indicated that aggregation levels are tightly constrained by mean infection levels, and that only a small proportion of the observed variability in parasite aggregation levels remains to be accounted for by other factors. Using the residuals of this regression as measures of ‘unexplained’ aggregation, a mixed effects model revealed no significant effect of within-sample variation in host body size or of parasite taxon or stage (i.e. juvenile versus adult) on parasite aggregation level within a sample. However, much of the remaining variability in parasite aggregation levels among samples was accounted for by the number of individual hosts examined per sample, and species-specific and study-specific effects reflecting idiosyncrasies of particular systems. This suggests that with most differences in aggregation among samples already explained, there may be little point in seeking universal causes for the remaining variation.
Computational evaluation of the Traceback Method
Authors: KOL SHELI , NIR BRACHA , WINTNER SHULY
Published: January 2013

Several models of language acquisition have emerged in recent years that rely on computational algorithms for simulation and evaluation. Computational models are formal and precise, and can thus provide mathematically well-motivated insights into the process of language acquisition. Such models are amenable to robust computational evaluation, using technology that was developed for Information Retrieval and Computational Linguistics. In this article we advocate the use of such technology for the evaluation of formal models of language acquisition. We focus on the Traceback Method, proposed in several recent studies as a model of early language acquisition, explaining some of the phenomena associated with children's ability to generalize previously heard utterances and generate novel ones. We present a rigorous computational evaluation that reveals some flaws in the method, and suggest directions for improving it.
Biogas in organic agriculture—effects on productivity, energy self-sufficiency and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Pugesgaard Siri , Olesen Jørgen E. , Jørgensen Uffe , Dalgaard Tommy
Published: January 2013

Anaerobic digestion of manure and crops provides the possibility of a combined production of renewable energy and organic fertilizer on organic farms and has been suggested as an option to improve sustainability of organic agriculture. In the present study, the consequences of implementation of anaerobic digestion and biogas production were analyzed on a 1000 ha model farm with combined dairy and cash crop production, representing organic agriculture in Denmark. The effects on crop rotation, nitrogen flows and losses, yield, energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were evaluated for four scenarios of biogas production on the farm. Animal manure was digested for biogas production in all scenarios and was supplemented with: (1) 100 ha grass–clover for biogas, (2) 100 ha maize for biogas, (3) 200 ha grass–clover for biogas and reduced number of livestock, and (4) 200 ha grass–clover for biogas, reduced number of livestock and import of biomass from cuttings made in ungrazed meadows. These four scenarios were compared with the current situation in organic agriculture in Denmark and to a situation where slurry from conventional agriculture is no longer imported. Implementation of anaerobic digestion changed the nitrogen flows on the farm by increasing the slurry nitrogen plant availability and introducing new nitrogen sources from legume-based energy crops or meadows. The amount of nitrogen available for application as fertilizer on the farm increased when grass–clover was used for biogas production, but decreased when maize was used. Since part of the area was used for biogas production, the total output of foodstuffs from the farm was decreased. Effects on GHG emissions and net energy production were assessed by use of the whole-farm model FarmGHG. A positive farm energy balance was obtained for all biogas scenarios, showing that biomass production for biogas on 10% of the farm area results in an energy surplus, provided that the heat from the electricity production is utilized. The energy surplus implies a displacement of fossil fuels and thereby reduced CO2emission from the farm. Emissions of N2O were not affected substantially by biogas production. Total emissions of methane (CH4) were slightly decreased due to a 17–48% decrease in emissions from the manure store. Net GHG emission was reduced by 35–85% compared with the current situation in organic agriculture. It was concluded that production of biogas on organic farms holds the possibility for the farms to achieve a positive energy balance, provide self-sufficiency with organic fertilizer nitrogen, and reduce GHG emissions.
Citrullination as early-stage indicator of cell response to Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Mohamed Bashir Mustafa , Movia Dania , Knyazev Anton , Langevin Dominique , Davies Anthony Mitchell , Prina-Mello Adriele , Volkov Yuri
Published: January 2013

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been widely explored as potential technologies for information systems and medical applications. The impact of SWCNTs on human health is of prime concern, if SWCNTs have a future in the manufacturing industry. This study proposes a novel, inflammation-independent paradigm of toxicity for SWCNTs, identifying the protein citrullination process as early-stage indicator of inflammatory responses of macrophages (THP-1) and of subtle phenotypic damages of lung epithelial (A549) cells following exposure to chemically-treated SWCNTs. Our results showed that, while most of the cellular responses of A549 cells exposed to SWCNTs are different to those of similarly treated THP-1 cells, the protein citrullination process is triggered in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both cell lines, with thresholds comparable between inflammatory (THP-1) and non-inflammatory (A549) cell types. The cellular mechanism proposed herein could have a high impact in predicting the current risk associated with environmental exposure to SWCNTs.
Local magnetization profile and geometry magnetization effects in microwires as determined by magneto-optical Kerr effect
Authors: Ye Jingfan , del Real Rafael P. , Infante Germán , Vázquez Manuel
Published: January 2013

The local magnetization profile along the length in magnetostrictive Fe-based magnetic microwires has been determined by magneto-optical Kerr effect. The study has been performed in microwires with different geometrical dimensions (i.e., diameter and length). The profiles of remanent magnetization and coercivity remain constant at the middle part for all microwires, whereas significant reduction of net magnetization accompanied by significant change of coercivity is observed when approaching their ends. This local region extends just few tens of micrometer for thin (around 1 μm diameter) wires and up to several hundreds of micrometer for thick (around 10 μm diameter) wires. That predicts that critical length to observe bistability goes from 50 μm to nearly 1 mm as diameter increases from 1 to 10 μm. Results are further interpreted considering the local distribution of magnetic charges at the ends which, arising to reduce stray fields, lead in some cases to inverted loops.
Silicon sub-bandgap photon linear detection in two-photon experiments: A photo-assisted Shockley-Read-Hall mechanism
Authors: Vest B. , Lucas E. , Jaeck J. , Haïdar R. , Rosencher E.
Published: January 2013

We investigate the linear response of silicon p-i-n diodes to sub-bandgap photons (1.4 μm-1.6 μm) that has been reported by many authors and left unexplored till then. The quantum efficiency of this mechanism is extremely low (typically 10−9) but has a drastic influence on silicon devices harnessing two-photon absorption. We show that this linear photonic current decreases with temperature, displaying an activation energy similar to the dark current one. We show that this behaviour is consistent with a photo-assisted Shockley-Read mechanism in which the occupancy factor of a defect state in the Si band gap is influenced by the sub-band gap photon flux.
X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure study of epitaxial mixed ternary bixbyite PrxY2−xO3 (x = 0–2) films on Si (111)
Authors: Niu G. , Zoellner M. H. , Zaumseil P. , Pouliopoulos A. , d'Acapito F. , Schroeder T. , Boscherini F.
Published: January 2013

Ternary single crystalline bixbyite PrxY2−xO3 films over the full stoichiometry range (x = 0–2) have been epitaxially grown on Si (111) with tailored electronic and crystallographic structure. In this work, we present a detailed study of their local atomic environment by extended X-ray absorption fine structure at both Y K and Pr LIII edges, in combination with complementary high resolution x-ray diffraction measurements. The local structure exhibits systematic variations as a function of the film composition. The cation coordination in the second and third coordination shells changes with composition and is equal to the average concentration, implying that the PrxY2−xO3 films are indeed fully mixed and have a local bixbyite structure with random atomic-scale ordering. A clear deviation from the virtual crystal approximation for the cation-oxygen bond lengths is detected. This demonstrates that the observed Vegard's law for the lattice variation as a function of composition is based microscopically on a more complex scheme related to local structural distortions which accommodate the different cation–oxygen bond lengths.
Reexamination of band offset transitivity employing oxide heterojunctions
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Xiang Jinjuan , Wang Wenwu , Zhang Jing , Han Kai , Yang Hong , Ma Xueli , Zhao Chao , Chen Dapeng , Ye Tianchun
Published: January 2013

Band offset transitivity is reexamined extendedly by employing oxide heterojuctions. The valence band offsets (ΔEV) at HfO2/SiO2, Al2O3/SiO2, and HfO2/Al2O3 heterojunctions are experimentally determined to be 0.81, 0.25, and 0.25 eV, respectively, by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Thus, the ΔEV at HfO2/Al2O3 heterojunction is not equal to the ΔEV at HfO2/SiO2 minus the ΔEV at Al2O3/SiO2 heterostructures (0.25 ≠ 0.81 − 0.25 = 0.56), i.e., the transitivity rule fails for oxide heterojunctions. Different distributions of interfacial induced gap states at the three heterostructures contribute to this failure of transitivity rule.
Strong interfacial dipole formation with thermal evaporation of lithium cobalt oxide for efficient electron injections
Authors: Lee Hyunbok , Park Soohyung , Lee Jeihyun , Lee Younjoo , Shin Dongguen , Jeong Kwangho , Yi Yeonjin
Published: January 2013

We investigated the electronic structures at the interface of Al/lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2)/tris(8-hydoxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) to elucidate the origin of the electron injection enhancement with the insertion of the LiCoO2 layer in organic light-emitting devices using in situ photoelectron spectroscopy experiments. We discovered that LiCoO2 was decomposed into lithium oxide (Li2O) by thermal evaporation, and only Li2O was deposited on the desired substrate. Li2O forms a strong interfacial dipole, which reduces the surface potential on Alq3 due to its extremely low work function. As a result, the electron injection barrier was dramatically decreased by the Li2O layer. Furthermore, there is no strong chemical interaction at the interface of Al/Li2O/Alq3; hence, this would contribute to extend the device lifetime.
Analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency by doubly degenerate modes in a U-shaped metamaterial
Authors: Shao Jian , Li Jiaqi , Li Jie , Wang Yu-Kun , Dong Zheng-Gao , Chen Ping , Wu Rui-Xin , Zhai Ya
Published: January 2013

Analogues of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in metamaterials were usually based on complex structures, either by different resonators or by an introduction of symmetry-broken geometry. In this work, we propose a symmetric U-shaped structure to demonstrate an EIT-like transmission peak that is tunable with the rotation angle of the resonators. It is demonstrated that the doubly degenerate modes with different quality factors, sharing a same U-shaped resonator, is responsible for the EIT-like spectrum due to the destructive interference between them.
UV light phototransduction activates transient receptor potential A1 ion channels in human melanocytes
Authors: Bellono Nicholas W. , Kammel Laura G. , Zimmerman Anita L. , Oancea Elena
Published: January 2013

Human skin is constantly exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), the most prevalent environmental carcinogen. Humans have the unique ability among mammals to respond to UVR by increasing their skin pigmentation, a protective process driven by melanin synthesis in epidermal melanocytes. The molecular mechanisms used by melanocytes to detect and respond to long-wavelength UVR (UVA) are not well understood. We recently identified a UVA phototransduction pathway in melanocytes that is mediated by G protein-coupled receptors and leads to rapid calcium mobilization. Here we report that in human epidermal melanocytes physiological doses of UVR activate a retinal-dependent current mediated by transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) ion channels. The TRPA1 photocurrent is UVA-specific and requires G protein and phospholipase C signaling, thus contributing to UVA-induced calcium responses to mediate downstream cellular effects and providing evidence for TRPA1 function in mammalian phototransduction. Remarkably, TRPA1 activation is required for the UVR-induced and retinal-dependent early increase in cellular melanin. Our results show that TRPA1 is essential for a unique extraocular phototransduction pathway in human melanocytes that is activated by physiological doses of UVR and results in early melanin synthesis.
Perturbation of cell cycle regulation triggers plant immune response via activation of disease resistance genes
Authors: Bao Zhilong , Yang Huijun , Hua Jian
Published: January 2013

The
Arabidopsis
gene
OSD1
(
Omission of the Second Division
) and its homolog
UVI4
(
UV-B-Insensitive 4
) are negative regulators of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a multisubunit ubiquitin E3 ligase that regulates the progression of cell cycles. Here we report the isolation of an activation tagging allele of
OSD1
as an enhancer of a mutant of
BON1
(
BONZAI1
), a negative regulator of plant immunity. Overexpression of
OSD1
and
UVI4
each leads to enhanced immunity to a bacterial pathogen, which is associated with increased expression of disease resistance (
R
) genes similar to the animal NOD1 receptor-like immune receptor genes. In addition, the reduction of function of one subunit of the APC complex
APC10
exhibited a similar phenotype to that of overexpression of
OSD1
or
UVI4
, indicating that altered APC function induces immune responses. Enhanced immune response induced by
OSD1
overexpression is dependent on
CYCB1;1
, which is a degradation target of APC/C. It is also associated with up-regulation of
R
genes and is dependent on the
R
gene
SNC1
(
Suppressor of npr1-1, constitutive 1
). Taken together, our findings reveal an unexpected link between cell cycle progression and plant immunity, suggesting that cell cycle misregulation could have an impact on expression of genes, including
R
genes, in plant immunity.
Depletion of cellular polyamines, spermidine and spermine, causes a total arrest in translation and growth in mammalian cells
Authors: Mandal Swati , Mandal Ajeet , Johansson Hans E. , Orjalo Arturo V. , Park Myung Hee
Published: January 2013

The polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are essential polycations, intimately involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation. Although polyamines exert dynamic effects on the conformation of nucleic acids and macromolecular synthesis in vitro, their specific functions in vivo are poorly understood. We investigated the cellular function of polyamines by overexpression of a key catabolic enzyme, spermidine/spermine
N
1
-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1) in mammalian cells. Transient cotransfection of HeLa cells with GFP and SAT1 vectors suppressed GFP protein expression without lowering its mRNA level, an indication that the block in GFP expression was not at transcription, but at translation. Fluorescence single-cell imaging also revealed specific inhibition of endogenous protein synthesis in the SAT1 overexpressing cells, without any inhibition of synthesis of DNA or RNA. Overexpression of SAT1 using a SAT1 adenovirus led to rapid depletion of cellular spermidine and spermine, total inhibition of protein synthesis, and growth arrest within 24 h. The SAT1 effect is most likely due to depletion of spermidine and spermine, because stable polyamine analogs that are not substrates for SAT1 restored GFP and endogenous protein synthesis. Loss of polysomes with increased 80S monosomes in the polyamine-depleted cells suggests a direct role for polyamines in translation initiation. Our data provide strong evidence for a primary function of polyamines, spermidine and spermine, in translation in mammalian cells.
Kin recognition within a seed and the effect of genetic relatedness of an endosperm to its compatriot embryo on maize seed development
Authors: Wu Chi-Chih , Diggle Pamela K. , Friedman William E.
Published: January 2013

As one of two sexual products resulting from double fertilization in angiosperms, the endosperm nourishes its compatriot embryo during seed development and/or germination and ultimately dies. Theoretical studies suggest that the genetic relatedness of an endosperm to its embryo in the same seed might determine the amount of resources ultimately available for the embryo during seed development. We took advantage of the phenomenon of heterofertilization in cultivated maize to empirically test whether genetic relatedness between a triploid embryo-nourishing endosperm and its compatriot diploid embryo impacts the process of resource allocation between these two sexually produced entities. We used genetically distinct maize inbred lines to perform two crossing experiments. Dry weights of dissected embryos and endosperms of mature heterofertilized and adjacent homofertilized kernels were compared. Embryo weight of heterofertilized kernels was significantly less than that of embryos of homofertilized kernels, whereas there was no significant difference in endosperm weight between the two types of kernels. Our results suggest that the degree of genetic relatedness of an endosperm to its compatriot embryo affects seed development and specifically the amount of maternal resources allocated to an endosperm that are eventually turned over to an embryo. The lower the coefficient of relatedness of an endosperm to its compatriot embryo, the smaller the embryo. Thus, the endosperm of a heterofertilized seed appears to behave less cooperatively with respect to resource transfer toward its less closely related embryo compared with the endosperm of a homofertilized seed.
Transplantation of pancreatic islets to adrenal gland is promoted by agonists of growth-hormone-releasing hormone
Authors: Schubert Undine , Schmid Janine , Lehmann Susann , Zhang Xian Y. , Morawietz Henning , Block Norman L. , Kanczkowski Waldemar , Schally Andrew V. , Bornstein Stefan R. , Ludwig Barbara
Published: January 2013

Here, we evaluate an alternative approach of preconditioning pancreatic islets before transplantation using a potent agonist of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) to promote islet viability and function, and we explore the adrenal gland as an alternative transplantation site for islet engraftment. The endocrine microenvironment of the adrenal represents a promising niche with the unique advantages of exceptional high oxygen tension and local anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. GHRH agonists have been shown to promote islet graft survival and function, which may help to reduce the islet mass necessary to reverse diabetes. In the present study, the most potent GHRH agonist MR403 was tested on insulinoma cells, isolated rat islets, and adrenal β-cell cocultures in vitro. GHRH receptor is expressed on both adrenal cells and islets. MR403 caused a significant increase in cell viability and proliferation and revealed an antiapoptotic effect on insulinoma cells. Viability of rat islets was increased after treatment with the agonist and in coculture with adrenal cells. Rat islets were transplanted into diabetic mice to the intraadrenal transplant site and compared with the classical transplants underneath the kidney capsule. Graft function and integration were tested by metabolic follow-up and immunohistochemical staining of intraadrenal grafts. A rapid decrease occurred in blood glucose levels in both models, and all animals reached normoglycemia within the first days after transplantation. Our studies demonstrated that the adrenal may be an attractive site for islet transplantation and that GHRH analogs might allow reduction of the islet mass needed to reverse a diabetic status.
Mechanism of action and initial evaluation of a membrane active all-
D
-enantiomer antimicrobial peptidomimetic
Authors: McGrath Danielle M. , Barbu E. Magda , Driessen Wouter H. P. , Lasco Todd M. , Tarrand Jeffrey J. , Okhuysen Pablo C. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Sidman Richard L. , Pasqualini Renata , Arap Wadih
Published: January 2013

Development of therapy against infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens is a major unmet need in contemporary medicine. In previous work, our group chemically modified an antimicrobial peptidomimetic motif for targeted applications against cancer and obesity. Here, we show that the modified motif per se is resistant to proteolytic degradation and is a candidate antiinfective agent. We also show that the susceptibility of microorganisms to the drug is independent of bacterial growth phase. Moreover, this peptidomimetic selectively interferes with the integrity and function of the microbial surface lipid bilayer, data indicative that bacterial death results from membrane disruption followed by dissipation of membrane potential. Finally, we demonstrate two potential translational applications: use against biofilms and synergy with antibiotics in use. In summary, we introduce the mechanism of action and the initial evaluation of a prototype drug and a platform for the development of
D
-enantiomer antimicrobial peptidomimetics that target bacterial membranes of certain Gram-negative problem pathogens with promising translational applications.
Rab25 regulates integrin expression in polarized colonic epithelial cells
Authors: Krishnan Moorthy , Lapierre Lynne A. , Knowles Byron C. , Goldenring James R.
Published: January 2013

Rab25 is a tumor suppressor for colon cancer in humans and mice. To identify elements of intestinal polarity regulated by Rab25, we developed Caco2-BBE cell lines stably expressing short hairpin RNA for Rab25 and lines rescuing Rab25 knockdown with reexpression of rabbit Rab25. Rab25 knockdown decreased α2-, α5-, and β1-integrin expression. We observed colocalization and direct association of Rab25 with α5β1-integrins. Rab25 knockdown also up-regulated claudin-1 expression, increased transepithelial resistance, and increased invasive behavior. Rab25-knockdown cells showed disorganized brush border microvilli with decreases in villin expression. All of these changes were reversed by reintroduction of rabbit Rab25. Rab25 knockdown altered the expression of 29 gene transcripts, including the loss of α5-integrin transcripts. Rab25 loss decreased expression of one transcription factor, ETV4, and overexpression of ETV4 in Rab25-knockdown cells reversed losses of α5β1-integrin. The results suggest that Rab25 controls intestinal cell polarity through the regulation of gene expression.
Morphological development and cytochrome
c
oxidase activity in
Streptomyces lividans
are dependent on the action of a copper bound Sco protein
Authors: Blundell Katie L. I. M. , Wilson Michael T. , Svistunenko Dimitri A. , Vijgenboom Erik , Worrall Jonathan A. R.
Published: January 2013

Copper has an important role in the life cycle of many streptomycetes, stimulating the developmental switch between vegetative mycelium and aerial hyphae concomitant with the production of antibiotics. In streptomycetes, a gene encoding for a putative Sco-like protein has been identified and is part of an operon that contains two other genes predicted to handle cellular copper. We report on the Sco-like protein from
Streptomyces lividans
(Sco
Sl
) and present a series of experiments that firmly establish a role for Sco
Sl
as a copper metallochaperone as opposed to a role as a thiol-disulphide reductase that has been assigned to other bacterial Sco proteins. Under low copper concentrations, a Δ
sco
mutant in
S. lividans
displays two phenotypes; the development switch between vegetative mycelium and aerial hyphae stalls and cytochrome
c
oxidase (CcO) activity is significantly decreased. At elevated copper levels, the development and CcO activity in the Δ
sco
mutant are restored to wild-type levels and are thus independent of Sco
Sl
. A CcO knockout reveals that morphological development is independent of CcO activity leading us to suggest that Sco
Sl
has at least two targets in
S. lividans
. We establish that one Sco
Sl
target is the dinuclear Cu
A
domain of CcO and it is the cupric form of Sco
Sl
that is functionally active. The mechanism of cupric ion capture by Sco
Sl
has been investigated, and an important role for a conserved His residue is identified.
A cross-platform analysis of 14,177 expression quantitative trait loci derived from lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Liang Liming , Morar Nilesh , Dixon Anna L. , Lathrop G. Mark , Abecasis Goncalo R. , Moffatt Miriam F. , Cookson William O.C.
Published: January 2013

Gene expression levels can be an important link DNA between variation and phenotypic manifestations. Our previous map of global gene expression, based on ∼400K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 50K transcripts in 400 sib pairs from the MRCA family panel, has been widely used to interpret the results of genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Here, we more than double the size of our initial data set with expression data on 550 additional individuals from the MRCE family panel using the Illumina whole-genome expression array. We have used new statistical methods for dimension reduction to account for nongenetic effects in estimates of expression levels, and we have also included SNPs imputed from the 1000 Genomes Project. Our methods reduced false-discovery rates and increased the number of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) mapped either locally or at a distance (i.e., incisortrans) from 1534 in the MRCA data set to 4452 (with <5% FDR). Imputation of 1000 Genomes SNPs further increased the number of eQTLs to 7302. Using the same methods and imputed SNPs in the newly acquired MRCE data set, we identified eQTLs for 9000 genes. The combined results identify strong local and distant effects for transcripts from 14,177 genes. Our eQTL database based on these results is freely available to help define the function of disease-associated variants.
Tribological study of borated hydroxyalkyldithiocarbamate as additive for environmentally adapted lubricants
Authors: Xu Xiaohong , Li Jiusheng , Sun Lingguo , Xue Qunji
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The fast growing concern for maintaining integrity of the environment has built up development of environmentally‐adapted lubricants. Because of their toxicity, most of the traditional lubricating additives cannot be used in this kind of lubricant. The purpose of this paper is to find a borate ester derivative which can be used as a multifunctional additive in rapeseed oils (RSO).

Design/methodology/approach

A borated S‐2‐hydroxypropyl N, N‐dibutyl dithiocarbamate (BDTC) was synthesized and characterized. Its tribological properties in rapeseed oil as multifunctional additive were evaluated, using a four‐ball tribometer and compared with one kind of commercial MoDTC. In addition, its thermal stability was identified using TGA and antioxidative ability tested by PDSC. The action mechanism of BDTC was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer (APCI/MS) analysis.

Findings

Results show that BDTC exhibits high thermal stability, possesses comprehensive tribological performance in rapeseed oil, and has evident effect in controlling the oxidation of RSO. Analysis of worn surface indicates that BDTC was decomposed and reacted with metal during the friction process. The lubricating film mainly contains inorganic boron compound (B2O3), organic nitrogen derivatives and FeSO4.

Originality/value

This paper provides a borate ester derivative which possesses excellent tribological properties and can be used as a multifunctional ashless additive in environmentally‐adapted lubricants. Furthermore, an innovative method, APCI/MS, was used to analyze the tribo‐fragmentation behavior of BDTC.
Non‐Newtonian dynamic characteristics of wide composite slider bearings lubricated with couple stress fluids
Authors: Lin Jaw‐Ren , Chou Tsu‐Liang
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide more information for fluid‐film bearing selection and designing. The present paper is mainly concerned with the dynamic characteristics of a wide composite slider bearing lubricated with non‐Newtonian couple stress fluids.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking into account the non‐Newtonian couple stress effects resulting from a Newtonian lubricant blended with additives, the non‐Newtonian dynamic coefficients are obtained for composite slider bearings.

Findings

Comparing with the non‐Newtonian inclined‐plane bearing, the non‐Newtonian composite bearing provides an improvement in the dynamic stiffness and damping coefficients; better bearing characteristics are achieved for the non‐Newtonian composite bearing under specific length‐ratio parameters.

Originality/value

The paper includes a numerical example to provide guidance for non‐Newtonian composite slider bearings.
Research on experiments with water vapor as coolant and lubricant in drilling Ti6Al4V
Authors: Wu Jian , Di Han Rong
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop water vapour as a new cooling and lubricating technique in drilling Ti6Al4V. Water vapor is an economical and eco‐friendly coolant and lubricant. However, it is necessary to study the drilling chip deformation, forces and drilling temperature when drilling Ti6Al4V using this new green drilling technology, which meets the development trend of green machining technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative experiments are carried out with HSS drill bits and YG6X (K10 type in ISO) cemented carbide drill bits in drilling Ti6Al4V under the conditions of oil water emulsion, water vapor as coolant and lubricant and dry drilling, respectively. The drilling forces, temperature and drill bit wear VBmax have been examined and analyzed. Further, a new type practical drilling quick‐stop device is developed for studying the chip deformation in drilling Ti6Al4V. The drilling forces distribution test in drilling Ti6Al4V is also developed.

Findings

When water vapor is used as coolant and lubricant, the torque is reduced by 15‐25%, 5‐10% in comparison with dry drilling and oil water emulsion, respectively; the thrust is reduced by 5‐10%, 4‐5%; the temperature is reduced by 15‐20%, 5‐8% and the wear VBmax of drill bit is reduced by 60‐80%, 10‐15%, correspondingly. Also, the contact length in chip‐tool interface decreases and the drilling deformation is reduced. The coolant and lubricant conditions and feed rate have little impact on the drilling force distribution in drill bit cutting edges.

Originality/value

A green machining technology, water vapor used as coolant and lubricant, is used in drilling Ti6Al4V; it can reduce drilling deformation, drilling forces, temperature and flank wear. A new drilling quick‐stop device is devised to obtain the drilling chip roots. Also, the drilling force distribution test was developed for obtaining the rate of drilling forces in cutting edges when drilling Ti6Al4V.
The practice of corporate social responsibility by Malaysian developers
Authors: Yam Sharon
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to assess the implementation of sustainable practice by Malaysian property developers, particularly on social and environmental perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research where content analysis is used to analyse leading property companies’ websites, annual reports, corporate responsibility and sustainability reports, and carbon disclosure reports.

Findings

Findings from this research indicate that the majority of the developers have their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in place and there are variations in their approaches and reporting process. Of all, philanthropic activities are the mostly widely reported followed by human resource initiatives. Even though the majority of property companies reported their environmental practices, only the top few developers had their projects certified by sustainability rating agencies.

Research limitations/implications

As this project was restricted to the top ten Malaysian developers, the results do not reflect how other companies, particularly the smaller ones, adopt CSR in their business. However, this project revealed valuable findings regarding the magnitude of CSR initiatives, particularly on social and environmental perspective, adopted by the top ten Malaysian property developers; this is useful for the Malaysian government authorities in formulating CSR‐related policies particularly on environmental sustainability. As well, the findings of this project can be a useful reference to other property companies which are keen to contribute to sustainable development, particularly on social and environmental perspectives.

Originality/value

There has been limited literature on CSR in the Malaysian property industry thus far. Previous research papers are mainly about environmental sustainability of property companies, sustainable practice by Malaysian real estate investment trusts, and CSR perception of house buyers and developers. Therefore, to fill the gap in the literature, this research is designed to assess the implementation of sustainable practice by Malaysian property developers, particularly on the social and environmental perspectives.
The impact of carbon content and mesh on the characteristics of screen printed conductive structures
Authors: Jewell E.H. , Hamblyn S.M. , Claypole T.C. , Gethin D.T.
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a comprehensive experimental investigation into the role of screen and conductive carbon material formulation on line conductivity and printing capability in the screen printing process, to provide design knowledge and further understanding of the screen printing for printed carbon.

Design/methodology/approach

A full factorial experiment was carried out where six carbon materials were printed through ten screens to a polyester substrate under a set of standard conditions.

Findings

Material characterization showed that viscosity and the corresponding viscous and elastic material modulli increased with solids content and that the elastic properties at low shear are significant. The solids carbon content materials were unable to produce the minimum printable line features possible with the low carbon materials. Increasing the solids contents reduced the final cured line resistance, reduced the printed line width, increased the film thickness, increased the cross sectional area and reduced the material resistivity. Material resistivities were around 700 to 950 μΩcm were obtained in the printed lines.

Research limitations/implications

Lower material resistivities were obtained with higher solids materials and it is postulated that the increased visco‐elastic nature of the solids content materials, play a role in determining the microscopic structure of the cured film through alignment of the carbon graphite platelets.

Practical implications

A dataset which allows material, screen and print characteristics has been created allowing process optimization and formulation development to be accelerated.

Originality/value

The work provides insight into the role of material properties and process settings on the electrical and physical characteristics of printed carbon.
The influence of brand equity on consumer responses
Authors: Buil Isabel , Martínez Eva , de Chernatony Leslie
Published: January 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a model to better understand brand equity. It seeks to investigate the effects of this construct on consumers
'
responses using data from two European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). Measurement invariance and stability of the model across the two national samples was assessed using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

– Results indicate that brand equity dimensions inter-relate. Brand awareness positively impacts perceived quality and brand associations. Brand loyalty is mainly influenced by brand associations. Finally, perceived quality, brand associations and brand loyalty are the main drivers of overall brand equity. Findings also corroborate the positive impact of brand equity on consumers
'
responses. In addition, the general framework proposed is found to be empirically robust across the studied countries. Only a few differences are observed.

Research limitations/implications

– A limited set of product categories, brands and countries were used.

Practical implications

– Findings provide useful guidelines for brand equity management. Managers can complement financial metrics with consumer-based brand equity measures to track brand performance over time and to benchmark against other brands. Building brand equity generates more value for corporations since a more favourable consumer response results from positive brand equity.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the scarce international brand equity literature by testing the proposed model using data from a sample of consumers in two European countries. It also enriches the brand equity literature by empirically examining the relationships among consumer-based brand equity dimensions and its effects on consumers
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responses.
Development opportunities in the “new” NHS for personal, population and system care
Authors: Colin‐Thomé David
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to set out the role of clinical governance within the new commissioning framework. It starts by considering the historical development of clinical governance and lays out ideas for the new arrangements around the concept of the primary care home and concludes with challenging questions for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the author's role and experience as a senior policy maker in the UK Department of Health.

Findings

If we are to fulfil the defined attributes of clinical governance the NHS needs to adopt a more reflective self‐auditing leadership culture. Whether that supposition is accepted or not, a set of questions arises. Why, given for instance the gross failures of care for the frail elderly, have the principles of clinical governance not been systematically embedded? Why, given the NHS can no longer be described as poorly resourced, are clinical outcomes for many conditions lagging behind equivalent international healthcare systems? Why have the improved access and clinical outcomes of recent years been dependent on political rather than NHS leadership? And why in our publicly funded NHS is there frequently a culture of regarding patients as grateful supplicants rather than true partners to whom we should account? Clinical governance for personal, population and system care. Does this represent a coming of age?

Originality/value

This article provides a contribution to the emerging policy debate around clinical governance in the new commissioned NHS, rooted in experience from both the clinical front line and the heart of national health policy making.
Viewing engineering offshoring in a network perspective: addressing and managing risks
Authors: Nadja Lee Hansen Zaza , Zhang Yufeng , Ahmed‐Kristensen Saeema
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Companies are increasingly engaged with global engineering networks through offshoring of product development activities from R&D to production. This creates many new challenges as operations get physically and culturally decoupled. The purpose of this paper is to improve understanding of how to effectively manage engineering offshoring activities in a context of global engineering networks. The main research question, therefore, is: “Can offshoring of engineering tasks be explained and managed using the concept of Global Engineering Networks (GEN)?” Effective approaches to handling the associated risks of engineering offshoring will be a key area of the investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is based on the engineering design research methodology developed by Blessing and Chakrabarti, including a descriptive phase and a prescriptive phase. Four case studies of large multinational corporations in Denmark were carried out. Data gathering was mainly documentary studies and interviews. The main data analysis approaches were coding (Strauss and Corbin) and pattern‐matching (Yin). The dataset was analysed using the GEN framework suggested by Zhang et al. and Zhang and Gregory.

Findings

Engineering offshoring presents companies with challenges related to communication and knowledge sharing which is addressed through formal and informal mechanisms as well as a more streamlined operation. However, this did not remove the challenges. The GEN framework suggests a systematic approach to understanding global engineering networks through investigating their contextual features, critical capabilities to compete in a particular contextual circumstance, and configuration characteristics to deliver the capabilities. Using the GEN framework, the challenges faced by companies and the risks associated with their engineering offshoring activities can be explained as a mismatch between the required capabilities and the companies' ability to deliver these capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper provides new theoretical insight into both engineering offshoring and GEN theories by extending the GEN framework to address complications within engineering offshoring. This strengthens both academic fields, and will be able to help engineering managers to develop appropriate engineering network configurations for offshore engineering operations.
An integrated methodology to prioritise improvement initiatives in low volume‐high integrity product manufacturing organisations
Authors: Marriott Ben , Arturo Garza‐Reyes Jose , Soriano‐Meier Horacio , Antony Jiju
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Several authors have proposed different approaches to help practitioners deal with the complexity of prioritising improvement projects and initiatives. However, these approaches have been developed as “generic” methods which do not consider the specific needs, objectives and capabilities of different industries and organisations. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated methodology that prioritises improvement projects or initiatives based on two key performance objectives, cost and quality, specifically important for low volume‐high integrity product manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews some of the most commonly used prioritisation methods and the theory and logic behind the proposed prioritisation methodology. Then, the prioritisation methodology is empirically tested, through a case study, in a world class manufacturing organisation.

Findings

The results obtained from the case study indicate that the integrated methodology proposed in this paper is an effective alternative for low volume‐high integrity products manufacturers to identify, select and justify improvement priorities.

Practical implications

Selection and prioritisation of projects and initiatives are key elements for the successful implementation of improvements. The integrated methodology presented in this paper intends to aid organisations in dealing with the complexity that is normally handled over the selection and prioritisation of feasible improvement projects.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel methodology that integrates two commonly used approaches in industry, Process Activity Mapping (PAM) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), to prioritise improvements. This methodology can help, in particular, organisations embarked in the manufacture of low volume‐high integrity products to take better decisions and align the focus of improvement efforts with their overall performance and strategic objectives.