bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of maternal fish oil supplementation during the last trimester of pregnancy on blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability in the 19-year-old offspring
Authors: Rytter Dorte , Christensen Jeppe H. , Bech Bodil H. , Schmidt Erik B. , Henriksen Tine B. , Olsen Sjurdur F.
Published: February 2012

Studies in experimental animals and human subjects have suggested that intake of n-3 fatty acids in early life can affect cardiovascular risk factors in adult life. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fish oil (FO) supplementation during the third trimester of pregnancy on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) in the 19-year-old offspring. The study was based on follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial from 1990, in which 533 pregnant women were randomised to FO, olive oil (OO) or no oil (NO) during the last trimester of pregnancy. The offspring was invited to a physical examination including BP, HR and HRV measurements. A subgroup consisting of the offspring of mothers with a low baseline fish intake also had 24 h HRV determined. The OO group was used as reference and multiple linear regression modelling was used to compare the FO and OO groups. A total of 180 of the offspring from the FO and OO groups agreed to participate in the study (45 %). The adjusted difference between the FO and OO groups was 2 (95 % CI − 1, 4) mmHg in systolic and 1 (95 % CI 0, 3) mmHg in diastolic BP. The difference in HR was 1 (95 % CI − 2, 4). Also, HRV indices did not differ significantly between groups. Hence, FO supplementation during late pregnancy was not associated with offspring BP, HR and HRV during adolescence.
Group Cohesion without Group Mobilization: The Case of Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals
Authors: Egan Patrick J.
Published: February 2012

Group identities that are chosen, rather than inherited, are often associated with cohesive political attitudes and behaviours. Conventional wisdom holds that this distinctiveness is generated by mobilization through processes such as intra-group contact and acculturation. This article identifies another mechanism that can explain cohesiveness: selection. The characteristics that predict whether an individual selects a group identity may themselves determine political attitudes, and thus may account substantially for the political cohesion of those who share the identity. This mechanism is illustrated with analyses of the causes and consequences of the acquisition of lesbian, gay or bisexual identity. Seldom shared by parents and offspring, gay identity provides a rare opportunity to cleanly identify the selection process and its implications for political cohesion.
Directional propagation channel estimation and analysis in urban environment with panoramic photography
Authors: Conrat Jean-Marc , Pajusco Patrice
Published: February 2012

This article aims to provide readers with a physical understanding of the propagation channel that is complementary to mathematical channel modeling. It presents an analysis of the directional propagation channel based on radiophotos. Radiophotos are graphical objects where directions of arrival are superimposed on three-dimensional (3D) panoramic photographs. The interaction between electro magnetic waves and the environment is immediately identified with these representations. This paper focuses on the direction of arrival at mobile in an urban macrocell environment. The first radiophoto collection illustrates the major propagation phenomena such as reflection, diffraction, or street canyoning. The second collection illustrates typical propagation channel profiles that are classified according to delay, azimuth, and elevation spread values. The paper also describes an original panorama-based method for estimating noise level in the azimuth–elevation domain.
Seasonal variability in the sources of particulate organic matter of the Mekong River as discerned by elemental and lignin analyses
Authors: Ellis Erin E. , Keil Richard G. , Ingalls Anitra E. , Richey Jeffrey E. , Alin Simone R.
Published: February 2012

The Mekong River ranks within the top ten rivers of the world in terms of water discharge and sediment load to the ocean, yet its organic matter (OM) composition remains unstudied. This river is experiencing anthropogenically forced changes due to land use and impoundment, and these changes are expected to intensify in the future. Accordingly, we monitored the composition (including vascular‐plant signatures) of Mekong River fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) over a one‐year period. Autochthonous production comprises a greater proportion of FPOM during the dry season than in the rainy season, as demonstrated by higher percent organic carbon values (7.9 ± 2.4 versus 2.2 ± 0.4%), lower yields of lignin normalized to carbon (0.40 ± 0.05 versus 1.1 ± 0.3 mg (100 mg OC)−1), and an increase in N:C ratios toward phytoplankton values during the dry season (from 0.06 to 0.12). Changes in the lignin‐phenol composition of FPOM suggest that gymnosperms contribute more toward FPOM composition during the dry season, with angiosperms dominating in the wet season. This is supported by calculations of the lignin phenol vegetation index of riverine FPOM, which increases between the dry to wet seasons (dry: 29.4 ± 15.0 versus wet: 74.6 ± 17.3). These changes likely reflect seasonal differences in the proportion of flow that is coming from the Upper and Lower Basin, corresponding to compositional differences between the vegetation of these regions. Therefore, this work provides a baseline understanding of FPOM variability that can be used to assess how future change will affect this river.
A grid‐based approach for simulating stream temperature
Authors: Yearsley John
Published: February 2012

Applications of grid‐based systems are widespread in many areas of environmental analysis. In this study, the concept is adapted to the modeling of water temperature by integrating a macroscale hydrologic model, variable infiltration capacity (VIC), with a computationally efficient and accurate water temperature model. The hydrologic model has been applied to many river basins at scales from 0.0625° to 1.0°. The water temperature model, which uses a semi‐Lagrangian numerical scheme to solve the one‐dimensional, time‐dependent equations for thermal energy balance in advective river systems, has been applied and tested on segmented river systems in the Pacific Northwest. The state‐space structure of the water temperature model described in previous work is extended to include propagation of uncertainty. Model results focus on proof of concept by comparing statistics from a study of a test basin with results from other studies that have used either process models or statistical models to estimate water temperature. The results from this study compared favorably with those of selected case studies using data‐driven statistical models. The results for deterministic process models of water temperature were generally better than the grid‐based method, particularly for those models developed from site‐specific, data‐intensive studies. Biases in the results from the grid‐based system are attributed to heterogeneity in hydraulic characteristics and the method of estimating headwater temperatures.
Non-viral delivery and optimized optogenetic stimulation of retinal ganglion cells led to behavioral restoration of vision
Authors: Gu Ling , Shivalingaiah Shivaranjani , Ficinski Mathew , Wong Edward , Mohanty Samarendra
Published: February 2012

Stimulation of retinal neurons using optogenetics via use of chanelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) has opened up a new direction for restoration of vision for treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Here, we report non-viral in-vivo electroporation of degenerated retina of adult RP-mice with ChR2-plasmids and subsequent in-vivo imaging of retina to confirm expression. Further, we demonstrate that in addition to efficient non-viral delivery of ChR2 to a specific retinal layer, threshold level of stimulation light needs to be delivered onto the retina for achieving successful behavioral outcome. Measurement of intensity of light reaching the retina of RP-mouse models along with geometrical optics simulation of light propagation in the eye is reported in order to determine the stimulating source position for optimal light delivery to the retina. The light-guided navigation of mice with ChR2 expressing retinal ganglion cells was found to be significantly improved over a long distance in correlation with stimulation intensity.
Readthrough of long-QT syndrome type 1 nonsense mutations rescues function but alters the biophysical properties of the channel
Authors: Harmer Stephen C. , Mohal Jagdeep S. , Kemp Duncan , Tinker Andrew
Published: February 2012

The nonsense mutations R518X-KCNQ1 and Q530X-KCNQ1 cause LQT1 (long-QT syndrome type 1) and result in a complete loss of IKs channel function. In the present study we attempted to rescue the function of these mutants, in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells, by promoting readthrough of their PTCs (premature termination codons) using the pharmacological agents G-418, gentamicin and PTC124. Gentamicin and G-418 acted to promote full-length channel protein expression from R518X at 100 μM and from Q530X at 1 mM. In contrast, PTC124 did not, at any dose tested, induce readthrough of either mutant. G-418 (1 mM) treatment also acted to significantly (P<0.05) increase current density and peak-tail current density, at +80 mV for R518X, but not Q530X, to 58±11% and 82±17% of the wild-type level respectively. However, the biophysical properties of the currents produced from R518X, while similar, were not identical with wild-type as the voltage-dependence of activation was significantly (P<0.05) shifted by +25 mV. Overall, these findings indicate that although functional rescue of LQT1 nonsense mutations is possible, it is dependent on the degree of readthrough achieved and the effect on channel function of the amino acid substituted for the PTC. Such considerations will determine the success of future therapies.
Mechanism and specificity of the human paracaspase MALT1
Authors: Hachmann Janna , Snipas Scott J. , van Raam Bram J. , Cancino Erik M. , Houlihan Emily J. , Poreba Marcin , Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Drag Marcin , Salvesen Guy S.
Published: February 2012

The paracaspase domain of MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1) is a component of a gene translocation fused to the N-terminal domains of the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2. The paracaspase itself, commonly known as MALT1, participates in the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) pathway, probably by driving survival signals downstream of the B-cell antigen receptor through MALT1 proteolytic activity. We have developed methods for the expression and purification of recombinant full-length MALT1 and its constituent catalytic domain alone. Both are activated by dimerization without cleavage, with a similar dimerization barrier to the distantly related cousins, the apical caspases. By using positional-scanning peptidyl substrate libraries we demonstrate that the activity and specificity of full-length MALT1 is recapitulated by the catalytic domain alone, showing a stringent requirement for cleaving after arginine, and with striking peptide length constraints for efficient hydrolysis. Rates of cleavage (kcat/Km values) of optimal peptidyl substrates are in the same order (103–104 M−1·s−1) as for a putative target protein CYLD. Thus MALT1 has many similarities to caspase 8, even cleaving the putative target protein CYLD with comparable efficiencies, but with diametrically opposite primary substrate specificity.
Diagnostics of the ITER neutral beam test facility
Authors: Pasqualotto R. , Serianni G. , Sonato P. , Agostini M. , Brombin M. , Croci G. , Dalla Palma M. , De Muri M. , Gazza E. , Gorini G. , Pomaro N. , Rizzolo A. , Spolaore M. , Zaniol B.
Published: February 2012

The ITER heating neutral beam (HNB) injector, based on negative ions accelerated at 1 MV, will be tested and optimized in the SPIDER source and MITICA full injector prototypes, using a set of diagnostics not available on the ITER HNB. The RF source, where the H−/D− production is enhanced by cesium evaporation, will be monitored with thermocouples, electrostatic probes, optical emission spectroscopy, cavity ring down, and laser absorption spectroscopy. The beam is analyzed by cooling water calorimetry, a short pulse instrumented calorimeter, beam emission spectroscopy, visible tomography, and neutron imaging. Design of the diagnostic systems is presented.
A Tandetron™ as proton injector for the eye tumor therapy in Berlin
Authors: Röhrich J. , Damerow T. , Hahn W. , Müller U. , Reinholz U. , Denker A.
Published: February 2012

The therapy of eye tumors with fast protons is an excellent tool giving very high local control rates. At the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) almost 1800 patients were treated since 1998. A 2 MV Tandetron™ was installed as injector for the k = 132 HZB cyclotron. Using the standard 358 duoplasmatron ion source with direct extraction of negative hydrogen ions an extremely stable proton beam can be delivered, both on the short-term and the long-term scale. The hair-needle filaments made from thoriated tungsten wires have safe operation times of more than 1000 h.
Design of the injection beamline for the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade electron beam ion source charge breeder
Authors: Dickerson C. A. , Mustapha B. , Kondrashev S. , Ostroumov P. N. , Savard G. , Levand A. , Pikin A.
Published: February 2012

The design of the ion injection line connecting the electron beam ion source (EBIS) charge breeder and the Californium Rare Isotope Breeder Upgrade radio frequency quadrupole cooler-buncher at the Argonne Tandem Linear Accelerator System was investigated with particle tracking simulations. The injection line was configured to accommodate several differential pumping sections, individual optical components were optimized to minimize emittance growth, and the ion beam parameters were matched with the EBIS electron beam acceptance to minimize losses upon injection.
Scaling fit of spin pumping in various ferromagnetic materials
Authors: Yoshino T. , Ando K. , Kajiwara Y. , Nakayama H. , Saitoh E.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we have investigated spin currents generated by the spin pumping in ferromagnetic metal/Pt and ferromagnetic insulator/Pt bilayer films using the inverse spin-Hall effect (ISHE). We found that the magnitude of the electric voltage due to the ISHE is well reproduced by a calculation based on the model of the spin pumping not only in transition magnetic metal/Pt bilayer films, but also in polycrystalline magnetic insulators BiY2Fe5O12/Pt and Y3Fe5O12/Pt. This result will show a guideline for creating a spin current in a wide range of materials.
Surface area controlled heterogeneous nucleation
Authors: Steer Brian , Gorbunov Boris , Rowles Jonathan , Green David
Published: February 2012

Heterogeneous nucleation of liquid from a gas phase on nanoparticles has been studied under various saturation ratios and nuclei size. The probability of liquid droplet nucleation, especially at a low degree of deviation from equilibrium, was measured for both atmospheric aerosol particles and engineered nanoparticles Cr2O3. The concept of a critical saturation ratio and the validity of the one-to-one relationship between the nuclei number and the number of droplets were examined. A transient zone between no nucleation and established nucleation termed the surface area controlled nucleation was observed. In this zone, the probability of stable phase formation is determined by the surface area of nuclei. There are two distinctive features of the surface area controlled nucleation: the nucleation probability is much less than 1 and is proportional to the surface area of nuclei. For condensation particle counters (CPCs) counting nanoparticles, these features mean that counts measured are proportional to the surface area of nanoparticles and, therefore, the CPCs counts can be calibrated to measure the surface area.
A model for codependent reversible/irreversible growth processes
Authors: Eppel Sagi
Published: February 2012

A model for codependent growth that combines reversible and irreversible bond formation is developed. The system is composed of two processes: A reversible process which is fast but does not lead to a stable growth by itself, while the irreversible process is stable but is too slow to occur by itself. Therefore, neither the reversible nor the irreversible growth processes will occur separately, but their combination is shown to yield a new type of stable, codependent growth. Using kinetic Monte Carlo techniques we simulate and analyze the general properties of this codependent growth. We discuss the general conditions for such growth and its applications to self-organization processes.
Electronic states in heterostructures with piece-wise uniform Dirac cones
Authors: Deng Hai-Yao
Published: February 2012

We discuss graphene physics that are associated with Fermi velocity rather than bandgap or external potential. Such physics are illustrated with a simple junction that is comprised of two uniform electrodes bridged by a central uniform channel. The main difference between these components is supposed to come at their Fermi velocities (Dirac cone slopes), which take different values: ν0 in the electrodes and v in the channel. This junction can be fabricated, for example, by depositing a single-layer graphene on prepatterned substrate. Both scattering states and localized states have been explored. Making full analog with optics, the discussions have been focused on these aspects: refraction, total internal reflection (TIR), and transmission. Regarding them, Snell’s law and the TIR critical angle have been derived and the TIR impacts on transmission have been calculated. Potential applications of this junction have been discussed. In particular, we found that, an electrical switch and an electron box can be made of it.
Thickness-dependent evolution of magnetization reversal in micron-scale polycrystalline Fe rings
Authors: Hou Yu-feng , Krishnan Kannan M.
Published: February 2012

The evolution of magnetic switching mechanism is investigated for micron-scale polycrystalline Fe ring arrays with Fe layer thickness, tFe, varying between 10 nm and 50 nm. Single-step and double-step switching are observed for the 10 nm and 50 nm rings, with the 30 nm sample showing a transient behavior. As thickness increases, the first-step switching field, Hc1, increases, while the second-step switching field, Hc2, and remanent magnetization, Mr decreases. Magnetic force microscopy imaging and micromagnetic simulations reveal that in the reversal process, Hc1 and Hc2 correspond to the switching fields of two distinct halves of the ring. The relative separation between these two fields decides the switching behavior of the ring.
Schottky barrier control gate-type carbon nanotube field-effect transistor biosensors
Authors: Abe Masuhiro , Ohno Yasuhide , Matsumoto Kazuhiko
Published: February 2012

We propose a unique structure for carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs/with a Schottky barrier control gate (SBC gate) to improve the sensitivity of CNT-FET biosensors. The performance of the new biosensors was compared with conventional devices with back gate-type CNT-FETs both through experiments and calculations. The SBC gate-type CNT-FETs could detect proteins with three times greater sensitivity than the back gate-type CNT-FETs in the experimental measurements. The sensitivity of SBC gate-type CNT-FET biosensors was calculated to be five times greater than that of back gate-type CNT-FETs in simulations using the finite element method.
Highly tunable whispering gallery mode semiconductor lasers with controlled absorber
Authors: Baranov A. N. , Boissier G. , Teissier R. , Monakhov A. M. , Sherstnev V. V. , Larchenkov M. I. , Yakovlev Yu. P.
Published: February 2012

Tunable semiconductor lasers with controlled absorber based on GaInAsSb/GaAlAsSb quantum well heterostructure was fabricated and experimentally studied. The emission wavelength of these lasers shifts from 2.24 to 2.28 μm when the bias on the control contact decreases from the voltage equal to that on the main electrode to 0 V when the control contact is grounded. The principle of operation of such a device is given.
Use of the radiofrequency-intermodulation distortion technique to investigate intrinsic nonlinearity at the electrode-electrolyte interface
Authors: Pande Rohit , Xie Leiming , Zagozdzon-Wosik Wanda , Nesteruk Krzysztof , Wosik Jarek
Published: February 2012

We report on investigations of nonlinear radiofrequency responses of electrolytes with Na+ and Cl− ions placed within gold electrodes of a capacitor. The sample was part of a frequency-adjustable inductance-capacitance-resistance (LCR) parallel resonant circuit, and measurements were carried out using the two frequencies intermodulation distortion technique. We employed double layer model to analyze the observed nonlinearities and their dependence on ionic concentration. Electrode-electrolyte interface polarization was found to be a predominant cause of this intrinsic nonlinearity and to be dependent on electrolytic ion concentration. We also measured and calculated coefficients of resistive and capacitive components of the observed nonlinearity.
Deformable transparent all-carbon-nanotube transistors
Authors: Aikawa Shinya , Einarsson Erik , Thurakitseree Theerapol , Chiashi Shohei , Nishikawa Eiichi , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: February 2012

We fabricated polymer-laminated, transparent, all-carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs), making use of the flexible yet robust nature of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). All components of the FET (active channel, electrodes, dielectric layer, and substrate) consist of carbon-based materials. The use of a plastic substrate that is considerably thinner than those used in other flexible CNT-FETs allowed our devices to be highly deformable without degradation of electrical properties. Using this approach, flexible, transparent CNT-FET devices able to withstand a 1 mm bending radius were realized.
Federal seafood safety response to the
Deepwater Horizon
oil spill
Authors: Ylitalo Gina M. , Krahn Margaret M. , Dickhoff Walton W. , Stein John E. , Walker Calvin C. , Lassitter Cheryl L. , Garrett E. Spencer , Desfosse Lisa L. , Mitchell Karen M. , Noble Brandi T. , Wilson Steven , Beck Nancy B. , Benner Ronald A. , Koufopoulos Peter N. , Dickey Robert W.
Published: February 2012

Following the 2010
Deepwater Horizon
oil spill, petroleum-related compounds and chemical dispersants were detected in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, there was concern about the risk to human health through consumption of contaminated seafood in the region. Federal and Gulf Coast State agencies worked together on a sampling plan and analytical protocols to determine whether seafood was safe to eat and acceptable for sale in the marketplace. Sensory and chemical methods were used to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dispersant in >8,000 seafood specimens collected in federal waters of the Gulf. Overall, individual PAHs and the dispersant component dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate were found in low concentrations or below the limits of quantitation. When detected, the concentrations were at least two orders of magnitude lower than the level of concern for human health risk. Once an area closed to fishing was free of visibly floating oil and all sensory and chemical results for the seafood species within an area met the criteria for reopening, that area was eligible to be reopened. On April 19, 2011 the area around the wellhead was the last area in federal waters to be reopened nearly 1 y after the spill began. However, as of November 9, 2011, some state waters off the Louisiana coast (Barataria Bay and the Delta region) remain closed to fishing.
Individual variability in functional connectivity predicts performance of a perceptual task
Authors: Baldassarre Antonello , Lewis Christopher M. , Committeri Giorgia , Snyder Abraham Z. , Romani Gian Luca , Corbetta Maurizio
Published: February 2012

People differ in their ability to perform novel perceptual tasks, both during initial exposure and in the rate of improvement with practice. It is also known that regions of the brain recruited by particular tasks change their activity during learning. Here we investigate neural signals predictive of individual variability in performance. We used resting-state functional MRI to assess functional connectivity before training on a novel visual discrimination task. Subsequent task performance was related to functional connectivity measures within portions of visual cortex and between visual cortex and prefrontal association areas. Our results indicate that individual differences in performing novel perceptual tasks can be related to individual differences in spontaneous cortical activity.
Insights from past millennia into climatic impacts on human health and survival
Authors: McMichael Anthony J.
Published: February 2012

Climate change poses threats to human health, safety, and survival via weather extremes and climatic impacts on food yields, fresh water, infectious diseases, conflict, and displacement. Paradoxically, these risks to health are neither widely nor fully recognized. Historical experiences of diverse societies experiencing climatic changes, spanning multicentury to single-year duration, provide insights into population health vulnerability—even though most climatic changes were considerably less than those anticipated this century and beyond. Historical experience indicates the following. (
i
) Long-term climate changes have often destabilized civilizations, typically via food shortages, consequent hunger, disease, and unrest. (
ii
) Medium-term climatic adversity has frequently caused similar health, social, and sometimes political consequences. (
iii
) Infectious disease epidemics have often occurred in association with briefer episodes of temperature shifts, food shortages, impoverishment, and social disruption. (
iv
) Societies have often learnt to cope (despite hardship for some groups) with recurring shorter-term (decadal to multiyear) regional climatic cycles (e.g., El Niño Southern Oscillation)—except when extreme phases occur. (
v
) The drought–famine–starvation nexus has been the main, recurring, serious threat to health. Warming this century is not only likely to greatly exceed the Holocene's natural multidecadal temperature fluctuations but to occur faster. Along with greater climatic variability, models project an increased geographic range and severity of droughts. Modern societies, although larger, better resourced, and more interconnected than past societies, are less flexible, more infrastructure-dependent, densely populated, and hence are vulnerable. Adverse historical climate-related health experiences underscore the case for abating human-induced climate change.
Cernunnos influences human immunoglobulin class switch recombination and may be associated with B cell lymphomagenesis
Authors: Du Likun , Peng Roujun , Björkman Andrea , Filipe de Miranda Noel , Rosner Cornelia , Kotnis Ashwin , Berglund Mattias , Liu Chonghai , Rosenquist Richard , Enblad Gunilla , Sundström Christer , Hojjat-Farsangi Mohammad , Rabbani Hodjattallah , Teixeira Manuel R. , Revy Patrick , Durandy Anne , Zeng Yixin , Gennery Andrew R. , de Villartay Jean-Pierre , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: February 2012

Cernunnos is involved in the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) process during DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Here, we studied immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR), a physiological process which relies on proper repair of the DSBs, in B cells from Cernunnos-deficient patients. The pattern of in vivo generated CSR junctions is altered in these cells, with unusually long microhomologies and a lack of direct end-joining. The CSR junctions from Cernunnos-deficient patients largely resemble those from patients lacking DNA ligase IV, Artemis, or ATM, suggesting that these factors are involved in the same end-joining pathway during CSR. By screening 269 mature B cell lymphoma biopsies, we also identified a somatic missense Cernunnos mutation in a diffuse large B cell lymphoma sample. This mutation has a dominant-negative effect on joining of a subset of DNA ends in an in vitro NHEJ assay. Translocations involving both Ig heavy chain loci and clonal-like, dynamic IgA switching activities were observed in this tumor. Collectively, our results suggest a link between defects in the Cernunnos-dependent NHEJ pathway and aberrant CSR or switch translocations during the development of B cell malignancies.
The Long‐Term Structure of Commodity Futures
Authors: Jin Na , Lence Sergio , Hart Chad , Hayes Dermot
Published: February 2012

Futures markets on agricultural commodities typically trade with maximum maturity dates of less than four years. If these markets did trade with maturities eight or ten years distant, futures prices would have value as price forecasts and as a way to structure long‐term swaps and insurance contracts. Agricultural commodity markets generally exhibit mean reversion in spot prices and convenience yields. Spot markets also exhibit seasonality. This study develops and implements a procedure to generate long‐term futures curves from existing futures prices. Data on lean hogs and soybeans are used to show that the method provides plausible results.
An investigation of the web citations in Iran's chemistry articles in SCI
Authors: Mardani Amirhosein
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain knowledge about the status and characteristics of the current web citations in published articles by Iranian researchers in the Science Citation Index (SCI). Besides investigating the growth in the presence of web resources in publications, the paper examines the accessibility and decay of web resources. Furthermore, the author will examine the provided information by the URLs to determine whether the cited contents by the authors signify the same information as the URLs.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used the survey research method. Thus, all documents by Iranian chemistry researchers recorded in the SCI database during 2006‐2009 were identified and then transferred to an Excel base. After a one‐by‐one examination, 46,762 web citations were extracted from a total number of 10,333 documents and were then analyzed, with the aid of two research assistants, in two months time (November and December of 2010), as specified in the research objectives. The citations were categorized into nine groups based on the feedback from the URLs' entries in the Internet Explorer browser.

Findings

The results showed that 46,762 citations (20 percent) of the total 187,823 available citations in the articles included web citations. The proportion percentage of web citations increased from 9 percent in 2006 to 39 percent in 2009. The average number of web citations for every article is 4.52. The most widely cited top level domains in URLs include the.org and.edu with, respectively, 31 percent and 23 percent; and when compared to other domains they reveal a greater tendency for stability. The highest percentage of inactive URLs was found to be associated with the .gov top level domain. Ultimately, 40,954 web citations were rendered accessible, of which 79 percent allowed easy and long‐term access to the authors' information intended in URLs. The decay rate for citations reveals an annual 5.2 percent increase. Long‐time inaccessibility to the authors' same intended information was shown to be mostly from URLs that returned the 404 error and also the URLs that had gone through information update. An about eight year half‐life was estimated for Iran's chemistry publications, which is rather promising in comparison with other fields of study.

Originality/value

The paper offers a quantitative analysis of the state of web citations application among chemistry researchers in Iran and voices concerns related to web citations in the publications in this field. The results of this study may be useful for providers of web contents, authors and editors in the field of chemistry publications.
Bridging the information gap with the patrons in university libraries in Africa
Authors: Ondieki Makori Elisha
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and demonstrate the extent to which university libraries in Africa are bridging the information gap through the use of web 2.0 systems, including challenges and prospects.

Design/methodology/approach

The review adopted a combination of various data collection methods and approaches, including current academic literature, document analysis, desk review guides and reports on university libraries.

Findings

Review results indicate that few university libraries in Africa have embraced the use and application of web 2.0 systems. It is regrettable that web 2.0 is not new in libraries, although many African university libraries have not adopted the concept. Web 2.0 systems, including blog, delicious, YouTube and Facebook among others, are no longer a preserve of commercial organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The review involved university libraries in Africa because of their perceived role in creation, management, preservation, transmission or diffusion and utilization of information and knowledge. University libraries provide information services to support research, teaching, learning, and community activities of respective universities.

Practical implications

University libraries in African countries face various challenges in implementation of web 2.0 systems. Web 2.0 systems have proved to be useful in addressing issues and challenges of open, distance and e‐learning programmes. Information professionals should support implementation and use of relevant web 2.0 systems.

Social implications

Across the globe, university libraries are increasingly using web 2.0 systems to support, promote and extend information services to their patrons. In the modern information world 2.0, it is important for university libraries to identify relevant web 2.0 systems and integrate them into mainstream library and information services.

Originality/value

The review provides useful insights regarding the use and application of web 2.0 systems in university libraries in Africa.
Shifting frontiers of control during closedown processes
Authors: Wigblad Rune , Hansson Magnus , Townsend Keith , Lewer John
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to explore and analyse how shifting frontiers of control emerge and change the labour process so that restrictions to output become diminished, subsequently affecting organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case study design. Interviews with 104 respondents. Analysis of productivity statistics in order to test for the statistical significance of the closedown effect. Single multiple regression analysis of the comparative strength, of the closedown effect, between cases.

Findings

Shifting frontiers of control arise during the closedown process, a control system characterised by markedly unrestricted autonomy for the workers as the management frontiers of control abate. This provides an operative space for informal work practices, innovation and emerging new industrial relations, accounting for the higher levels of output.

Research limitations/implications

A multiple case study of three different manufacturing organisations, with comparably long closedown periods. The authors do not analyse the sustainability of the increase in output or the generalisibility of the closedown effect to other industries.

Practical implications

It is possible to anticipate improved productivity if shifting frontiers of control are rapidly replacing the old. If management abandons the old control mechanisms, previous to the closedown decision, and provides operative space for workers' initiatives and informal leadership during the closedown process, it is possible to expect good performance, enabling a scope for extended closedown periods.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyses the comparative strength of the closedown effect and how restricted work practices change under the process of closedown.
HRM integration mechanism usage in MNC subsidiaries in China
Authors: Smale Adam , Björkman Ingmar , Sumelius Jennie
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The present study sought to shed light on the antecedents of HRM integration mechanism usage in MNCs and to establish the extent to which antecedents differ in importance across different mechanism types.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of hypotheses was developed and tested on a sample of 76 European‐owned subsidiaries located in China.

Findings

The results show that the use of HRM integration mechanisms is greater in more capital‐intensive subsidiaries that employ larger numbers of expatriates. Post‐hoc analyses provide support for the view that integration mechanisms are used in a complementary fashion rather than as substitutes.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not include the MNC's strategic international HRM orientation and the sample size is rather small. The results of the study do not allow any conclusions to be drawn regarding the effectiveness of the mechanisms, however this would be a fruitful issue to pursue in future research.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a neglected issue in the international HRM literature, namely the mechanisms through which MNCs integrate HRM practices across their foreign subsidiaries, and why and how they are used. More specifically, this study makes its contribution by combining multiple mechanisms of HRM integration and providing explanations for their differential usage.
Still a mixed bag
Authors: Watson Alex P.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This study seeks to gauge student use of open internet sources for the purpose of refining instruction and information literacy pedagogy in the library.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained citations from seven spring 2009 freshman composition classes at the University of Mississippi. From this pool of roughly 230 students, 437 citations to the open web were isolated, examined, and coded for analysis.

Findings

Examination of the individual web sites, their URLs, and relevant codes revealed heavy student use of online reference and how‐to materials, many of which were less than ideal as academic sources, but not openly inappropriate as such.

Research limitations/implications

The citations were stripped of all personal information at the department's request; therefore the research does not and cannot comment on student topics and individual assignments. The findings suggest that University of Mississippi students may be able to identify and avoid low quality sources but struggle with mediocre ones, and that use of online reference works represents low student awareness of library reference collections.

Practical implications

The results suggest that a greater emphasis on open web sources, possibly as supplemental tutorials or videos, may be useful in the context of first‐year composition library instruction.

Originality/value

This study provides statistical data about college freshmen and their citations in a first‐year writing class in addition to a thorough literature review of similar studies, both of which will be of interest to instruction librarians and writing program liaisons.
Incorporation and visibility of reference and social networking tools on ARL member libraries' websites
Authors: June Rod‐Welch Leila
Published: February 2012

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate 125 research libraries in North America to identify whether they incorporate reference and social networking tools in their library's website.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of 125 library websites is conducted to determine whether libraries who are members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) incorporate and promote reference and social networking tools in their website. For the purpose of this study, a list of reference and social networking tools was chosen and each library's website was visited to determine first, which reference and social networking tools from this list appear on their library's homepage and, second, which tools appear elsewhere on the library's website.

Findings

The results show that even though most of these reference and social networking tools are incorporated into their library's websites, their presence is lower on their library's homepage.

Practical implications

Academic and research libraries should incorporate reference and social networking tools on their library's homepage to make these services more visible and more easily accessible to their users.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the importance of the right placement for reference and social networking tools on ARL websites.
Vocational status and perceived well‐being of workers with disabilities
Authors: Konrad Alison M. , Moore Mark E. , Doherty Alison J. , Ng Eddy S.W. , Breward Katherine
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the different employment statuses of under‐employment, temporary employment, unemployment and non‐participation in the labor force are associated with perceived well‐being among persons with disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used data from the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) conducted by Statistics Canada to develop six categories of employment status. OLS regression analysis was used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

Findings indicated that fully utilized permanent employees show the highest level of life satisfaction while unemployed persons searching for work have the lowest levels of life satisfaction and the highest levels of perceived workplace discrimination. Permanent employees whose skills are greatly underutilized show the second‐lowest level of life satisfaction and equally high perceived workplace discrimination as unemployed persons. Non‐participants in the labor force show life satisfaction levels similar to those of permanent moderately underutilized employees as well as temporary employees, but report relatively little workplace discrimination.

Originality/value

The study links vocational status to the psychological well‐being of persons with disabilities in a large representative sample covering the full spectrum of disability types and occupational statuses. As such, it validates conclusions from smaller studies examining single organizations or focusing on workers with specific types of disabilities.
Diversity in goal orientation, team performance, and internal team environment
Authors: Russo Marcello
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test a model in which diversity in goal orientation is associated with decreased team performance by virtue of reduced group information elaboration. In addition, the model considers the moderating role of internal team environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of an empirical research in which the hypothesized relationships are investigated using hierarchical multiple‐regression analyses.

Findings

The findings show that teams high in diversity in goal orientation report lower levels of performance because of the lower group information elaboration. However, in the presence of a supportive team environment the negative relationship of diversity in goal orientation on group information elaboration are reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a cross‐sectional design.

Practical implications

The paper suggests management should consider goal orientation in team building, and provide interventions to improve team environment.

Social implications

Diversity has relevant consequences on interpersonal relations, decision‐making processes, and team performance. The results of the present study suggest ways in which teams might leverage the benefits of diversity and reduce coordination problems associated with it.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the diversity team literature by expanding Nederveen‐Pieterse and colleagues' research on diversity in goal orientation by emphasizing the role of internal team environment as moderator in the relationship between diversity in goal orientation and group information elaboration.
Why and how can “sleeping beauties” be awakened?
Authors: Wang Juncheng , Ma Feicheng , Chen Minjie , Rao Yiqing
Published: February 2012

Purpose

“Sleeping beauties” are very common in science, so this paper aims to uncover the reasons and formulation mechanism of information awakening on a more general level. Based on this, the paper will further propose useful strategies to awaken those “sleeping beauties” earlier.

Design/methodology/approach

Explanation‐building of case study is used to develop some models of information awakening and also to uncover different types of reasons for triggering academic information to be awakened.

Findings

Based on the three basic elements of information utilisation, namely, information value, access channel and user needs, the paper summarises several reasons for information awakening: the information value is re‐mined because of the relevance among various information; different uses of information are discovered; information availability and visibility are improved; information is placed into the appropriate place; and, with time passing by, demands for the information rise.

Practical implications

The presence of excessive “sleeping beauties” is not only a kind of idleness and waste to knowledge, but also may result in aggravation of information redundancy and increasing cost of storage. The revelation of its essence and reasons is not only helpful to establish better management mechanism to awaken “sleeping beauties” and thus to maximise their value, but also helpful to distinguish “sleeping beauties” from “pseudo‐sleeping beauties” as early as possible, so that all that worthless information can be cleared up without hesitation.

Originality/value

Most existing studies remain on the level of collecting instances and interpreting specific cases, but this paper investigates reasons from a more general level. What is more, current understandings are very one‐sided in that they treat information awakening and delayed recognition as the same, so this paper clarifies their differentiation and summarises the reasons comprehensively.