bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Incidence of Escherichia Coli Bacteremia Post-Christchurch Earthquake 2011: Possible Associations
Authors: Schousboe Mona , Lynds Jania , Ambrose Chris
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Earthquakes are natural events that contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases. The aim of this research was to determine whether the observed increase in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bloodstream infections (BSI) during the period March-June 2011 was associated with the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Methods

Descriptive statistics and spatial distributional analysis techniques were used to quantify patients with E. coli BSI in 2009-2011.

Results

E. coli BSI acquired from non-catheter related urinary tract infection (UTI) was the predominant infection type, with the greatest increase during March-June 2011. Bacteremia incidence was higher in females than in males for 2009-2011. In 2011, the median age of patients was 75 years, and an increase in males acquiring such infections was noted. Spatial distributional analysis failed to show direct association between bacteremia cases and liquefaction-related land damage or drinking water contamination. A higher incidence of E. coli BSI post-earthquake in the eastern suburbs, which tend towards a higher level of socioeconomic deprivation, was observed.

Conclusion

A number of possible factors contributing to the observed increase in E. coli BSI acquired from UTI in 2011 were considered. Individuals with higher deprivation indices, males and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of a major disaster with subsequent breakdown of infrastructure. These findings have important implications in natural disaster situations, and justify development of strategies to identify UTI and pyelonephritis risk factors and to manage E. coli bacteremia incidence rates.

SchousboeM, LyndsJ, AmbroseC. Increased incidence of Escherichia Coli bacteremia post-Christchurch earthquake 2011: possible associations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(3):1-8.
Apathy in Parkinson's Disease: More Than Just Executive Dysfunction
Authors: Martínez-Horta Saül , Pagonabarraga Javier , Fernández de Bobadilla Ramón , García-Sanchez Carmen , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: February 2013

Apathy is a frequent syndrome in Parkinson's disease (PD) usually associated with depression, cognitive impairment (CI), and dementia. Whereas executive dysfunction seems to play a major causative role in the development of apathy in PD, recent findings pointed for the possible participation of other underlying mechanisms in the development of clinically meaningful symptoms of apathy. By means of neuropsychological testing focused over global cognitive functioning, set-shifting, decision making, and cognitive effort, we compared to a control group, a carefully selected sample of PD patients presenting apathy as the only neuropsychiatric symptom and without clinically relevant signs of cognitive impairment. In addition to the previously reported executive dysfunction, apathetic patients also exhibited significant difficulties in tasks assessing for cortical functioning, such as naming and clock drawing. Moreover, apathetic patients performed significantly better on a decision-making task, although any of these differences appeared linked to a lack of effort when performing the tasks. On the basis of our findings, we discuss the possible implication of added mechanisms rather than just executive dysfunction in the development of apathy in PD. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–12.)
Trends in dietary intake in Switzerland, 1999 to 2009
Authors: Abreu Daisy , Cardoso Isabel , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , Guessous Idris , Marques-Vidal Pedro
Published: February 2013

Objective

To assess nutrition trends of the Geneva population for the period 1999–2009.

Design

Bus Santé Geneva study, which conducts annual health surveys in random samples of the Geneva population. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ and trends were assessed by linear regression.

Setting

Population-based survey.

Subjects

Data from 9283 participants (50 % women, mean age 51·5 (sd10·8) years) were analysed.

Results

In both genders total energy intake decreased from 1999 to 2009, by 2·9 % in men and by 6·3 % in women (both trendsP< 0·005). Vegetable protein and total carbohydrate intakes, expressed as a percentage of total energy intake, increased in women. MUFA intake increased while SFA, PUFA and alcohol intakes decreased in both genders. Intakes of Ca, Fe and carotene decreased in both genders. No changes in fibre, vitamin D and vitamin A intakes were found. Similar findings were obtained after excluding participants with extreme dietary intakes, except that the decreases in SFA, vegetable protein and carbohydrate were no longer significant in women.

Conclusions

Between 1999 and 2009, a small decrease in total energy intake was noted in the Geneva population. Although the decrease in alcohol and SFA intakes is of interest, the decrease in Ca and Fe intakes may have adverse health effects in the future.
Beam-Induced Motion of Adatoms in the Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Egerton R.F.
Published: February 2013

Equations governing the elastic scattering of electrons are applied to the knock-on displacement of atoms along a substrate, yielding analytical expressions for the surface-translation energy, threshold incident energy, and displacement rate. For a surface perpendicular to the incident beam, scattering angles around 90° contribute most to the kinetic energy of surface atoms. Tilting the specimen lowers the threshold incident energy for displacement and leads to anisotropy in the atomic motion but has little effect on the directionally-averaged displacement rate. The rate of beam-induced adatom motion is predicted to exceed that of room-temperature thermal motion when the surface-diffusion energy is greater than about 0.5 eV.
Variability of winds in X-ray binaries
Authors: Trigo M. Díaz , Boirin L. , Migliari S. , Miller-Jones J. , Parmar A. , Sidoli L.
Published: February 2013

We discuss the variability of winds in two low-mass X-ray binaries, GX 13+1 and 4U 1630-47. XMM-Newton observations of these sources show that strong, photoionised winds with column densities well above 1022 cm−2 can be present in both neutron star and black hole LMXBs. Such winds can fade significantly due to changes in the flux or spectral hardness of the continuum. In particular, a decrease of column density and/or an increase of ionisation are measured when the flux increases or the spectrum hardens. We show how variability studies can help us to understand what triggers changes in the wind and discuss the limitations of current instruments for such studies.
A Variability Study of Long-term Optical Data of OJ 287
Authors: Liu Y. , Fan J. H. , Wang H. G. , Deng G. G.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we investigated the possible exponential decays in the long term optical light curve of the BL Lac {OJ 287}. We developed a method that can be used to decomposing a light curve into a linear combination of exponential decays. The decomposing shows that the decay time scales range from ~ 103.6 to ~ 10−4 days. The power spectra has frequency-dependent power-law with slop ~ 0.5, and the peak of power is at the time scale of decay on ~ 160 days.
The sample of FBS cataclysmic variables
Authors: Mickaelian Areg M. , Sinamyan Parandzem K.
Published: February 2013

The First Byurakan Survey (FBS) was conducted by Markarian et al. (1989) to reveal UV-excess galaxies. However, many other interesting objects were possible to detect based on its low-dispersion spectra, and the Second part of the FBS (Mickaelian 2008) was carried out later to reveal UV-excess stellar (point-like) objects, such as white dwarfs (WD), hot subdwarfs, cataclysmic variables (CV), HBB stars, as well as QSOs and Seyfert galaxies. In addition, the FBS plates were digitized (DFBS, Digitized First Byurakan Survey; Mickaelian et al. 2007) and the extraction and reduction of spectra allowed selection of objects with higher confidence and to fainter magnitudes.

Spectroscopic observations have been carried out with three telescopes (Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory BAO-2.6m, Russian Special Astrophysical Observatory SAO-6m and Observatoire de Haute Provence OHP-1.93m) (Sinamyan & Mickaelian 2009) for classification of objects. The spectral features of CVs are narrow emission lines (Balmer series, HeI and HeII lines and Bowen band at 4640A) (Fig. 1). In addition, we use the NSVS database (Wozniak et al. 2004) for revealing variability and our method of comparison of POSS1 and POSS2 epoch photometric data (Mickaelian et al. 2011) based on accurate calculations of weighted average POSS1 and POSS2 magnitudes. 27 objects are present in the NSVS and light curves are available (Fig 2.). X-ray data may serve as an additional criterion to detect CVs among the FBS blue stellar objects (Voges et al. 1999; 2000).

The subsample of FBS WDs has already been published (Sinamyan & Mickaelian 2011), where some CVs are also present. The subsample of FBS CVs consists of 38 objects, including the following types: dwarf novae (DN; UG and SU subtypes; 7 objects), nova-like variables (NL; SH, AC, VY subtypes; 11 objects), as well as there is a DQ Her type object (FBS 1140+719), a Helium CV (HeCV; FBS 1232+379), and a Low-mass X-ray Binary (LMXB; FBS 1656+354). Other objects do not have accurate classification because of the lack of photometric data. The Periods are in the range of 0.012 to 0.343 days.

To make a complete study of these objects possible, multiwavelength (MW) data were retrieved for these 38 objects, including X-ray (ROSAT BSC and FSC), UV (GALEX), optical (APM, MAPS, USNO-B1.0, GSC 2.3.2, SDSS), and IR (2MASS, WISE, IRAS, AKARI) and MW SEDs were built. For CVs, MW SEDs have some disadvantage as their variability does not allow to have their accurate energy distribution. Diagrams with relations between MW data-points and some other physical parameters were also built.
The SED Machine: A Spectrograph to Efficiently Classify Transient Events Discovered by PTF
Authors: Ngeow Chow-Choong , Konidaris Nick , Quimby Robert , Ritter Andreas , Rudy Alexander R. , Lin Edward , Ben-Ami Sagi
Published: February 2013

The Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) is a project aimed to discover transients in the Universe, including Type Ia supernovae, core-collapse supernovae, and other exotic and rare transient events. PTF utilizes the Palomar 48-inch Telescope (P48) for discovering the transients, and follow-up mainly by the Palomar 60-inch Telescope (P60, for photometric light and color curves), as well as other telescopes. The discovery rate of PTF is about 7000 candidate transients per year, but currently only about 10% of the candidates are being followed-up and classified. To overcome this shortcoming, a dedicated spectrograph, called the SED Machine, is being designed and built at the California Institute of Technology for the P60 Telescope, aiming to maximize the classification efficiency of transients discovered by PTF. The SED Machine is a low resolution (R ~ 100) IFU spectrograph. It consists of a rainbow camera for spectrophotometric calibration, and a lenslet array plus 3-prism optics system for integrated field spectra. An overview of the science and design of the SED Machine is presented here.
Changes in Cyclotron line energy with luminosity in Accreting X-ray pulsars
Authors: Nishimura Osamu
Published: February 2013

I model changes in cyclotron line energy with luminosity, considering the effect of polar cap dimensions and changes in beam pattern as well as shock height. Cyclotron lines are calculated by a superposition of a large number of cyclotron lines formed in different heights of an accretion column. Cyclotron line energy has been observed to change with luminosity in a number of accreting X-ray pulsars. In X0115+63 and V0332+53, the fundamental cyclotron line energy has been observed to decrease with increasing luminosity. This phenomenon has been interpreted as a change in shock height with luminosity. However, the rate of the change seems to be very different, in which the line energy in V0332+53 seems to vary slowly with luminosity compared with that in X0115+63. I found that the changes in the cyclotron line energies with luminosity can be explained by changes in beam pattern and the size of a polar cap rather than a shock height.
Origin of Radio Emission from Nonthermal Electrons in ADAF for LLAGNs
Authors: Liu H. , Wu Q. W.
Published: February 2013

We explore the origin of the radio emission from the low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (LLAGNs), by investigating the ADAF model with a hybrid of thermal and nonthermal electrons. We find that the radio emission of LLAGNs is severely underpredicted by pure ADAF model, and can be naturally explained by the ADAF model with a hybrid electron population. Our model can roughly reproduce the anti-correlation between the mass-corrected radio loudness and the Eddington ratio for the LLAGNs. We further model the SEDs of each source, and find that roughly all sources can be well fitted if a small fraction of the steady state electron energy is ejected into the nonthermal electrons.
Spectrum and timing phenomena in IGR J17091-3624 2011 outburst
Authors: Zhang Z. , Qu J. L. , Gao H. Q. , Zhou J. N.
Published: February 2013

X-ray source IGR J17091-3624 was discovered by INTEGRAL observatory on 2003 April (Kuulkers 2003). A outburst was detected with Swift/Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) in late January 2011 (Krimm 2011). IGR J17091-3624 has a similar timing phenomena to microquasar GRS 1915+105(Belloni 2000; Altamirano 2011). We have analyzed the evolution of temporal and spectral characteristic of IGR J17091-3624 during the 2011 outburst. We find that (1) all the QPOs can be divided into two types, QPO-AB and QPO-C, (2) a small outburst tracks clockwise in the HID, (3) the relationship between hardness and disk color temperature forms a V-shape. Those results will give a strong constraint on the disk radiative process.
Avoiding another directive: the unstable politics of European Union cross-border health care law
Authors: Greer Scott L.
Published: February 2013

The European Union's (EU) 2011 Directive on cross-border patient mobility codifies the right of any EU citizen to travel abroad for treatment and be reimbursed on the same terms as they would be at home. Governments hoped it would end the string of court cases that had reshaped EU health law but this article argues that it is likely to produce yet more judicial challenges. Patient mobility is an attractive idea with unclear definitions and divergent implementation. In many cases, providers, insurers and governments will not communicate and leave the patient with a bill – almost daring the patient to sue, and the courts to make more policy. Governments should try to prevent this by investing in coordination and alternative redress for patients who might otherwise sue.
Welche Vorteile bringt eine umfassende Diagnostik mit OPD-KJ bei kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Patienten?
Authors: Seiffge-Krenke Inge , Fliedl Rainer , Katzenschläger Petra
Published: February 2013

Fragestellung: Dieser Beitrag stellt die Vorteile einer umfassenden OPD-KJ Diagnostik für eine kinder- und jugendpsychiatrische Stichprobe dar. Methodik: Drei Achsen der OPD-KJ, die Konflikt- und Strukturachse sowie die Achse Behandlungsvoraussetzungen wurden zusätzlich zum MAS und der ICD-10 Diagnose an einer Gruppe von 61 stationären kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Patienten in Österreich eingeschätzt. Ergebnisse: Es zeigten sich deutliche Geschlechtsunterschiede in der Bedeutung internalisierter, entwicklungshemmender Konflikte, allerdings war das Strukturniveau bei allen Patienten einheitlich im Bereich gering bis mäßig angesiedelt, d. h. Strukturleistungen wie Umgang mit negativen Affekten, Selbst- und Objektdifferenzierung und Kontaktgestaltung konnten nur mit erheblicher Hilfe von außen aufrechterhalten werden. Ältere Patienten waren behandlungsmotivierter und krankheitseinsichtiger. Von Bedeutung waren auch Zusammenhänge zwischen Konfliktachse und den Behandlungsvoraussetzungen, u. a. der Befund, dass Patienten mit einem als bedeutsam eingestuften Konflikt Unterwerfung vs. Kontrolle geringere Behandlungsmotivation, geringere Veränderungsmotivation und mehr Krankheitsgewinn zeigten als Patienten mit anderen Konflikten. Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie zeigt, dass eine umfassende OPD-KJ Diagnostik, die über die Achse Behandlungsvoraussetzungen hinausgeht und auch Informationen aus der Einschätzung der Konflikt- und Strukturachse enthält, hilfreiche Informationen für die die Behandlungsplanung liefern kann.
Pseudomonas fluorescens NZI7 repels grazing by C. elegans, a natural predator
Authors: Burlinson Peter , Studholme David , Cambray-Young Joanna , Heavens Darren , Rathjen John , Hodgkin Jonathan , Preston Gail M
Published: February 2013

The bacteriovorous nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used to investigate many aspects of animal biology, including interactions with pathogenic bacteria. However, studies examining C. elegans interactions with bacteria isolated from environments in which it is found naturally are relatively scarce. C. elegans is frequently associated with cultivation of the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus, and has been reported to increase the severity of bacterial blotch of mushrooms, a disease caused by bacteria from the Pseudomonas fluorescens complex. We observed that pseudomonads isolated from mushroom farms showed differential resistance to nematode predation. Under nutrient poor conditions, in which most pseudomonads were consumed, the mushroom pathogenic isolate P. fluorescens NZI7 was able to repel C. elegans without causing nematode death. A draft genome sequence of NZI7 showed it to be related to the biocontrol strain P. protegens Pf-5. To identify the genetic basis of nematode repellence in NZI7, we developed a grid-based screen for mutants that lacked the ability to repel C. elegans. The mutants isolated in this screen included strains with insertions in the global regulator GacS and in a previously undescribed GacS-regulated gene cluster, ‘EDB’ (‘edible’). Our results suggest that the product of the EDB cluster is a poorly diffusible or cell-associated factor that acts together with other features of NZI7 to provide a novel mechanism to deter nematode grazing. As nematodes interact with NZI7 colonies before being repelled, the EDB factor may enable NZI7 to come into contact with and be disseminated by C. elegans without being subject to intensive predation.
Prevalence of the parasitic cymothoid isopod Anilocra nemipteri on its fish host at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Roche Dominique G. , Strong Laura E. , Binning Sandra A.
Published: February 2013

Parasites are ubiquitous in nature but assessing their prevalence in wild fish populations is often challenging due to their cryptic nature. Low abundance can also hinder detailed studies. Here, we report a relatively high prevalence (4.3%; range = 0–28%) of an ectoparasitic cymothoid isopod (Anilocra nemipteri) infecting the bridled monocle bream (Scolopsis bilineatus) on reefs surrounding Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The prevalence of infected and previously infected fish at this location was nearly 15%, which greatly exceeds reports from other localities on the GBR. At least one parasitised fish was observed at 75% of the reefs surveyed, although prevalence varied across sites. Parasitised S. bilineatus were, on average, 25% smaller than unparasitised or previously parasitised fish. Given that these parasites have known detrimental effects on host growth, survivorship and swimming ability, our observations suggest that A. nemipteri may influence the size structure of its host population in the wild. Since A. nemipteri is large, conspicuous and relatively abundant, it provides an ideal study system to examine a range of important questions on the evolutionary ecology of parasites.
An investigation of the sexist application of the morality concept of Tsika in the Shona culture of Zimbabwe
Authors: Chisango Tadios , Mayekiso Thokozile
Published: February 2013

We investigated the sexist application of a morality concept of Tsika, characterized by communal traits, in the Shona culture of Zimbabwe. Tsika has been defined as “politeness, civility and circumlocution” (Samkange & Samkange, 1980, p. 74), thus generally falling under communal traits. Theoretical literature suggests that although Tsika is a cultural ideal for all Shona people, it is especially expected of women and children, and that women can be punished like children if they lack Tsika. This research tested whether Tsika would be expected more of women (and children) than men. In line with ambivalent sexism theory, it was predicted that, because Tsika is constituted of communal traits, a bias in its expectation of women over men would be predicted by benevolent sexism. Furthermore, the research tested whether women (and children) would be judged more negatively than men if they defaulted on Tsika. It was hypothesized that a more negative evaluation of women than men if they defaulted on Tsika would be predicted by hostile sexism. Results confirmed that Tsika is expected more of women than of men. Benevolent sexism and its interaction with hostile sexism predicted the bias in expectation of Tsika of women over men. Results also confirmed that women who default on Tsika are evaluated more negatively than men. Hostile sexism predicted the bias in negative evaluations of women over men who default on Tsika.
Planform: an application and database of graph-encoded planarian regenerative experiments
Authors: Lobo Daniel , Malone Taylor J. , Levin Michael
Published: February 2013

Summary: Understanding the mechanisms governing the regeneration capabilities of many organisms is a fundamental interest in biology and medicine. An ever-increasing number of manipulation and molecular experiments are attempting to discover a comprehensive model for regeneration, with the planarian flatworm being one of the most important model species. Despite much effort, no comprehensive, constructive, mechanistic models exist yet, and it is now clear that computational tools are needed to mine this huge dataset. However, until now, there is no database of regenerative experiments, and the current genotype–phenotype ontologies and databases are based on textual descriptions, which are not understandable by computers. To overcome these difficulties, we present here Planform (Planarian formalization), a manually curated database and software tool for planarian regenerative experiments, based on a mathematical graph formalism. The database contains more than a thousand experiments from the main publications in the planarian literature. The software tool provides the user with a graphical interface to easily interact with and mine the database. The presented system is a valuable resource for the regeneration community and, more importantly, will pave the way for the application of novel artificial intelligence tools to extract knowledge from this dataset.

Availability: The database and software tool are freely available at http://planform.daniel-lobo.com.

Contact:  michael.levin@tufts.edu
Systems pharmacology of the nerve growth factor pathway: use of a systems biology model for the identification of key drug targets using sensitivity analysis and the integration of physiology and pharmacology
Authors: Benson Neil , Matsuura Tomomi , Smirnov Sergey , Demin Oleg , Jones Hannah M. , Dua Pinky , van der Graaf Piet H.
Published: February 2013

The nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway is of great interest as a potential source of drug targets, for example in the management of certain types of pain. However, selecting targets from this pathway either by intuition or by non-contextual measures is likely to be challenging. An alternative approach is to construct a mathematical model of the system and via sensitivity analysis rank order the targets in the known pathway, with respect to an endpoint such as the diphosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase concentration in the nucleus. Using the published literature, a model was created and, via sensitivity analysis, it was concluded that, after NGF itself, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) was one of the most sensitive druggable targets. This initial model was subsequently used to develop a further model incorporating physiological and pharmacological parameters. This allowed the exploration of the characteristics required for a successful hypothetical TrkA inhibitor. Using these systems models, we were able to identify candidates for the optimal drug targets in the known pathway. These conclusions were consistent with clinical and human genetic data. We also found that incorporating appropriate physiological context was essential to drawing accurate conclusions about important parameters such as the drug dose required to give pathway inhibition. Furthermore, the importance of the concentration of key reactants such as TrkA kinase means that appropriate contextual data are required before clear conclusions can be drawn. Such models could be of great utility in selecting optimal targets and in the clinical evaluation of novel drugs.
A digital patient for computer-aided prosthesis design
Authors: Colombo Giorgio , Facoetti Giancarlo , Rizzi Caterina
Published: February 2013

This article concerns the design of lower limb prosthesis, both below and above knee. It describes a new computer-based design framework and a digital model of the patient around which the prosthesis is designed and tested in a completely virtual environment. The virtual model of the patient is the backbone of the whole system, and it is based on a biomechanical general-purpose model customized with the patient's characteristics (e.g. anthropometric measures). The software platform adopts computer-aided and knowledge-guided approaches with the goal of replacing the current development process, mainly hand made, with a virtual one. It provides the prosthetics with a set of tools to design, configure and test the prosthesis and comprehends two main environments: the prosthesis modelling laboratory and the virtual testing laboratory. The first permits the three-dimensional model of the prosthesis to be configured and generated, while the second allows the prosthetics to virtually set up the artificial leg and simulate the patient's postures and movements, validating its functionality and configuration. General architecture and modelling/simulation tools for the platform are described as well as main aspects and results of the experimentation.
Experimental insights into flow impingement in cerebral aneurysm by stereoscopic particle image velocimetry: transition from a laminar regime
Authors: Yagi Takanobu , Sato Ayaka , Shinke Manabu , Takahashi Sara , Tobe Yasutaka , Takao Hiroyuki , Murayama Yuichi , Umezu Mitsuo
Published: February 2013

This study experimentally investigated the instability of flow impingement in a cerebral aneurysm, which was speculated to promote the degradation of aneurysmal wall. A patient-specific, full-scale and elastic-wall replica of cerebral artery was fabricated from transparent silicone rubber. The geometry of the aneurysm corresponded to that found at 9 days before rupture. The flow in a replica was analysed by quantitative flow visualization (stereoscopic particle image velocimetry) in a three-dimensional, high-resolution and time-resolved manner. The mid-systolic and late-diastolic flows with a Reynolds number of 450 and 230 were compared. The temporal and spatial variations of near-wall velocity at flow impingement delineated its inherent instability at a low Reynolds number. Wall shear stress (WSS) at that site exhibited a combination of temporal fluctuation and spatial divergence. The frequency range of fluctuation was found to exceed significantly that of the heart rate. The
high-frequency-fluctuating
WSS appeared only during mid-systole and disappeared during late diastole. These results suggested that the flow impingement induced a transition from a laminar regime. This study demonstrated that the hydrodynamic instability of shear layer could not be neglected even at a low Reynolds number. No assumption was found to justify treating the aneurysmal haemodynamics as a fully viscous laminar flow.
Fat chance for longevity
Authors: Kniazeva Marina , Han Min
Published: February 2013

The health benefits of specific fatty acids and physiological roles of fat metabolism are important subjects that are still poorly understood. In this issue of Genes & Development, O'Rourke and colleagues (pp. 429–440) uncovered a role for lipase-generated ω-6 fatty acids in promoting autophagy and, consequently, life span extension under both fed and fasting conditions. The impact of this finding is discussed with regard to the nutritional value of ω-6 fatty acids and regulatory functions of fat metabolism beyond its well-known role in energy storage.
Bringing interlibrary loan services under a single sign‐on umbrella
Authors: Derek Halling T. , Hahn Douglas C.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to transform a user‐authentication process for a document delivery and borrowing service into a simplified and unified logon access method consistent with other library services by leveraging a University Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data fields were analyzed from the Texas A&M University Libraries' interlibrary loan and document delivery application (ILLiad) to determine the unique information that was critical to maintain account security and historical usage. As an added feature, plans were made and implemented to provide account authentication with another system entity through the use of Shibboleth software.

Findings

The campus LDAP proved a popular added feature. Since the implementation of the new authentication and authorization methods, usage of the service has increased even though the number of actual live accounts has decreased. Account security and user affiliation statistics were greatly improved.

Practical implications

More efficient authentication and authorization processes increased the effectiveness of the document delivery service. Use of the LDAP protocol and Shibboleth software enhanced the authentication process for both the library and the user. Eliminating the need for a separate set of credentials for use of the document delivery service reduced the potential for password fatigue.

Originality/value

The creation and implementation of different technologies to further refine migration and systematic processes. A guide to the steps taken to facilitate moving from one authentication method to a more advanced system leveraging Shibboleth and .ASP for quality assurance.
Trimmed NURBS surface applications in computerized 3D fashion design for garment industry
Authors: Fang Jing‐Jing , Tien Chia‐Hsin
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach to generating a basic bodice based on human body structure. The trimmed non‐uniform rational B‐spline (NURBS) method is applied to develop computer‐aided tailoring and styling capabilities in 3D fashion design.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the body structure of the scanned subject, a parameterized method to intuitively generate adaptable bodices is proposed. NURBS surfaces are applied to provide an interactive styling design based on the preset bodice. To mimic dress shearing for any specific requirement, trimmed curves are applied to the NURBS‐based clothes. A simple periodic function is introduced to develop a wave‐like style garment.

Findings

Newly‐styled apparel designed in the third dimension is much more intuitive than conceptual drawings on paper. In order to create wearable garments using the computer‐aided apparel design tools, the expertise of pattern makers is necessary.

Originality/value

Interactive free form surface creation and its associated techniques, by means of trimmed NURBS, are applied to computer‐assisted garment design in three dimensions. The technique provides the designers with a more freely expressive means of creativity.
An immune co‐evolutionary algorithm based approach for problems related to clothing uniform assignment
Authors: Hu Zhi‐Hua , Yu Xiao‐Kun , Sheng Zhao‐Han
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the problem of clothing uniform assignment (CUA) and propose an immune co‐evolutionary algorithm to search optimal assignments of uniform garments to employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi‐size fitting measures are proposed based on multi‐attribute decision making. An immune co‐evolutionary algorithm incorporating immune inspired mechanisms is proposed to search optimal assignments.

Findings

The experimental results show promising performance. The model and the algorithm are aiming at a valuable problem and can be incorporated into the information systems for large‐scale industrial companies.

Originality/value

Uniform assignment problem is modeled with garment size fitting constraints. Multi‐size fitting measures are proposed based on multi‐attribute decision making and an immune co‐evolutionary algorithm is proposed to search optimal assignments.
Propensity to pay dividends and catering incentives in Thailand
Authors: Tangjitprom Nopphon
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the catering incentives of dividends can influence firms' dividend payment decisions in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes all listed stocks in the Stock Exchange of Thailand during the years 1992‐2009, excluding the firms from financial industries and firms with incomplete information. The catering incentives are measured by dividend premium. The firms' dividend payment decisions are measured by propensity to pay dividends and decision to change dividends.

Findings

The findings yield qualitatively consistent with the previous research. After controlling for the effect of the Asian Crisis during 1997‐1999, the result shows that the firm's decision to pay dividend could be affected by the catering incentives. Furthermore, dividend premium will reduce the probability that firms will decide to cut dividend payment from previous years.

Research limitations/implications

The result is limited to the availability of historical data. The Stock Exchange in Thailand has been established for only 35 years. With the lack of availability and completeness of data, the historical data could be gathered for only 18 years.

Practical implications

Investors in Thailand show their preference for dividend incomes. This could be the catering incentive of the firm to decide to pay dividends.

Originality/value

This paper offers the evidence of catering incentives of dividend proposed by Baker and Wurgler in the emerging market. Even though the result is not strong, it can be the evidence supporting the catering theory of dividend, not only in well‐developed markets, but also in emerging markets such as Thailand.
Using variable beam spot scanning to improve the efficiency of stereolithography process
Authors: Yi Cao , Dichen Li , Jing Wu
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new stereolithograhy (SL) process which could substantially improve the efficiency of building process through controlling the beam spot size and optimizing the process parameters dynamically.

Design/methodology/approach

In this process, the focus length of UV laser scanning head is changed by the dynamic focus mirror according to the building program. The beam spot in the resin surface varies with the focus length, and the laser power is adjusted accordingly to the changing spot in building process.

Findings

The study finds that the efficiency of building process has a close relationship with the beam spot size. The experiments showed that the larger the laser spot diameter was, the less the depth and the larger the width of the cured lines would be. Then the building program would adjust the UV laser power to compensate for the decreased curing depth caused by the enlarged beam spot. At last, the spot compensation was optimized for the new method that could keep the same building accuracy with the traditional SL process.

Originality/value

The variable beam spot process could improve the building efficiency by 30 percent without increasing the cost of system, and keep the same accuracy compared with the conventional SL process.
Social capital and sociological resilience in megacities context
Authors: Lucini Barbara
Published: February 2013

Purpose

During the last few decades social resilience and social vulnerability have been two crucial sociological concepts for everyone involved in crisis and disaster management. The fundamental purpose in the present analysis is based on the consideration of resilience from a sociological perspective and the notion of social capital, its proper features, dynamics and processes within different groups of people involved in a disaster process.

Design/methodology/approach

All these social components could be evaluated as social indicators of vulnerability and resilience according to the sociological approach and its main theories about social capital and resilience, social and methodological implications. The operative context of this theoretical reflection has been constituted by megacities, considered as the “new” social space where, nowadays, major social relations and risk reduction actions take place through a collaborative pattern not based on a top down organizational model.

Findings

Attention is focused on the sociological findings as the importance of social cohesion, strengthening social relationships with particular consideration for the crucial role of social capital during all stages of the disaster process: prevention and preparedness, planning, warning communication, physical and psychological impacts, emergency and disaster response, recovery and reconstruction with the specific aim of enhancing social resilience and attempting to diminish social vulnerability.

Originality/value

The originality of this proposal in the field of disaster resilience is its use of the sociological approach and its theoretical characteristics and instruments, such as, for example, the definitions of social capital. The consideration for this topic will be future challenges to improve urban disaster risk reduction according to social relationship and its characteristics of interconnection and multidimensionality.
The inter‐enterprise relationship and trade credit
Authors: Han Xueliang , Wang Xiao , Wang Huijie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

As the information asymmetry and credit rationing are existing, SMEs are finding it difficult to gain bank credit. Trade credit, as a one off substitution, gives another access to SME finance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects between inter‐corporate relationships (including the direct‐relationship and indirect‐relationship) and trade credit.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the mainstream of qualitative and quantitative research, this paper examines the relationship between SMEs and their analysis of the commercial credit financing. In the empirical research, through text‐analysis to build the variable of “the number of unions that enterprises take part in”. First, find the relate union through “baidu and googel” by the keywords of enterprise's name and the Union; then two persons select and determine which the enterprise may take part in and calculate the number. For that which cannot make sure, ask the third person. Learning from the HHI‐index, the paper calculates according to the amount and times of the enterprise related transactions to build the variable of “the concentration of enterprises related transactions”. Based on three years panel data (from 2007 to 2009) of 196 small and medium listed companies, this paper establishes the empirical models and examines the effects between inter‐corporate relationship and trade credit through the random effect model.

Findings

The paper finds that: SMEs must pay attention to inter‐enterprise relationship management. Without the power and status owned by large enterprises, SMEs have to learn how to survive in the complex and changing environment. The managers of SMEs have to develop their skills to manage the inter‐enterprise relationship. It finds the effects between inter‐enterprise relationship and trade credit seem like a “U” shape. SMEs should take part in associations wittingly and establish the relationship with the others, as all economic activities are embedded in the social network. This research shows that participating in the business associations, especially provincial associations, has a positive impact to gain trade credit.

Originality/value

This paper breaks through the traditional SMEs' financing theories. In this paper, the individual level theories have been extended to the organizational level. This paper also expands the study of the social capital theory and gives a more tolerable empirical test.
Salesperson compensation contract design based on multi‐agent principal agent model
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Liu Shizheng
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The effective and efficient motivation of the sales personnel affects the sales of a firm directly. The aim of this paper is to study the incentive effects of different compensation contracts under the framework of multi‐agent principal agent model, and it finds that the optimal contract is not the one that ties one salesperson's compensation to his own performance, but the one that ties his compensation to all the salespersons' performance. Factors that influence the incentive degree are also discussed. The purpose of this article is to design a reasonable incentive contract for salespersons where there are competitions between them.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐agent model where the efforts of one agent harm the performance of the other agent is established.

Findings

The optimal compensation of a salesperson is always composed of two parts: an incentive for an agent to improve his own performance and a disincentive for the agent to harm his colleague's performance, provided that there is a competition relationship between the two agents.

Research limitations/implications

This model applies only to the rewards incentive of multi‐agents with competitive relationships.

Practical implications

The conclusion could be used anywhere when there are two agents with one's behavior harming the other's performance.

Originality/value

A multi‐agent model where the efforts of one agent harm the performance of the other agent is established to study the compensation design problems for agents.
Building competitive advantage through social intrapreneurship
Authors: Venn Ronald , Berg Nicola
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The paper seeks to offer a novel perspective on “deep benefit management” in inclusive business ventures at the Base‐of‐the‐Pyramid (BoP). Furthermore, it explores tensions between social impact creation and financial objectives in multinational corporations (MNCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opts for an exploratory research design using empirical data, including an expert interview survey and expert discussions. Data is supplemented by documentary analysis, including corporate publications as well as case and impact studies. The paper applies a nested cross‐case comparison of three sustainability driven initiatives of PHILIPS Electronics.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights on value creation for customers and partners. Findings indicate the need for “external benefit management”. In addition, MNCs can gain financial as well as non‐financial benefits by venturing at the BoP. “Internal benefit management” should consider employee engagement, reputation, and partnering capabilities. Nevertheless, results indicate conflicts between social and financial objectives to which employees respond with “social intrapreneurship”.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the research methodology, results may not be generalized. Future research is encouraged to corroborate findings.

Practical implications

The paper develops deep benefit management as a powerful tool to plan, manage, and assess value creation in inclusive BoP ventures. Further, the paper proposes to establish protective space in MNCs to capitalize on social intrapreneurship.

Originality/value

This study provides an enhanced understanding of benefits of and barriers for inclusive business. Novel insights on social intrapreneurship are provided additionally.
From the root to the stem: interaction between the biocontrol root endophyte Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7 and the pathogen Pseudomonas savastanoi NCPPB 3335 in olive knots
Authors: Maldonado‐González M. Mercedes , Prieto Pilar , Ramos Cayo , Mercado‐Blanco Jesús
Published: February 2013

Olive knot disease, caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, is one of the most important biotic constraints for olive cultivation. Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7, a natural colonizer of olive roots and effective biological control agent (BCA) against Verticillium wilt of olive, was examined as potential BCA against olive knot disease. Bioassays using in vitro‐propagated olive plants were carried out to assess whether strain PICF7 controlled knot development either when co‐inoculated with the pathogen in stems or when the BCA (in roots) and the pathogen (in stems) were spatially separated. Results showed that PICF7 was able to establish and persist in stem tissues upon artificial inoculation. While PICF7 was not able to suppress disease development, its presence transiently decreased pathogen population size, produced less necrotic tumours, and sharply altered the localization of the pathogen in the hyperplasic tissue, which may pose epidemiological consequences. Confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with fluorescent tagging of bacteria revealed that when PICF7 was absent the pathogen tended to be localized at the knot surface. However, presence of the BCA seemed to confine P. savastanoi at inner regions of the tumours. This approach has also enabled to prove that the pathogen can moved systemically beyond the hypertrophied tissue.
Intravascular metastatic melanoma: A difficult diagnosis
Authors: Ghattas Samer , Howle Julie , Wang Wei , Kefford Richard , Gruenewald Simon
Published: February 2013

Melanoma is a common cancer with the potential for widespread metastasis; however intravascular metastasis is extremely rare. We report an unusual case of a patient with metastatic melanoma in whom 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG PET‐CT) demonstrated an intravascular melanoma metastasis in the superior vena cava (SVC), successfully treated with external beam radiotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where FDG PET‐CT was used to make this diagnosis.