bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democratic politics in Nepal
Authors: Bishwakarma Mom
Published: September 2016

While recent political transformation has brought several inclusion policies and changes in Nepal, Dalit are still politically excluded. In order to trace out the political inequality of Dalit and to generalize the findings, both primary and secondary qualitative data have been interpreted and analyzed. The key informant interview method was employed to explore the experiences of Dalit on the current political inequality, identity debates, and representation. It was found that deeply rooted caste hierarchy and discrimination practices are underlying detrimental factors for the depleted socio-economic, educational, and political status of Dalit in Nepal. The conception of Dalit as a common identity, although contested among Dalit, is only a short-term strategy to unite them against all forms of injustice including caste based discrimination, and to achieve equality. It can be concluded that special political representation measures, such as proportional representation (PR), are one of the major institutional reforms for achieving social justice for Dalit in Nepal.
Not just ‘convenient’
Authors: Cox Michael
Published: September 2016

The argument made here runs counter to that often found in the more mainstream literature on the China-Russia relationship. This literature is of course varied and rich; it does not tell a single story. But amongst a very large number of experts the view has been – and in many respects remains – that there will always be much more that divides Moscow and Beijing than unites them. This I suggest is not only contradicted by an increasingly large body of evidence, it also runs the very real risk of misunderstanding the geopolitical challenge facing the United States and its allies in both Europe and Asia. This is not to be alarmist; the US and its allies still retain formidable advantage. Nor for a moment am I suggesting that we are in the midst of some new – largely mythical – Cold War. But it is to suggest that unless we call things by their right name, there is a very real chance that two very illiberal powers who have no interest in supporting the current liberal order could make hay while the democracies keep on reassuring themselves that there is very little to be concerned about, because at the end of the day China and Russia are more likely to be (or become) rivals than partners, more likely to turn into serious competitors and enemies than allies.
Control of lung defence by mucins and macrophages: ancient defence mechanisms with modern functions
Authors: Janssen William J. , Stefanski Adrianne L. , Bochner Bruce S. , Evans Christopher M.
Published: September 2016

Owing to the need to balance the requirement for efficient respiration in the face of tremendous levels of exposure to endogenous and environmental challenges, it is crucial for the lungs to maintain a sustainable defence that minimises damage caused by this exposure and the detrimental effects of inflammation to delicate gas exchange surfaces. Accordingly, epithelial and macrophage defences constitute essential first and second lines of protection that prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful agents in the lungs, and under homeostatic conditions do so effectively without inducing inflammation. Though epithelial and macrophage-mediated defences are seemingly distinct, recent data show that they are linked through their shared reliance on airway mucins, in particular the polymeric mucin MUC5B. This review highlights our understanding of novel mechanisms that link mucus and macrophage defences. We discuss the roles of phagocytosis and the effects of factors contained within mucus on phagocytosis, as well as newly identified roles for mucin glycoproteins in the direct regulation of leukocyte functions. The emergence of this nascent field of glycoimmunobiology sets forth a new paradigm for considering how homeostasis is maintained under healthy conditions and how it is restored in disease.
Upper airway and systemic inflammation in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Vicente Eugenio , Marin Jose M. , Carrizo Santiago J. , Osuna Carlos S. , González Ricardo , Marin-Oto Marta , Forner Marta , Vicente Paul , Cubero Pablo , Gil Ana V. , Soler Xavier
Published: September 2016

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with pharyngeal inflammation, but the coexistence of systemic inflammation is controversial. This study investigated whether local and systemic inflammatory biomarkers are related in patients with OSA. An uncontrolled extension to the study assessed the response to effective treatment.

We recruited 89 patients with OSA (apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥5 events·h−1), 28 snorers and 26 healthy controls. Pharyngeal lavage (PHAL) and plasma samples were collected at baseline and after a 1-year follow-up. Inflammatory cells were evaluated by flow cytometry; interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-α were evaluated by immunoassay.

In PHAL, CD4+T-cells, IL-6 and IL-8 were higher in OSA patients than in snorers or healthy controls (p<0.05). The AHI correlated with CD4+, IL-6 and IL-8 in PHAL (all p-values <0.05). There were no differences in the inflammatory biomarkers in plasma between the study groups and no relationship between plasma and PHAL biomarkers. Biomarkers decreased significantly in PHAL but not in plasma after 1 year of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure or surgery.

In patients with OSA, increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers were found in PHAL, which were reduced with effective treatment. No simultaneous increase in plasma inflammatory biomarkers was found.
Control theory prediction of resolved Cheyne−Stokes respiration in heart failure
Authors: Sands Scott A. , Edwards Bradley A. , Kee Kirk , Stuart-Andrews Christopher , Skuza Elizabeth M. , Roebuck Teanau , Turton Anthony , Hamilton Garun S. , Naughton Matthew T. , Berger Philip J.
Published: September 2016

Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSR) foretells deleterious outcomes in patients with heart failure. Currently, the size of therapeutic intervention is not guided by the patient's underlying pathophysiology. In theory, the intervention needed to resolve CSR, as a control system instability (loop gain >1), can be predicted knowing the baseline loop gain and how much it falls with therapy.

In 12 patients with heart failure, we administered an inspiratory carbon dioxide fraction of 1–3% during CSR (n=95 interventions) as a means to reduce loop gain. We estimated the loop gain on therapy (LGtherapy), using the baseline loop gain (using hyperpnoea length/cycle length) and its expected reduction (18% per 1% inspired carbon dioxide), and tested the specific hypothesis that LGtherapypredicts CSR persistence (LGtherapy>1)versusresolution (LGtherapy<1).

As predicted, when LGtherapy>1.0, CSR continued during therapy in 23 out of 25 (92%) trials. A borderline loop gain zone (0.8<LGtherapy<1) yielded an unpredictable outcome, while LGtherapy<0.8 consistently yielded CSR resolution (37 out of 37 trials). A threshold of LGtherapy=0.9 determined outcome in 76 out of 95 (80%) trials.

We establish proof-of-concept that control theory provides predictive insight into CSR resolution in heart failure. Thus, we now have a means to calculate the size of interventions needed to ameliorate CSR on a patient-by-patient basis.
The parameter sensitivity of random forests
Authors: Huang Barbara F.F. , Boutros Paul C.
Published: September 2016

Background

The Random Forest (RF) algorithm for supervised machine learning is an ensemble learning method widely used in science and many other fields. Its popularity has been increasing, but relatively few studies address the parameter selection process: a critical step in model fitting. Due to numerous assertions regarding the performance reliability of the default parameters, many RF models are fit using these values. However there has not yet been a thorough examination of the parameter-sensitivity of RFs in computational genomic studies. We address this gap here.

Results

We examined the effects of parameter selection on classification performance using the RF machine learning algorithm on two biological datasets with distinctp/nratios: sequencing summary statistics (lowp/n) and microarray-derived data (highp/n). Here,p,refers to the number of variables and,n, the number of samples. Our findings demonstrate that parameterization is highly correlated with prediction accuracy and variable importance measures (VIMs). Further, we demonstrate that different parameters are critical in tuning different datasets, and that parameter-optimization significantly enhances upon the default parameters.

Conclusions

Parameter performance demonstrated wide variability on both low and highp/ndata. Therefore, there is significant benefit to be gained by model tuning RFs away from their default parameter settings.
MMinte: an application for predicting metabolic interactions among the microbial species in a community
Authors: Mendes-Soares Helena , Mundy Michael , Soares Luis Mendes , Chia Nicholas
Published: September 2016

Background

The explosive growth of microbiome research has yielded great quantities of data. These data provide us with many answers, but raise just as many questions. 16S rDNA—the backbone of microbiome analyses—allows us to assess α-diversity, β-diversity, and microbe-microbe associations, which characterize the overall properties of an ecosystem. However, we are still unable to use 16S rDNA data to directly assess the microbe-microbe and microbe-environment interactions that determine the broader ecology of that system. Thus, properties such as competition, cooperation, and nutrient conditions remain insufficiently analyzed. Here, we apply predictive community metabolic models of microbes identified with 16S rDNA data to probe the ecology of microbial communities.

Results

We developed a methodology for the large-scale assessment of microbial metabolic interactions (MMinte) from 16S rDNA data. MMinte assesses the relative growth rates of interacting pairs of organisms within a community metabolic network and whether that interaction has a positive or negative effect. Moreover, MMinte’s simulations take into account the nutritional environment, which plays a strong role in determining the metabolism of individual microbes. We present two case studies that demonstrate the utility of this software. In the first, we show how diet influences the nature of the microbe-microbe interactions. In the second, we use MMinte’s modular feature set to better understand how the growth of Desulfovibrio piger is affected by, and affects the growth of, other members in a simplified gut community under metabolic conditions suggested to be determinant for their dynamics.

Conclusion

By applying metabolic models to commonly available sequence data, MMinte grants the user insight into the metabolic relationships between microbes, highlighting important features that may relate to ecological stability, susceptibility, and cross-feeding. These relationships are at the foundation of a wide range of ecological questions that impact our ability to understand problems such as microbially-derived toxicity in colon cancer.
JNK inhibition reduces lung remodeling and pulmonary fibrotic systemic markers
Authors: van der Velden Jos L. J. , Ye Ying , Nolin James D. , Hoffman Sidra M. , Chapman David G. , Lahue Karolyn G. , Abdalla Sarah , Chen Peng , Liu Yong , Bennett Brydon , Khalil Nasreen , Sutherland Donna , Smith William , Horan Gerald , Assaf Mahmoud , Horowitz Zebulun , Chopra Rajesh , Stevens Randall M. , Palmisano Maria , Janssen‐Heininger Yvonne M. W. , Schafer Peter H.
Published: September 2016

Background

Lung remodeling and pulmonary fibrosis are serious, life‐threatening conditions resulting from diseases such as chronic severe asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Preclinical evidence suggests that JNK enzyme function is required for key steps in the pulmonary fibrotic process. However, a selective JNK inhibitor has not been investigated in translational models of lung fibrosis with clinically relevant biomarkers, or in IPF patients.

Methods

The JNK inhibitor CC‐930 was evaluated in the house dust mite‐induced fibrotic airway mouse model, in a phase I healthy volunteer pharmacodynamic study, and subsequently in a phase II multicenter study of mild/moderate IPF (n = 28), with a 4‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, sequential ascending‐dose period (50 mg QD, 100 mg QD, 100 mg BID) and a 52‐week open‐label treatment‐extension period.

Results

In the preclinical model, CC‐930 attenuated collagen 1A1 gene expression, peribronchiolar collagen deposition, airway mucin MUC5B expression in club cells, and MMP‐7 expression in lung, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum. In the phase I study, CC‐930 reduced c‐Jun phosphorylation induced by UV radiation in skin. In the phase II IPF study, there was a CC‐930 dose‐dependent trend in reduction of MMP‐7 and SP‐D plasma protein levels. The most commonly reported adverse events were increased ALT, increased AST, and upper respiratory tract infection (six subjects each, 21.4 %). A total of 13 subjects (46.4 %) experienced adverse events that led to discontinuation of study drug. Nine out of 28 subjects experienced progressive disease in this study. The mean FVC (% predicted) declined after 26–32 weeks at doses of 100 mg QD and 100 mg BID. Changes in MMP‐7, SP‐D, and tenascin‐C significantly correlated with change in FVC (% predicted).

Conclusions

These results illustrate JNK enzymatic activity involvement during pulmonary fibrosis, and support systemic biomarker use for tracking disease progression and the potential clinical benefit of this novel intervention in IPF.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01203943
Multi-analytical investigation into painting materials and techniques: the wall paintings of Abuna Yemata Guh church
Authors: Gebremariam Kidane Fanta , Kvittingen Lise , Nicholson David Graham
Published: September 2016

Abuna Yemata Guh is one of the nine Saints who are traditionally claimed to have come to Northern Ethiopia in the beginning of the sixth century and established monasteries in the Tigray region. The church, named after him, is hewn out of the side of one of the highest sandstone spires in the Gheralta area. Though the local tradition claims earlier dates, the paintings in the church are suggested to belong to the second half of the fifteenth century on the basis of their theme, style and iconography. We report here the investigation into the materials and techniques of the paintings using diverse complementary analytical techniques: Polarized light microscopy (PLM), portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction (SR-XRD), pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-FTIR). Earth materials based on hematite, goethite and terra verte were the main findings, but cinnabar, orpiment, lead white and carbon black were also identified. The stratigraphic analyses of samples from different locations coupled with SR-XRD analysis indicated the presence of anhydrite, gypsum, calcite and lime in the preparation layer. The pigments identified together with close visual examination showed repainting and retouching within the area in which the Marian figure is depicted, as well as in a nearby figure. The ground preparatory layer consisted of red mud reinforced by straw applied to the chiseled sandstone support. The egg-based binding medium suggests that tempera technique was used. Technical studies of Ethiopian wall paintings are scant, but highly needed as this world heritage is threatened due to limited conservation. Our documentation of the materials and techniques is therefore aimed to stem this loss, as well as to provide information for art historical studies.
Genomic sequence analysis of a plant-associated Photobacterium halotolerans MELD1: from marine to terrestrial environment?
Authors: Mathew Dony Chacko , Lo Shou-Chen , Mathew Gincy Marina , Chang Kung-Hao , Huang Chieh-Chen
Published: September 2016

Mercury impacts the function and development of the central nervous system in both humans and wildlife by being a potent neurotoxin. Microbial bioremediation is an important means of remediation of mercury-contaminated soil. The rhizospheric Photobacterium halotolerans strain MELD1 was isolated from mercury and dioxin contaminated site from Tainan, Taiwan. It has been shown to reduce Hg2+ to Hg0. The 4,758,027 bp genome of P. halotolerans MELD1 has a G + C content of 50.88 % and contains 4198 protein-coding and 106 RNA genes. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of a number of interesting gene cluster that maybe involved in heavy metal resistance, rhizosphere competence and colonization of the host plant.
Draft genome sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii strain NCTC 13423, a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate
Authors: Michiels Joran E. , Van den Bergh Bram , Fauvart Maarten , Michiels Jan
Published: September 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen that is becoming increasingly important and causes serious hospital-acquired infections. We sequenced the genome of A. baumannii NCTC 13423, a multidrug-resistant strain belonging to the international clone II group, isolated from a human infection in the United Kingdom in 2003. The 3,937,944 bp draft genome has a GC-content of 39.0 % and a total of 3672 predicted protein-coding sequences. The availability of genome sequences of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates will fuel comparative genomic studies to help understand the worrying spread of multidrug resistance in this pathogen.
Gli2 gene-environment interactions contribute to the etiological complexity of holoprosencephaly: evidence from a mouse model
Authors: Heyne Galen W. , Everson Joshua L. , Ansen-Wilson Lydia J. , Melberg Cal G. , Fink Dustin M. , Parins Kia F. , Doroodchi Padydeh , Ulschmid Caden M. , Lipinski Robert J.
Published: September 2016

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a common and severe human developmental abnormality marked by malformations of the forebrain and face. Although several genetic mutations have been linked to HPE, phenotypic outcomes range dramatically, and most cases cannot be attributed to a specific cause. Gene-environment interaction has been invoked as a premise to explain the etiological complexity of HPE, but identification of interacting factors has been extremely limited. Here, we demonstrate that mutations in Gli2, which encodes a Hedgehog pathway transcription factor, can cause or predispose to HPE depending upon gene dosage. On the C57BL/6J background, homozygous GLI2 loss of function results in the characteristic brain and facial features seen in severe human HPE, including midfacial hypoplasia, hypotelorism and medial forebrain deficiency with loss of ventral neurospecification. Although normally indistinguishable from wild-type littermates, we demonstrate that mice with single-allele Gli2 mutations exhibit increased penetrance and severity of HPE in response to low-dose teratogen exposure. This genetic predisposition is associated with a Gli2 dosage-dependent attenuation of Hedgehog ligand responsiveness at the cellular level. In addition to revealing a causative role for GLI2 in HPE genesis, these studies demonstrate a mechanism by which normally silent genetic and environmental factors can interact to produce severe outcomes. Taken together, these findings provide a framework for the understanding of the extreme phenotypic variability observed in humans carrying GLI2 mutations and a paradigm for reducing the incidence of this morbid birth defect.
The role of ADP-ribosylation in regulating DNA interstrand crosslink repair
Authors: Gunn Alasdair R. , Banos-Pinero Benito , Paschke Peggy , Sanchez-Pulido Luis , Ariza Antonio , Day Joseph , Emrich Mehera , Leys David , Ponting Chris P. , Ahel Ivan , Lakin Nicholas D.
Published: September 2016

ADP-ribosylation by ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) has a well-established role in DNA strand break repair by promoting enrichment of repair factors at damage sites through ADP-ribose interaction domains. Here, we exploit the simple eukaryote Dictyostelium to uncover a role for ADP-ribosylation in regulating DNA interstrand crosslink repair and redundancy of this pathway with non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). In silico searches were used to identify a protein that contains a permutated macrodomain (which we call aprataxin/APLF-and-PNKP-like protein; APL). Structural analysis reveals that this permutated macrodomain retains features associated with ADP-ribose interactions and that APL is capable of binding poly(ADP-ribose) through this macrodomain. APL is enriched in chromatin in response to cisplatin treatment, an agent that induces DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs). This is dependent on the macrodomain of APL and the ART Adprt2, indicating a role for ADP-ribosylation in the cellular response to cisplatin. Although adprt2− cells are sensitive to cisplatin, ADP-ribosylation is evident in these cells owing to redundant signalling by the double-strand break (DSB)-responsive ART Adprt1a, promoting NHEJ-mediated repair. These data implicate ADP-ribosylation in DNA ICL repair and identify that NHEJ can function to resolve this form of DNA damage in the absence of Adprt2.
Safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban versus standard anticoagulation for the treatment of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis in routine clinical practice
Authors: Haas S. , Kreutz R. , Gebel M. , Herold J. , Schneider J. , Weyrauch P. , Beyer-Westendorf J. , Bauersachs R.M. ,   für die XALIA-DE Studiengruppe
Published: September 2016

In addition to parenteral anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists (standard AC), non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are increasingly being used for the acute and long-term treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The international, prospective, non-interventional XALIA study compared the acute and long-term treatment of DVT with rivaroxaban or standard AC under routine clinical practice and confirmed the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban demonstrated in Phase III studies: annual event rates for major bleeding, VTE and all-cause mortality were 1.2 %, 2.4 % and 0.8 % respectively, compared to 3.4 %, 3.9 %, and 6.2 % with standard AC.

The XALIA-DE subgroup analysis examined whether the XALIA results were applicable to Germany. The 586 rivaroxaban patients were younger and fewer had active cancer than the 355 treated with standard AC. As in XALIA, the incidence of major bleeding (1.6 vs. 4.1/100 patient-years [PY]), recurrent VTE (1.9 vs. 4.7/100 PY) and all-cause mortality (1.6 vs. 6.8/100 PY) were lower under rivaroxaban than under standard AC. These rates indicate a favourable benefit-risk profile of rivaroxaban under the conditions of everyday practice.
Open discectomy vs microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation - a protocol for a pragmatic comparative effectiveness study
Authors: Sørlie Andreas , Gulati Sasha , Giannadakis Charalampis , Carlsen Sven M. , Salvesen Øyvind , Nygaard Øystein P. , Solberg Tore K.
Published: September 2016

Introduction: 

Since the introduction of lumbar microdiscectomy in the 1970’s, many studies have attempted to compare the effectiveness of this method with that of standard open discectomy with conflicting results. This observational study is designed to compare the relative effectiveness of microdiscectomy (MD) with open discectomy (OD) for treating lumbar disc herniation, -within a large cohort, recruited from daily clinical practice.

Methods and analysis:  

This study will include patients registered in the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery (NORspine). This clinical registry collects prospective data, including preoperative and postoperative outcome measures as well as individual and demographic parameters. The primary outcome is change in Oswestry disability index between baseline and 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcome measures are improvement of leg pain and changes in health related quality of life measured by the Euro-Qol-5D between baseline and 12 months after surgery, complications to surgery, duration of surgical procedures and length of hospital stay.
Waiting To Give: Stated and Revealed Preferences
Authors: Craig Ashley C. , Garbarino Ellen , Heger Stephanie A. , Slonim Robert
Published: September 2016

We estimate and compare the effect of increased time costs on consumer satisfaction and behavior. We are able to move beyond the existing literature, which focuses on satisfaction and intention, and estimate the effect of waiting time on return behavior. Further, we do so in a prosocial context and our measure of cost is the length of time a blood donor spends waiting. We find that relying on satisfaction data masks important time cost sensitivities; namely, it is not how the donor feels about the wait time that matters for return behavior, but rather the actual duration of the wait. Consistent with theory we develop, our results indicate that waiting has a significant longer-term social cost: we estimate that a 38% increase (equivalent to one standard deviation) in the average wait would result in a 10% decrease in donations per year.

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Organizational Structure and Performance Feedback: Centralization, Aspirations, and Termination Decisions
Authors: Joseph John , Klingebiel Ronald , Wilson Alex James
Published: September 2016

This study examines the effects of organizational structure and performance feedback on termination decisions—in particular, product phaseout. Using quarterly product-level data on the major mobile handset manufacturers for the period 2004–2009, we analyze how product-level feedback affects product phaseout and how these decisions are conditioned by organizational structure—the extent to which decision making is centralized. We argue that such structure affects termination in two ways: directly, through coordination, and indirectly, by shaping the interpretation of performance feedback. Our baseline models indicate that as performance increases above aspirations, the rate of phaseout decreases. We find that as performance declines below aspirations, the rate of phaseout decreases, but then increases when the product falls below a certain sales threshold. We also find evidence that centralization amplifies the feedback effect above aspirations but attenuates it below aspirations. This study links two pillars of the Carnegie school, aspiration levels and hierarchy, to explain the complexity of phaseout following perceived success or failure. We thereby augment the growing scholarship on performance feedback by considering some important conditional effects imposed by a centralized structure. Our focus on centralization expands the scope of theory concerning organization design by linking structure and cognition to explain firm behavior, especially termination decisions.
Stakeholder Integration for Service Innovation in German Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Jonas Julia M. , Roth Angela , Möslein Kathrin M.
Published: September 2016

This multiple case study explores stakeholder integration as a multidimensional process in service systems. Applying a service-dominant (S-D) logic perspective to service innovation, the empirical study identifies which internal and external stakeholders are being integrated in service innovation, at which stage of the process, and in which mode. It explores the practice of stakeholder integration as a multidimensional process in the context of medium-sized information technology and manufacturing firms and thereby demonstrates, among others, that stakeholder integration is foremost implemented as reactive integration. Mutual cocreation, the bidirectional exchange between stakeholders, is put into practice only with internal stakeholders. The exploratory approach shows how the indirect integration and interdependencies of stakeholder integration represent challenges for service innovation.
THE EFFECT OF Sauropus androgynus LEAF EXTRACT ON PERFORMANCE, EGG QUALITY AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF EGGS
Authors: Santoso U. , Fenita Y.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this research was to produce the enriched eggs, but low in cholesterol content. Forty eight layer chickens aged 72 weeks (strain Dekalb Warren) were distributed into six treatment groups. One group of laying hens was fed diets without Sauropus androgynusleaf extract (SALE) as the control, and another five groups were fed diet supplemented to 9 g SALE, 18 g SALE, 27 g SALE, 36 g SALE, and 45 g SALE/kg diet, respectively. Completely randomized design was used in the present study.The experimental results showed that SALE supplementation had no effect on egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, shell egg, egg index, eggshell thickness, and yolk index (P>0.05), but significantly affected Haugh Unit, albumen index, yolk color, egg odor, egg taste, and yolk color (P<0.05). The protein, fat, calsium, phosphor, kaliumand iron contents of eggs  did not change (P>0.05), but the cholesterol content of egg was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of SALE did not enhance performance, but it improve egg quality and its chemical composition.
Positive Answer to Berestycki’s Open Problem on the Unit Ball
Authors: Dai Guowei , Yang Bianxia
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we establish a unilateral global bifurcation result from intervals for a class of semilinear problems on the unit ball. By applying the above result, we obtain the spectrum of a class of half-linear problems on the unit ball. Our results partially give a positive answer to the open problem proposed by Berestycki.
Bibliotheken als Dritte Orte
Authors: Büttner Stephan , Freyberg Lisa
Published: September 2016

Am Fachbereich Informationswissenschaften der Fachhochschule Potsdam fand vom 27. bis 28. Mai 2016 zum zweiten Mal die #VisDom (Visualisierung von Daten und Informationen – Symposium an der FH Potsdam) statt. Während die Veranstaltung sich 2015 ausschließlich mit der visuellen Darstellung, speziell mit dem Einsatz von AR beschäftigte, war 2016 das Themenfeld wesentlich breiter gefasst und stellte des Prinzip der „Smart Libraries“ in den Vordergrund. Der vorliegende Artikel fasst die wesentlichen Diskussionsbeiträge und Inhalte der Tagung zusammen.
„Schmökerabend“ an der Technischen Hochschule Wildau
Authors: Hofmann Daniel , Dreiß Carina
Published: September 2016

In diesem Artikel möchten wir unseren, seit 2012 jährlich durchgeführten „Schmökerabend“ näher beleuchten.

Dies soll mit Hauptaugenmerk auf die folgenden drei Aspekte geschehen:

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Das Angebot von Programmpunkten und Workshops vor Ort,

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Ziele und Nutzwert dieser und ähnlicher von der TH und Hochschulbibliothek durchgeführten Veranstaltungen,

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der betriebene Arbeitsaufwand und Hilfsmittel (z. B. Projektmanagement Tools), die für Vorbereitung und Organisation solcher Veranstaltungen interessant oder hilfreich sein können.
Unitals in shift planes of odd order
Authors: Trombetti Rocco , Zhou Yue
Published: September 2016

A finite shift plane can be equivalently defined via abelian relative difference sets as well as planar functions. In this paper, we present a generic way to construct unitals in finite shift planes of odd square order. We investigate various geometric and combinatorial properties of these planes, such as the self-duality, the existence of O’Nan configurations, Wilbrink’s conditions, the designs formed by circles and so on. We also show that our unitals are inequivalent to the unitals derived from unitary polarities in the same shift planes. As designs, our unitals are also not isomorphic to the classical unitals (the Hermitian curves).
On the cohomology and their torsion of real toric objects
Authors: Choi Suyoung , Park Hanchul
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we do the following two things:

(i)

We present a formula to compute the rational cohomology ring of a real topological toric manifold, and thus that of a small cover or a real toric manifold, which implies the formula of Suciu and Trevisan. Furthermore, the formula also works for an arbitrary coefficient ring G in which 2 is a unit.

(ii)

We construct infinitely many real toric manifolds and small covers whose integral cohomology rings have a q-torsion for any positive odd integer q.
How do Liberalization, Institutions and Human Capital Development affect the Nexus between Domestic Private Investment and Foreign Direct Investment? Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bbale John Mayanja , Nnyanzi John Bosco
Published: September 2016

Developing countries have continued to experience an unprecedented increase in direct foreign investment (FDI) inflows for the past two decades. However, the quantitative impact of the same on private domestic investment (PDI) is still imprecise. Using a system GMM approach and panel data from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for the period 1996–2013, we provide evidence in support of the crowding out role of FDI on PDI but the observed nexus is precipitated by the presence of liberalization, human capital development and institutional quality. Interestingly, when we consider the latter variables uninteracted, the improvement of each appears to significantly benefit PDI. In addition, the substitution role of FDI in PDI appears to be stronger in resource-rich than in the resource-poor countries. Additionally, we find that public investment crowds out private investment whereas infrastructure development, past private investment, credit depth, and GDP per capita are supportive of the PDI. However, we document mixed evidence for sub-samples of the East African Community, the Southern Africa Development Corporation, the Economic Community and West African States, and the Economic Community of Central African States. Overall, our study underscores the urgent need for well-directed policies in line with improving institutions, school enrolment, financial systems, infrastructure, and the government prioritization of productive investment that is supportive of the private as well as foreign sector. We advocate for reviews of incentive packages to foreign firms that discourage fair competition if the PDI-FDI complementarity and consequential positive spillovers to other sectors are to be realized for economic development in SSA.
On the difference between a Vitali–Bernstein selector and a partial Vitali–Bernstein selector
Authors: Kharazishvili Alexander
Published: September 2016

It is shown that the difference between a Vitali–Bernstein
selector and a partial Vitali–Bernstein selector can be of Lebesgue measure
zero and of first Baire category. This result gives an answer to
a question posed by G. Lazou.
Fast and reliable quantification of lignin reactivity via reaction with dimethylamine and formaldehyde (Mannich reaction)
Authors: Wang Miao , Sjöholm Elisabeth , Li Jiebing
Published: September 2016

The influence of pH on the Mannich reaction (amino alkylation in the presence of formaldehyde) has been analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with vanillin (VA) as a model compound and a purified softwood kraft lignin (SKL) as a substrate. The reaction products of VA were studied at pH 5, 7, and 9 at 60°C for 4 h. The Mannich adduct and side reaction products with methylene bridge were found at both pH 7 and 9, while only di-substituted by-products were observed at pH 5. Nitrogen contents determined from blank runs were substantial at pH 5 and negligible at pH 7. In VA or SKL, the resulting N-contents at pH 7 corresponded to a 76 or 62 mol% of the theory, respectively, i.e. based on the available C5 positions in phenolic guaiacyl units (G-units). In the case of SKL, 31P-NMR analysis confirmed a 77% conversion of all phenolic G-units into their C5 substituted derivatives. The Mannich reaction should be performed on lignin at pH 7 for 1 h to suppress unwanted side reactions, which could be observed by LC-MS under other pH conditions. The reaction is suitable for fast and reliable determination of reactive C5-positions in lignin by multiplication of the N-content of the reaction products with a factor of 1.6.
The formation and transformation of hormones in maternal, placental and fetal compartments: biological implications
Authors: Pasqualini Jorge R. , Chetrite Gérard S.
Published: September 2016

The fetal endocrine system constitutes the earliest system developing in fetal life and operates during all the steps of gestation. Its regulation is in part dependent on the secretion of placental and/or maternal precursors emanating across the feto-maternal interface. Human fetal and placental compartments possess all the enzymatic systems necessary to produce steroid hormones. However, their activities are different and complementary: the fetus is very active in converting acetate into cholesterol, in transforming pregnanes to androstanes, various hydroxylases, sulfotransferases, while all these transformations are absent or very limited in the placenta. This compartment can transform cholesterol to C21-steroids, convert 5-ene to 4-ene steroids, and has a high capacity to aromatize C19 precursors and to hydrolyze sulfates. Steroid hormone receptors are present at an early stage of gestation and are functional for important physiological activities. The production rate of some steroids greatly increases with fetal evolution (e.g. estriol increases 500–1000 times in relation to non-pregnant women). Other hormones, such as glucocorticoids, in particular the stress hormone cortisol, adipokines (e.g. leptin, adiponectin), insulin-like growth factors, are also a key factor for regulating reproduction, metabolism, appetite and may be significant in programming the fetus and its growth. We can hypothesize that the fetal and placental factors controlling hormonal levels in the fetal compartment can be of capital importance in the normal development of extra-uterine life.
Claiming too much, delivering too little: testing some of Hofstede’s generalisations
Authors: McSweeney Brendan , Brown Donna , Iliopoulou Stravroula
Published: September 2016

This paper considers Geert Hofstede’s claim that his national cultural ‘dimension scores’ and related rankings of countries enable effective prediction by examining a causal generalisation he has repeatedly used to illustrate that capability. When tested against cross-sectional and longitudinal empirical data about conflicts in industrial relations, the generalisation is shown not to have predictive power. A second generalisation is then tested, which also fails to demonstrate predictive capability. This paper discusses some characteristics of valid cross-national research in the light of these predictive failures.
Management adaptation of business association services: long-term stability 1783-2012 and ‘change points’ for Irish chambers of commerce
Authors: Bennett Robert J.
Published: September 2016

This paper seeks to fill an important gap in literature on institutional adaptation, using Irish chambers of commerce services to examine how managers of business associations adjust long-term balances in services, and respond to short-term challenges. The paper uses the theoretical expectations from collective action theory, transactions cost economics, the theory of organisational evolution and interactions with state supports to explore how the management strategies of chambers adapted to challenges from the economic and institutional environment. The paper demonstrates durability in the long term over the 200- year history of chambers, by an adaptation of service bundles and resource mixes, with major ‘change points’ being critical to re-balancing services and income sources. Using the example of challenges arising from the ‘change point’ of the Irish economic contraction 2008–2012, the paper shows how short-term adaptation mechanisms operate. Larger chambers generally survived better. Smaller chambers had more challenges, but demonstrate the durability of engaged management by volunteers.
Analysis of Shrinkage Characteristics of Aluminium Silicon Alloy
Authors: Hussainy Syed Ferhathullah , Mohiuddin Mohd. Viquar , Laxminarayana P. , Sundarrajan S. , Krishnaiah A.
Published: September 2016

Analysis of shrinkage characteristics of Aluminium-Silicon alloy was studied theoretically and experimentally. The Aluminium alloys considered in the study are A413 (LM6), A360 (LM9) and A380 (LM24). Extensive literature survey has suggested that cavity filling and solidification process are two most critical aspects to produce high quality casting components. A statistical model of parameters and response to understand the influence of parameters on shrinkage and casting yield studies has been presented. Experiments were conducted in foundry in industrial environment to produce commercially treated aluminium alloy castings in sand mould. Alloy was found to be most significant factor influencing shrinkage. The yield of casting was improved using insulating and exothermic sleeves. Solidification time of exothermic riser was 10 % more than insulated riser. Thus, in order to produce radiographic quality casting a theoretical and experimental method is presented so that number of trials in foundry is reduced which leads to increased reliability and productivity. Study also shows that by using sleeves considerable metal is saved, energy saving during melting, improved quality, reduced cost and increased capacity of plant can be achieved.
Ergebnisstruktur und Ergebnisentwicklung von Genossenschaftsbanken und Sparkassen Vor dem Hintergrund der Finanzmarktkrise
Authors: Hölscher Reinhold , Kalhöfer Christian , Helms Nils
Published: September 2016

There is an ongoing debate about whether a permanent deterioration in the revenue of banks could be the result of the remaining low interest rate or not. Against this background this article wants to examine how the results of cooperative and savings banks have developed during the last years and how the changed regulatory framework affected negative results of the banks.
PAPP-A, IGFBP-4 and IGF-II are secreted by human adipose tissue cultures in a depot-specific manner
Authors: Gude Mette Faurholdt , Hjortebjerg Rikke , Oxvig Claus , Thyø Anne Anker , Magnusson Nils Erik , Bjerre Mette , Pedersen Steen Bønløkke , Frystyk Jan
Published: September 2016

Objective

Adipose tissue secretes pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), which may increase local IGF action through cleavage of IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4). We tested whether this mechanism was operational in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (i.e. VAT and SAT).

Design

Explants of VAT and SAT from 26 obese subjects (hereof 17 women, BMI 39.5 (37.2; 42.8) kg/m2(median (25%; 75% confidence interval) and SAT from eight lean, age-matched women (BMI 23.6 (22.4; 24.9) kg/m2) were incubated with or without GH (100 µg/L) and the media were harvested.

Methods

Media were assessed for concentrations of PAPP-A, intact and PAPP-A-cleaved IGFBP-4, IGF-I and IGF-II, and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) activation by bioassay.

Results

In obese subjects, VAT media contained higher concentrations than SAT of PAPP-A (4.4-fold) and both PAPP-A-generated IGFBP-4 fragments (C-terminal: 3.3-fold, N-terminal: 1.5-fold) (allP < 0.0005). Intact IGFBP-4 levels were similar in SAT and VAT. VAT media contained elevated IGF-II (1.4-fold;P < 0.005), but similar IGF-I concentrations compared with SAT. Still, VAT media contained a 1.8-fold increased ability to stimulate the IGF-IR (P < 0.005). IGF-I protein concentration and IGF-IR activation increased more in VAT media than SAT media following GH stimulation (bothP < 0.05). At baseline, SAT media protein levels from lean and obese women were similar, with the exception of PAPP-A being 1.8-fold elevated in VAT media (P < 0.05). GH induced a similar increase in IGF-I media levels in SAT from obese and lean women.

Conclusion

Human adipose tissue cultures secrete enzymatically active PAPP-A, IGFBP-4 and IGF-II in a depot-specific manner, suggesting differential regulation of IGF activity. Further, IGF-II appears to be more prominent than IGF-I. Finally, VAT appears more GH responsive than SAT.
A Study on Socio-Economic Status of Tribal People in Thane and Raigad Districts, Maharashtra
Authors: Chavan Prabhakar
Published: September 2016

The paper intends to study the socio-economic conditions of the tribals residing in the remote hilly and forest areas, in the area of Thane and Raigad districts in Maharashtra. The people are very poor economically, socially and educationally. They are living hand to mouth. They depend mostly on the forest produce and agriculture for their livelihood. The government officials for the upliftment and development of the tribal are over there but many people are not aware about the government programmers and schemes. In terms of methodology, both primary and secondary data have been used. Data are both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Wherever necessary, quantitative data have been presented in tabular and graph forms. The paper concludes that in both Thane and Raigad districts, the socio-economic status of the tribal people is substantially lower than the general people. There is an urgent need to launch income generating, educational, and health awareness programmes to help them to take up opportunities given by NGOs and government.
Creating the Social Venture
Authors: Kaushal Leena Ajit
Published: September 2016

Social ventures aim at creating social value. The literature on social entrepreneurship analyses how social entrepreneurs pursue the aspect of social change. The combination of shared value creation-economic and social value- does pose a formidable challenge for social ventures.
Multivariate Analysis of Refusal Strategies in Request Situations: The Case of Russian JFL Learners
Authors: Bulaeva Maria E.
Published: September 2016

Using decision tree analysis by SPSS Classification Trees (Version 18.0), the present study investigated the rank order of significance between the five factors (i.e., power factor, distance factor, situational factor, culture/language factor, and type of refusal strategy) when predicting the choice of refusal strategies in request situations. To examine the frequency of refusal strategies, we conducted a discourse completion test in the L1 and L2 of Russian JFL students and compared them with Russian and Japanese native speakers. The findings show that there is a hierarchical order among the factors involved in realization of request refusals. The effects of cultural and language differences are very complex and deeply intertwined with the content of refusal situations and nature of specific strategies. The results were able to demonstrate in which conditions the following occurred: the influence of L2 (Japanese) onto L1 (Russian), the maintenance of Russian national identity, and the accommodation to the target language culture.
Prioritizing Criteria for Evaluating Cultural Contents in EFL Textbooks through AHP
Authors: LIU Kaili
Published: September 2016

With the rising interest in culture and the development of intercultural approaches in language teaching, evaluating the cultural contents in EFL textbooks is becoming a great concern. The main purpose of this study is to develop a measurement model for assessing cultural contents in EFL textbooks through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Using AHP, the criteria influencing textbook evaluation are identified and their relative importance is weighted. The results show that among the 17 criteria, the six that rank the highest are intercultural attitude, communication, cultural knowledge, relevance, diversity and interest. These findings suggest that the goals given in textbooks related to promoting intercultural competence and topics with the potential to develop intercultural competence are highly valued. Additionally, the high ranking of the criterion measuring student participation underscores the importance of cultural activities in triggering learners’ active learning. It is hoped that the results will provide teachers with a reference for assessing cultural contents in textbooks and offer textbook writers information that will allow them to revise contents created for the development of intercultural communicative competence.