bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Resveratrol as Caloric Restriction Mimetic and Environmental Enrichment on Neurobehavioural Responses in Young Healthy Mice
Authors: Muhammad Mustapha Shehu , Magaji Rabiu Abdussalam , Mohammed Aliyu , Isa Ahmed-Sherif , Magaji Mohammed Garba
Published: August 2014

Caloric restriction and environmental enrichment have been separately reported to possess health benefits such as improvement in motor and cognitive functions. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, has been reported to be caloric restriction mimetic. This study therefore aims to investigate the potential benefit of the combination of resveratrol as CR and EE on learning and memory, motor coordination, and motor endurance in young healthy mice. Fifty mice of both sexes were randomly divided into five groups of 10 animals each: group I animals received carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) orally per kg/day (control), group II animals were maintained on every other day feeding, group III animals received resveratrol 50 mg/kg, suspended in 10 g/L of (CMC) orally per kg/day, group IV animals received CMC and were kept in an enriched environment, and group V animals received resveratrol 50 mg/kg and were kept in EE. The treatment lasted for four weeks. On days 26, 27, and 28 of the study period, the animals were subjected to neurobehavioural evaluation. The results obtained showed that there was no significant change (P>0.05) in neurobehavioural responses in all the groups when compared to the control which indicates that 50 mg/kg of resveratrol administration and EE have no significant effects on neurobehavioural responses in young healthy mice over a period of four weeks.
Drought Analysis of the Haihe River Basin Based on GRACE Terrestrial Water Storage
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Jiang Dong , Huang Yaohuan , Wang Hao
Published: August 2014

The Haihe river basin (HRB) in the North China has been experiencing prolonged, severe droughts in recent years that are accompanied by precipitation deficits and vegetation wilting. This paper analyzed the water deficits related to spatiotemporal variability of three variables of the gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) derived terrestrial water storage (TWS) data, precipitation, and EVI in the HRB from January 2003 to January 2013. The corresponding drought indices of TWS anomaly index (TWSI), precipitation anomaly index (PAI), and vegetation anomaly index (AVI) were also compared for drought analysis. Our observations showed that the GRACE-TWS was more suitable for detecting prolonged and severe droughts in the HRB because it can represent loss of deep soil water and ground water. The multiyear droughts, of which the HRB has sustained for more than 5 years, began in mid-2007. Extreme drought events were detected in four periods at the end of 2007, the end of 2009, the end of 2010, and in the middle of 2012. Spatial analysis of drought risk from the end of 2011 to the beginning of 2012 showed that human activities played an important role in the extent of drought hazards in the HRB.
Transformation of Goethite to Hematite Nanocrystallines by High Energy Ball Milling
Authors: Lemine O. M.
Published: August 2014

α-Fe2O3nanocrystallines were prepared by direct transformation via high energy ball milling treatment forα-FeOOH powder. X-ray diffraction, Rietveld analysis, TEM, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) are used to characterize the samples obtained after several milling times. Phase identification using Rietveld analysis showed that the goethite is transformed to hematite nanocrystalline after 40 hours of milling. HRTEM confirm that the obtained phase is mostly a single-crystal structure. This result suggested that the mechanochemical reaction is an efficient way to prepare some iron oxides nanocrystallines from raw materials which are abundant in the nature. The mechanism of the formation of hematite is discussed in text.
A Novel Approach for Solving Semidefinite Programs
Authors: Jiao Hong-Wei , Huang Ya-Kui , Chen Jing
Published: August 2014

A novel linearizing alternating direction augmented Lagrangian approach is proposed for effectively solving semidefinite programs (SDP). For every iteration, by fixing the other variables, the proposed approach alternatively optimizes the dual variables and the dual slack variables; then the primal variables, that is, Lagrange multipliers, are updated. In addition, the proposed approach renews all the variables in closed forms without solving any system of linear equations. Global convergence of the proposed approach is proved under mild conditions, and two numerical problems are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented approach.
An Unusual Knee Trauma: Combined Rupture of Medial Collateral Ligament and Patellar Tendon
Authors: De Baere T. , De Muylder J. , Deltour A.
Published: August 2014

We present the case of a combined lesion of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and patellar tendon of the knee in a 45-year-old man, after a fall while skiing. Although there are numerous publications concerning associated tears of MCL and other knee ligaments, a combination of MCL tear with a rupture of the patellar tendon is very rare. After a review of the literature and treatment guidelines about these lesions, the clinical case is described and discussed. This knee trauma was treated with a transosseous reinsertion of the patellar tendon, which was reinforced by an allograft of fascia lata, followed by a direct suture of the MCL, which was reinforced with the lateral semitendinosus tendon.
Rumor-Propagation Model with Consideration of Refutation Mechanism in Homogeneous Social Networks
Authors: Zhao Laijun , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Jiajia , Qiu Xiaoyan , Xie Wanlin
Published: August 2014

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to how to effectively manage rumor propagation. Based on previous studies of rumor propagation and some strategies used by the authorities to refute rumors and manage rumor propagation, we develop a new rumor-propagation model with consideration of refutation mechanism. In this paper, we describe the dynamic process of rumor propagation by accounting for the refutation mechanism in homogeneous social networks. And then, we derive mean-field equations for rumor-propagation process. We then analyze the stability of the model with respect to changes in parameter values. Our results show that there exists a critical thresholdλcthat is inversely proportional to the average degree of the social networks and is positively correlated with the strength of the refutation mechanism. If the spreading rate is bigger than the critical thresholdλc, rumors can be spread. Our numerical simulations in homogeneous networks demonstrate that increasing the ignorant’s refutation rateβcan reduce the peak value of spreaders density, which is better than increasing the spreader’s refutation rateη. Therefore, based on the seriousness of the rumor propagation and the rumor-propagation rate, the authorities can choose effective strategies that increase the refutation rate so that they can reduce the maximum influence of the rumor.
Structural, Electrical, and Ethanol-Sensing Properties ofLa1-xNdxFeO3Nanoparticles
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi , Minh Dang Le , Giang Ho Truong , Toan Nguyen Ngoc
Published: August 2014

The nanocrystallineLa1-xNdxFeO3(0≤x ≤1.0) powders with orthorhombic perovskite phase were prepared by sol-gel method. The average crystallite sizes ofLa1-xNdxFeO3powders are about 20 nm. The resistance and gas-sensing properties of theLa1-xNdxFeO3based sensors were investigated in the temperature range from 160 to 300°C. The results demonstrated that the resistance and response of the perovskite thick films changed with the increase of Nd content.
Certain Class of Generating Functions for the Incomplete Hypergeometric Functions
Authors: Choi Junesang , Agarwal Praveen
Published: August 2014

Generating functions play an important role in the investigation of various useful properties of the sequences which they generate. In this paper, we aim to establish certain generating functions for the incomplete hypergeometric functions introduced by Srivastava et al. (2012). All the derived results in this paper are general and can yield a number of (known and new) results in the theory of generating functions.
Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Patients Submitted to Kidney Transplantation Is Related to Age, Body Mass Index, Time on Dialysis, and Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Madeira Miguel , Zen Mário Sérgio , Lacativa Paulo Gustavo Sampaio , Torres Carolina Hammes , Lázaro Ana Paula Pires , Gonçalves Renato Torres , de Mendonça Laura Maria Carvalho , de Farias Maria Lucia Fleiuss
Published: August 2014

Background. Renal transplantation (Tx) influences bone mineral density (BMD) by several mechanisms. The main objective of this study was to correlate BMD and risk factors associated with bone loss in patients submitted to kidney Tx. Methods. We evaluated 88 individuals after renal Tx (median time = 31.5 months since Tx). All of them sustained glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Prodigy-GE). Calcium, phosphate, albumin, creatinine, and intact parathormone (PTH) were measured at the same time. All statistical tests were two-sided and P value less than 0.05 were accepted as significant for all analyses in this study. Results. Serum PTH was raised in 42% patients, but corrected calcium was normal in 83 patients. No fragility fracture was reported, but the overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 27.6% and lower than expected BMD (Z-score ≤ −2.0 SD) was observed in 28.4%. Patients with lower than expected BMD had higher PTH levels. Conclusions. Older age, lower body mass index (BMI), longer time on dialysis, and elevated PTH levels were identified as the main factors associated with lower BMD.
A Flexile and High Precision Calibration Method for Binocular Structured Light Scanning System
Authors: Yuan Jianying , Wang Qiong , Li Bailin
Published: August 2014

3D (three-dimensional) structured light scanning system is widely used in the field of reverse engineering, quality inspection, and so forth. Camera calibration is the key for scanning precision. Currently, 2D (two-dimensional) or 3D fine processed calibration reference object is usually applied for high calibration precision, which is difficult to operate and the cost is high. In this paper, a novel calibration method is proposed with a scale bar and some artificial coded targets placed randomly in the measuring volume. The principle of the proposed method is based on hierarchical self-calibration and bundle adjustment. We get initial intrinsic parameters from images. Initial extrinsic parameters in projective space are estimated with the method of factorization and then upgraded to Euclidean space with orthogonality of rotation matrix and rank 3 of the absolute quadric as constraint. Last, all camera parameters are refined through bundle adjustment. Real experiments show that the proposed method is robust, and has the same precision level as the result using delicate artificial reference object, but the hardware cost is very low compared with the current calibration method used in 3D structured light scanning system.
Bounded Doubly Close-to-Convex Functions
Authors: Răducanu Dorina
Published: August 2014

We consider a new classCC(α,β)of bounded doubly close-to-convex functions. Coefficient bounds, distortion theorems, and radius of convexity for the classCC(α,β)are investigated. A corresponding class of doubly close-to-starlike functionsS*S(α,β)is also considered.
Numerical Simulation of Effective Properties of 3D Piezoelectric Composites
Authors: Qin Ri-Song , Xiao Yi , Lan Haitian
Published: August 2014

The prediction of the overall effective properties of fibre-reinforced piezocomposites has drawn much interest from investigators recently. In this work, an algorithm used in two-dimensional (2D) analysis for calculating transversely isotropic material properties is developed. Since the finite element (FE) meshing patterns on the opposite areas are the same, constraint equations can be applied directly to generate appropriate load. The numerical results derived using this model have found a good agreement with those in the literature. The 2D algorithm is then modified and improved in such a way that it is valid for three-dimensional (3D) analysis in the case of random distributed shorts and inclusions. Linear interpolation of displacement field is employed to establish constraint equations of nodal displacements between two adjacent elements.
The Synergy between City Human Resources and City Economy Development Based on the City Marketing: The Case of Chengdu
Authors: Pu Bo , Qiu Yanjun
Published: August 2014

City human resources and the city economic development have a synergistic effect to attract high‐quality talent and to encourage the sustainable development of the urban economy in the city marketing. Based on synergetics, we find out the evaluation indexes between the city human resources subsystem and urban economic development subsystem and constructed the evaluation system and model, and then used the yearbook data of Chengdu human resources and economic development from 2002 to 2012 and carried on empirical research. The results show that the level of coordinated development is weak between city human resources and city economic development at Chengdu, but it keeps rising slowly. The strong policy support shall be provided to Chengdu human resources and economic development by Chengdu government.
Forecasting Strategies for Haboobs: An Underreported Weather Phenomenon
Authors: Dempsey Mark J.
Published: August 2014

On June 5, 2013, Lubbock Texas is hit by a haboob at 10:30 pm. The storm is categorized as a wind event by television media and the dust component goes unreported. This event is used as a case study to evaluate the usefulness of the polarimetric variables differential reflectivity (ZDR) and correlation coefficient (CC) in identifying the storm as a haboob. Photographic evidence of the haboob is collected and correlated to NEXRAD signatures of base reflectivity and velocity from the Lubbock TX NEXRAD station (KLBB). NEXRAD level III products ZDR and CC are also obtained. The storm presents with gust front features to the north and east of the station. Low values returned from CC indicate nonmeteorological content. ZDR representations weakly indicate the presence of gust fronts to the east, with a stronger signal to the north. As no visual evidence of the northern gust front is available, the ZDR data are inconclusive. The correlation of low CC values to the visual representation of the haboob is an indicator that CC in combination with the NEXRAD base reflectivity and velocity products may be used to test wind events for the presence of sand, dust, and dirt and therefore exhibit predictive qualities.
Analysis of an SEIR Epidemic Model with Saturated Incidence and Saturated Treatment Function
Authors: Zhang Jinhong , Jia Jianwen , Song Xinyu
Published: August 2014

The dynamics of SEIR epidemic model with saturated incidence rate and saturated treatment function are explored in this paper. The basic reproduction number that determines disease extinction and disease survival is given. The existing threshold conditions of all kinds of the equilibrium points are obtained. Sufficient conditions are established for the existence of backward bifurcation. The local asymptotical stability of equilibrium is verified by analyzing the eigenvalues and using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion. We also discuss the global asymptotical stability of the endemic equilibrium by autonomous convergence theorem. The study indicates that we should improve the efficiency and enlarge the capacity of the treatment to control the spread of disease. Numerical simulations are presented to support and complement the theoretical findings.
Existence and Global Uniform Asymptotic Stability of Pseudo Almost Periodic Solutions for Cohen‐Grossberg Neural Networks with Discrete and Distributed Delays
Authors: Zhu Hongying , Feng Chunhua
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the existence and uniform asymptotic stability of pseudo almost periodic solutions to Cohen‐Grossberg neural networks (CGNNs) with discrete and distributed delays by applying Schauder fixed point theorem and constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional. An example is given to show the effectiveness of the main results.
Relationships between the Effect of Sunitinib and Immature Blood Vessels in Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Kim Byung Hoon , Sohn Jee Chul , Ha Ji Young , Park Choal Hee , Choe Mi Sun , Jung Hye Ra , Kim Chun Il
Published: August 2014

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the relationships between the effect of sunitinib and immature microvessels which are not covered by pericytes. Materials and Methods: This study involved 29 patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who took sunitinib after radical nephrectomy or biopsy due to metastatic RCC. Associations among clinicopathological factors, responses to sunitinib, and patient survival were reviewed. CD31 was used to stain endothelial cells, and anti-α-smooth muscle actin was used to stain pericytes. Immature vessels were defined as vessels that were positive only for CD31 staining. A high pericyte coverage was defined as a rate of pericyte coverage above 40%. Results: Partial responses, disease stabilization, and disease progression constituted 51.7, 10.4, and 37.9% of cases, respectively. Nine cases had a low pericyte coverage (31.0%). In the high-pericyte-coverage group, the number of metastatic sites was smaller (p = 0.003). The overall response rate to sunitinib was greater in the high-pericyte-coverage group than in the low-pericyte-coverage group (p = 0.027). The median overall survival and the median progression-free survival were not significantly different between the high- and low-pericyte-coverage groups. Conclusion: In the high-pericyte-coverage group, the overall response rates to sunitinib were higher, and the numbers of metastatic sites were smaller.
B Chromosomes in the Grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans Are Present in All Body Parts Analyzed and Show Extensive Variation for rDNA Copy Number
Authors: Ruiz-Estévez Mercedes , Cabrero Josefa , Camacho Juan Pedro M. , López-León María Dolores
Published: August 2014

B chromosomes in the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans are considered to be mitotically stable, because all meiotic (primary spermatocytes and oocytes) or mitotic (embryos, ovarioles, and gastric caecum) cells analyzed within the same individual show the same B chromosome number. Nothing is known, however, about body parts with somatic tissues with no mitotic activity in adult individuals, constituting the immense majority of their body. Therefore, we investigated whether B chromosomes are present in 8 non-mitotically active somatic body parts from both sexes in addition to ovarioles and testes by PCR analysis of 2 B-specific molecular markers. We also elucidated the number of B chromosomes that an individual carried through quantifying the B-located rDNA copy number by qPCR. Our results indicated the amplification of both B-specific markers in all analyzed body parts. However, we found high variation between males for the estimated number of rDNA units in the B chromosomes. These results demonstrate the presence of B chromosomes in all body parts from the same individual and suggest a high variation in the rDNA content of the B chromosomes carried by different individuals from the same population, presumably due to unequal crossovers during meiosis.
Investigations of Backscatter Differential Phase in the Melting Layer
Authors: Trömel Silke , Ryzhkov Alexander V. , Zhang Pengfei , Simmer Clemens
Published: August 2014

Backscatter differential phase δ within the melting layer has been identified as a reliably measurable but still underutilized polarimetric variable. Polarimetric radar observations at X band in Germany and S band in the United States are presented that show maximal observed δ of 8.5° at X band but up to 70° at S band. Dual-frequency observations at X and C band in Germany and dual-frequency observations at C and S band in the United States are compared to explore the regional frequency dependencies of the δ signature. Theoretical simulations based on usual assumptions about the microphysical composition of the melting layer cannot reproduce the observed large values of δ at the lower-frequency bands and also underestimate the enhancements in differential reflectivity ZDR and reductions in the cross-correlation coefficient ρhυ. Simulations using a two-layer T-matrix code and a simple model for the representation of accretion can, however, explain the pronounced δ signatures at S and C bands in conjunction with small δ at X band. The authors conclude that the δ signature bears information about microphysical accretion and aggregation processes in the melting layer and the degree of riming of the snowflakes aloft.
Buoyancy-Driven Coastal Currents off Oregon during Fall and Winter
Authors: Mazzini Piero L. F. , Barth John A. , Shearman R. Kipp , Erofeev A.
Published: August 2014

During fall/winter off the Oregon coast, oceanographic surveys are relatively scarce because of rough weather conditions. This challenge has been overcome by the use of autonomous underwater gliders deployed along the Newport hydrographic line (NH-Line) nearly continuously since 2006. The discharge from the coastal rivers between northern California and the NH-Line reach several thousands of cubic meters per second, and the peaks are comparable to the discharge from the Columbia River. This freshwater input creates cross-shelf density gradients that together with the wind forcing and the large-scale Davidson Current results in strong northward velocities over the shelf. A persistent coastal current during fall/winter, which the authors call the Oregon Coastal Current (OCC), has been revealed by the glider dataset. Based on a two-layer model, the dominant forcing mechanism of the OCC is buoyancy, followed by the Davidson Current and then the wind stress, accounting for 61% (±22.6%), 26% (±18.6%), and 13% (±11.7%) of the alongshore transports, respectively. The OCC average velocities vary from 0.1 to over 0.5 m s−1, and transports are on average 0.08 (±0.07) Sverdrups (Sv; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), with the maximum observed value of 0.49 Sv, comparable to the summertime upwelling jet off the Oregon coast. The OCC is a surface-trapped coastal current, and its geometry is highly affected by the wind stress, consistent with Ekman dynamics. The wind stress has an overall small direct contribution to the alongshore transport; however, it plays a primary role in modifying the OCC structure. The OCC is a persistent, key component of the fall/winter shelf dynamics and influences the ocean biogeochemistry off the Oregon coast.
From African Survivals to a Working-Class Afro-Brazilian Culture
Authors: Lima Ari
Published: August 2014

The presence of Africans and their descendants in Brazil since the end of the nineteenth century and their cultural contributions have been treated problematically by Raimundo Nina Rodrigues and Gilberto Freyre, who provided a reference point for the study of race relations and black culture in Brazil. This is important because nineteenth-century Brazil had begun to aspire to the level of civilization attained in Europe and North America while being all too well aware that its culture was seen from abroad as including elements regarded there as inferior and primitive—those of the cultures of its Native Americans and, especially, of its Africans and their descendants. This problem became even more significant in the twentieth century, when foreigners came to regard Brazil’s culture as that of its black working class.

A partir do final do Século XIX, a presença de africanos e descendentes assim como a produção cultural dos mesmos foi problematizada em dois autores, Raimundo Nina Rodrigues e Gilberto Freyre, que serviram de referência para constituição de um campo de estudo das relações raciais e cultura negra no Brasil. A discussão é de grande relevância na medida em que já no Século XIX, o Brasil pretendia se elevar ao patamar civilizatório das nações modelos, porém culturalmente sabia ser definido pelo aporte de culturas compreendidas como inferiores e primitivas, atribuídas aos indígenas e, particularmente, a africanos e descendentes. No caso destes últimos, africanos e descendentes, já no século XIX, se esboçava o dilema, que ganhou mais fôlego no século XX, de compreendê-los como sujeitos de uma cultura afro-brasileira, afrodescendente, popular ou negra.
The Brazilian Labor Movement under PT Governments
Authors: Galvão Andréia
Published: August 2014

Neoliberalism in Brazil led the labor movement to adopt a more conciliatory and collaborative stance, emphasizing negotiation and becoming receptive to the idea of social partnership. The discrediting of neoliberalism made it possible for the Partido dos Trabalhadores to win the presidency in 2002, and the unions had an important role in this victory. Rather than changing the direction of the labor movement, however, the PT governments have created political and economic conditions that reinforce it by expanding the institutional mechanisms available for collaboration with the state and strengthening the defense of immediate economic interests by creating conditions that allowed wage increases and improvements in collective agreements. This success in economic terms contrasts with the unions’ limited political intervention, an expression of a social democracy without reform, confined to what is possible.

O neoliberalismo no Brasil incentivou o movimentou sindical a assumir uma posição mais voltada para a conciliação e a colaboração, que prioriza a negociação e se torna receptiva ao conceito de parceria social. Foi o desprestígio do neoliberalismo que possibilitou o triunfo do Partido dos Trabalhadores na eleição presidencial de 2002 e os sindicatos desempenharam um papel importante nessa vitória. Entretanto, ao invés de mudar o rumo do movimento sindical, os governos PT têm criado as condições políticas e econômicas que reforçam a posição atual desse movimento, aumentando os mecanismos institucionais para colaboração com o Estado e estimulando a defesa dos interesses econômicos imediatos em um contexto que vem permitindo aumentos salariais e melhoras nos acordos coletivos. Ao sucesso econômico se contrapõe a limitada ação política dos sindicatos, expressão de uma democracia social sem reformas, que se restringe à gestão do possível.
Predicting the hourly Hong Kong representative sky from Typical Meteorological Year data for dynamic daylighting simulation
Authors: Ho JCK , Ng E , Chan PW
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a method to predict the hourly Hong Kong representative sky from Typical Meteorological Year data. An evaluation of the sensitivity of the vertical sky component demonstrates that the Hong Kong representative sky can provide better results than the Perez all-weather sky model. Error reductions of 9–23% can be expected in the four cardinal directions. To predict the Hong Kong representative sky from the Typical Meteorological Year data, a clear sky index can be derived from global horizontal irradiance. Three Hong Kong representative skies can be classified by the clear sky index corresponding to skies 1, 8 and 13 of the Hong Kong representative sky, respectively. The predicted hourly Hong Kong representative sky can provide the sky luminance data for the dynamic simulation of buildings.
Red blood cell folate as a risk factor for breast cancer among patients at a tertiary hospital in Uganda: a case control study
Authors: Rukundo Gideon , Galukande Moses , Ongom Peter , Fualal Jane Odubu
Published: August 2014

Background

Folate has been shown to play a complex but unclear role in carcinogenesis, with some studies showing that low folate intake protects against early carcinogenesis while high folate intake promotes advanced carcinogenesis. Other studies have shown that high folate is associated with decreased breast cancer risk and overall survival, yet others found no such association.

This study therefore sought to determine the association between red blood folate levels and breast cancer among women seen at a tertiary Ugandan hospital.

Methods

A case control study was conducted where female patients with a histological diagnosis of breast cancer were recruited as cases, and females without cancer attending other surgical clinics as controls. Demographics and social behavior data were collected and 5mls of blood drawn for laboratory testing of red blood cell (RBC) folate, serum vitamin B12 and RBC count. Ethical approval was obtained.

Results

In this study, a total of 145 women were recruited as 72 cases and 73 controls. The odds of having breast cancer among women with normal folate levels compared to those with low folate levels were 1.4 (95% CI 0.7 to 2.9) P = 0.290. Ninety participants (63%) had low RBC folate and 53 participants (37%) had normal RBC folate. Thirty five (45%) of the women from a rural setting had normal folate levels compared to 18(28%) women from an urban setting.

Conclusions

There was no significant association found between RBC folate and breast cancer among this group of women in Uganda.
Algorithmic and analytical approach to the split common fixed points problem
Authors: Zhu Li-Jun , Liou Yeong-Cheng , Kang Shin Min , Yao Yonghong
Published: August 2014

The split problem, especially the split common fixed point problem, has been studied by many authors. In this paper, we study the split common fixed point problem for the pseudo-contractive mappings and the quasi-nonexpansive mappings. We suggest and analyze an iterative algorithm for solving this split common fixed point problem. A weak convergence theorem is given.

MSC:49J53, 49M37, 65K10, 90C25.
The impact of structural integrity and route of administration on the antibody specificity against three cow's milk allergens ‐ a study in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Madsen Jeanette Lund , Kroghsbo Stine , Madsen Charlotte Bernhard , Pozdnyakova Irina , Barkholt Vibeke , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm
Published: August 2014

Background

Characterisation of the specific antibody response, including the epitope binding pattern, is an essential task for understanding the molecular mechanisms of food allergy. Examination of antibody formation in a controlled environment requires animal models. The purpose of this study was to examine the amount and types of antibodies raised against three cow's milk allergens; β‐lactoglobulin (BLG), α‐lactalbumin (ALA) and β‐casein upon oral or intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. A special focus was given to the relative amount of antibodies raised against linear versus conformational epitopes.

Methods

Specific antibodies were raised in Brown Norway (BN) rats. BN rats were dosed either (1) i.p. with the purified native cow's milk allergens or (2) orally with skimmed milk powder (SMP) alone or together with gluten, without the use of adjuvants. The allergens were denatured by reduction and alkylation, resulting in unfolding of the primary structure and a consequential loss of conformational epitopes. The specific IgG1 and IgE responses were analysed against both the native and denatured form of the three cow's milk allergens, thus allowing examination of the relative amount of linear versus conformational epitopes.

Results

The inherent capacity to induce specific IgG1 and IgE antibodies were rather similar upon i.p. administration for the three cow's milk allergens, with BLG = ALA > β‐casein. Larger differences were found between the allergens upon oral administration, with BLG > ALA > β‐casein. Co‐administration of SMP and gluten had a great impact on the specific antibody response, resulting in a significant reduced amount of antibodies. Together results indicated that most antibodies were raised against conformational epitopes irrespectively of the administration route, though the relative proportions between linear and conformational epitopes differed remarkably between the allergens.

Conclusions

This study showed that the three‐dimensional (3D) structure has a significant impact on the antibodies raised for both systemic and orally administered allergens. A remarkable difference in the antibody binding patterns against linear and conformational epitope was seen between the allergens, indicating that the structural characteristics of proteins may heavily affect the induced antibody response.
Estimating a Model of Strategic Network Choice: The Convenience-Store Industry in Okinawa
Authors: Nishida Mitsukuni
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates a determinant of location choice for multistore retailing firms: the trade-off between the business-stealing effect and the cost-saving effect from clustering their own stores. I present an empirical model of network choice by two multistore firms. I use lattice-theoretical results to address the computational burden of solving for an equilibrium in store networks. The framework integrates the static entry game of complete information with post-entry outcome data while using simulations to correct for the selection of entrants. I present an application of the model to the case of the convenience store industry in Okinawa Island, Japan, using unique cross-sectional data on store networks and revenues. I use parameter estimates to examine the impact of a hypothetical horizontal merger on store configurations, costs, and profits. Results suggest a retailer's trade-off between cost savings and lost revenues from clustering its stores is positive across markets and negative within a market. I find an acquirer of a hypothetical merger of two multistore firms would decrease its number of stores in suburbs but increase its number in the city center.
Counterfeiters: Foes or Friends? How Counterfeits Affect Sales by Product Quality Tier
Authors: Qian Yi
Published: August 2014

A key concern about counterfeits and weak intellectual property protection is that they may hamper innovation by displacing legitimate sales. This paper combines a natural policy experiment with randomized lab experiments to estimate the heterogeneous impacts of counterfeiting on the sales and consumer purchase intent related to branded products of various quality levels. I collect new product-line-level panel data (1993–2004) on Chinese shoe companies. I identify heterogeneous effects of counterfeit entry on sales of authentic products of three quality tiers, finding that counterfeits have both advertising effects for a brand and substitution effects for authentic products, additionally the effects linger for some years. The advertising effect dominates the substitution effect for high-end authentic product sales, and the substitution effect outweighs the advertising effect for low-end product sales. The positive effect of counterfeits is most pronounced for high-fashion products (such as women's high-leg boots and dress shoes), shoes tailored to young customers, and high-end products of brands not yet well-known at the time of counterfeiter entry.

This paper was accepted by David Hsu, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Smoking cessation for older people: neither too little nor too late
Authors: Rowa-Dewar Neneh , Ritchie Deborah
Published: August 2014

Community nurses are uniquely placed to facilitate smoking cessation with older people. Older people who smoke in the home expose not only themselves to the many health risks associated with tobacco use but also partners, children and grandchildren through second-hand smoke. Yet research has found that community nurses have several concerns about raising the issue of smoking in the home with older people including taking away one of their few pleasures; fear that the damage is done; damaging the professional relationship and a lack of knowledge about smoking cessation advice and services. In this article the authors acknowledge and challenge these concerns to encourage community nurses to embed smoking cessation in their daily practice with older people
Innovative solutions to daily challenges: Cutimed Sorbact follow-up case studies
Authors: Derbyshire Adam
Published: August 2014

Earlier in the year Wound Care published an article on dressing choice and considered the benefits of using Cutimed® Sorbact® in conjunction with the exudate management properties of Cutimed Siltec® and Cutisorb® Ultra ( Derbyshire, 2010 ). This article provides an update on the three case studies which used these products. The results of the case studies suggest that the dressings improve quality of life, enhance wound beds and help to reduce costs through factors such as reduced nursing time and fewer dressings used.
Silver dressing use in chronic wounds: Let clinical judgment be the guide
Authors: Brown Annemarie
Published: August 2014

Recent literature has suggested that silver dressings may be ineffective in treating infected or critically colonized wounds. This article discusses the development of chronic wound infection and appropriate clinical management. The role of exudate and how wound infection can impact on exudate production is discussed, together with the impact on patients' quality of life. The history and development of silver as a treatment for wound infection is described, as well as its mode of action. The current evidence base on the efficacy of silver is briefly discussed, together with implications for clinical practice. In the absence of irrefutable evidence that silver is ineffective in the treatment of infected chronic wounds, clinicians are encouraged to use their clinical judgment when selecting products to manage wound infection. Atrauman® Ag is introduced as an effective, versatile and competitively priced dressing for use in the treatment of infected or critically colonized wounds, and its effective use is illustrated with case studies.
Pressure ulcers: home-based nursing
Authors: Kapp Suzanne , Annells Merilyn
Published: August 2014

Older people living in the community may develop pressure ulcers that require home-based nursing care. This qualitative research pilot study conducted in Australia illuminated four themes unique to this experience. Firstly distinctive aspects of pressure ulcer pain were discerned, secondly restrictions of the home environment were identified, thirdly challenges associated with multi-disciplinary care in the community were recognized, and lastly a positive experience was facilitated by home visiting nurses. This study adds new insights on a topic that can inform best practice home-based nursing care and planning of further research.
Maintaining a professional approach online
Authors: Chinn Teresa
Published: August 2014

Some health professionals may have concerns about using social media. Teresa Chinn offers tips on ensuring that your conduct online is as professional as in real life.
Babies in mind: Promoting infant mental health
Authors: Finistrella Viviana , Lavis Paula
Published: August 2014

The first 2 years of life are essential for the healthy development of babies, both physically and mentally. This is the time when babies' brains are developing and important connections are formed. As a result, it is when the brain is at its most plastic or adaptable, so is the optimum time to ensure that babies get the best start in life. A sensitive and consistent relationship between parents/carers and the baby is essential for healthy brain development, and for the baby to become securely attached. This article considers what infant mental health is and how certain risk and protective factors can increase or reduce the risk of a child developing a mental health problem. It focuses on the importance of promoting mental health in babies, and looks at what health visitors can do to help parents and carers get a better understanding of their babies in order to develop secure attachments.
Training and development needs of health visitors: 27–30 month child health review
Authors: Rankin Jean , MacInnes Sandra
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

The 27–30 month child health review was introduced in Scotland in 2013 to promote strong early child development. This exploratory study focuses on the training needs of health visitors to effectively deliver this new assessment.

Methods:

A survey questionnaire was sent to all health visitors in NHS Lanarkshire (baseline quantifiable data, n=109 of 180). Focus groups (n=27) further explored related issues in detail.

Results:

Priority areas for training and development included: tools for assessing child development; normal development of the child (in particular vision and hearing); assessing children with long-term conditions; using strength/asset-based approaches; documentation; shared terminology; professional roles; and request-for-assistance pathways.

Conclusions:

NHS Boards should incorporate these training and development needs for all health visitors.
Access to Everything: Building the Future Academic Library Collection
Authors: Levine-Clark Michael
Published: August 2014

Academic libraries have always been deeply associated with their collections, but the nature of those collections has changed radically as we have entered the digital age. As libraries continue to evolve, they will focus strongly on special collections while adopting a goal of providing access to as much other content as possible. The collection will be everything that the library can identify that fits local curricular and research needs, and the means of access will be driven by cost. Discovery will be crucial, since a powerful discovery tool will allow the library to conceptualize the collection as the broadest possible range of content accessible to the local scholarly community.
Diversity, Social Justice, and the Future of Libraries
Authors: Morales Myrna , Knowles Em Claire , Bourg Chris
Published: August 2014

In this essay, we embrace a vision of the future of academic libraries where librarians confront and creatively address the lack of racial and ethnic diversity within our profession and actively pursue a social justice agenda within our libraries and in the communities we serve. This future requires that we acknowledge that many of our current practices reinforce existing structures of inequity and privilege, and that we leverage our services and resources to support, document, and encourage diversity and social justice efforts within librarianship and society.
Imagine! On the Future of Teaching and Learning and the Academic Research Library
Authors: Miller Kelly E.
Published: August 2014

In the future, what role will the academic research library play in achieving the mission of higher education? This essay describes seven strategies that academic research libraries can adopt to become future-present libraries—libraries that foster what Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown have called "a new culture of learning." Written in light of Johanna Drucker’s vision of the next university described in her article "The University as a Fully Integrated and Distributed Platform" in this edition of portal , the author argues that, to transform successfully, academic research libraries must ask themselves: How can we cultivate the imagination of students? What are we enabling students to do and become? The essay offers examples of how one academic research library, UCLA Library, is applying these strategies within its own institutional context, while learning from other forward-thinking organizations.
Reenvisioning Teaching and Learning: Opportunities for Campus IT
Authors: Brown Malcolm
Published: August 2014

The pressure on higher education to become more innovative and effective with respect to its teaching and learning (T&L) mission is unceasing. Institutions are challenged to rethink how they perform this core mission. The campus IT organization, always of strategic importance, can become a key partner and facilitator in that process. Its opportunities lie in becoming actively engaged in the T&L mission, not just as a supporting player but also as a proactive change agent, working to enable the institution to construct a new vision for T&L and to move toward its realization. To do so will require a rethinking of the roles of the chief information officer (CIO) and the academic technologist, as well as a new vision for the campus academic technology infrastructure.
The digital transformation of Arab news: Is there a future for online news after the ‘Arab Spring’?
Authors: Moussa Mohamed Ben , Douai Aziz
Published: August 2014

This study examines online news delivery and how Arab newspaper journalism has harnessed the Internet’s potential to deliver news in novel ways, reach new readers and audiences, and the implications for the way these users consume and interact with online news. Existing research
on online journalism has documented the web’s effects on journalism practice and online news at several levels, including the reorganization of newsrooms and the incorporation of technical features such as interactivity and media convergence. Based on those research findings, we conduct
a comparative analysis of 54 websites of online and print newspapers in the Arab world. The comparative analysis focuses on six main variables: (1) revenue resources, (2) editorial organization, (3) hyperlinks, (4) interactivity, (5) media convergence issues, and (6) updating/immediacy. While
the Internet has opened new and immense opportunities for journalism in the region, the study finds little evidence to suggest that it is substantially contributing to transforming communication dynamics and journalistic practices that can foster dialogical discourse and participatory communication,
both of which are central to the development of civic culture and liberal democracy.
Media professionals’ perceptions of the online media: Cognitive tensions related to technological change
Authors: Ellonen Hanna-Kaisa , Kosonen Miia , Jantunen Ari
Published: August 2014

A firm’s dominant logic refers to the mindset of the business in which it operates, and incorporates elements such as core beliefs about its role in its operating environments. We unravel the dynamics of competing dominant logics in the publishing industry. We identify five tensions
between the traditional print-oriented dominant logic and the new emerging dominant logic of the online business. We also observe differences between the mindsets of four professional groups, namely chief editors, journalists, online developers and managers. We argue that the tensions do not
only exist on the operational level but also on the cognitive level and between the professional groups.
Conflict between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kongers: A social identity perspective in explaining the hostile media phenomenon and the third-person effect
Authors: Cao Bolin , Chen Zhiqun , Huang Yingjie , Lo Wai Han
Published: August 2014

This study adopts social identity perspective to examine hostile media effect (HME) and the third-person effect (TPE) in the context of conflicts between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong people. We conducted a field experiment involving Mainland Chinese (N=77) and Hong Kong (N=74) university
students using a constructed neutral newspaper article as the stimuli. The results provide evidence that social identity could be a predictor of HME. It also suggests that perceptions of hostile bias in news coverage are not only limited to partisans, but also happen among readers of different
cultural identities. Moreover, the research links up HME with the TPE, and further illustrates that TPE would happen even when neutral article is employed.