bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removing unwanted variation in a differential methylation analysis of Illumina HumanMethylation450 array data
Authors: Maksimovic Jovana , Gagnon-Bartsch Johann A. , Speed Terence P. , Oshlack Alicia
Published: May 2015

Due to their relatively low-cost per sample and broad, gene-centric coverage of CpGs across the human genome, Illumina’s 450k arrays are widely used in large scale differential methylation studies. However, by their very nature, large studies are particularly susceptible to the effects of unwanted variation. The effects of unwanted variation have been extensively documented in gene expression array studies and numerous methods have been developed to mitigate these effects. However, there has been much less research focused on the appropriate methodology to use for accounting for unwanted variation in methylation array studies. Here we present a novel 2-stage approach using RUV-inverse in a differential methylation analysis of 450k data and show that it outperforms existing methods.
Contrasting genetic architectures in different mouse reference populations used for studying complex traits
Authors: Buchner David A. , Nadeau Joseph H.
Published: May 2015

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are being used to study genetic networks, protein functions, and systems properties that underlie phenotypic variation and disease risk in humans, model organisms, agricultural species, and natural populations. The challenges are many, beginning with the seemingly simple tasks of mapping QTLs and identifying their underlying genetic determinants. Various specialized resources have been developed to study complex traits in many model organisms. In the mouse, remarkably different pictures of genetic architectures are emerging. Chromosome Substitution Strains (CSSs) reveal many QTLs, large phenotypic effects, pervasive epistasis, and readily identified genetic variants. In contrast, other resources as well as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans and other species reveal genetic architectures dominated with a relatively modest number of QTLs that have small individual and combined phenotypic effects. These contrasting architectures are the result of intrinsic differences in the study designs underlying different resources. The CSSs examine context-dependent phenotypic effects independently among individual genotypes, whereas with GWAS and other mouse resources, the average effect of each QTL is assessed among many individuals with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds. We argue that variation of genetic architectures among individuals is as important as population averages. Each of these important resources has particular merits and specific applications for these individual and population perspectives. Collectively, these resources together with high-throughput genotyping, sequencing and genetic engineering technologies, and information repositories highlight the power of the mouse for genetic, functional, and systems studies of complex traits and disease models.
The landscape of genomic imprinting across diverse adult human tissues
Authors: Baran Yael , Subramaniam Meena , Biton Anne , Tukiainen Taru , Tsang Emily K. , Rivas Manuel A. , Pirinen Matti , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria , Smith Kevin S. , Kukurba Kim R. , Zhang Rui , Eng Celeste , Torgerson Dara G. , Urbanek Cydney ,   the GTEx Consortium, Li Jin Billy , Rodriguez-Santana Jose R. , Burchard Esteban G. , Seibold Max A. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Montgomery Stephen B. , Zaitlen Noah A. , Lappalainen Tuuli
Published: May 2015

Genomic imprinting is an important regulatory mechanism that silences one of the parental copies of a gene. To systematically characterize this phenomenon, we analyze tissue specificity of imprinting from allelic expression data in 1582 primary tissue samples from 178 individuals from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We characterize imprinting in 42 genes, including both novel and previously identified genes. Tissue specificity of imprinting is widespread, and gender-specific effects are revealed in a small number of genes in muscle with stronger imprinting in males. IGF2 shows maternal expression in the brain instead of the canonical paternal expression elsewhere. Imprinting appears to have only a subtle impact on tissue-specific expression levels, with genes lacking a systematic expression difference between tissues with imprinted and biallelic expression. In summary, our systematic characterization of imprinting in adult tissues highlights variation in imprinting between genes, individuals, and tissues.
A step towards long-wavelength protein crystallography: subjecting protein crystals to a vacuum
Authors: Panjikar Santosh , Thomsen Lars , O'Donnell Kane Michael , Riboldi-Tunnicliffe Alan
Published: May 2015

Using the UHV experimental endstation on the soft X-ray beamline at the Australian Synchrotron, lysozyme and proteinase K crystals have been exposed to a vacuum of 10−5 mbar, prior to flash-cooling in a bath of liquid nitrogen. Subsequent data collection on the MX2 beamline at the Australian Synchrotron demonstrated that, for lysozyme and proteinase K, it is possible to subject these mounted crystals to a vacuum pressure of 10−5 mbar without destroying the crystal lattice. Despite the lower data quality of the vacuum-pumped crystals compared with control crystals, it is demonstrated that the protein crystals can survive in a vacuum under suitable conditions.
Kinetic model for calcium sulfate α-hemihydrate produced hydrothermally from gypsum formed by flue gas desulfurization
Authors: Tang Mingliang , Li Xuerun , Shen Yusheng , Shen Xiaodong
Published: May 2015

Modeling of the kinetics of the synthesis process for calcium sulfate α-hemihydrate from gypsum formed by flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is important to produce high-performance products with minimal costs and production cycles under hydrothermal conditions. In this study, a model was established by horizontally translating the obtained crystal size distribution (CSD) to the CSD of the stable phase during the transformation process. A simple method was used to obtain the nucleation and growth rates. A nonlinear optimization algorithm method was employed to determine the kinetic parameters. The model can be successfully used to analyze the transformation kinetics of FGD gypsum to α-hemihydrate in an isothermal batch crystallizer. The results showed that the transformation temperature and stirring speed exhibit a significant influence on the crystal growth and nucleation rates of α-hemihydrate, thus altering the transformation time and CSD of the final products. The characteristics obtained by the proposed model can potentially be used in the production of α-hemihydrate.
Vibration measurements of high-heat-load monochromators for DESY PETRA III extension
Authors: Kristiansen Paw , Horbach Jan , Döhrmann Ralph , Heuer Joachim
Published: May 2015

The requirement for vibrational stability of beamline optics continues to evolve rapidly to comply with the demands created by the improved brilliance of the third-generation low-emittance storage rings around the world. The challenge is to quantify the performance of the instrument before it is installed at the beamline. In this article, measurement techniques are presented that directly and accurately measure (i) the relative vibration between the two crystals of a double-crystal monochromator (DCM) and (ii) the absolute vibration of the second-crystal cage of a DCM. Excluding a synchrotron beam, the measurements are conducted underin situconditions, connected to a liquid-nitrogen cryocooler. The investigated DCM utilizes a direct-drive (no gearing) goniometer for the Bragg rotation. The main causes of the DCM vibration are found to be the servoing of the direct-drive goniometer and the flexibility in the crystal cage motion stages. It is found that the investigated DCM can offer relative pitch vibration down to 48 nrad RMS (capacitive sensors, 0–5 kHz bandwidth) and absolute pitch vibration down to 82 nrad RMS (laser interferometer, 0–50 kHz bandwidth), with the Bragg axis brake engaged.
Crystal structure of (Z)-2-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Bittencourt Viviane C. D. , Almeida Vitor Y. G. , Back Davi F. , Gervini Vanessa C. , Oliveira Adriano Bof de
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C9H7FN4OS, the molecules are almost planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.047 (3) Å from the mean plane defined by the non-H atoms and a maximum deviation of 0.123 (2) Å for the amine N atom. The torsion angle for the N—N—C—S unit is 176.57 (19)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into inversion dimersviapairs of N—H...F hydrogen bonds and, additionally, through N—H...O and N—H...S hydrogen bonds, building a two-dimensional hydrogen-bond network parallel to the (103) plane. An intramolecular N—H...O interaction is also observed.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis[(2-tert-butylphenyl)imino]ethane
Authors: Silvino Alexandre C. , Torres Juliana M.
Published: May 2015

The whole molecule of the title compound, C22H28N2, (I), is generated by inversion symmetry. The molecule is rather similar to that of 2,3-bis[(2-tert-butylphenyl)imino]butane, (II), a diimine ligand comprising similar structural features [Ferreiraet al.(2006).Acta Cryst.E62, o4282–o4284]. Both ligands crystallize with the –N=C(R)—C(R)=N– group around an inversion centre, in atransconfiguration. Comparing the two structures, it may be noted that the independent planar groups in both molecules [the central link, –N=C(R)—C(R)=N–, and the terminal aromatic ring] subtend an angle of 69.6 (1)° in (II) and 49.4 (2)° in (I). Ferreira and co-workers proposed that such angle deviation may be ascribed to the presence of two non-classical intramolecular hydrogen bonds and steric factors. In fact, in (I), similar non-classical hydrogen bonds are observed, and the larger angular deviation in (II) may be assigned to the presence of methyl groups in the diimino fragment, which can cause steric hindrance due to the presence of bulkytert-butyl substituents in the aromatic rings. The C=N bond lengths are similar in both compounds and agree with comonly accepted values.
An isothermal analysis of curved-vane and flat-vane swirlers for burners
Authors: Parra-Santos Teresa , Pérez-Domínguez J.R. , Szasz R.Z. , Castro-Ruiz F.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– One current trend in burner technology is to obtain high efficiency while keeping low levels of NOx emissions. A swirling flow in combustion ensures a fixed position of a compact flame. Therefore, it is necessary to design efficient swirlers. Flow patterns are simulated for the different swirl devices proposed in this work. Two axial-swirlers are studied: one based on curve-vanes consisting of a straight line with an arc of a circle as the trailing edge and the other is the common flat-vanes. The purpose of this paper is to assess the accuracy of different swirl generators using a well-known benchmark test case.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work deals with modelling the swirler using two approaches: the general purpose Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver Ansys-Fluent® and the suite of libraries OpenFOAM® to solve the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations, showing there is a slight deviation between both approaches. Their performance involves analyzing not only the Swirl number but also the size of the recirculation zones in the test chamber. A subsequent process on the flow patterns was carried out to establish the intensity of segregation which provides insight into the quality of mixing.

Findings

– CFD models are feasible tools to predict flow features. It was found that numerical results tend to reduce the inner recirculation zone (IRZ) radial size. Further, an increase of the swirl number involves larger IRZ and a smaller outer recirculation zone (ORZ). The curved swirler displays a better axi-symmetric behaviour than flat vanes. There is weak influence of the chord vanes on the swirl number. The number of vanes is a compromise of head loses and guidance of the flow.

Originality/value

– The paper offers two different approaches to solve turbulent swirling flows. One based in a general contrasted commercial tool and other using open source code. Both models show similar performance. An innovative set up for an axial swirler different from the conventional flat vanes was proposed.
Flow characteristics of dusts dispersed by high-pressure air blast in 20 L chamber
Authors: Chen Jiachen , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– A dust cloud is formed by a high-pressure air blast in dust explosion experiments in the spherical 20 L chamber. The state of the dust cloud has a significant impact on the dust explosion. However, it is difficult to observe the dust distribution in the chamber during the dust dispersion. Numerical simulation was used to examine the dust distribution in the chamber with the rebound nozzle in this work. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a series numerical simulations, the influences of the dust particle size and the pressure for dust dispersion on the have been analyzed, and the results are discussed.

Findings

– Dust in the spherical 20 L chamber is in the state of very intensifying motion within 30 ms from dispersion starting. Dust in the chamber reaches a uniform state beyond 200 ms. The pressure for dust dispersion should be higher than 0.5 MPa for the aluminum dusts of larger than 50. The higher blast pressure is not always applicable to achieve a uniform dispersion. There is a best blast pressure value for a given dust to achieve a uniform dispersion in the spherical 20 L chamber.

Research limitations/implications

– Dust cloud generation is essential for understanding dust explosions. Dust cloud deflagration parameters depend on the uniformity and concentration of dusts dispersed by a high-pressure air blast. Numerical simulation was used to examine the multiphase flow of the dust air mixture in this work. Through a series numerical simulations, the influences of the dust particle size and the pressure for dust dispersion on the have been analyzed, and the results are discussed. The data are useful for understanding the basics of dust cloud formation.

Practical implications

– The data are useful for evaluating dust explosion experimental parameters.

Originality/value

– Dispersible uniformity has a strong impact on measured parameters of dust explosion in a chamber. However, it is difficult to observe the dust particles distribution during the dispersion. Numerical simulation was used to examine the dust particles distribution and its influencing factors during the dispersion in this work. New finding is: the approach to examine the distribution of dust particles dispersed by a high-pressure blast in a chamber; the variation of dispersible uniformity and its influencing factors when dust is injected into the spherical 20 L chamber by high-pressure air blast.
Subsidence above depleted gas fields
Authors: Santagiuliana Raffaella , Fabris Massimo , Schrefler Bernhard Aribo
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give an explanation of the new data available about surface subsidence above the depleted gas reservoir Ravenna Terra. These data confirm the existence after end of exploitation of a reversed subsidence bowl with minimum subsidence above the reservoir, as opposed to conventional subsidence bowls during exploitation which show maximum subsidence in the same location.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyses these new data about the existence after end of exploitation of a reversed subsidence bowl. The observed behaviour is reproduced successfully with a fully coupled two phase flow code in deforming reservoir rocks which incorporates a constitutive model for partially saturated porous media.

Findings

– The paper provides successful simulations. These allow affirming with confidence that the explanation for the peculiar behaviour is reservoir flooding and partially saturated rock behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research: other case studies where similar behaviour is expected, e.g. Ekofisk.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for better management of reservoir exploitation schedules to minimize the observed phenomenon.

Originality/value

– This paper explains the peculiar behaviour of subsidence above the depleted gas reservoir Ravenna Terra and confirms the conjecture that constitutive behaviour of partially saturated rocks is the origin of the observed phenomenon.
Synthetic jet cross-flow interaction with orifice obstruction
Authors: Laouedj Samir , Solano Juan P. , Benazza Abdelylah
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the flow structure and the time-resolved and time-mean heat transfer characteristics in the interaction between a synthetic jet and a cross flow, when an obstruction reduces the cross-section of the orifice where the jet is formed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The microchannel flow interacted by the pulsed jet is modeled using a two-dimensional finite volume simulation with unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations while using the Shear-Stress-Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model to account for fluid turbulence.

Findings

– The computational results show a good and rapid increase of the synthetic jet influence on heat transfer enhancement when the obstruction of the orifice is superior to 30 per cent and the synthetic jet oscillating amplitudes are below 50 µm. It is found that when the obstruction is close to the exit orifice, the heat transfer enhancement is significant. The obstruction has proved to accelerate the jet and change the formation of large vortical structures. Additional windward vortices appear, which influence the flow field and enhance the heat transfer.

Research limitations/implications

– The work proposes the use of a compound enhancement technique for electronics cooling. A limited range of operating conditions and geometrical configurations is presented. A further analysis of the performance evaluation, based on the increased energy consumption of the device, would complement the study.

Originality/value

– The authors provide a compound technique to enhance heat transfer in synthetic-jet electronic cooling devices.
Bribery and corruption in telecommunications: the case of Kenya
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine how telecommunications in Kenya was affected by the absence of good governance and the presence of rent-seeking by ministers.

Design/methodology/approach

– A single-country case study combining approaches of anti-corruption and telecommunications methodologies using secondary and legal sources.

Findings

– Corruption has been a significant factor, but has also led to distortions in the market which may have been more significant.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the sensitivity of corrupt dealing, it is impracticable to interview the principals, some of whose identities are concealed behind front companies.

Practical implications

– It is necessary to modify telecommunications practice to eliminate the use of front companies and those registered in opaque registries to identify conflicts of interests.

Originality/value

– This is one of only four countries examined in terms of bribery and corruption in telecommunications.
The licensing of mobile operators in European markets and the consequences of new entry for competition
Authors: Curwen Peter , Whalley Jason
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate whether new entry via mobile licensing in Europe has had any longer-term consequences for competition.

Design/methodology/approach

– A database is presented covering certain recent periods and the issue of licences for the provision of 2G, 3G and 4G mobile services.

Findings

– It would appear that new entry has had very little overall effect on competition, although Hutchison Whampoa has, almost uniquely, forced a response from incumbents via a strategy of low prices, albeit without gaining significant market share at their expense.

Research limitations/implications

– Interpretation of databases cannot by its very nature be entirely free from ambiguity.

Practical implications

– In practice, given that very few 4G (long-term evolution) licence regulations have reserved spectrum for new entrants, it may be presumed that most regulators in European countries have already observed that such new entry as is likely to be attracted will take the form of poorly funded companies from outside the mobile sector rather than incumbents from other countries.

Social implications

– Choice of incumbent network is being reduced, although mobile virtual network operators remain active. The implications for prices and service quality are for now a matter of debate.

Originality/value

– The databases underpinning this analysis are not available from other sources in the private or public domain in the form presented in this paper.
Stability of beverages of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) with soy
Authors: Frizon Cátia Nara Tobaldini , Perussello Camila Augusto , Sturion José Alfredo , Fracasso Aline Francielle , Hoffmann-Ribani Rosemary
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Forasmuch as the consumer’s demand for food products that provide nutrition and health benefits has considerably increased in the past decade, the authors decided to join two important Brazilian commodities in a high-nutrition drink: yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is rich in several bioactive compounds, and soybean is a high-quality protein source. To optimize the design and maximize the acceptability of the beverage, the authors studied its stability during storage. The beverage developed allows enlarging of the potential market of yerba mate, taking profit of the growing call for the consumption of antioxidant foods and benefits small-scale producers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twelve beverages were formulated with extract of yerba mate from leaves of planted (P) and native trees (N), both enriched with water-soluble soy extract (WSE). Among all formulations, two of them, which were sensorially preferred in a previous study, were selected to investigate their market potential. During the six months of storage, microbiological analyses were performed and the parameters acidity, viscosity, pH and rutin content were assessed. Sensorial tests of acceptability and purchase intent were also conducted.

Findings

– The drinks remained microbiologically adequate for consumption during six months of storage. High sensory acceptability and purchase intent scores were obtained for Beverage P. This drink resulted in smoother taste and presented a decrease in acidity and constant viscosity during the storage, while Beverage N had an increase in acidity and viscosity. The rutin loss at 120 days was 14.2 per cent for Drink P and 32.4 per cent for N, with a half-life of 423.6 and 185.3 days, respectively.

Originality/value

– Given the quantified parameters, the beverage produced from leaves of planted trees (P) may be used as a novel high nutrition food suitable for the growing requirements of the yerba mate by-products market.
No crying for training
Authors: Zhu Guorong
Published: May 2015

Synopsis

Gloria Chen, an American educated Chinese management consultant, was asked by China Mobile, a leading telecommunication company, to deliver training on career management. Following her own training in the USA, the consultant developed a three-day training program that focussed on deep reflection of who you are and what legacy you want to leave. Much to her surprise, participants reacted strongly to the training with emotional reactions and expressed desires for career change. The consultant, therefore, had to reflect upon the design of the training program and the disconnect between the approach and the context across international borders. This case, written on the basis of first-hand experience, presents a dilemma in training and development where western concepts meet an eastern audience and cultural incongruence brings up new challenges. It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students who are taking training and development courses or international business courses with regard to cultural differences.

Research methodology

This case was based on the author's first-hand experience of delivering training and development programs to China Mobile, with supplemental information including company background and executive quotations provided directly by the client. Video recording of the training program as the author experienced it is available for review and clips from the video may be used to assist teaching this case.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is a Training and Development Case written for use by undergraduate students in Human Resources (HR) Management classes. It can be used more broadly in international HR, International Management, or International Business where cultural differences might be a sizable component. For the topic of training and development, the students are expected to have learned about identifying training needs, theories of learning, different training approaches, and started to explore transferring the learning into international context. For the broader topic of cultural differences and international business, the students are expected to have learned about the different manifest of culture, especially social norms related to expression of emotions, as well as inter-cultural experiences for business people working overseas.

Theoretical bases

Learning styles and training approaches. Learning styles refer to the various ways of learning particular to an individual, that are presumed to allow that individual to learn best. Most people prefer an identifiable method of interacting with, taking in, and processing stimuli or information (Ackerman et al., 1989; Pashler et al., 2009). Based on this idea, successful delivery of training needs to take into consideration the learning styles of participants involved.
Opportunity recognition in a declining industry: the consultant's role
Authors: Vega Gina , Simendinger Earl
Published: May 2015

Synopsis

Carl Woods, a management consultant, experiences a series of frustrating events when trying to replace the mesh sling to a patio chair. Eventually, he realizes that he could organize a coopetitive relationship among the various outdoor furniture companies, each of which provided only a portion of the service he needed. The case tracks Carl's recognition of the opportunity presented by a hole in the market and the consultant's role in the development of coopetition in the Florida outdoor furniture industry. Students are asked to assist Carl in performing the consulting role by developing solutions to the problems that have arisen within the coopetitive group.

Research methodology

This case has been field researched.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is suitable for undergraduate students in basic entrepreneurship, small business management, or organizational behavior.
Rebranding the Leper Colony: Challenges of Changing Culture and Managing Difficult People
Authors: Kipple Allison , Anderson Joe S. , Dustman Jack , Williams Susan K.
Published: May 2015

Anika, a new manager, is confronted by a dysfunctional organizational culture characterized by employee disrespect, insubordination, and low performance. Her charge is to “to turn the place around”. The case takes place in a service organization, a testing range run by the US Department of Defense. The staff is a combination of federal and contract employees who test clients’ high-tech systems in a sometimes dangerous, desert environment.

In addition, there are three vignettes that give a portrait of dysfunctional individual behaviors. Frequently, the response students want to make is “I'd just fire the guy.” Unfortunately, it is not so simple.
Privatization in the Last Frontier
Authors: Beaty LeAnn
Published: May 2015

For 28 years Alaska, like the vast majority of the nation, has struggled with growing prison populations and shrinking budgets. In 1995, the Alaska Department of Corrections, faced with sanctions unless they ameliorated their crowded prison conditions, looked to the popular practice of contracting out its correctional operations by sending 650 prisoners to a private out-of-state prison. But, as the costs of prisoner litigation and transportation mounted, the state began to consider building its own private prison, a decision which many state lawmakers and business entrepreneurs argued would allow the state to stretch scarce dollars by providing cheaper and better quality prisons, return millions of dollars to the state economy, and create permanent jobs. In this decision case, students are required to put themselves in the role of the Alaska Legislature to determine whether they should permit the building and operation of a private prison in one of Alaska's remote communities. The students must analyze and juggle the complex and often competing set of objectives, values, and political tensions intrinsic to all privatization decisions.
Target Corporation: Funding Working Capital
Authors: Khaksari Shahriar , Amira Khaled , Teixeira Lacey , Vela Rosa J. , Liu Zhimin
Published: May 2015

Doug Scovanner, CFO of Target Corporation, was about to present his proposal at the November 2008 Board meeting. He was prepared to discuss immediate strategic actions which would provide support for working capital for the discount retailer. The retail community was about to suffer their worst fourth quarter in recent memory. Consumer spending had contracted, unemployment was rising and the deflated housing market had driven the economy into a recession. Although discount retailers had fared better than other industries during the second and third quarters, they were not immune to the overall economic downturn which had become a global crisis. To further complicate matters, Target's largest competitor, Wal-Mart, just posted third quarter growth even though Target was bracing for a busy holiday season. Scovanner anticipated further strain on working capital before year-end as cash flow tightened and the capital markets remained at a virtual stand-still.
Look out Mickey Mouse, the Russian Smeshariki are going to Market
Authors: Gladkikh Igor V. , Starov Sergei A. , Desmarais Edward , Meirovich Gavriel
Published: May 2015

The case describes the popular Russian children's animated TV series named the Smeshariki, its parent company (Marmelad), the domestic animation industry, and the principal international rivals and their respective animated products and/or services. The series' success led to the organic growth of vertically and horizontally related business units. Marmelad's business units' scope included producing more than 200, six and one-half minute episodes of the Smeshariki, branded children's products (e.g. educational games), granting licenses to manufacturers, establishing a network of kindergartens, and licensing the Smeshariki animated series to exhibitors in international markets. Key issues the company faces include: brand management for the Smeshariki and Marmelad, domestic and international competition in the Russian animation industry, and the need for professional management. The case provides instructors with a range of options including a holistic marketing case, or one that concentrates on focused marketing issues (i.e. all or parts of the marketing mix, brand architecture, brand equity and brand management).
The Vitamin Shoppe: Analyzing the Supply Chain
Authors: Ake Margaret , Kelly Kristine , Fournier Lauren , Kidder Jacob
Published: May 2015

Early in 2008, Tony Truesdale, President of the Vitamin Shoppe, was preparing for a meeting with the company's investment bankers. In particular, he was wrestling with supply chain issues that were becoming increasingly pronounced in light of the company's aggressive growth plan. Truesdale recognized that it was nearly impossible to effectively manage the company's large and fragmented supply base, resulting in higher than necessary costs and lower than desired performance. The company also relied too heavily on one supplier for a significant amount of the company's volume. Truesdale recognized that it was nearly impossible to effectively manage the company's large and fragmented supply base, resulting in higher than necessary costs and lower than desired performance. The company also relied too heavily on one supplier for a significant amount of the company's volume.

Further, in the company's single distribution center, 95 percent of the available storage capacity was utilized throughout most of 2007; well above what was considered optimal. The lack of space was driving excessive product handling and increasing operating expenses. The company's inbound and outbound transportation strategies also contributed to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs. Operating efficiencies could be achieved if all transportation needs were brought together under one strategic umbrella. Truesdale was certain that in order to reach the company's growth targets and maintain its competitive advantage, addressing these supply chain issues was critical. Students are asked to describe the specific issues affecting supply chain performance and recommend approaches to solving the problems
Hitting the Brakes: Toyota in Crisis
Authors: Parnell John A. , Spillan John E. , McPhattar Marlon R. , Lester Donald L.
Published: May 2015

The decade from 2000 until 2010 was a turbulent time for Toyota Motor Company. The carmaker came under significant criticism from the United States government, consumers throughout the world, and media critics amid allegations of poor quality control and vehicle safety concerns. Problems with accelerators and brake systems were found on several of its most popular models, a situation initially exacerbated by the slow and somewhat tentative response from top management. Toyota was accused of not addressing early warning signs that appeared several years before the crisis received intense negative publicity. Toyota struggled to retain the confidence of consumers and governmental regulators, eventually recalling approximately eight million automobiles.
Under Armour: Taking on the Goliaths
Authors: Shea-Van Fossen Rita J.
Published: May 2015

This case traces Under Armour from its founding in 1996 through 2008 when the company entered the hyper-competitive non-cleated athletic footwear market. In 1996, with an innovative product and locker room access to college and pro players, Kevin Plank started Under Armour. He turned a struggling t-shirt company into a dominant player capturing 75% of the performance apparel market. In 2006, Under Armour successfully entered the athletic footwear market with a line of football cleats. Under Armour was the first company to disrupt Nike's dominance of the football cleat market by gaining 25% of the market within a year of introduction. In 2008, Under Armour entered the non-cleated athletic footwear market with a cross-trainer sneaker line and a $4.4 million Super Bowl ad. Unlike prior introductions, Nike responded aggressively to Under Armour's move into sneakers. Despite increased sales, Under Armour's costs increased, and profits and stock price decreased. The case concludes by asking students to evaluate Under Armour's next move. An extensive exhibit provides an overview of the athletic footwear industry in 2008.
The Macheke Sustainability Project
Authors: Rosenberg Stuart , Gupta Susan Forquer , Madziva Moleen
Published: May 2015

Case description

Molly Madziva, who was born in Zimbabwe, was sent by her family to the USA to attend college. When she graduated in 2000 there were no jobs for her in Zimbabwe, as the economy was among the weakest in the world. While working as a software engineer at Bell Labs in New Jersey she decided that she wanted to help the people in her village of Macheke, the majority of who were farmers. Her idea would be an ambitious one. Molly called this the Macheke Sustainability Project. Molly met with various stakeholders who had an interest in the project. Following a thorough situation analysis and the formulation of a list of strategic initiatives, the major decision that she was left with was how to most effectively go about handling the implementation of the project. Her options included: a project within the Institute for Global Understanding at Monmouth University where she was enrolled as a graduate student; a non-profit business located in the USA; a non-governmental organization (NGO) located in Zimbabwe; and a private business in Zimbabwe. Each of these options had clear benefits. Molly was torn, however, as to which she should choose.
The IRS eyes professor's movie: a taxation case exercise
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Jayanti , McGee Paul F. , Hall Linda A.
Published: May 2015

Case description

This case illustrates the tax implications of a movie produced in a foreign country that resulted in a loss. Teaching opportunities include the application of tax rules to a Schedule C business loss and a resulting net operating loss (NOL) deduction, the consideration of hobby and passive activity losses, the tax treatment of funds received in a divorce settlement, and how an individual might handle a possible IRS examination. Students are asked to prepare a revised Form 1040 for the movie business loss and the individual NOL deduction based on evidence provided in the case. Sufficient information is provided in the case to identify audit “red flags” in a tax return. Using the tale of an actual movie production in a foreign country and its consequent tax implications can provide an attractive alternative to teaching tax accounting rules that are often considered by students as “dry”.
Pneumomediastinum: Can we tell prognosis upon presentation?
Authors: Lo Xina , Kwong Wing‐Hang , Leong Heng‐Tat
Published: May 2015

Aim

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon condition with differential diagnoses of very different prognosis. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively review patients who presented with pneumomediastinum, and to look for salient features on presentation to establish the difference between benign spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and oesophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome) on presentation.

Patients and Methods

From 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2013, 163 cases of pneumomediastinum, excluding those with trauma and procedure‐related episodes, presented through the Accident and Emergency Department to the Hospital Authority hospitals in the New Territories East Cluster. There were 142 SPM cases, and 21 were oesophageal perforations.

Results

Presenting features, hospital stay and outcomes were analysed. Fever at presentation (P = 0.030), history of vomiting (P = 0.028), pneumothorax on initial chest radiograph (CXR) (P = 0.044) and age ≥ 28 years (P = 0.021) were found to be independent predictors for non‐SPM diagnoses.

Conclusion

SPM is still more common than oesophageal perforation in those without any history of trauma or recent instrumentation, and runs a benign course. However, the presence of fever, a history of vomiting, pneumothorax on initial CXR and patient age over 28 years should mandate further investigations to rule out more sinister diagnoses and to administer appropriate management.
Analysis of expression and chitin‐binding activity of the wing disc cuticle protein BmWCP4 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Deng Hui‐Min , Li Yong , Zhang Jia‐Ling , Liu Lin , Feng Qi‐Li
Published: May 2015

The insect exoskeleton is mainly composed of chitin filaments linked by cuticle proteins. When insects molt, the cuticle of the exoskeleton is renewed by degrading the old chitin and cuticle proteins and synthesizing new ones. In this study, chitin‐binding activity of the wing disc cuticle protein BmWCP4 in Bombyx mori was studied. Sequence analysis showed that the protein had a conservative hydrophilic “R&R” chitin‐binding domain (CBD). Western blotting showed that BmWCP4 was predominately expressed in the wing disc‐containing epidermis during the late wandering and early pupal stages. The immunohistochemistry result showed that the BmWCP4 was mainly present in the wing disc tissues containing wing bud and trachea blast during day 2 of wandering stage. Recombinant full‐length BmWCP4 protein, “R&R” CBD peptide (CBD), non‐CBD peptide (BmWCP4‐CBD−), four single site‐directed mutated peptides (M1, M2, M3 and M4) and four‐sites‐mutated peptide (MF) were generated and purified, respectively, for in vitro chitin‐binding assay. The results indicated that both the full‐length protein and the “R&R” CBD peptide could bind with chitin, whereas the BmWCP4‐CBD− could not bind with chitin. The single residue mutants M1, M2, M3 and M4 reduced but did not completely abolish the chitin‐binding activity, while four‐sites‐mutated protein MF completely lost the chitin‐binding activity. These data indicate that BmWCP4 protein plays a critical role by binding to the chitin filaments in the wing during larva‐to‐pupa transformation. The conserved aromatic amino acids are critical in the interaction between chitin and the cuticle protein.
Simple non‐laboratory‐ and laboratory‐based risk assessment algorithms and nomogram for detecting undiagnosed diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wong Carlos K.H. , Siu Shing‐Chung , Wan Eric Y.F. , Jiao Fang‐Fang , Yu Esther Y.T. , Fung Colman S.C. , Wong Ka‐Wai , Leung Angela Y.M. , Lam Cindy L.K.
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of the present study was to develop a simple nomogram that can be used to predict the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the asymptomatic non‐diabetic subjects based on non‐laboratory‐ and laboratory‐based risk algorithms.

Methods

Anthropometric data, plasma fasting glucose, full lipid profile, exercise habits, and family history of DM were collected from Chinese non‐diabetic subjects aged 18–70 years. Logistic regression analysis was performed on a random sample of 2518 subjects to construct non‐laboratory‐ and laboratory‐based risk assessment algorithms for detection of undiagnosed DM; both algorithms were validated on data of the remaining sample (n = 839). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were used to assess the calibration and discrimination of the DM risk algorithms.

Results

Of 3357 subjects recruited, 271 (8.1%) had undiagnosed DM defined by fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L or 2‐h post‐load plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L after an oral glucose tolerance test. The non‐laboratory‐based risk algorithm, with scores ranging from 0 to 33, included age, body mass index, family history of DM, regular exercise, and uncontrolled blood pressure; the laboratory‐based risk algorithm, with scores ranging from 0 to 37, added triglyceride level to the risk factors. Both algorithms demonstrated acceptable calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test: P = 0.229 and P = 0.483) and discrimination (AUC 0.709 and 0.711) for detection of undiagnosed DM.

Conclusion

A simple‐to‐use nomogram for detecting undiagnosed DM has been developed using validated non‐laboratory‐based and laboratory‐based risk algorithms.
Basal‐prandial versus premixed insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes requiring insulin intensification after basal insulin optimization: A 24‐week randomized non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Jin Sang‐Man , Kim Jae Hyeon , Min Kyung Wan , Lee Ji Hyun , Ahn Kue Jeong , Park Jeong Hyun , Jang Hak Chul , Park Seok Won , Lee Kwan Woo , Won Kyu Chang , Kim Young‐Il , Chung Choon Hee , Park Tae Sun , Lee Jee‐Hyun , Lee Moon‐Kyu
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of the present 24‐week multicentre randomized non‐inferiority trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of two insulin intensification strategies in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes despite optimized basal insulin therapy.

Methods

Patients with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <130 mg/dL and HbA1c 7.0%–10.0% while on insulin glargine were randomized to a basal‐prandial group (stepwise addition of insulin glulisine) or a premixed insulin group (insulin aspart/insulin aspart protamine 30/70 starting with 6 IU twice daily). The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c after 24 weeks (non‐inferiority margin 0.4%).

Results

At Week 24, the adjusted mean change from baseline HbA1c was –0.94 ± 0.09% and –1.04 ± 0.09% in basal‐prandial and premixed insulin groups, respectively, with a mean difference of –0.09% (95% confidence interval [CI] –0.35, 0.16). A lower rate of hypoglycemia with a similar reduction in HbA1c was observed during stabilization of the total daily insulin dose in the premixed insulin group (Weeks 0–12). After stabilization of the total daily insulin dose, the rate of hypoglycemia and the total daily insulin dose were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of the two intensifying regimens were similar after stabilization of the total daily insulin dose when oral agents were maintained. Starting with a lower total daily insulin dose with a gradual change in the treatment regimen was helpful in reducing the rate of hypoglycemia during initial stabilization of the total daily insulin dose.
A Diagonal‐Steering‐Based Binaural Beamforming Algorithm Incorporating a Diagonal Speech Localizer for Persons With Bilateral Hearing Impairment
Authors: Lee Jun Chang , Nam Kyoung Won , Jang Dong Pyo , Kim In Young
Published: May 2015

Previously suggested diagonal‐steering algorithms for binaural hearing support devices have commonly assumed that the direction of the speech signal is known in advance, which is not always the case in many real circumstances. In this study, a new diagonal‐steering‐based binaural speech localization (BSL) algorithm is proposed, and the performances of the BSL algorithm and the binaural beamforming algorithm, which integrates the BSL and diagonal‐steering algorithms, were evaluated using actual speech‐in‐noise signals in several simulated listening scenarios. Testing sounds were recorded in a KEMAR mannequin setup and two objective indices, improvements in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNRi) and segmental SNR (segSNRi), were utilized for performance evaluation. Experimental results demonstrated that the accuracy of the BSL was in the 90–100% range when input SNR was −10 to +5 dB range. The average differences between the γ‐adjusted and γ‐fixed diagonal‐steering algorithms (for −15 to +5 dB input SNR) in the talking in the restaurant scenario were 0.203–0.937 dB for SNRi and 0.052–0.437 dB for segSNRi, and in the listening while car driving scenario, the differences were 0.387–0.835 dB for SNRi and 0.259–1.175 dB for segSNRi. In addition, the average difference between the BSL‐turned‐on and the BSL‐turned‐off cases for the binaural beamforming algorithm in the listening while car driving scenario was 1.631–4.246 dB for SNRi and 0.574–2.784 dB for segSNRi. In all testing conditions, the γ‐adjusted diagonal‐steering and BSL algorithm improved the values of the indices more than the conventional algorithms. The binaural beamforming algorithm, which integrates the proposed BSL and diagonal‐steering algorithm, is expected to improve the performance of the binaural hearing support devices in noisy situations.