bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bank-based financial development and economic growth
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo Nicholas M
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to survey the existing literature on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth, highlighting the theoretical and empirical evidence from recent work. Although some previous studies have attempted to conduct a survey of the existing research on the finance-growth nexus, the majority of these studies have failed to distinguish between bank-based and market-based financial developments. To our knowledge, this may be the first study of its kind to survey the existing research on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth – in both developed and developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Overall, our study shows that most of the literature reviewed in this paper either supports bidirectional causality between bank-based financial development and economic growth or reinforces the conventional supply-leading response phenomenon. Notwithstanding this outcome, the study also finds the literature in favour of a demand-following response to be increasing – in both number and substance – especially in recent years.

Findings

– The paper, therefore, concludes that the causal relationship between financial development and economic growth is not clear-cut and that the notion that financial development automatically leads to economic growth is merely based on prima facie or superficial evidence.

Originality/value

– Although some previous studies have attempted to conduct a survey of the existing research on the finance-growth nexus, the majority of these studies have failed to distinguish between bank-based and market-based financial developments. To our knowledge, this may be the first study of its kind to survey the existing research on the causal relationship between bank-based financial development and economic growth – in both developed and developing countries.
Pakistan research repository: a showcase of theses and dissertations
Authors: Ullah Ahsan , Rafiq Muhammad
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to describe the characteristics and purposes of Pakistan Research Repository (PRR). A quantitative analysis of this repository is carried out by analyzing the content of the repository. A critical analysis of the entire growth strategy, population and web interface is also included in this paper. This study also proposes certain measures to make it more effective and efficient for archiving the research output of a nation. The study was designed to investigate issues relating to PRR and outline steps to develop a strategy to overcome these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article focuses on quantitative aspects and critical analysis of PRR. A multi-tier research design was used to meet the objectives of the study. A web search was conducted, and information was drawn from documents available on the Web site of Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, PRR and directories of open-access repositories; data were complemented by quantitative and critical analysis of the content of the repository. Information was also gathered by literature-based review of project documents which were created for the implementation of this project.

Findings

– The paper has highlighted how far this repository has succeeded in bringing the research output from universities across Pakistan to the researcher community by analyzing the available content by institution, type, subject and year. This study has provided a valuable insight about the current status of PRR by identifying gaps in the content of the repository. The quantitative analysis of the repository shows that the creation of this repository was a landmark achievement, as it provided the opportunity to researchers, faculty and students for preserving, disseminating and furthering their existing knowledge at a national-level platform.

Research limitations/implications

– This research article is a case study and focuses on PRR only. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to throw light on other repositories in Pakistan and sharing of resources among institutional repositories in Pakistan.

Practical implications

– This study will be helpful for the administrative authorities of HEC and university faculty to plan for effective collection of content from the institutions and digitization of this content. The paper includes implications for the development of repositories at an institutional level in Pakistan.

Social implications

– This paper will help in managing PRR, and it will ultimately lead to enhance and better manage research output in Pakistan.

Originality/value

– This paper has identified the characteristics and purposes for creating a research repository at the national level and provided a critical view of policies and statistical view of the content of the repository.
Mobile 3D Library Map: an innovative wayfinding tool for library users on the move
Authors: Ying Chia Wai
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to deliver a mobile solution for our next-generation users to locate the library’s collections and facilities effectively through advanced visualisation and interactivity techniques. The widespread use of mobile devices within our students and staff community for their day-to-day operations has significantly driven the demand for more library services to go mobile.

Design/methodology/approach

– Development of the solution was done in two phases. The first is to construct a real-world model of the library to optimise visual impact and interactivity. The model captures all library facilities such as discussion rooms, cafés, service counters, book shelves, furniture as well as the décor and general ambience. The second is to build the native mobile application on the popular iOS and Android platforms, making use of the same back-end functionalities and services as the existing online and kiosk application. Perspective rendering technique is also used to generate 360° panorama, path overview and step-by-step guide which greatly enhance user orientation and navigation. The guiding principle is to develop a lightweight solution and to keep the design intuitive so that users are able to access the service without any assistance.

Findings

– This initiative has received good feedback from our users, especially Generation Y students who prefer visual images rather than large amounts of text. Compared to static maps and directories, the ability to interact with the system appeals to all groups of users.

Originality/value

– The integration with the library catalogue to allow users to pinpoint the exact location of resources is unique. On top of the wayfinding services that have been developed, there is a lot of potential for further development of richer user interactive applications to embrace the new generation of users.
Purchasing behavior of consumers for foreign medical services
Authors: Menvielle Loick , Menvielle William , Tournois Nadine
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The present study aims to use the qualitative approach of soft laddering to gather insight into both risk perception and subsequent marketing strategies of medical tourism. Medical tourism has recently started to spark interest of marketing researchers and has been a frequently discussed topic by both journalists and physicians. Nevertheless, there are only few marketing studies offering in-depth research on the phenomenon of medical tourism. In the present article, we will concentrate on the central notion of risk inherent to any medical procedure anda fortiorito surgery in the so-called Third World countries. Because medical tourism is a product to be sold to costumers, the perceived risk needs to be dealt with on the marketing level.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the present study, the qualitative approach of soft laddering was used with 23 participants from France and 22 participants from Quebec to gather insight into both risk perception and subsequent marketing strategies of medical tourism.

Findings

– The results show significant differences in consumer behavior between the two nationalities involved. We will see how these differences are related to underlying values as well as different reasons and constraints to purchase.

Practical implications

– The results could help developed countries’ government to implement health policy.

Originality/value

– Qualitative research does not often use soft laddering, which was used in this paper. Moreover, this qualitative approach has some advantages as the number of chains, as well as the frequencies of selection and the diversity of elements quoted by consumers (kinds of risks, values and consequences of the choices made).
Forecasting operating profitability with DuPont analysis
Authors: P. Bauman Mark
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to re-examine the relation between changes in profit margin (ΔPM) and changes in return on net operating assets (ΔRNOA) by partitioning on the direction of the change in PM. DuPont analysis provides a means of disaggregating a firm’s return on net operating assets (RNOA) into asset turnover (ATO) and profit margin (PM) components to gain insights into the underlying drivers of operating profitability. Prior research finds that changes in ATO are informative about one-year-ahead changes in RNOA, while changes in PM are not.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consistent with prior research, regression analysis is used to develop a predictive model for one-year-ahead changes in RNOA. Results based on in-sample parameter estimates are used to examine the out-of-sample forecasting accuracy of alternative model specifications.

Findings

– The results are consistent with significant forecast improvement resulting from considering the impact on future RNOA of the direction of the ΔPM.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the literature on the determinants of profitability ratios by providing further guidance on how financial statement information can be utilized to improve forecasts of firm performance.
How aphids find their host plants, and how they don't
Authors: Döring Thomas F.
Published: June 2014

There is a considerable interest in trying to understand how aphids find their host plants because they are a major cause of economic losses in agricultural and horticultural production systems. Indeed, the specific behavioural sequences during host finding by aphids are one of the main reasons for their prominent role as vectors of plant pathogenic viruses. This paper reviews the visual and olfactory stimuli involved in host‐finding behaviour of aphids, both basic and applied aspects are covered. Although controlling aphids by manipulation of visual and olfactory stimuli involved in host finding and host selection can be highly successful, as shown by research, most of these measures can still be further optimised and adoption in practice is currently limited. Research therefore needs to address some critical open questions, including (a) the effects of visual contrasts on aphid behaviour; (b) the specific responses of aphids to ultraviolet (UV) light during different stages in host finding; (c) the quantification of behavioural sequences in the field and (d) the response of aphid behaviour to plant diversity at varying spatial scales; further, (e) a much more comprehensive coverage of aphid taxa and aphid ecological groups is needed in host‐finding related research to uncover ecological principles underlying this critical behaviour.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells and CD4+ T cells cooperate to mediate type 2 immune response in mice
Authors: Drake L. Y. , Iijima K. , Kita H.
Published: June 2014

Background

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play important roles in innate immunity and tissue remodeling via production of various cytokines and growth factors. Group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) were recently shown to mediate the immune pathology of asthma even without adaptive immunity. However, little is known about possible interactions between ILC2s and other immune cells. We sought to investigate the capacity of ILC2s to regulate effector functions of T cells.

Methods

We isolated ILC2s from the lungs of naïve mice. We cultured CD4+ T cells with ILC2s in vitro and examined the functions of these cell types. The mechanisms were investigated using blocking antibodies and cells isolated from cytokine‐deficient mice. For the in vivo study, we adoptively transferred ILC2s and CD4+ T cells into Il7ra−/− mice and subsequently exposed the mice to ovalbumin and a cysteine protease.

Results

Lung ILC2s enhanced CD4+ T‐cell proliferation and promoted production of type 2 cytokines in vitro. The interaction between ILC2s and CD4+ T cells involved costimulatory molecule OX40L and cytokine IL‐4, which was mainly derived from ILC2s. Adoptive transfer of both ILC2 and CD4+ T‐cell populations, but not each population alone, into Il7ra−/− mice resulted in induction of a robust antigen‐specific type 2 cytokine response and airway inflammation.

Conclusion

Lung ILC2s function to promote adaptive immunity in addition to their established roles in innate immunity. This novel function of ILC2s needs to be taken into account when considering the pathophysiology of asthma and other allergic airway diseases.
Do Nurses Have Worse Pregnancy Outcomes Than Non‐Nurses?
Authors: Yang Hui‐Ju , Kao Feng‐Yu , Chou Yiing‐Jeng , Huang Nicole , Chang Kuang‐Yi , Chien Li‐Yin
Published: June 2014

Background

Nurses encounter multiple occupational exposures at work which may harm their reproductive health. The purpose of the study was to compare pregnancy complications and outcomes including cesarean deliveries, tocolysis, miscarriage, and preterm labor between female nurses and comparable women who were not nurses in Taiwan.

Methods

This nationwide population‐based study was performed using the National Health Insurance Research Database from 1997 to 2008. We identified 3,656 pregnancies among 2,326 nurses and 111,889 pregnancies among 74,919 non‐nurses. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare risks between the two groups.

Results

The rates of tocolysis (28.6 vs 22.3%), miscarriage (6.0 vs 5.3%), and preterm labor (8.1 vs 4.4%) were significantly higher among nurses than non‐nurses. After adjustment for background differences, nurses had significantly higher risks for cesarean section (adjusted OR 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.22]), tocolysis (OR 1.18 [95% CI 1.09–1.29]), and preterm labor (OR 1.46 [95% CI 1.28–1.67]) than non‐nurses.

Conclusions

Nurses are at higher risk for cesarean section, tocolysis, and preterm labor than non‐nurses. Occupational exposure related to these adverse pregnancy outcomes should be examined. Strategies to decrease the risks should be developed to improve reproductive health among nurses.
Research on Youth and Political Conflict: Where Is the Politics? Where Are the Youth?
Authors: Barber Brian K.
Published: June 2014

In this article, I use standards and expectations articulated in the late 1990s by Cairns and Dawes to evaluate research on youth experience with political conflict. The volume and visibility of work on this topic suggest progress in this area, as do research methods and the specification of social ecologies. However, researchers have persistently framed the topic narrowly as the degree to which, and how, exposure to political violence predicts mental and behavioral problems. In this review, I spell out the limits of this approach and articulate the need for taking seriously the political context as well as looking at youth as developing, competent, and engaged individuals. I offer alternative questions for research and design to encourage the field to address these complexities more adequately.
Misperceived invasion: theLusitanian slug (Arion lusitanicusauct. non‐Mabille orArion vulgarisMoquin‐Tandon 1855) is native toCentralEurope
Authors: Pfenninger Markus , Weigand Alexander , Bálint Miklós , Klussmann‐Kolb Annette
Published: June 2014

The Lusitanian slug, presumed to be native to south‐west Europe, was ranked among the 100 worst invading species in Central Europe. However, from the very beginning of its recognition in the presumed invasion area, there was little evidence that the species was actually anthropogenically introduced. We investigated the invasive status of the species by comparing specific predictions on the population genetic structure in the invasion area with the pattern actually found. In aDNA‐taxonomy approach, the species could not be found in its presumed native range. Using statistical phylogeographic techniques on a mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (ZF) marker and species distribution modelling, we could show that the species is with very high probability not an invasor, but native to Central Europe. The study underlines the value of statistical phylogeography in rigorously testing hypotheses on the dynamics of biological invasions.
Livin is associated with the invasive and oncogenic phenotypes of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Cho Sung‐Bum , Lee Wan‐Sik , Park Young‐Lan , Kim Nuri , Oh Hyung‐Hoon , Kim Mi‐Young , Oak Chan‐Young , Chung Cho‐Yun , Park Hyung‐Chul , Kim Jong‐Sun , Myung Dae‐Seong , Kim Sang‐Hoon , Lee Kyung‐Hwa , Choi Sung‐Kyu , Joo Young‐Eun
Published: June 2014

Aim

Livin, a member of the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, is expressed in variable cancers, and its expression is considered a poor prognostic marker. The aims of this study were to observe the effect of Livin on the behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and to evaluate its expression in HCC tissues and its relation to prognosis.

Methods

The biological effects of Livin on tumor cell behavior were investigated using siRNA in HepG2 and Chang cells. Migration, invasion and proliferation assays were performed. Flow cytometric analyses and western blotting were used to evaluate the impact of Livin on apoptosis and the cell cycle. In addition, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate Livin expression in HCC tissues.

Results

Livin knockdown suppressed tumor cell migration, invasion and proliferation in HCC cells, and increased the proportion of apoptotic cells as compared with scrambled siRNA‐transfected HCC cells. Furthermore, Livin knockdown resulted in the activation of caspases and increased apoptosis. In addition, Livin knockdown modulated cell cycle regulatory protein levels such as decrease of cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) level, and increase of CDK inhibitor (CDKI) level in HCC cells. The Livin protein level was significantly elevated in HCC tissues as compared with normal hepatic tissues. However, Livin expression was not found to be associated with clinicopathological parameters, which included patient survival.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Livin is associated with invasive and oncogenic phenotypes of human HCC cells.
Immunomodulatory effects of hyperthermia on resisting WSSV infection in Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Wu X , Xiong H , Wang Y , Du H
Published: June 2014

White spot disease remains a constant threat to aquaculture worldwide. Hyperthermia has been shown to reduce mortality in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)‐infected shrimps, but the mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we sought to identify host immune factors that contribute to inhibition of WSSV infection during hyperthermia. In WSSV‐infected red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) cultured at 24 ± 1 °C, transcriptional levels of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene showed a modest, 2.2‐fold increase in haemocytes following 48 h post‐infection (hpi). In contrast, in WSSV‐infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C, Hsp70 gene expression showed a rapid, 19.5‐fold induction by 4 hpi. This suggests that Hsp70 plays a positive regulatory role in resistance to WSSV infection during hyperthermia. Furthermore, total haemocyte counts (THC) and phenoloxidase (PO) activity were both significantly increased in WSSV‐infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C by 48 hpi. Both may be critical for crayfish survival in the late stages of WSSV infection. Collectively, the up‐regulation of host protein Hsp70 expression and increase in THC and PO activity suggest that hyperthermia has immunomodulatory effect that enhanced the resistance of P. clarkii to WSSV infection.
Do Social Media Tools Impact the Development Phase? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Marion Tucker J. , Barczak Gloria , Hultink Erik Jan
Published: June 2014

Over the past two decades, firms have increasingly adopted information technology (IT) tools and services to improve the new product development (NPD) process. Recently, social media tools and/or tools that include social networking features are being utilized to allow users both inside and outside the organization to easily communicate and collaboratively design, manage, and launch new products and services. Unfortunately, there is little empirical evidence to suggest what influence these newITtools have onNPDperformance. Through a project‐level, exploratory, empirical study, the impact of these newITtools on the development phase of theNPDprocess is investigated. We find that the use of these new tools is significantly lower than the adoption of traditionalITtools such as e‐mail and computer‐aided‐design. Traditional tools have a significant, positive impact onNPDoutcomes, including team collaboration, the concepts/prototypes generated, and management evaluation. Interestingly, new media tools such as project wikis and shared collaboration spaces also have a significant, positive impact on concepts/prototypes generated, and management evaluation. Surprisingly, social networking tools like weblogs andTwitter negatively impact management evaluation while having no impact onNPDteam collaboration and concepts/prototypes generated. These results suggest that social networking tools in their current guise are not helpful to theNPDteam and may in fact be distracting to innovation management during the development phase.
Addressing Challenging Behavior in People With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: Analyzing the Effects of Daily Practice
Authors: Poppes Petra , Van der Putten Annette A. J. , Vlaskamp Carla
Published: June 2014

As some people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) are at a high risk of developing a challenging behavior, it is useful to look at measures taken to prevent or diminish this type of behavior. The authors undertook a study of how self‐injurious, stereotypical, destructive, or aggressive behaviors are addressed in daily practice in residential facilities. A stratified sample of 30 people with the most severe and frequently reported challenging behaviors was selected from a dataset of 181 children and adults with PIMD. Individual comprehensive service plans were used to determine whether challenging behaviors were present and how these problems were addressed. In total, only 51.8% of the challenging behaviors that occurred were described in the individual plans, and for 53.7% of the challenging behaviors, strategies or interventions were included in the individual service plans. Only 17.2% of the cases contained goals formulated to prevent or diminish such behavior. A significant positive relationship was found between the severity of challenging behavior and the extent to which it was described in the individual comprehensive service plans. The authors also noted that interventions that were aimed at diminishing or preventing challenging behavior were highly simplistic, and virtually no goals were formulated to document, diminish, or prevent challenging behavior in people with PIMD.
Involving People With Intellectual Disabilities Within Research Teams: Lessons Learned from an Irish Experience
Authors: García Iriarte Edurne , O'Brien Patricia , Chadwick Darren
Published: June 2014

A growing body of literature has shed light into the process of conducting research with people with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, there is limited research on the feasibility of conducting research projects including various groups of people with ID, their supporters, and researchers. This paper reviews three studies conducted with these three groups of people in light of their feasibility, the knowledge generated, and their impact on individual and social change. This study used a reflective analysis focused on the main findings from the three studies, focus groups with people with ID and supporters who conducted the research, and interviews with people to whom the findings were disseminated. The analysis suggested that a team approach including active supporters and experienced researchers was critical to their feasibility. The studies generated knowledge particularly on the perspectives of people with ID on their rights. As a result of participation in these studies, some changes at the individual and social levels occurred, but these were relatively limited. The implications of this analysis for future research are discussed in the context of the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Photosynthetic, hydraulic and biomass properties in closely related C3 and C4 species
Authors: Kocacinar Ferit
Published: June 2014

In plants, most water is absorbed by roots and transported through vascular conduits of xylem which evaporate from leaves during photosynthesis. As photosynthesis and transport processes are interconnected, it was hypothesized that any variation in water transport demand influencing water use efficiency (WUE), such as the evolution of C4 photosynthesis, should affect xylem structure and function. Several studies have provided evidence for this hypothesis, but none has comprehensively compared photosynthetic, hydraulic and biomass allocation properties between C3 and C4 species. In this study, photosynthetic, hydraulic and biomass properties in a closely related C3 Tarenaya hassleriana and a C4 Cleome gynandra are compared. Light response curves, measured at 30°C, showed that the C4 C. gynandra had almost twice greater net assimilation rates than the C3 T. hassleriana under each increasing irradiation level. On the contrary, transpiration rates and stomatal conductance were around twice as high in the C3, leading to approximately 3.5 times higher WUE in the C4 compared with the C3 species. The C3 showed about 3.3 times higher hydraulic conductivity, 4.3 times greater specific conductivity and 2.6 times higher leaf‐specific conductivity than the C4 species. The C3 produced more vessels per xylem area and larger vessels. All of these differences resulted in different biomass properties, where the C4 produced more biomass in general and had less root to shoot ratio than the C3 species. These results are in support of our previous findings that WUE, and any changes that affect WUE, contribute to xylem evolution in plants.
Norwegian airline passengers are not more afraid of flying after the terror act of September 11. The flight anxiety, however, is significantly attributed to acts of terrorism
Authors: Ekeberg Øivind , Fauske Berit , Berg‐Hansen Bente
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to study: (1) the prevalence of flight anxiety among Norwegian airline passengers; (2) situations that may be of concern during flights and situations not related to flying; (3) whether passengers feel more afraid after the terror act of September 11, 2001; and (4) whether passengers were more afraid in 2002 than in 1986.A questionnaire was distributed during domestic flights in Norway in 1986 and 2002. To asses flight anxiety, a six point scale was used, from 0 = not afraid at all, to 5 = always very afraid, and sometimes avoid flying because of that. A 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the degree of anxiety. There were 50.8% who were not afraid at all. There were 12 women (5.2%) and one man (0.4%) with flight phobia. However, 22 (4.5%) had cancelled flights because of anxiety during the last two years. Situations that caused most concern during flights were turbulence and fear of terrorism and highjacking. After September 11, 48% were not more afraid, 38% a little more, 10% moderately, 3% rather much and 2% very much. The passengers, however, were not more afraid of flying in 2002 than in 1986. About 3% of Norwegian airline passengers have a flight phobia. Women are significantly more concerned than men. The impact of the terror act September 11, 2001 was rather moderate. The level of flight anxiety among Norwegian airline passengers was not significantly different in 2002 and 1986.
Lipid Trafficking in Plant Cells
Authors: Hurlock Anna K. , Roston Rebecca L. , Wang Kun , Benning Christoph
Published: June 2014

Plant cells contain unique organelles such as chloroplasts with an extensive photosynthetic membrane. In addition, specialized epidermal cells produce an extracellular cuticle composed primarily of lipids, and storage cells accumulate large amounts of storage lipids. As lipid assembly is associated only with discrete membranes or organelles, there is a need for extensive lipid trafficking within plant cells, more so in specialized cells and sometimes also in response to changing environmental conditions such as phosphate deprivation. Because of the complexity of plant lipid metabolism and the inherent recalcitrance of membrane lipid transporters, the mechanisms of lipid transport within plant cells are not yet fully understood. Recently, several new proteins have been implicated in different aspects of plant lipid trafficking. While these proteins provide only first insights into limited aspects of lipid transport phenomena in plant cells, they represent exciting opportunities for further studies.
Nutrition, Illness, and Injury in Aquatic Sports
Authors: Pyne David B. , Verhagen Evert A. , Mountjoy Margo
Published: June 2014

In this review, we outline key principles for prevention of injury and illness in aquatic sports, detail the epidemiology of injury and illness in aquatic athletes at major international competitions and in training, and examine the relevant scientific evidence on nutrients for reducing the risk of illness and injury. Aquatic athletes are encouraged to consume a well-planned diet with sufficient calories, macronutrients (particularly carbohydrate and protein), and micronutrients (particularly iron, zinc, and vitamins A, D, E, B6, and B12) to maintain health and performance. Ingesting carbohydrate via sports drinks, gels, or sports foods during prolonged training sessions is beneficial in maintaining energy availability. Studies of foods or supplements containing plant polyphenols and selected strains of probiotic species are promising, but further research is required. In terms of injury, intake of vitamin D, protein, and total caloric intake, in combination with treatment and resistance training, promotes recovery back to full health and training.
Nutrition Considerations in Special Environments for Aquatic Sports
Authors: Stellingwerff Trent , Pyne David B. , Burke Louise M.
Published: June 2014

Elite athletes who compete in aquatic sports face the constant challenge of arduous training and competition schedules in difficult and changing environmental conditions. The huge range of water temperatures to which swimmers and other aquatic athletes are often exposed (16–31 °C for open-water swimming), coupled with altered aquatic thermoregulatory responses as compared with terrestrial athletes, can challenge the health, safety, and performance of these athletes. Other environmental concerns include air and water pollution, altitude, and jetlag and travel fatigue. However, these challenging environments provide the potential for several nutritional interventions that can mitigate the negative effects and enhance adaptation and performance. These interventions include providing adequate hydration and carbohydrate and iron intake while at altitude; optimizing body composition and fluid and carbohydrate intake when training or competing in varying water temperatures; and maximizing fluid and food hygiene when traveling. There is also emerging information on nutritional interventions to manage jetlag and travel fatigue, such as the timing of food intake and the strategic use of caffeine or melatonin. Aquatic athletes often undertake their major global competitions where accommodations feature cafeteria-style buffet eating. These environments can often lead to inappropriate choices in the type and quantity of food intake, which is of particular concern to divers and synchronized swimmers who compete in physique-specific sports, as well as swimmers who have a vastly reduced energy expenditure during their taper. Taken together, planned nutrition and hydration interventions can have a favorable impact on aquatic athletes facing varying environmental challenges.
The Crayfish That Was Afraid of the Light
Authors: Vignieri Sacha N.
Published: June 2014

Crayfish respond to stress with an apparent fear of the dark that can be abolished with an anxiolytic drug.
Alternative Sigma Factor RpoE Is Important for Vibrio parahaemolyticus Cell Envelope Stress Response and Intestinal Colonization
Authors: Haines-Menges Brandy , Whitaker W. Brian , Boyd E. Fidelma
Published: June 2014

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a halophile that inhabits brackish waters and a wide range of hosts, including crustaceans, fish, mollusks, and humans. In humans, it is the leading cause of bacterial seafood-borne gastroenteritis. The focus of this work was to determine the role of alternative sigma factors in the stress response of
V. parahaemolyticus
RIMD2210633, an O3:K6 pandemic isolate. Bioinformatics identified five putative extracytoplasmic function (ECF) family of alternative sigma factors: VP0055, VP2210, VP2358, VP2578, and VPA1690. ECF factors typically respond to cell wall/cell envelope stress, iron levels, and the oxidation state of the cell. We have demonstrated here that one such sigma factor, VP2578, a homologue of RpoE from
Escherichia coli
, is important for survival under a number of cell envelope stress conditions and in gastrointestinal colonization of a streptomycin-treated adult mouse. In this study, we determined that an
rpoE
deletion mutant strain BHM2578 compared to the wild type (WT) was significantly more sensitive to polymyxin B, ethanol, and high-temperature stresses. We demonstrated that in
in vivo
competition assays between the
rpoE
mutant and the WT marked with the β-galactosidase gene
lacZ
(WBWlacZ), the mutant strain was defective in colonization compared to the WT. In contrast, deletion of the
rpoS
stress response regulator did not affect
in vivo
survival. In addition, we examined the role of the outer membrane protein, OmpU, which in
V. cholerae
is proposed to be the sole activator of RpoE. We found that an
ompU
deletion mutant was sensitive to bile salt stress but resistant to polymyxin B stress, indicating OmpU is not essential for the cell envelope stress responses or RpoE function. Overall, these data demonstrate that RpoE is a key cell envelope stress response regulator and, similar to
E. coli
, RpoE may have several factors that stimulate its function.
Clinical management of advanced schistosomiasis: a case of portal vein thrombosis-induced splenomegaly requiring surgery
Authors: Olveda David U , Olveda Remigio M , Montes Conor Jan , Chy Delia , Abellera Jose Modesto B , Cuajunco Delfin , Lam Alfred K , McManus Donald P , Li Yuesheng , Ross Allen GP
Published: June 2014

We report for the first time in the Philippines a case of portal vein thrombosis in a 12 year old Filipino boy with advanced schistosomiasis. The boy was referred to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Manila, due to a rapidly enlarging spleen post-praziquantel treatment. At RITM, liver function tests were within normal limits but complete blood examinations showed pancytopenia and abnormal coagulation times. Serum markers for hepatitis A, B and C were negative. Abdominal MRI revealed schistosome-induced periportal fibrosis. The main portal vein appeared thrombosed with characteristic cavernous transformation of the right portal vein. Varices were seen in the oesophagus, gastrohepatic ligament, and splenic hilum. The spleen was markedly enlarged, with parenchymal foci representing Gamna-Gandy bodies. The patient underwent splenectomy. Histopathologic findings in the liver showed moderate pipestem fibrosis and schistosome egg granulomas. The patient was discharged from the hospital in excellent clinical condition.
Analysis of rotational diffusion of coumarin laser dyes
Authors: Nadaf Y.F. , Renuka C.G.
Published: June 2014

Rotational diffusion analysis of two laser dyes, coumarin 6 and coumarin 30, has been studied in alkane and alcohol solvents using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence depolarization methods. The rotational diffusion times of these probes vary linearly as a function of viscosity over the range of temperature studied. It is observed that the rotational diffusion time measurements of molecules in alcohol and alkane have relaxation times typically on the order of picoseconds, though they are greater in alcohol than in alkane solvents. However, it was observed that coumarins rotate faster in n-hexane and n-heptane than in n-propanol and n-butanol solvents, and the observed results are discussed in the last section.
Modeling and Optimization for Piercing Efficiency and Energy Consumption Based on Mean Value Substaged KELM‐PLS and GA Method
Authors: Xiao Dong , Wang Jichun
Published: June 2014

Piercing manufacture of seamless tubes is the process that pierces solid blank into tube hollow. Piercing efficiency and energy consumption are the important indexes in the production of seamless tubes. Piercing process has the multivariate, nonlinear, cross‐coupling characteristics. The complex factors that affect efficiency and consumption make it difficult to establish the mechanism models for optimization. Based on the production process, this paper divides the piercing process into three parts and proposes the piercing efficiency and energy consumption prediction models based on mean value staged KELM‐PLS method. On the basis of mean value staged KELM‐PLS prediction model, the minimum piercing energy consumption and maximum piercing efficiency are calculated by genetic optimization algorithm. Simulation and experiment prove that the optimization method based on the piercing efficiency and energy consumption prediction model can obtain the optimal process parameters effectively and also provide reliable evidences for practical production.
Scheduling of Changes in Complex Engineering Design Process via Genetic Algorithm and Elementary Effects Method
Authors: Li Yuliang , Zhao Wei , Ma Yongsheng , Hu Lichen
Published: June 2014

Engineering design changes constantly occur in a complex engineering design process. Designers have to put an appropriate procedure in place to handle these changes in order to realize successful product development in a timely and cost-effective manner. When many change propagation paths are present, selection of the best change evolution paths and distribution of change results to downstream tasks become critical to the progress management of the project. In this paper, based on the available change propagation simulation algorithm, a global sensitivity analysis method known as elementary effects (EE) is employed to rank the importance of each potential propagation path with those involved design dependencies in the process. Further, an EE-based heuristic design dependency encoding method is applied to the genetic algorithm which is then adopted to schedule the change updating process. Finally, the optimal results obtained by the complete search and the heuristic dependency encoding methods are compared to illustrate the improvements and effectiveness of the latter method.
Boehmeria niveaAttenuates the Development of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Experimental Colitis
Authors: Shin Eun Ju , Sung Mi Jeong , Yang Hye Jeong , Kim Myung Sunny , Hwang Jin-Taek
Published: June 2014

We examined the therapeutic effect of an ethanol extract derived fromBoehmeria nivea(Linn.) Gaudich in a mouse model of experimental colitis. Treatment with 70% ethanol extract derived fromB. nivea(EBN) at a dose of 100, 200, or 500 mg/(kg·d) improved colon shortening, body weight, the disease activity index (DAI), and histopathological score of DSS-induced colitis mice. DSS significantly increased the levels of cyclooxygenase-(COX-) 2 in colon tissue relative to that of the untreated control group. EBN administered at 100, 200, or 500 mg/(kg·d) reduced COX-2 levels in the DSS-treated mice. In addition, EBN decreased the DSS-induced secretion of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Taken together, these data suggest thatB. niveaextract is effective in preventing colitis.
Abnormal COX2 Protein Expression May Be Correlated with Poor Prognosis in Oral Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhi-Ming , Liu Jie , Liu Hong-Bo , Ye Ming , Zhang Yu-Fei , Yang Dong-Sheng
Published: June 2014

Background.The prognostic significance of COX2 for survival of patients with oral cancer remains controversial. Thus, the meta-analysis was performed in order to identify COX2 expression impact on prognosis of oral cancer.Method.Relevant literatures were searched using the following electronic databases without any language restrictions: Web of Science, the Cochrane Library Database, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CBM. Version 12.0 STATA software (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) was used for the current meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were also calculated to clarify the correlation between COX2 expression and prognosis of oral cancer.Results.Final analysis of 979 oral cancer patients from 12 clinical cohort studies was performed. The meta-analysis results show that COX2 expression in cancer tissues was significantly higher than those in normal and benign tissues (allP< 0.05). Combined HR of COX2 suggests that positive COX2 expression has a shorter overall survival (OS) than those of negative COX2 expression (P< 0.05).Conclusion.The meta-analysis study shows that elevated COX2 expression may be associated with the pathogenesis of oral cancer and with a worse prognosis in oral cancer patients.
Biopolymeric Formulations for Biocatalysis and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Elnashar Magdy M. M. , Kahil Tarek
Published: June 2014

Three gel disks formulations prepared using chitosan (Chito) or polyethylenimine (PEI) followed by glutaraldehyde were prepared for biocatalysis and biomedical applications. The carriers have been used to immobilize lactase covalently and it was evaluated in terms of enzyme loading capacity and enzyme kinetics (km and Vmax). The Km of the Chito formulation was almost half that of the PEI formulations, which is favored in industries. On the other hand, the gel disks were evaluated in terms of their swelling kinetics and the gels’ morphology using SEM. The mechanism of the three gels’ swelling was also studied and it was found to be non-Fickian, where the mechanism of transport depends on both the diffusion and polymer relaxation, which are controlling the overall rate of water uptake. The Chito formulation was 2–5 folds and PEI formulations were 33–62 folds in terms of the swelling rate constant and the diffusion rate, respectively. These results were highly supported by the SEM. This study will help scientists to design the right polymer network for enzymes immobilization as well as control the surface area and the swelling power of the polymers for different applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering.
Indirect Inguinal Hernia Containing a Fallopian Tube and Ovary in a Reproductive Aged Woman
Authors: Graul Ashley , Ko Emily
Published: June 2014

An indirect inguinal hernia containing an incarcerated fallopian tube and ovary is extremely rare in adult females. The current report describes a woman of reproductive years presenting with an irreducible indirect hernia which required the surgical intervention of a general surgeon as well as counseling regarding future fertility by a gynecologist. The diagnosis was made by physical and sonographic examination and was confirmed by CT scan and surgical intervention. We suggest a multimodel and multidisciplinary approach in order to safely and efficiently preserve ovarian and fertility function in young women who present with an inguinal hernia containing reproductive organs.
Sensorless Stator Field‐Oriented Controlled IM Drive at Low Speed with Rr Estimator
Authors: Pu Wen-Cheng , Luo Yung-Chang , Chu Po-Yan
Published: June 2014

This paper pertains to a technique of a sensorless indirect stator field‐oriented induction motor control, which prevents the accumulative errors incurred by the integrator and the problem relating to the stability of the control system caused by the stator resistance susceptible to temperature variations while conducting the flux estimation directly and computing the synchronous rotary speed. The research adds an adaptive flux observer to estimate the speed of the rotor and uses the fixed trace algorithm (FTA) to execute an online estimation of the slip difference, thereby improving the system of stability under the low rotary speed at regenerating mode and the influence of the rotor resistance on the slip angle. Finally, the paper conducts simulations by Simulink of MATLAB and practices to verify the correctness of the result the paper presents.
Optimal Sensor Placement for Latticed Shell Structure Based on an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Xun , Li Juelong , Xing Jianchun , Wang Ping , Yang Qiliang , Wang Ronghao , He Can
Published: June 2014

Optimal sensor placement is a key issue in the structural health monitoring of large‐scale structures. However, some aspects in existing approaches require improvement, such as the empirical and unreliable selection of mode and sensor numbers and time‐consuming computation. A novel improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm is proposed to address these problems. The approach firstly employs the cumulative effective modal mass participation ratio to select mode number. Three strategies are then adopted to improve the PSO algorithm. Finally, the IPSO algorithm is utilized to determine the optimal sensors number and configurations. A case study of a latticed shell model is implemented to verify the feasibility of the proposed algorithm and four different PSO algorithms. The effective independence method is also taken as a contrast experiment. The comparison results show that the optimal placement schemes obtained by the PSO algorithms are valid, and the proposed IPSO algorithm has better enhancement in convergence speed and precision.
The Pricing of Asian Options in Uncertain Volatility Model
Authors: Fan Yulian , Zhang Huadong
Published: June 2014

This paper studies the pricing of Asian options when the volatility of the underlying
asset is uncertain. We use the nonlinear Feynman‐Kac formula in the G‐expectation theory
to get the two‐dimensional nonlinear PDEs. For the arithmetic average fixed strike Asian
options, the nonlinear PDEs can be transferred to linear PDEs. For the arithmetic average
floating strike Asian options, we use a dimension reduction technique to transfer the two‐dimensional
nonlinear PDEs to one‐dimensional nonlinear PDEs. Then we introduce the
applicable numerical computation methods for these two classes of PDEs and analyze the
performance of the numerical algorithms.