bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Corporate Governance, Competition, and Political Costs on Strategic Executive Pay Disclosure: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Hyun Jeong-Hoon , Kim Bum-Joon , Kwon Sewon , Shin Jae Yong
Published: February 2014

We examine factors influencing firms' strategic disclosure of executive pay in Korea. In Korea, executive pay is disclosed through directors' pay disclosure in a firm's annual report. Because the disclosure rules in Korea do not mandate but only recommend that firms distinguish between inside executive directors and outside nonexecutive directors when reporting the average pay of directors, this regulatory policy provides a unique opportunity to examine managers' incentives to opportunistically manage the disclosed levels of average executive pay. We find that strategic disclosure for cloaking executive pay prevails when firms have weak corporate governance and high (low) political costs of disclosing high levels of executive pay (making strategic disclosures), but that such disclosure is not associated with proprietary costs. Furthermore, using the subsample of firms that can choose between different types of strategic disclosures, we examine whether firms base their choice on the political costs of making the strategic disclosures. In our data setting, there are two major ways of strategically managing the disclosed average executive pay downward: (1) deliberate aggregation of inside and outside director pay in the calculation of average director pay, and (2) inclusion of part-time inside directors who receive a minimal or substantially low level of pay (which, of the two schemes, is the less visible). Our results suggest that the higher the political costs of a firm's strategic disclosures are, the less visible the firm's cloaking of executive pay will be.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources identified in the text.
Special Considerations for Older Adults With Diabetes Residing in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Haas Linda B.
Published: February 2014

In Brief

About 25% of all residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have diabetes, and that proportion is expected to increase. SNF residents with diabetes have special needs related to nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and medical therapy. Vigilant assessment and maintenance of safety is also crucial for such patients, including but not limited to issues such as hyper- and hypoglycemia, polypharmacy, falls, lower-extremity problems, and transitions of care. Interventions to provide stable glycemic control; ensure adequate nutrition, hydration, and physical activity; decrease polypharmacy; prevent falls; facilitate transitions of care; and improve the diabetes-related knowledge of SNF staff can help to meet these needs. Although this article focuses on SNFs, many of the topics covered also apply to elderly people with diabetes in other long-term care settings.
Current Perspectives on Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Srinivasan Sudha M. , Pescatello Linda S. , Bhat Anjana N.
Published: February 2014

Recent evidence suggests that childhood obesity is increasing in children who are developing typically as well as in children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Impairments specific to autism as well as general environmental factors could lead to an imbalance between the intake and expenditure of energy, leading to obesity. In this article, we describe the mechanisms by which autism-specific impairments contribute to obesity. The evidence on exercise interventions to improve physical fitness, address obesity, and reduce autism-specific impairments in children and adolescents with ASDs is discussed. Limited evidence is currently available for exercise interventions in individuals with ASDs. Therefore, literature on other pediatric developmental disabilities and children who are developing typically was reviewed to provide recommendations for clinicians to assess physical activity levels, to promote physical fitness, and to reduce obesity in children and adolescents with ASDs. There is a clear need for further systematic research to develop sensitive assessment tools and holistic multisystem and multifactorial obesity interventions that accommodate the social communication, motor, and behavioral impairments of individuals with ASDs.
Climatic suitability of Aedes albopictus in Europe referring to climate change projections: comparison of mechanistic and correlative niche modelling approaches
Authors: Fischer D , Thomas S M , Neteler M , Tjaden N B , Beierkuhnlein C
Published: February 2014

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is capable of transmitting a broad range of viruses to humans. Since its introduction at the end of the 20th century, it has become well established in large parts of southern Europe. As future expansion as a result of climate change can be expected, determining the current and projected future climatic suitability of this invasive mosquito in Europe is of interest. Several studies have tried to detect the potential habitats for this species, but differing data sources and modelling approaches must be considered when interpreting the findings. Here, various modelling methodologies are compared with special emphasis on model set-up and study design. Basic approaches and model algorithms for the projection of spatio-temporal trends within the 21st century differ substantially. Applied methods range from mechanistic models (e.g. overlay of climatic constraints based on geographic information systems or rather process-based approaches) to correlative niche models. We conclude that spatial characteristics such as introduction gateways and dispersal pathways need to be considered. Laboratory experiments addressing the climatic constraints of the mosquito are required for improved modelling results. However, the main source of uncertainty remains the insufficient knowledge about the species' ability to adapt to novel environments.
Possible pandemic threat from new reassortment of influenza A(H7N9) virus in China
Authors: Meng Z , Han R , Hu Y , Yuan Z , Jiang S , Zhang X , Xu J
Published: February 2014

Avian influenza A(H7N9) virus re-emerged in China in December 2013, after a decrease in the number of new cases during the preceding six months. Reassortment between influenza A(H7N9) and local H9N2 strains has spread from China's south-east coast to other regions. Three new reassortments of A(H7N9) virus were identified by phylogenetic analysis: between A(H7N9) and Zhejiang-derived strains, Guangdong/Hong Kong-derived strains or Hunan-derived A(H9N2) strains. Our findings suggest there is a possible risk that a pandemic could develop.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates in Europe in a season with three influenza type/subtypes circulating: the I-MOVE multicentre case–control study,
influenza season 2012/13
Authors: Kissling E , Valenciano M , Buchholz U , Larrauri A , Cohen J  M , Nunes B , Rogalska J , Pitigoi D , Paradowska-Stankiewicz I , Reuss A , Jiménez-Jorge S , Daviaud I , Guiomar R , O’Donnell J , Necula G , Głuchowska M , Moren A
Published: February 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Charities, Manufactures, and Taxes: The Montreal Sisters of Providence Spruce Gum Syrup Case, 1876–78
Authors: Little J.I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract:

Combining political, business, medical, and social history, this micro-historical study examines the cultural and ideological tensions that surfaced when Montreal's Sisters of Providence began marketing their spruce gum syrup throughout the province and beyond. The foray of a tax-free institution into the open marketplace challenged the liberal tenet of fair competition and ultimately represented a victory for conservative rights over the liberal order that historians claim dominated Quebec as well as the rest of Canada by the later nineteenth century.
Activism and Scholarship
Authors: Kealey Linda
Published: February 2014

Abstract:

Like a number of other authors in this series, Linda Kealey did not plan to become a historian. The history “bug” bit her in the 1970s as her interest in women's history emerged from involvement in social movements, particularly the women's movement. Her interest was also strengthened by significant female mentors at the University of Toronto. The exciting potential of social history and her social activism helped shape her research interests and theoretical frameworks. Women's work and women's involvement in political movements have been the central themes in her historical research and publications. During her thirty-two years in the profession, students have played an integral role in making her career such a rewarding and privileged experience.
Extensive basal ganglia edema caused by a traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula: a rare presentation related to a basal vein of Rosenthal anatomical variation
Authors: Ract Isabelle , Drier Aurélie , Leclercq Delphine , Sourour Nader , Gabrieli Joseph , Yger Marion , Nouet Aurélien , Dormont Didier , Chiras Jacques , Clarençon Frédéric
Published: February 2014

The authors report a very rare presentation of traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) with extensive edema of the basal ganglia and brainstem because of an anatomical variation of the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR). A 45-year-old woman was admitted to the authors' institution for left hemiparesis, dysarthria, and a comatose state caused by right orbital trauma from a thin metal rod. Brain MRI showed a right CCF and vasogenic edema of the right side of the brainstem, right temporal lobe, and basal ganglia. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a high-flow direct CCF and revealed a hypoplastic second segment of the BVR responsible for the hypertension in inferior striate veins and venous congestion. Endovascular treatment was performed on an emergency basis. One month after treatment, the patient's symptoms and MRI signal abnormalities almost totally disappeared.

Basal ganglia and brainstem venous congestion may occur in traumatic CCF in cases of a hypoplastic or agenetic second segment of the BVR and may provoke emergency treatment.
Relationship of syrinx size and tonsillar descent to spinal deformity in Chiari malformation Type I with associated syringomyelia
Authors: Godzik Jakub , Kelly Michael P. , Radmanesh Alireza , Kim David , Holekamp Terrence F. , Smyth Matthew D. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Shimony Joshua S. , Park Tae Sung , Leonard Jeffrey , Limbrick David D.
Published: February 2014

Object

Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is a developmental abnormality often associated with a spinal syrinx. Patients with syringomyelia are known to have an increased risk of scoliosis, yet the influence of specific radiographically demonstrated features on the prevalence of scoliosis remains unclear. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship of maximum syrinx diameter and tonsillar descent to the presence of scoliosis in patients with CM-I–associated syringomyelia. A secondary objective was to explore the role of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) characteristics as additional risk factors for scoliosis.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients evaluated for CM-I with syringomyelia at a single institution in the period from 2000 to 2012. Syrinx morphology and CVJ parameters were evaluated with MRI, whereas the presence of scoliosis was determined using standard radiographic criteria. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze radiological features that were independently associated with scoliosis.

Results

Ninety-two patients with CM-I and syringomyelia were identified. The mean age was 10.5 ± 5 years. Thirty-five (38%) of 92 patients had spine deformity; 23 (66%) of these 35 patients were referred primarily for deformity, and 12 (34%) were diagnosed with deformity during workup for other symptoms. Multiple regression analysis revealed maximum syrinx diameter > 6 mm (OR 12.1, 95% CI 3.63–40.57, p < 0.001) and moderate (5–12 mm) rather than severe (> 12 mm) tonsillar herniation (OR 7.64, 95% CI 2.3–25.31, p = 0.001) as significant predictors of spine deformity when controlling for age, sex, and syrinx location.

Conclusions

The current study further elucidates the association between CM-I and spinal deformity by defining specific radiographic characteristics associated with the presence of scoliosis. Specifically, patients presenting with larger maximum syrinx diameters (> 6 mm) have an increased risk of scoliosis.
Spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Du Rose
Published: February 2014

Object

Owing to their rarity, demographics, natural history, and treatment, results for spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are frequently only provided in case report format.

Methods

A pooled analysis was performed utilizing the PubMed database through April 2013. Individualized patient data were extracted to elucidate demographics, hemorrhage risk, and treatment result information.

Results

Twenty-nine studies describing 51 patients were included. The mean age at presentation was 15.0 ± 10.5 years with a slight male predilection (63%, 1.7:1 sex ratio). Presentation modality included progressive deficits in 35%, hemorrhage in 31%, acute deficits not attributed to hemorrhage in 22%, and asymptomatic/incidental in 12% of patients. The annual hemorrhage rate was 2.1%; statistically significant risk factors for hemorrhage included presentation age (HR 0.39 [95% CI 0.18–0.87]) and associated aneurysms (HR 8.74 [95% CI 1.76–43.31]). Seventy-seven percent of patients underwent treatment; after a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 3.2 years, 73% were improved, 10% were the same, and 17% were worse neurologically. Of 25 cases with described angiographic results, 8 lesions were obliterated (32%). Of these 25 patients, 8 had AVMs with associated aneurysms, and the aneurysm was obliterated in all 8 patients. Over the course of 57.9 patient-years of follow-up, including 55.3 patient-years for partially treated AVMs, no hemorrhages were described, reflecting a trend toward protection from hemorrhage after treatment (p = 0.12, likelihood ratio test).

Conclusions

Spinal juvenile (Type III) extradural-intradural AVMs commonly present symptomatically. Associated arterial aneurysms increase their hemorrhage risk, and protection from hemorrhage may be achieved from partial obliteration of these lesions, particularly if targeted toward associated aneurysms.
Angiosperm flora of Manikgonj Sadar upazila, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Kanika , Islam Md Rafiqul , Uddin Mohammad Zashim , Hassan Md Abul
Published: February 2014

Angioperm flora of Manikgonj Sadar Upazila has been partially inventoried. A total of 207 species under 72 families and 174 genera has been recorded. Among those, the division Magnoliopsida represents 147 species belonging to 56 families and 127 genera, and the division Liliopsida represents 60 species belonging to 16 families and 47 genera. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17851 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 147-166, December 2013
Electrosynthesis of Cu / ZnO nanocomposite electrode on ITO electrode and its application in oxidation of ascorbic acid and glucose
Authors: Quayum M Emran , Biswas Bablu , Bhuiyan Md Khairul Hassan
Published: February 2014

In the present study Cu nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO nanorods have been deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and thereby Cu-NPs /ZnO / ITO composite film electrode has been prepared. The prepared nanostructures have been characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The shape of the electrochemically deposited ZnO follow rod like structure on ITO electrode, CuNPs follow irregular spherical shape when electrodeposited on ITO electrode. Oxidation of ascorbic acid on bare ITO electrode is favorable than that of ZnO modified ITO electrode but Cu-NPs/ ZnO composite electrode had high sensitivity and stability and showed higher catalytic current for glucose oxidation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17855 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 183-190, December 2013
Antiaging, antioxidant flavonoids; synthesis, antimicrobial screening as well as 3D QSAR CoMFA models for the prediction of biological activity
Authors: Lumbiny Bilkis Jahan , Hui Zhang , Islam M Azizul
Published: February 2014

Flavonoids, polyphenolic heteronuclear compounds which are naturally occurring antioxidants are widely used as antiaging substances. Synthesis of new naturally occuring organic compounds with basic skeleton of chalcones, flavones and oxygenated flavones and their antimicrobial activity were reported by this research group for long. Presently comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) implemented in Sybyl 7.3 was conducted on a series of substituted flavones. CoMFA is an effective computer implemented 3D QSAR technique deriving a correlation between set of the biologically active molecules and their 3D shape, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding characteristics employing both interactive graphics and statistical techniques. Evaluation of 38 compounds were served to establish the models with grid spacing (2.0 Å). CoMFA produced best predictive model for compound 1C (2 ? Phenyl ? 1,4 ? benzopyrone) and compound 2C (5 ? Fluoro ? 3?? hydroxy flavone ) among all. Model for compound 2C [r2 conv (no-validation) = 0.956, SEE = 0.211, F value = 111.054) is better than that of compound 1C [r2 conv (no-validation) = 0.955, SEE = 0.212, F value = 110.261) but comparing superimposed model 1C being suggested as the best predictive model. 3D contour maps were generated to correlate the biological activities with the chemical structures of the examined compounds and for further design. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17856 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 191-199, December 2013
Performances of 2 phenoxyethanol and quinaldine with oxygen in the live truck transportation of rohu fingerlings
Authors: Hasan Mahmud , Pinky Nadia Islam , Kabir Md Alamgir , Ahmed Salim , Rashid SM Mahbubur
Published: February 2014

The effectiveness of 2 phenoxyethanol (2 PE), quinaldine (2-methyl quinoline), benzocaine (ethyl 4 aminobenzoate) and tertiary amyl alcohol (TAA) was tested to determine their optimal dosages for rapid induction and recovery in the first experiment, while the second experiment evaluated the effects of low dose quinaldine (175 ?l/L) and 2 PE (250 ?l/L) with oxygen for 1, 3, 6 and 9 h on the mortality and water qualities at 400 g/L rohu Labeo rohita fingerlings in a truck transport simulation. Optimum dosages of 2 PE (250 ?l/L), quinaldine (175 ?l/L), benzocaine (40 mg/L) and TAA (1.5 ml/L) were found to have rapid (within 6 min) immobilization and recovery. Very low level of immediate and delayed mortality (<1%) was found across all three transport methods. While 2 PE had dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration above 13 mg/L, quinaldine had lower level. Results suggest that rohu fingerlings at 400 g/L can be transported for 9 hours with oxygen with or without sedatives. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17858 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 201-209, December 2013
Cognitive emotion regulation in children as related to their parenting style, family type and gender
Authors: Karim AKM Rezaul , Sharafat Tania , Mahmud Abu Yusuf
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to investigate whether cognitive emotion regulation in children varies with parenting style, family type and gender. Toward this end, cognitive emotion regulation and perceived parenting style of 206 school children were measured. Standard regression analyses of data revealed that the models were significant and explained 17.3% of the variance in adaptive emotion regulation (Adjusted R²=0.173; F=9.579, p<.001), and 7.1% of the variance in less adaptive emotion regulation (Adjusted R²=.071, F=4.135, p=.001). Results showed that childrens cognitive emotion regulation is functionally associated with parenting style, but not with family type and their gender. Amongst the three types of parenting, authoritative parenting was the strongest predictor of overall adaptive emotion regulation while authoritarian parenting was the strongest predictor of overall less adaptive emotion regulation. Permissive parenting has impact on neither adaptive nor less adaptive emotion regulation. The findings have implications for parents, caregivers, child psychologists and other professionals working with children/ adolescents. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17860 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 211-220, December 2013
High temperature treatment on the eggs of the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say and its effects on the subsequent stages developed therefrom
Authors: Khan Humayun Reza , Hossain Md Mosarraf
Published: February 2014

The eggs of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) were exposed to 40oC for different exposure periods (viz. half an hour, one, two and four hours) and control (room temperature, 28±6oC); the percentage of egg hatching ranged from 74.14 to 96.33 (F=215.593, P<0.05), larval mortalities were from 24.52 to 0.00% (F=73.287, P<0.05), pupal mortalities ranged from 10.2 to16.71% (F=34.056, P<0.05), mean larval periods ranged from 127.9 to 155.3 hours (F=124.002, P<0.05), mean pupal periods ranged from 30.5 to 36.1 hours (F=10.531, P<0.05), lengths of 2nd instar ranged from 3.82 to 4.67 mm (F=16.50, P<0.05), lengths of 3rd instar ranged from 6.195 to 7.195 mm (F=7.558, P<0.05), lengths of 4th instar ranged from 7.395 to 8.025 mm (F=3.961, P<0.05), mean diameter of the head capsule of 1st instar larvae was 0.316 to 0.384 mm (F=8.308, P<0.05), that of 2nd instar larvae was 0.395 to 0.468 mm (F=4.953, P<0.05), that of 3rd instar larvae was 0.652 to 0.71 mm (F=2.629, P>0.05), that of 4th instar larvae was 0.806 to 0.91 mm (F= 13.871, P<0.05), length of the cephalothorax of pupae ranged from 1.862 to 2.062 mm (F=0.662, P>0.05), body length of male adults ranged from 3.41 to 3.58 mm (F=0.59, P>0.05), and that of female ranged from 3.75 to 4.09 mm (F=1.98, P>0.05), mean egg- rafts laid per female ranged from 1.4 to 2.0 and mean numbers of eggs per raft were 230 to 260. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17864 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 247-257, December 2013
Breeding biology of guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859) in the laboratory
Authors: Shahjahan Reza Md , Ahmed Md Jubayer , Begum Rowshan Ara , Rashid Md Abdur
Published: February 2014

The breeding biology of guppy fish, Poecilia reticulata (Cyprinodontiformes: Poiciliidae) was studied during March 2008 to May 2009 in Zoological garden laboratory, Curzon Hall campus, Dhaka University. Guppy bred all over the year except in the winter months December and January with a peak period in July. They were viviparous and multiple breeders, i.e., give birth to fry several times in the breeding season. The mean egg diameter was measured to be (1.02±0.08mm) and fecundity was estimated (40-89) per gram of body weight. The gestation period ranged 25-35 days with an average of 28.1±2.12 days. Developmental stages observed under a compound microscope were classified based on the changes in the developing eye, such as optic cup, early-eyed, middle-eyed, late-eyed, very late-eyed etc. It was noticed that tail portion comes out first at birth. The number of fry per brood ranged from 12 to 60. New born fries were observed with transparent or blackish in colour having slender body with jaws developed on mouth and were fully capable of swimming, eating, and avoiding danger. Guppy grew rapidly, attained sexual maturity at 8 -10 weeks and reached full size in 6 months. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17866 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 259-267, December 2013
Enhancement of heterotrophic activities in polluted water by Bacillus coagulans BW-25
Authors: Karim Md Abdul , Happy Rehena Nasrin , Masum Mehedi Al , Hoque Sirajul
Published: February 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v39i2.17867 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 39(2): 269-272, December 2013
Human-Animal Interface and Severe Emerging Diseases
Authors: Shamsuzzaman AKM
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v10i2.17957 Journal of Science Foundation, July 2012, Vol. 10, No. 2: pp.51-52
Growth and Yield of Basmati and Traditional Aromatic Rice As Influenced By Water Stress and Nitrogen Level
Authors: Mannan MA , Bhuiya MSU , Akhand MIM , Saman MM
Published: February 2014

The experiment was done at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Farm, Gazipur during Boro season to determine the critical growth stage where water stress affect on yield reduction and to find out optimum level of nitrogen and to select stress tolerance nitrogen responsive rice variety. Water stress was imposed at i) vegetative stage, ii) reproductive stage, iii) grain filling stages and compared with iv) control (no water stress). Forty day-old seedlings of rice variety; BasmatiPNR, Basmati-D and Kalijira were transplanted on 15 December. Plant spacing was maintained at 20cm x15cm. Nitrogen was top dressed at 0, 70, 105 and 140 kg ha-1 at different growth stages. Increased spikelet sterility, resulting low grain yield. The highest grain yield was observed in stress free crop irrespective of nitrogen levels. However, grain yield increased with the increase of nitrogen levels irrespective of water stress. In the high fertilized crop, percentage of spikelet sterility increased with the increase water stress especially at the reproductive stage. Among the tested varieties the short stature Basmati PNR performed well by reducing spikelet sterility irrespective of nitrogen level and water stress conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v10i2.17958 J Sci Found, 2012;10(2):52-62
Choice Function-Based Two-Sided Markets: Stability, Lattice Property, Path Independence and Algorithms
Authors: Fleiner Tamàs , Jankó Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2014

We build an abstract model, closely related to the stable marriage problem and motivated by Hungarian college admissions. We study different stability notions and show that an extension of the lattice property of stable marriages holds in these more general settings, even if the choice function on one side is not path independent. We lean on Tarski’s fixed point theorem and the substitutability property of choice functions. The main virtue of the work is that it exhibits practical, interesting examples, where non-path independent choice functions play a role, and proves various stability-related results.
Destroy…Alexander Iolas: The Villa-Museum and the Relics of a Lost Collection
Authors: Kolokytha Chara
Published: February 2014

The paper comments on the event Destroy…Alexander Iolas held on the occasion of the re-edition of Iolas’ biography, 25 years after the collector’s death.
Novelty, Stress, and Biological Roots in Human Market Behavior
Authors: Sarapultsev Alexey , Sarapultsev Petr
Published: February 2014

Although studies examining the biological roots of human behavior have been conducted since the seminal work Kahneman and Tversky, crises and panics have not disappeared. The frequent occurrence of various types of crises has led some economists to the conviction that financial markets occasionally praise irrational judgments and that market crashes cannot be avoided a priori (Sornette 2009; Smith 2004). From a biological point of view, human behaviors are essentially the same during crises accompanied by stock market crashes and during bubble growth when share prices exceed historic highs. During those periods, most market participants see something new for themselves, and this inevitably induces a stress response in them with accompanying changes in their endocrine profiles and motivations. The result is quantitative and qualitative changes in behavior (Zhukov 2007). An underestimation of the role of novelty as a stressor is the primary shortcoming of current approaches for market research. When developing a mathematical market model, it is necessary to account for the biologically determined diphasisms of human behavior in everyday low-stress conditions and in response to stressors. This is the only type of approach that will enable forecasts of market dynamics and investor behaviors under normal conditions as well as during bubbles and panics.
Alloying and Processing Effects on the Aqueous Corrosion Behavior of High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Tang Zhi , Huang Lu , He Wei , Liaw Peter
Published: February 2014

The effects of metallurgical factors on the aqueous corrosion behavior of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are reviewed in this article. Alloying (e.g., Al and Cu) and processing (e.g., heat treatments) effects on the aqueous corrosion behavior of HEAs, including passive film formation, galvanic corrosion, and pitting corrosion, are discussed in detail. Corrosion rates of HEAs are calculated using electrochemical measurements and the weight-loss method. Available experimental corrosion data of HEAs in two common solutions [sulfuric acid (0.5 M H2SO4) and salt water (3.5 weight percent, wt.%, NaCl)], such as the corrosion potential (Ecorr), corrosion current density (icorr), pitting potential (Epit), and passive region (ΔE), are summarized and compared with conventional corrosion-resistant alloys. Possible directions of future work on the corrosion behavior of HEAs are suggested.
Examining Monotonicity and Saliency Using Level-k Reasoning in a Voting Game
Authors: Bassi Anna , Williams Kenneth
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an experiment that evaluates the effect of financial incentives and complexity in political science voting experiments. To evaluate the effect of complexity we adopt a level-k reasoning model concept. This model by Nagel [1] postulates that players might be of different types, each corresponding to the level of reasoning in which they engage. Furthermore, to postulate the effect of financial incentives on subjects’ choice, we used the Quantal Response Equilibrium (QRE) concept. In a QRE, players’ decisions are noisy, with the probability of playing a given strategy increasing in its expected payoff. Hence, the choice probability is a function of the magnitude of the financial incentives. Our results show that low complexity promotes the highest degree of level-k strategic reasoning in every payment treatment. Standard financial incentives are enough to induce equilibrium behavior, and the marginal effect of extra incentives on equilibrium behavior seems to be negligible. High complexity, instead, decreases the rate of convergence to equilibrium play. With a sufficiently high complexity, increasing payoff amounts does promote more strategic behavior in a significant manner. Our results show with complex voting games, higher financial incentives are required for the subjects to exert the effort needed to complete the task.
Beliefs and Knowledge about Vaccination against AH1N1pdm09 Infection and Uptake Factors among Chinese Parents
Authors: Wu Cynthia , Kwong Enid , Wong Ho , Lo Suet , Wong Anthony
Published: February 2014

Vaccination against AH1N1pdm09 infection (human swine infection, HSI) is an effective measure of preventing pandemic infection, especially for high-risk groups like children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years. This study used a cross-sectional correlation design and aimed to identify predicting factors of parental acceptance of the HSI vaccine (HSIV) and uptake of the vaccination by their preschool-aged children in Hong Kong. A total of 250 parents were recruited from four randomly selected kindergartens. A self-administered questionnaire based on the health belief framework was used for data collection. The results showed that a number of factors significantly affected the tendency toward new vaccination uptake; these factors included parental age, HSI vaccination history of the children in their family, preferable price of the vaccine, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and motivating factors for taking new vaccines. Using these factors, a logistic regression model with a high Nagelkerke R2 of 0.63 was generated to explain vaccination acceptance. A strong correlation between parental acceptance of new vaccinations and the motivating factors of vaccination uptake was found, which indicates the importance of involving parents in policy implementation for any new vaccination schemes. Overall, in order to fight against pandemics and enhance vaccination acceptance, it is essential for the government to understand the above factors determining parental acceptance of new vaccinations for their preschool-aged children.
Beginning A Patient-Centered Approach in the Design of A Diabetes Prevention Program
Authors: W.Seidel Richard , Pardo Kimberlee , A.Estabrooks Paul , WenYou  , Wall Sarah , M.Davy Brenda , A.Almeida Fabio
Published: February 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify patient preferences for different components of a local diabetes prevention program that would improve reach. A secondary purpose was to determine if patient characteristics were related to program preferences. Methods: Participants were identified through electronic medical records from two family medicine clinics in Virginia. Participants completed a mailed survey addressing demographics, economic status, risk factors for diabetes, and preferences regarding diabetes prevention interventions—delivery mode, program length, and duration. Results: Twenty-nine percent of eligible participants responded (n = 142); 83% of participants were at risk for diabetes and 82% had a household income <$20,000. When presented with the choice between a class-based vs. a technology-based program, 83% preferred a technology-based program. Whites were less likely to choose the technology-based program, with no significant differences based on age, education, income, or gender. Conclusions: Contrary to beliefs that lower income individuals may not use technology-based interventions, lower socioeconomic patients indicated a preference for a technology- and telephone-supported diabetes prevention program over in-person class approaches. Findings provide formative data to support the design of a patient-centered, technology-enhanced diabetes prevention program in a real-world setting, thereby increasing potential participation and reach.
Risk Assessment of the Schmutzdecke of Biosand Filters: Identification of an Opportunistic Pathogen in Schmutzdecke Developed by an Unsafe Water Source
Authors: Hwang Hyun , Kim Min , Shin Soo , Hwang Cher
Published: February 2014

The biosand filter (BSF) is widely applied in developing counties as an appropriate technology-based product for supplying “safe” water. Biosand filters exhibit relatively high purifying efficiency because of the schmutzdecke (biofilm) embedded in them. However, schmutzdecke should be cleaned or discarded on a regular basis to maintain the purifying efficiency of the BSF. Due to its role in BSFs, the purifying function of schmutzdecke, rather than its potential risk when not properly discarded, has so far been the primary focus of research. This study aims to provide a risk assessment of schmutzdecke in an attempt to draw attention to a wholly new angle of schmutzdecke usage. We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to identify opportunistic pathogens in schmutzdecke developed using water from the Hyung-San River. The results reveal that the schmutzdecke derived from this water source contains diverse and relatively high portions of opportunistic pathogen strains; 55% of all isolates collected from schmutzdecke were identified as opportunistic pathogens. Moreover, the diversity of microorganisms is increased in the schmutzdecke compared to its water source in terms of diversity of genus, phylum and opportunistic pathogen strain. As a whole, our study indicates a potential risk associated with schmutzdecke and the necessity of a solid guideline for the after-treatment of discarded schmutzdecke.
Prediction of Partition Coefficients of Organic Compounds between SPME/PDMS and Aqueous Solution
Authors: Chao Keh-Ping , Lu Yu-Ting , Yang Hsiu-Wen
Published: February 2014

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is commonly used as the coated polymer in the solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique. In this study, the partition coefficients of organic compounds between SPME/PDMS and the aqueous solution were compiled from the literature sources. The correlation analysis for partition coefficients was conducted to interpret the effect of their physicochemical properties and descriptors on the partitioning process. The PDMS-water partition coefficients were significantly correlated to the polarizability of organic compounds (r = 0.977, p < 0.05). An empirical model, consisting of the polarizability, the molecular connectivity index, and an indicator variable, was developed to appropriately predict the partition coefficients of 61 organic compounds for the training set. The predictive ability of the empirical model was demonstrated by using it on a test set of 26 chemicals not included in the training set. The empirical model, applying the straightforward calculated molecular descriptors, for estimating the PDMS-water partition coefficient will contribute to the practical applications of the SPME technique.
Role of mtDNA Haplogroups in the Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis in a Southern Chinese Population
Authors: Fang Hezhi , Liu Xinwei , Shen Lijun , Li Fengjie , Liu Yihong , Chi Hongbo , Miao Huikai , Lu Jianxin , Bai Yidong
Published: February 2014

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been implicated in various human degenerative diseases. However, the role of mtDNA in Osteoarthritis (OA) is less known. To investigate whether mtDNA haplogroups contribute to the prevalence of knee OA, we have carried out a comprehensive case-control study on 187 knee OA patients and 420 geographically matched controls in southern China. OA patients were classified on the Kellgren/Lawrence scale from two to four for the disease severity study and the data were analyzed by adjusting for age and sex. We found that patients with haplogroup G (OR = 3.834; 95% CI 1.139, 12.908; p = 0.03) and T16362C (OR = 1.715; 95% CI 1.174, 2.506; p = 0.005) exhibited an increased risk of OA occurrence. Furthermore, patients carrying haplogroup G had a higher severity progression of knee OA (OR = 10.870; 95% CI 1.307, 90.909; p = 0.007). On the other hand, people with haplogroup B/B4 (OR = 0.503; 95% CI 0.283, 0.893; p = 0.019)/(OR = 0.483; 95% CI 0.245, 0.954; p = 0.036) were less susceptible for OA occurrence. Interestingly, we found OA patients also exhibited a general increase in mtDNA content. Our study indicates that the mtDNA haplogroup plays a role in modulating OA development.
Colorimetric Sugar Sensing Using Boronic Acid-Substituted Azobenzenes
Authors: Egawa Yuya , Miki Ryotaro , Seki Toshinobu
Published: February 2014

In association with increasing diabetes prevalence, it is desirable to develop new glucose sensing systems with low cost, ease of use, high stability and good portability. Boronic acid is one of the potential candidates for a future alternative to enzyme-based glucose sensors. Boronic acid derivatives have been widely used for the sugar recognition motif, because boronic acids bind adjacent diols to form cyclic boronate esters. In order to develop colorimetric sugar sensors, boronic acid-conjugated azobenzenes have been synthesized. There are several types of boronic acid azobenzenes, and their characteristics tend to rely on the substitute position of the boronic acid moiety. For example, o-substitution of boronic acid to the azo group gives the advantage of a significant color change upon sugar addition. Nitrogen-15 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) studies clearly show a signaling mechanism based on the formation and cleavage of the B–N dative bond between boronic acid and azo moieties in the dye. Some boronic acid-substituted azobenzenes were attached to a polymer or utilized for supramolecular chemistry to produce glucose-selective binding, in which two boronic acid moieties cooperatively bind one glucose molecule. In addition, boronic acid-substituted azobenzenes have been applied not only for glucose monitoring, but also for the sensing of glycated hemoglobin and dopamine.
On the Folded Normal Distribution
Authors: Tsagris Michail , Beneki Christina , Hassani Hossein
Published: February 2014

The characteristic function of the folded normal distribution and its moment function are derived. The entropy of the folded normal distribution and the Kullback–Leibler from the normal and half normal distributions are approximated using Taylor series. The accuracy of the results are also assessed using different criteria. The maximum likelihood estimates and confidence intervals for the parameters are obtained using the asymptotic theory and bootstrap method. The coverage of the confidence intervals is also examined.
Dietary Fucoxanthin Increases Metabolic Rate and Upregulated mRNA Expressions of the PGC-1alpha Network, Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Fusion Genes in White Adipose Tissues of Mice
Authors: Wu Meng-Ting , Chou Hong-Nong , Huang Ching-jang
Published: February 2014

The mechanism for how fucoxanthin (FX) suppressed adipose accumulation is unclear. We aim to investigate the effects of FX on metabolic rate and expressions of genes related to thermogenesis, mitochondria biogenesis and homeostasis. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, four groups of mice were respectively fed a high sucrose (50% sucrose) or a high-fat diet (23% butter + 7% soybean oil) supplemented with or without 0.2% FX. FX significantly increased oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production and reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass. The mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), cell death-inducing DFFA-like effecter a (CIDEA), PPARα, PPARγ, estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) and deiodinase 2 (Dio2) were significantly upregulated in inguinal WAT (iWAT) and epididymal WAT (eWAT) by FX. Mitochondrial biogenic genes, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and NRF2, were increased in eWAT by FX. Noticeably, FX upregulated genes of mitochondrial fusion, mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2 and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), but not mitochondrial fission, Fission 1, in both iWAT and eWAT. In conclusion, dietary FX enhanced the metabolic rate and lowered adipose mass irrespective of the diet. These were associated with upregulated genes of the PGC-1α network and mitochondrial fusion in eWAT and iWAT.
Transcriptional Changes Caused by Bisphenol A in Oryzias javanicus, a Fish Species Highly Adaptable to Environmental Salinity
Authors: Woo Seonock , Denis Vianney , Yum Seungshic
Published: February 2014

The Javanese medaka, Oryzias javanicus, is a fish highly adaptable to various environmental salinities. Here, we investigated the effects of the environmental pollutant bisphenol A (BPA; an endocrine disrupting chemical) on gene expression levels in this species acclimated to different salinities. Using cDNA microarrays, we detected the induction of differential expression of genes by BPA, and compared the transcriptional changes caused by chemical exposure at different salinities. There were marked transcriptional changes induced by BPA between treatments. While 533 genes were induced by a factor of more than two when O. javanicus was exposed to BPA in seawater, only 215 genes were induced in freshwater. Among those genes, only 78 were shared and changed significantly their expression in both seawater and freshwater. Those genes were mainly involved in cellular processes and signaling pathway. We then categorized by functional group genes specifically induced by BPA exposure in seawater or freshwater. Gene expression changes were further confirmed in O. javanicus exposed to various concentrations of BPA, using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR based on primer sets for 28 selected genes.
Butremycin, the 3-Hydroxyl Derivative of Ikarugamycin and a Protonated Aromatic Tautomer of 5′-Methylthioinosine from a Ghanaian Micromonospora sp. K310
Authors: Kyeremeh Kwaku , Acquah Kojo , Sazak Anil , Houssen Wael , Tabudravu Jioji , Deng Hai , Jaspars Marcel
Published: February 2014

A new actinomycete strain Micromonospora sp. K310 was isolated from Ghanaian mangrove river sediment. Spectroscopy-guided fractionation led to the isolation of two new compounds from the fermentation culture. One of the compounds is butremycin (2) which is the (3-hydroxyl) derivative of the known Streptomyces metabolite ikarugamycin (1) and the other compound is a protonated aromatic tautomer of 5′-methylthioinosine (MTI) (3). Both new compounds were characterized by 1D, 2D NMR and MS data. Butremycin (2) displayed weak antibacterial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus ATCC 25923, the Gram-negative E. coli ATCC 25922 and a panel of clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains while 3 did not show any antibacterial activity against these microbes.
Solwaric Acids A and B, Antibacterial Aromatic Acids from a Marine Solwaraspora sp.
Authors: Ellis Gregory , Wyche Thomas , Fry Charles , Braun Doug , Bugni Tim
Published: February 2014

Two novel trialkyl-substituted aromatic acids, solwaric acids A and B, were isolated from a marine Solwaraspora sp. cultivated from the ascidian Trididemnum orbiculatum. Solwaric acids A and B were isotopically labeled with U-13C glucose, and analysis of a 13C–13C COSY allowed for unambiguous determination of the location of the phenyl methyl group. The two novel compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
Aspects of Spirituality in German and Polish Adolescents and Young Adults—Factorial Structure of the ASP Students’ Questionnaire
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Pilchowska Iwona , Baumann Klaus , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: February 2014

To cover a wider variety of specific aspects of spirituality, which are of relevance also in secular societies, the ASP (“Aspects of Spirituality”) questionnaire was developed. While it was used so far with healthy adults and with adolescents living in a secular society, it was meanwhile used also with Polish students who were predominantly Catholic. Here we compare the factorial structure of the ASP questionnaire in a sample of 871 German (73% non-religious) and 1,017 Polish adolescents/young adults (50% non-religious despite their Catholic denomination). The factorial structure of the ASP questionnaire with its four scales Religious Orientation: Prayer/Trust in God, Search for Insight/Wisdom, Conscious interactions/Compassion, Transcendence Conviction, were similar in the sample of German students and in the Polish students. By means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) we were able to use the number of items of the ASP in its student version (ASP-Students). Overall, the instrument is suited to measure a wide variety of vital aspects of spirituality, both religious and secular forms of spirituality. As the instrument avoids exclusive language and operationalizes also non-formal aspects of spirituality in terms of relational consciousness, it is suited, not only for individuals with a skeptical or a-religious attitude, but also for religious individuals.
Design and Implementation of a Smart Sensor for Respiratory Rate Monitoring
Authors: Luis Juan , Roa Romero Laura , Gómez-Galán Juan , Hernández David , Estudillo-Valderrama Miguel , Barbarov-Rostán Gerardo , Rubia-Marcos Carlos
Published: February 2014

This work presents the design, development and implementation of a smart sensor to monitor the respiratory rate. This sensor is aimed at overcoming the drawbacks of other systems currently available in market, namely, devices that are costly, uncomfortable, difficult-to-install, provide low detection sensitivity, and little-to-null patient-to-patient calibration. The device is based on capacitive sensing by means of an LC oscillator. Experimental results show that the sensor meets the necessary requirements, making feasible the proposed monitoring system with the technology used.