bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boundary layer flow near stagnation-points on a vertical surface with slip in the presence of transverse magnetic field
Authors: Yakubu Seini Ibrahim , Oluwole Makinde Daniel
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the MHD boundary layer flow of viscous, incompressible and electrically conducting fluid near a stagnation-point on a vertical surface with slip.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the study, the temperature of the surface and the velocity of the external flow are assumed to vary linearly with the distance from the stagnation-point. The governing differential equations are transformed into systems of ordinary differential equations and solved numerically by a shooting method.

Findings

– The effects of various parameters on the heat transfer characteristics are discussed. Graphical results are presented for the velocity and temperature profiles whilst the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfers near the surface are presented. It is observed that the presence of the magnetic field increases the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer near the surface towards the stagnation-point.

Originality/value

– The presence of magnetic field increases the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer near the surface towards the stagnation-point.
Inverse thermal analysis of the neonatal brain cooling process
Authors: Łaszczyk Joanna , Maczko Anna , Walas Wojciech , J. Nowak Andrzej
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to test the inverse analysis, based on the standard least-square method, which will finally lead to find the appropriate parameters of modelling of the brain cooling process.

Design/methodology/approach

– To test the presented in this paper method of inverse analysis the numerical simulations of the bioheat transfer process in the neonatal body were performed. To model the bioheat transfer the Pennes bioheat equation and the modified Fiala model were applied.

Findings

– The performed tests of the inverse analysis proved that it is possible to estimate the proper parameters of the process using this tool, but always with the small mistake.

Research limitations/implications

– The presented method still requires a lot of tests. The test with the data from real measurements can be very valuable.

Practical implications

– The determination of the proper parameters of the bioheat transfer in the neonatal body can finally be used to perform the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process.

Social implications

– The performance of the numerical simulations of the brain cooling process in the proper way can finally helps protect newborns’ health and life.

Originality/value

– In the paper the attempt of the inverse analysis in order to determine the parameters of bioheat transfer in the newborn's body is made.
Mixed convection boundary layer flow along vertical thin needles in nanofluids
Authors: Trimbitas Radu , Grosan Teodor , Pop Ioan
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to theoretically study the problem of mixed convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer past a vertical needle with variable wall temperature using nanofluids. The similarity equations are solved numerically for copper nanoparticles in the based fluid of water to investigate the effect of the solid volume fraction parameter of the fluid and heat transfer characteristics. The skin friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and the velocity and temperature profiles and are graphically presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The transformed system of ordinary differential equations was solved using the function bvp4c from Matlab. The relative tolerance was set to 1e-10. For the study of the stability the authors also used the bvp4c function in combination with chebfun package from Matlab.

Findings

– It is found that the solid volume fraction affects the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics. The numerical results for a regular fluid and forced convection flow are compared with the corresponding results reported by Chen and Smith. The solutions exists up to a critical value of λ, beyond which the boundary layer separates from the surface and the solution based upon the boundary-layer approximations is not possible

Originality/value

– The paper describes how multiple (dual) solutions for the flow reversals are obtained. A stability analysis for this flow reversal has been also done showing that the lower solution branches are unstable, while the upper solution branches are stable.
The effect of thermal radiation on the heat transfer characteristics of lid-driven cavity with a moving surface
Authors: Antar M.A. , Ben-Mansour Rached , Ahmed Al-Dini Salem
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– There are industrial applications for varying speed lid-driven flow and heat transfer such as the float glass process where the glass film stretches or thickens depending on the desired thickness. Hence the tin cavity underneath or the nitrogen cavity above is being driven by a variable speed. The purpose of this paper is to simulate such behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– Numerical solution of variable speed lid-driven cavity is carried out with thermal radiation being considered using control volume approach and staggered grid and applying the SIMPLE algorithm. Transient simulation is used for 2D model in the present study. Second order upwind schemes were used for discretization of momentum, energy equations and time.

Findings

– Under laminar conditions, thermal radiation plays a significant role in the heat transfer characteristics of the lid-driven cavity. This effect is more significant for blackbody radiation and decreases as the surface emissivity decreases. Nusselt number (Nu) behavior lies between these two limiting case profiles considering constant speed profiles of both maximum and minimum lid velocities, respectively. In addition, local Nu values at the tip where higher than those at the top of the cavity that is stagnant.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to laminar flow case.

Practical implications

– The applications of this study can be found in float glass process where the glass film stretches or thickens depending on the desired thickness. Hence the tin cavity underneath or the nitrogen cavity above is being driven by a variable speed. Another application involves casting of plastic films. The molten polymer leaves the die with a considerable thickness and high temperature. The film is then trenched to reach its final thickness. In this case, usually there is no actual cavity above or below the film but one can approximate the problem as such. Other similar applications do exist in food drying and processing where the conveyer belt is in portions and their speed may not be the same in different section of the processing oven.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors knowledge, no study in the literature addressed the effect of thermal radiation in lid-driven cavities with variable speed
Three weighted residual methods based on Jeffery-Hamel flow
Authors: Ganji D.D. , Hatami Mohammad
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the eligibility of the weighted residual methods (WRMs) applied to Jeffery-Hamel Flow. Selecting the most appropriate method among the WRMs and discussing about Jeffery-Hamel flow's treatment in divergent and convergent channels are the other important purposes of the present research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three analytical methods (collocation, Galerkin and least square method) have been applied to solve the governing equations. The reliability of the methods is also approved by a comparison made between the forth order Runge-Kutta numerical method.

Findings

– The obtained solutions revealed that WRMs can be simple, powerful and efficient techniques for finding analytical solutions in science and engineering non-linear differential equations.

Originality/value

– It could be considered as a first endeavor to use the solution of the Jeffery-Hamel flow using these kind of analytical methods along with the numerical approach.
The antecedents of satisfaction and revisit intentions for full-service restaurants
Authors: Marinkovic Veljko , Senic Vladimir , Ivkov Danijela , Dimitrovski Darko , Bjelic Marija
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents of satisfaction and revisit intentions for full-service restaurants. The economic crisis is known to have had a deep impact on consumer behavior with regards to restaurants and this study is primarily focussed on exploring the effects on the traditional antecedents of satisfaction and revisit intentions as full-time restaurants attempt to reposition their offer.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involved 218 respondents who were guests of full-service restaurants. In terms of statistical analyses, confirmative factor analysis was used to test the suitability of the proposed model for measuring satisfaction and revisit intentions, while structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the relationship among variables of the conceptualized model.

Findings

– The results confirmed the significant impact of atmosphere and quality of interaction on guest satisfaction. It was interesting to notice that perceived price has no statistically significant impact on guest satisfaction. In addition, satisfaction, along with atmosphere and perceived price emerged as a significant trigger of revisit intentions. While measuring impact of atmosphere and perceived price on revisit intentions, both direct and indirect effects were measured.

Originality/value

– This study emphasizes in particular, the significance of revisit intention as an important behavioral reaction and reveals its antecedents. In a limited number of studies, models for understanding triggers of revisit intention were developed as separate variables, rather than as components of behavioral reactions. In that context, the tested model identifies causal relationships between latent variables. Restaurants involved in the survey are full-service restaurants dealing with the changing behavior of guests who are heavily impacted by the economic crisis. Guests show a tendency to reduce their visits to restaurants in these circumstances, forcing restaurants to reformulate their service offering in order to align with changing customers’ needs.
Brand strategies in social media
Authors: Tsimonis Georgios , Dimitriadis Sergios
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to: first, examine why companies create brand pages in social media, how they use them, what policies and strategies they follow, and what outcomes do they expect; and second – from firms’ point of view – how users are benefited from such pages.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study approach was employed for this study. Data were collected from personal interviews with 14 marketing managers responsible for the social media activity of their company, providing preliminary evidence about the actions firms take, the motivations that led them to getting involved, and the derived outcomes.

Findings

– The main actions of the firm are making prize competitions, announcing new products/services, interacting with fans, providing advice and useful information, and handling customer service issues. The basic motivations are the increasing popularity of social media, competitors’ presence, headquarters’ strategy, and cost reduction pressure. Interact with customers, create/enhance relationships with customers, brand awareness, customer engagement, promote products/increase of sales, and the more targeted acquisition of new customers, were referred to as the main expected outcomes for companies.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the qualitative nature of the study and the emerging field of research about social media, findings should be considered as preliminary and exploratory. Interviews with companies from more sectors and also with social media users will provide a more comprehensive view of the topic.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies several opportunities for company managers, suggesting practices for effective social media handling.

Originality/value

– Considering the rapid development of social media and their penetration in business marketing actions, this paper is an exploratory step toward the ways firms utilize social media channels.
Store personality and consumer store choice behaviour: an empirical examination
Authors: Das Gopal
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influences of store attributes on store personality dimensions across different consumer segments. Subsequently, the study examines impact of store personality dimensions on consumer store choice behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mall-intercept survey was undertaken using a systematic sampling of department store shoppers of age 18 years and above in Kolkata, a metropolitan city of India. Questionnaire was used to collect data from busy shopping malls or centres located in different places of Kolkata. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the objectives of this study.

Findings

– Results revealed that different sets of store attributes positively affect the various store personality dimensions differently across the segments. The study also found the positive impacts of store personality dimensions on consumer store choice behaviour.

Originality/value

– Arguably, this study is the first to explore the link between store attributes and store personality across the consumer segments, and the impacts of store personality dimensions on consumer store choice behaviour.
Conservation management within strongholds in the face of disease‐mediated invasions: red and grey squirrels as a case study
Authors: White Andy , Bell Sally S. , Lurz Peter W. W. , Boots Mike
Published: April 2014

There is increasing evidence that disease‐mediated invasions are widespread across a range of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant systems. We therefore need a better understanding of the role of disease in managing conservation threats due to introduced and invasive species.

Here, we develop a general theoretical model framework to assess the impact of disease‐mediated invasion on the viability of conserving native species through refuges taking into account explicit spatial and stochastic processes.

The model techniques are applied to the well‐documented red and grey squirrel conservation system in the UK as a case study.

By combining general and specific modelling approaches, we are able to make management predictions while also gaining an understanding of the processes that underlie population outcomes leading to more robust conservation practice.

Model results indicate that in the absence of control of the invading species, native populations are driven to extinction both in the absence of disease (through competition) and more rapidly when the disease is included (through competition and disease processes).

When control is applied to reduce the abundance of the invading species, there is a threshold in the level of control, above which the invading population can be prevented from establishing and the native species can be protected.

Highly virulent infections – squirrelpox in red squirrels – lead to periodic outbreaks of disease in the native population due to continual invasion attempts from the disease‐carrying invader. Infections with low virulence may become established at endemic levels in native populations. Therefore, an important finding is that the disease can spread through the native species even when the invading species is prevented from establishing.

The benefits of increased density may be countered by an increased risk of disease outbreaks. Therefore, a critical message is that there is a correlation between native density (and therefore habitat quality) and the impact of disease ‘harmful’ to native species.

Control of the invading species to prevent it establishing in strongholds can protect the native species from exclusion, but may not protect it from disease outbreaks.

Synthesis and applications. Disease outbreaks in the absence of the invading species can result in significant population crashes and therefore represents a serious threat because it contributes to the risk of population extinction by suppressing the size of the population making it more vulnerable to extinction through stochastic processes.
Real Estate Market Policy and Household Demand for Housing
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Dagsvik John K. , Han Xuehui
Published: April 2014

This paper used an estimated mixed multinomial logit model of household housing demand to examine the impact of four housing market‐related policies on a stated preference survey sample. The estimated demand probability function suggested that household choice behaviour does show huge heterogeneity. The estimated results were then employed to examine the effects of the policies. We estimated the potential disequilibrium between demand and supply under the construction‐size‐limitation policy, demonstrated that the efficient movers' subsidy increases along with the household income, and simulated the changes in housing demand when tax policy is changed. We demonstrate the potential usefulness of our modelling framework in assisting policy‐making decisions. Our model also partially explains the failures and controversies of the latest real‐estate intervention policies in China.
Power Relations and Social Mix in Metropolitan Neighbourhoods in North America and Europe: Moving Beyond Gentrification?
Authors: Bridge Gary , Butler Tim , Le Galès Patrick
Published: April 2014

Research on spatial segregation has suggested that social mix may be a temporary phase in class displacement, where relations between different groups are at best divided or ‘tectonic’, for instance in England. Political and policy discourses, by contrast, tend to uncritically valorize social mix as a means to breaking up concentrations of poverty and providing neighbourhoods with a middle‐class voice. In the literature, little attention has been paid to power dynamics in socially mixed neighbourhoods and the implications this may have for understanding theory and policy. The five articles that make up this symposium address the ways in which social and ethnic groups interact in major cities in Europe and North America and, as the title suggests, this involves taking into account power relations, domination and negotiation between the different groups. There is a need to connect the experience of the deployment of power within neighbourhoods (and between them) with the discussions of power mechanisms at work in wider urban processes.
Negotiating Social Mix in Toronto's First Public Housing Redevelopment: Power, Space and Social Control in Don Mount Court
Authors: August Martine
Published: April 2014

This article examines the experience of social interaction in Toronto's Don Mount Court community, the first socially mixed public‐housing redevelopment site in Canada. Similar to the American HOPE VI program, redevelopment involved the demolition and mixed‐income reconstruction of the community to include both public housing and new market condominiums with a neo‐traditional redesign. Based on participant observation, this article describes four struggles that emerged over the course of a series of mixed‐income community governance meetings intended to promote social inclusion. These struggles related to (1) unequal power relations in shaping local priorities; (2) the power to brand the community and define its aesthetic characteristics; (3) the power to define and use public space; and (4) power over modes of surveillance and exclusion. The findings challenge the myth that the ‘benevolent’ middle class will use their political influence and social capital to the benefit of their low‐income neighbors in mixed neighbourhoods. Instead, the research found that public‐housing tenants were often on the receiving end of antagonism. It is argued that policymakers intent on ameliorating problems related to residence in disadvantaged communities should focus on funding for social programs and transformative change, rather than on public‐housing demolition and state‐driven gentrification via mixed‐income redevelopment.
Development by Decree: The Limits of ‘Authoritarian Modernization’ in the Russian Federation
Authors: Kinossian Nadir , Morgan Kevin
Published: April 2014

The apparent success of state‐managed market economies has challenged the conventional wisdom that liberal democracy is the norm around which all capitalist countries tend to converge. If the link between democracy and development is more tenuous than we often think, the authoritarian variety of capitalism is not without its own problems, especially with respect to political legitimacy, innovation and regional development. This article explores these issues through the prism of ‘authoritarian modernization’ in Russia. We argue that this strategy is unlikely to succeed, even in its own terms, because (1) the political system fails to create favourable institutional conditions for modernization; (2) the economic system is beset by deeply embedded structural problems; and (3) the regional policy apparatus is torn between the goals of spatial equalization and spatial agglomeration. The article focuses on the Skolkovo Innovation Centre, the main symbol of Russian modernization, to demonstrate the territorial repertoire of the mega‐project, a state‐sponsored development strategy to create innovation clusters from above because they cannot emerge from below.
Expression of octopaminergic receptor genes in 4 nonneural tissues in female Nicrophorus vespilloides beetles
Authors: Cunningham Christopher B. , Douthit Mary K. , Moore Allen J.
Published: April 2014

Octopamine regulates the function of many tissues and physiological processes in invertebrates. The expression of octopamine receptor genes has been examined in multiple tissue types in several different insect orders. However, little work has addressed this issue in Coleoptera. Most studies characterize individual genes in different tissue types, but here we describe the expression of 6 octopamine receptor genes in thoracic musculature, oviducts, Malpighian tubules, and fat body of female Nicrophorus vespilloides beetles to characterize both different genes and different tissues within a single study. We then compare the gene expression profiles found in this beetle to other insects to examine the extent to which expression profiles are conserved across insects. We also examine the relative involvement of octopamine verses octopamine/tyramine receptors based on receptor gene expression in each tissue to help elucidate if tyramine plays a role in the regulation of these tissues. We find a high degree of overlap in the expression profile of the 6 genes examined in the thoracic musculature, a moderate amount for the oviducts, and divergent profiles for Malpighian tubules and fat body. Based on expression difference in receptor subtypes, our results also support the suggestion that tyramine is a biogenic amine with physiological actions separate from octopamine.
Antibacterial Effect of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) on Makgeolli‐Brewing Microorganisms and Its Application in the Preservation of Fresh Makgeolli
Authors: Choi Jae‐Suk , Lee Yu‐Ri , Ha Yu‐Mi , Seo Hyo Ju , Kim Young Hun , Park Sun‐Mee , Sohn Jae Hak
Published: April 2014

To develop a new preservation method, the antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed extract (GSE) against Makgeolli‐brewing microorganisms and food‐borne pathogens was assessed, and a general analysis and sensory evaluation of fresh Makgeolli with added GSE was made. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of GSE against 10 strains of Makgeolli‐brewing microorganism were 0.0122 to 1.5625 μL/mL. The MIC values against 6 strains of food‐borne pathogens were 0.0061 to 0.7813 μL/mL. On addition of 0.1% (v/v) and 0.2% GSE in bottled fresh Makgeolli, no significant difference in the pH, or the contents of total acids, ethanol, or methanol in the Makgeolli, were observed compared with control Makgeolli (with no GSE), during the preservation period (8 weeks) at 10 °C. In the Makgeolli with 0.1% and 0.2% GSE, the total bacterial counts decreased significantly by 4.9% (P < 0.01) and 11.2% (P < 0.001), respectively, versus the control. The decreases in yeast count were significantly lessened by 15.33% and 15.24% (both P < 0.001), respectively, after 8 weeks of storage, compared with the control. In the sensory evaluation of Makgeolli with 0.1% and 0.2% GSE, the refreshment and overall acceptability received significantly better scores than the control (P < 0.01), with no change in sweetness, bitterness, sourness, turbidity, color, or odor. These results suggest that GSE controls the growth of Makgeolli‐brewing microorganisms and extends the shelf life (ca. 2 wk), without decreasing overall acceptance.
Thermooxidative Stability of Fennel Oleoresin Microencapsulated in Blended Biopolymer Agents
Authors: Chranioti Charikleia , Tzia Constantina
Published: April 2014

In this work, the oxidative and thermal stabilities of 4 different encapsulating agents (chitosan [CH], modified starch [MS], gum arabic [GA], and maltodextrin [MD]) used in fennel oleoresin microencapsulation by the freeze‐drying technique were evaluated both individually and in blends (binary and ternary ones). The oxidative stability of the encapsulated products was assessed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of the secondary oxidation volatiles along with the use of oxidation markers (peroxide value, PV), while a differential scanning calorimetery analysis was conducted. Gum arabic, both plain and its mixtures, exhibited the lowest protection against lipid oxidation, presenting high PVs. However, good microencapsulation efficiency along with the best oxidative stability in terms of PV and thermal stability indicated that the formulations of MS‐CH and MS‐MD‐CH could be suggested as alternative encapsulating agents.
Medical abortion with mifepristone and home administration of misoprostol up to 63 days' gestation
Authors: Løkeland Mette , Iversen Ole Erik , Engeland Anders , Økland Ingrid , Bjørge Line
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of medical abortion at home up to 63 days' gestation without limits on travel distance to a registered institution.

Design

Observational prospective study.

Setting

Haukeland University Hospital between May 2006 and May 2009.

Population

A total of 1018 women requesting abortion before 63 days' gestation who chose medical termination with mifepristone and home administration of misoprostol.

Methods

The women took 200 mg mifepristone under nurse supervision and self‐administered 800 μg misoprostol vaginally 36–48 h later at home. All were contacted by phone for follow‐up and assessment of bleeding, pain and acceptability.

Main outcome measures

Evacuation rate, pain, bleeding, acceptability, influence of distance on treatment.

Results

Median gestational age was 50 (range 35–63) days and 70 (7.1%) of the women lived more than 60 min travel from the clinic. The rate of completed abortion was 93.6% and surgical evacuation was performed in 50 (4.9%) cases. Two women requested treatment on the day of misoprostol use. Moderate to strong pain was experienced by 68.4%, and 74.7% reported moderate to heavy bleeding. Parous women experienced less pain than nulliparous women (odds ratio 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.34). In all, 95.1% of the women were satisfied with staying at home. Travel distance did not influence treatment outcome variables.

Conclusions

In our experience, home administration of misoprostol is an effective and acceptable method for abortion up to 63 days of gestation and women should be eligible for this treatment option regardless of their travel distance from hospital.
Poverty identification: practice and policy implications in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Viet , Tran Anh
Published: April 2014

To identify poor households, the government of Vietnam applies a combination of proxy means tests and quick collection of income data. This paper examines how well the government's poverty identification reaches the really poor in Vietnam. It is found that there is a large difference between the poverty rate for provinces and districts reported by the government and the rates estimated using expenditure and income data from independent household surveys. There is also a large difference between the poverty status of households identified by local authorities and the poverty status identified by income or expenditure data. More than 50 per cent of the poor households identified by local authorities are not poor in terms of income or expenditure measures. A better identification approach would be to use only proxy means tests and not income data collected using the simple questionnaire.
The growth path of the dynamicAsian economies
Authors: Das Dilip K.
Published: April 2014

The rapid and sustained growth of severalAsian economies led researchers, policymakers, and decision‐makers in the world of international business to search for a plausibleAsian model of growth. Numerous explanations of the dynamic growth in Asia have been put forward, including the ‘new structuralist’ approach proposed by Lin (2012). This paper examines the various explanations of what these countries did to unleash their growth potential. Industrial policy and market intervention are two such explanations. While the dynamicAsian economies did not flout theWashingtonConsensus, they adapted it in different ways. The policies that they followed under theBeijingConsensus allowed them to proactively follow pro‐business policies. They also exploited the concepts of economic statism or state capitalism, which became an integral part of what became known as the ‘Asia model’.
Regional stock markets and the economic development of Southeast Asia
Authors: Niblock Scott J. , Heng Panha , Sloan Keith
Published: April 2014

The paper examines the contribution made by the establishment and operation of a local stock exchange to the economic development of Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. The paper informs investors and policymakers about the current status of SEA stock market development and the associated positive and negative effects of such initiatives. Policymakers have placed a clear focus on SEA stock markets as a primary driver of regional economic growth. However, it is questionable whether SEA is ready for such an ambitious economic initiative, particularly given the reported negative effects of lesser developed stock markets. Despite these negative implications, the benefits appear to outweigh the costs for SEA stock markets. It is perceived that SEA stock markets will drive further economic reform, financial liberalisation, and market integration, promising tremendous benefits for both the region and the international investment community. The paper concludes with questions regarding the efficiency of stock markets in SEA and offers recommendations for further empirical research.
Developing ASEAN‐5 bond markets: what needs to be done?
Authors: Gray Simon , Felman Joshua , Carvajal Ana , Jobst Andreas A.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines development challenges facing bond markets in the ASEAN‐5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand). It first assesses their level of development, finding that bond market frameworks—that is, the quality of the physical infrastructure, monitoring, and regulation—compare favourably with those in other emerging markets. The paper then considers possible further enhancements, including changes in disclosure practices as well as reforms of ratings agencies, central bank liquidity management, and taxation. It also considers steps to develop derivatives markets, which in some countries remain quite small. Finally, the article draws lessons from the global financial crisis in developed markets for the future development of ASEAN‐5 markets.
Quantification of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques: a quantitative review
Authors: Kemp G. J. , Ahmad R. E. , Nicolay K. , Prompers J. J.
Published: April 2014

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can give information about cellular metabolism in vivo which is difficult to obtain in other ways. In skeletal muscle, non‐invasive 31P MRS measurements of the post‐exercise recovery kinetics of pH, [PCr], [Pi] and [ADP] contain valuable information about muscle mitochondrial function and cellular pH homeostasis in vivo, but quantitative interpretation depends on understanding the underlying physiology. Here, by giving examples of the analysis of 31P MRS recovery data, by some simple computational simulation, and by extensively comparing data from published studies using both 31P MRS and invasive direct measurements of muscle O2 consumption in a common analytical framework, we consider what can be learnt quantitatively about mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle using MRS‐based methodology. We explore some technical and conceptual limitations of current methods, and point out some aspects of the physiology which are still incompletely understood.
Impact of Having a First Child on Maternal Depressive Symptoms: Does the Birth of a Mother's First Baby Increase Symptoms of Depression in the Mother?
Authors: Jung Eun‐Hee , Yoo Joan P.
Published: April 2014

Previous studies on the impact of having a first child on a mother's psychological well‐being has not been extensively examined in Korea. The present study aims to understand how having a first child is associated with a first‐time mother's depressive symptoms when compared with their childless counterparts. A sample of 140 women aged 20–40 years, married, and childless in wave 1 of the Korean National Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS) was selected. The depressive symptoms of women who became mothers between wave 1 and wave 2 of the study and those who remained childless were compared using CES‐D. Two different types of analytical methods (i.e. pooled OLS, fixed effects model) were employed. The results consistently indicated that Korean mothers were more depressed after the birth of the first child than wives without a child. Employment status and satisfaction of social relationship were associated with women's depression in the fixed effect model. The consistent finding that shows a negative association between having a first child and maternal depressive symptoms provides empirical grounds for the development of prevention and intervention programs for first‐time mothers. Implications of the study findings are discussed.
Health and production of feedlot cattle following supplementation with urea–molasses in starter pens
Authors: Croft IA , Clayton EH , Cusack PMV
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine the effect of providing a urea–molasses supplement to cattle during feedlot introduction on average daily gain, carcase weight and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Commercial mixed sex, mixed breed cattle (387.4 ± 0.2 kg) were systematically allocated to receive 2.1 L/animal of urea–molasses during feedlot introduction (n = 2307) or remain untreated (n = 2336). Cattle remained in the feedlot for an average of 40 days until reaching slaughter weight. Body weight data was collected prior to feedlot induction and all cases of BRD morbidity and mortality were determined during feeding. Hot standard carcase weight and P8 fat thickness were determined at slaughter.

Results

Average daily gain (1.94 ± 0.06 vs 1.93 ± 0.06, P = 0.650), BRD incidence (6.46% vs 5.53%, P = 0.183) and BRD mortality (0.17% vs 0.21%, P = 0.752) did not differ between supplemented and unsupplemented cattle. The BRD incidence was higher (P = 0.017) when cattle without permanent incisors were supplemented with urea–molasses (7.26%) compared with unsupplemented cattle (5.26%), and was also higher in steers compared with heifers (12.7% vs 7.8%, P < 0.001) and higher in cattle purchased from saleyards compared with cattle purchased off paddocks (12.4% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Health and production were not significantly improved following supplementation of cattle with urea–molasses during feedlot introduction. BRD incidence was, however, significantly related to cattle sex and source. Further research is required to understand the relationship between feeding high non‐protein nitrogen sources and BRD morbidity in young cattle.
Anterior chamber collapse syndrome in a koala
Authors: Liddle VL , Naranjo C , Bernays ME
Published: April 2014

Background

Anterior chamber collapse syndrome has been recognised in various species and is associated with early‐life ocular disease or trauma. It is important to differentiate this acquired condition from a congenital malformation.

Case report

An adult female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) was referred for assessment of buphthalmos and severe keratitis of the right eye. The degree of keratitis obstructed examination of intraocular structures. Enucleation of the affected eye was performed and the histopathological diagnosis was anterior chamber collapse syndrome and secondary glaucoma. This case contributes to the limited information available in the literature on anterior chamber collapse syndrome, a disease unique in having secondary glaucoma with minimal or no inflammation. The case also expands the literature available on ocular disease in koalas. More specifically, this is the only reported case of glaucoma, of any aetiology, in the koala.
Granuloma formation and suspected neuropathic pain in a domestic pigeon (Columba livia) secondary to an oil‐based, inactivatedNewcastle disease vaccine administered for protection against pigeon paramyxovirus‐1
Authors: Cowan ML , Monks DJ , Raidal SR
Published: April 2014

Case report

A domestic pigeon developed a sterile granuloma following vaccination with an oil‐adjuvant, inactivatedLaSota strain ofNewcastle disease. The aim of vaccination was to provide protection against pigeon paramyxovirus‐1 (PPMV‐1), a disease previously considered exotic toAustralia. Granuloma formation is considered a rare complication of vaccination againstPPMV‐1 in pigeons. Clinical signs consistent with neuropathic pain became apparent during the extensive management of the granuloma, which included surgical removal of foreign material, control of the pain and inflammation and protection against antimicrobial contamination.

Conclusion

PPMV‐1 is now considered endemic inAustralia and protecting pigeons with vaccination is important. Until a product is registered for use, vaccination remains off‐label and the risk of adverse reaction, including sterile granuloma, must be considered.
Educational games based on distributed and tangible user interfaces to stimulate cognitive abilities in children with ADHD
Authors: de la Guía Elena , Lozano María D. , Penichet Víctor M. R.
Published: April 2014

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience behavioural and learning problems at home and at school, as well as a lack of self‐control in their lives. We can take advantage of the evolution of new technologies to develop applications with the aim of enhancing and stimulating the learning process of children with ADHD. In addition, these applications may help teachers and therapists to track the progress of the children. In this paper, we present a novel software system with new interaction mechanisms with the aim of improving memory and attention in children with ADHD. The system is based on a set of collaborative games developed in a novel multi‐device environment applying the distributed user interface paradigm together with tangible user interfaces (TUIs). The interaction with the system is very intuitive and simple as children interact directly with known physical objects used as TUIs instead of using the mouse and the keyboard. In this way, children can play while moving around the room and interact with the games that are projected on the wall.
Genetic Profiling by Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism‐Based Array Analysis Defines Three Distinct Subtypes of Orbital Meningioma
Authors: Ho Cheng‐Ying , Mosier Stacy , Safneck Janice , Salomao Diva R. , Miller Neil R. , Eberhart Charles G. , Gocke Christopher D. , Batista Denise A. S. , Rodriguez Fausto J.
Published: April 2014

Orbital meningiomas can be classified as primary optic nerve sheath (ON) meningiomas, primary intraorbital ectopic (Ob) meningiomas and spheno‐orbital (Sph‐Ob) meningiomas based on anatomic site. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based array analysis with the Illumina 300K platform was performed on formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue from 19 orbital meningiomas (5 ON, 4 Ob and 10 Sph‐Ob meningiomas). Tumors were World Health Organization (WHO) grade I except for two grade II meningiomas, and one was NF2‐associated. We found genomic alterations in 68% (13 of 19) of orbital meningiomas. Sph‐Ob tumors frequently exhibited monosomy 22/22q loss (70%; 7/10) and deletion of chromosome 1p, 6q and 19p (50% each; 5/10). Among genetic alterations, loss of chromosome 1p and 6q were more frequent in clinically progressive tumors. Chromosome 22q loss also was detected in the majority of Ob meningiomas (75%; 3/4) but was infrequent in ON meningiomas (20%; 1/5). In general, Ob tumors had fewer chromosome alterations than Sph‐Ob and ON tumors. Unlike Sph‐Ob meningiomas, most of the Ob and ON meningiomas did not progress even after incomplete excision, although follow‐up was limited in some cases. Our study suggests that ON, Ob and Sph‐Ob meningiomas are three molecularly distinct entities. Our results also suggest that molecular subclassification may have prognostic implications.
Transportation of sublingual antigens across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal antigen‐presenting cells in mice
Authors: Nagai Y. , Shiraishi D. , Tanaka Y. , Nagasawa Y. , Ohwada S. , Shimauchi H. , Aso H. , Endo Y. , Sugawara S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has proven to be safe and efficient for the treatment of type I allergies. However, the mechanisms underlying allergen transportation within the sublingual compartment, the localization of antigens, and the identities of the cells responsible for this immunization remain incompletely understood.

Objective

In this study, we focused on the sublingual ductal system and analysed the localization and transportation of antigens after their sublingual application.

Methods

In mice given adjuvant‐free antigens sublingually, tissues were removed at 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 h after the application and subjected to immunohistochemistry. Cells isolated from the sublingual duct and mucosa were analysed by flow cytometry.

Results

Substantial immunoreactivity to ovalbumin (OVA) was evident in sublingual ductal epithelial cells at 30 min and 1 h after sublingual administration of OVA, but it had disappeared at 2 h. The ductal epithelial cells incorporated not only OVA, but also particulate antigens such as latex or silica beads and microbes. MHC class II (MHCII)+ antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) were located around the sublingual ductal system, and MHCII+ cells were co‐localized with, and around, antigen‐incorporated sublingual duct cells. CD11b+ CD11c− cells were present among CD45+ MHCII+ cells at greater frequency in the sublingual duct than in the sublingual mucosa, and they were the main contributors to the incorporation of OVA in vitro.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study reveals that sublingual antigens can be transported across sublingual ductal epithelial cells to the ductal APCs. If the system is the same in humans as in mice, the ductal APCs may prove to be important target cells for SLIT.
Antigen-triggered interferon-γ and interleukin-10 pattern in cured mucosal leishmaniasis patients is shaped during the active phase of disease
Authors: Nogueira R S , Gomes-Silva A , Bittar R C , Silva Mendonça D , Amato V S , da Silva Mattos M , Oliveira-Neto M P , Coutinho S G , Da-Cruz A M
Published: April 2014

An exacerbated type 1 response to leishmanial antigens is the basis of tissue destruction observed in mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). After therapy, a persistent production of high levels of inflammatory cytokines can confer a poor prognosis. Herein we investigated whether the clinical conditions defined during the active phase of ML affect the magnitude of long-term anti-Leishmania immune response. Twenty clinically cured ML cases were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured with L. braziliensis antigens (Lb-Ag), Toxoplasma gondii antigens (Tg-Ag), concanavalin-A (Con-A) or medium alone, and the lymphocyte proliferative response and cytokine secretion were quantified. Medical records were reviewed for Montenegro skin test (MST) during diagnosis, duration of ML disease or time elapsed after clinical cure. The duration of disease was correlated positively with MST (r = 0·61). Lb-Ag induced interferon (IFN)-γ was correlated positively with duration of illness (r = 0·69) as well as the frequency of secreting cells [enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT)] assay. No association was observed for Tg-Ag or Con-A. Disease duration was correlated negatively with interleukin (IL)-10 production (r = −0·76). Moreover, a negative correlation between length of time after clinical cure and TNF levels (r = −0·94) or the IFN-γ : IL-10 ratio (r = −0·89) were also seen. We suggest that the magnitude of the IFN-γ inflammatory response triggered by ML can be driven by the time of leishmanial antigens exposition during the active phase of the disease. This pattern could persist even long-term after cure. However, despite IFN-γ levels, the decrease of the TNF and IFN-γ : IL-10 ratio reflects the control of proinflammatory responses achieved by cure of ML, possibly preventing disease relapses.
Neuroprotective Effects of the MAO‐B Inhibitor, PF9601N, in an In Vivo Model of Excitotoxicity
Authors: Bolea Irene , Colivicchi Maria Alessandra , Ballini Chiara , Marco‐Contelles José , Tipton Keith Francis , Unzeta Mercedes , Della Corte Laura
Published: April 2014

Background

PF9601N [N‐(2‐propynyl)‐2‐(5‐benzyloxy‐indolyl) methylamine] is an inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAO‐B), which has shown to possess neuroprotective properties in several in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD). As there is evidence that excitotoxicity may be implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, the aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of PF9601N in an acute in vivo model of excitotoxicity induced by the local administration of kainic acid during striatal microdialysis in adult rats.

Methods

The basal and evoked release of neurotransmitters was monitored by HPLC analysis of microdialysate samples and tissue damage was evaluated histologically “ex vivo.”

Results

PF9601N (40 mg/kg, single i.p. administration) reduced the kainate‐evoked release of glutamate and aspartate and increased taurine release, but it had no effect on the release of dopamine, DOPAC, and HVA. PF9601N pretreatment also resulted in a significant reduction in the kainate‐induced astrocytosis, microgliosis, and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The results suggest PF9601N to be a good candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases mediated by excitotoxicity.