bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polynomial scaling approximations and dynamic correlation corrections to doubly occupied configuration interaction wave functions
Authors: Van Raemdonck Mario , Alcoba Diego R. , Poelmans Ward , De Baerdemacker Stijn , Torre Alicia , Lain Luis , Massaccesi Gustavo E. , Van Neck Dimitri , Bultinck Patrick
Published: September 2015

A class of polynomial scaling methods that approximate Doubly Occupied Configuration Interaction (DOCI) wave functions and improve the description of dynamic correlation is introduced. The accuracy of the resulting wave functions is analysed by comparing energies and studying the overlap between the newly developed methods and full configuration interaction wave functions, showing that a low energy does not necessarily entail a good approximation of the exact wave function. Due to the dependence of DOCI wave functions on the single-particle basis chosen, several orbital optimisation algorithms are introduced. An energy-based algorithm using the simulated annealing method is used as a benchmark. As a computationally more affordable alternative, a seniority number minimising algorithm is developed and compared to the energy based one revealing that the seniority minimising orbital set performs well. Given a well-chosen orbital basis, it is shown that the newly developed DOCI based wave functions are especially suitable for the computationally efficient description of static correlation and to lesser extent dynamic correlation.
Simulating plasma production from hypervelocity impacts
Authors: Fletcher Alex , Close Sigrid , Mathias Donovan
Published: September 2015

Hypervelocity particles, such as meteoroids and space debris, routinely impact spacecraft and are energetic enough to vaporize and ionize themselves and as well as a portion of the target material. The resulting plasma rapidly expands into the surrounding vacuum. While plasma measurements from hypervelocity impacts have been made using ground-based technologies such as light gas guns and Van de Graaff dust accelerators, some of the basic plasma properties vary significantly between experiments. There have been both ground-based and in-situ measurements of radio frequency (RF) emission from hypervelocity impacts, but the physical mechanism responsible and the possible connection to the impact-produced plasma are not well understood. Under certain conditions, the impact-produced plasma can have deleterious effects on spacecraft electronics by providing a new current path, triggering an electrostatic discharge, causing electromagnetic interference, or generating an electromagnetic pulse. Multi-physics simulations of plasma production from hypervelocity impacts are presented. These simulations incorporate elasticity and plasticity of the solid target, phase change and plasma formation, and non-ideal plasma physics due to the high density and low temperature of the plasma. A smoothed particle hydrodynamics method is used to perform a continuum dynamics simulation with these additional physics. By examining a series of hypervelocity impacts, basic properties of the impact produced plasma plume (density, temperature, expansion speed, charge state) are determined for impactor speeds between 10 and 72 km/s. For a large range of higher impact speeds (30–72 km/s), we find the temperature is unvarying at 2.5 eV. We also find that the plasma plume is weakly ionized for impact speeds less than 14 km/s and fully ionized for impact speeds greater than 20 km/s, independent of impactor mass. This is the same velocity threshold for the detection of RF emission in recent Van de Graaff experiments, suggesting that the RF is correlated to the formation of fully ionized plasma.
Relaxor-like features in pressure-treated barium titanate powder
Authors: Pugachev A. M. , Kovalevsky V. I. , Malinovsky V. K. , Borzdov Yu. M. , Surovtsev N. V.
Published: September 2015

Properties of the barium titanate submicron powder pressure-treated under 4 GPa were studied by techniques of differential scanning calorimetry, inelastic light scattering, second harmonic generation, and dielectric measurements. It was found that the pressure-treated powder of this classical ferroelectric mimics a number of the experimental properties which are known for the relaxor ferroelectrics. This means that some interesting relaxor-like features can be reproduced in the simple systems without the compositional disorder.
Electrically injected ultra-low threshold room temperature InGaN/GaN-based lateral triangular nanowire laser
Authors: Banerjee D. , Takhar K. , Sankaranarayanan S. , Upadhyay P. , Ruia R. , Chouksey S. , Khachariya D. , Ganguly S. , Saha D.
Published: September 2015

We have demonstrated an electrically injected ultra-low threshold (8.9 nA) room temperature InGaN/GaN based lateral nanowire laser. The nanowires are triangular in shape and survived naturally after etching using boiling phosphoric acid. A polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and air dielectric distributed mirror provide an optical feedback, which together with one-dimensional density of states cause ultra-low threshold lasing. Finite difference eigen-mode (FDE) simulation shows that triangular nanowire cavity supports single dominant mode similar to TE01 that of a corresponding rectangular cavity with a confinement factor of 0.18.
Negative exchange coupling in Nd2Fe14B(100)/α-Fe interface
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Koike Kunihiro , Mizukami Shigemi , Miyazaki Takamichi , Oogane Mikihiko , Ando Yasuo , Kato Hiroaki
Published: September 2015

A model sample with an interface of the Nd2Fe14B(100) plane and the α-Fe phase was fabricated in order to evaluate the exchange-coupling constant Jex between these two ferromagnetic phases. By measuring the ferromagnetic resonance fields and the Kerr loops, the Jex was confirmed to be negative with the value of Jex = −6.5 × 10−4 J/m2, in striking contrast to the positive Jex value for the Nd2Fe14B(001)/α-Fe(100) interface reported previously.
Excitation of plasmons in Ag/Fe/W structure by spin-polarized electrons
Authors: Samarin Sergey N. , Artamonov Oleg M. , Baraban Alexander P. , Kostylev Mikhail , Guagliardo Paul , Williams J. F.
Published: September 2015

Using Spin-polarized Electron-Energy Loss Spectroscopy (SPEELS), the plasmon excitations were probed in a few atomic layers thick Ag film deposited on an Fe layer or on a single crystal of W(110). The measurements were performed at two specular geometries with either a 25° or 72° angle of incidence. On a clean Fe layer (10 atomic layers thick), Stoner excitation asymmetry was observed, as expected. Deposition of a silver film on top of the Fe layer dramatically changed the asymmetry of the SPEELS spectra. The spin-effect depends on the kinematics of the scattering: angles of incidence and detection. The spin-dependence of the plasmon excitations in the silver film on the W(110) surface and on the ferromagnetic Fe film is suggested to arise from the spin-active Ag/W or Ag/Fe interfaces.
Generation of murine induced pluripotent stem cells by using high-density distributed electrodes network
Authors: Lu Ming-Yu , Li Zhihong , Hwang Shiaw-Min , Linju Yen B. , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: September 2015

This study reports a robust method of gene transfection in a murine primary cell model by using a high-density electrodes network (HDEN). By demonstrating high cell viability after gene transfection and successful expression of transgenes including fluorescent proteins, the HDEN device shows great promise as a solution in which reprogramming efficiency using non-viral induction for generation of murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is optimized. High and steady transgene expression levels in host cells of iPSCs can be demonstrated using this method. Moreover, the HDEN device achieved successful gene transfection with a low voltage of less than 180 V while requiring relatively low cell numbers (less than 1.5 × 104 cells). The results are comparable to current conventional methods, demonstrating a reasonable fluorescent-plasmid transfection rate (42.4% in single transfection and 24.5% in triple transfection) and high cell viability of over 95%. The gene expression levels of each iPSC factor was measured to be over 10-fold higher than that reported in previous studies using a single mouse embryonic fibroblast cell. Our results demonstrate that the generation of iPSCs using HDEN transfection of plasmid DNA may be a feasible and safe alternative to using viral transfection methods in the near future.
Enhanced two dimensional electron gas transport characteristics in Al2O3/AlInN/GaN metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors on Si substrate
Authors: Freedsman J. J. , Watanabe A. , Urayama Y. , Egawa T.
Published: September 2015

The authors report on Al2O3/Al0.85In0.15N/GaN Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Electron-Mobility Transistor (MOS-HEMT) on Si fabricated by using atomic layer deposited Al2O3 as gate insulator and passivation layer. The MOS-HEMT with the gate length of 2 μm exhibits excellent direct-current (dc) characteristics with a drain current maximum of 1270 mA/mm at a gate bias of 3 V and an off-state breakdown voltage of 180 V for a gate-drain spacing of 4 μm. Also, the 1 μm-gate MOS-HEMT shows good radio-frequency (rf) response such as current gain and maximum oscillation cut-off frequencies of 10 and 34 GHz, respectively. The capacitance-voltage characteristics at 1 MHz revealed significant increase in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density for the MOS-HEMT compared to conventional Schottky barrier HEMTs. Analyses using drain-source conductivity measurements showed improvements in 2DEG transport characteristics for the MOS-HEMT. The enhancements in dc and rf performances of the Al2O3/Al0.85In0.15N/GaN MOS-HEMT are attributed to the improvements in 2DEG characteristics.
Population Dynamics of the Cui-ui of Pyramid Lake, Nevada: a Potamodromous Catostomid Subject to Failed Reproduction
Authors: Scoppettone G. Gary , Rissler Peter H. , Fabes Mark C. , Shea Sean P.
Published: September 2015

Fishes of the Truckee River basin (California and Nevada) evolved in an aquatic system that has been episodically diminished by extended drought. For potamodromous species, such as the endangered Cui-ui endemic to Pyramid Lake, Nevada, prehistoric episodic severe drought presumably led to periods of failed reproduction due to restricted access to spawning habitat. The response of the Cui-ui population to more recent failed reproduction caused by anthropogenic activity was studied to learn how to manage this species through periods of spawning disruption. Adult Cui-ui survival averaged 91% and 89% for females and males, respectively, in drought years when spawning migrations were either precluded or few fish migrated because of no or low stream flow. In each of 2 years when stream access was precluded, the adult survival was nearly 100% suggesting that Cui-ui survival is extended in the absence of a spawning migration. Survival averaged 62% and 60% for females and males, respectively, in years of spawning migrations. Strong predominant year-classes developed in the year immediately following a period of failed reproduction, indicating the species' capacity for population rebound. Year-class predominance persisted for 6–10 years and through years of low survival associated with migration years, and this predominance is probably due, in part, to a diverse age at maturity. Contemporary water diversions from the Truckee River provided the opportunity to study the response of the Cui-ui population to years of failed reproduction. A projected drier Truckee River basin associated with global climate change will test the Cui-ui's adaptive capacity to endure periods of reproductive failure. This study is aimed at assisting Cui-ui managers in conserving the species in this highly regulated and changing system. The study also adds insight into the prehistoric population dynamics of a potamodromous species in the arid western United States subject to wide fluctuations in annual precipitation and water availability.

Received January 27, 2015; accepted May 22, 2015
A New Garber-Style Solution to the Problem of Old Evidence
Authors: Hartmann Stephan , Fitelson Branden
Published: September 2015

In this discussion note, we explain how to relax some of the standard assumptions made in Garber-style solutions to the Problem of Old Evidence. The result is a more general and explanatory Bayesian approach.
SeDuS: segmental duplication simulator
Authors: Hartasánchez Diego A. , Brasó-Vives Marina , Fuentes-Díaz Juanma , Vallès-Codina Oriol , Navarro Arcadi
Published: September 2015

Summary: SeDuS is the first flexible and user-friendly forward-in-time simulator of patterns of molecular evolution within segmental duplications undergoing interlocus gene conversion and crossover. SeDuS introduces known features of interlocus gene conversion such as biased directionality and dependence on local sequence identity. Additionally, it includes aspects such as different selective pressures acting upon copy number and flexible crossover distributions. A graphical user interface allows fast fine-tuning of relevant parameters and straightforward real-time analysis of the evolution of duplicates.

Availability and implementation: SeDuS is implemented in C++ and can be run via command line or through a graphical user interface developed using Qt C++. Source code and binary executables for Linux, OS X and Windows are freely available at www.biologiaevolutiva.org/sedus/. A tutorial with a detailed description of implementation, parameters and output files is available online.

Contact:  arcadi.navarro@upf.edu
The language of epistemic specifications (refined) including a prototype solver
Authors: Kahl Patrick , Watson Richard , Balai Evgenii , Gelfond Michael , Zhang Yuanlin
Published: September 2015

In this article, we present a new version of the language of Epistemic Specifications. The goal is to simplify and improve the intuitive and formal semantics of the language. We describe an algorithm for computing solutions of programs written in this new version of the language. The new semantics is illustrated by a number of examples, including an Epistemic Specifications-based framework for conformant planning. In addition, we introduce the notion of an epistemic logic program with sorts . This extends recent efforts to define a logic programming language that includes the means for explicitly specifying the domains of predicate parameters. An algorithm and its implementation as a solver for epistemic logic programs with sorts is also discussed.
Embodiment
Authors: Threadcraft Shatema
Published: September 2015

This chapter provides an overview of theories of embodiment drawn from the Western philosophical tradition and from white and black feminist theory. Challenging notions of a generic body, it traces how traditional accounts of embodiment substitute norms associated with a particular raced, classed, and gendered body for “the body.” Although white feminist theorists have demonstrated the androcentrism and the somatophobia of traditional accounts and offered important insights into the power relations of gendered embodiment, they have not fully addressed racialized embodiment and subjectivity. To overcome these lapses, the chapter turns to black feminist theory, poststructuralist analysis, and postcolonial theorization of necropower to demonstrate the importance of situating any analysis of embodiment in the context of concern with social justice.
The Element of Surprise
Authors: Honey P. Lynne
Published: September 2015

The Dark Triad of personality (subclinical psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) is associated with exploitative behavior. Although people with these traits may be perceived negatively, they often compete successfully for mates, resources, and power. Research on the Dark Triad highlights its utility for men and downplays the smaller, but still meaningful, samples of women with dark personalities. This chapter summarizes evidence about women’s antisocial behaviors and traits, and hypothesizes that we underestimate women’s ability to deceive and harm others. Women exploit others, and yet our expectations about women tend to be positive and women are generally viewed as nonthreatening. When women cause harm, it is often minimized, and women are held typically less responsible for their actions. Female criminals may have an advantage because their behavior is unexpected. This chapter outlines benefits for underestimated women and proposes additional research to clarify whether the Dark Triad is differentially adaptive for women.
Defining and Explaining Singing Difficulties in Adults
Authors: Wise Karen
Published: September 2015

Although singing is a universal human activity, many adults in Western society exclude themselves from singing, often self-defining as “non singing” or “tone deaf.” This chapter focuses on singing difficulties in adults (excluding vocal injury or illness), in particular, difficulties with singing acceptably in tune, or poor pitch singing. It examines the ways in which poor pitch singing has been defined and assessed in psychological research, and considers the relationship between singing pitch accuracy and cognitive mechanisms of pitch perception and sensorimotor coordination. The chapter outlines the very different profiles of singing performance associated with self-defined “tone deafness” and congenital amusia (a musical perceptual learning disorder), and places these in the theoretical context of neuropsychological and developmental research, drawing on models of singing development in children. Finally, the potential for adult vocal and musical development is illustrated with a few extant studies, and outlined as topic for further research.
Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency in the Neoliberal Age
Authors: Khalili Laleh
Published: September 2015

This chapter examines the colonial roots of counterinsurgency practices deployed by the US after September 11, 2001 in Iraq and Afghanistan. Drawing on a broad range of primary sources produced by the US military and its officers and soldiers, the chapter argues that the counterinsurgency practices were intended as liberal forms of warfare that through the use of law, administration, and procedure intended to facilitate the conquest and management of intransigent populations in those two countries. Given the broader failure of such practices to pacify the conquered populations and the high cost-in blood, treasure, and political credibility—of maintaining such futile warfare, the US has now changed gears to counterterrorism, which is far more about direct violence than it is about imperial management and transformation of conquered populations.
Hate Crimes
Authors: Schweppe Jennifer , Walters Mark Austin
Published: September 2015

This article analyzes the current legislative approach to combating hate crime. Part I starts with an overview of the key theoretical arguments for and against the use of punishment enhancements for hate crime offenders. Both retribution and consequentialist theories of punishment are examined in detail in order to evaluate whether the increased punishment of hate-motivated offenders can be justified. Part II then outlines the various models of legislation that have been used to legislate for hate crime globally. Hate crime provisions in several jurisdictions (United States, Canada, England and Wales) are examined in order to explore the practical differences between the various models of legislation that have emerged. The final part of the article outlines the practical problems that are frequently faced by law enforcers and prosecutors of hate crime offenses, including the evidential difficulties posed by the inclusion of hate motivation within the law.
High-Visibility Policing
Authors: Sandhu Ajay , Haggerty Kevin D.
Published: September 2015

The public now expects that police work will be video recorded. This challenges the foundational axiom that police work is a “low-visibility” occupation. Technological and social developments are rapidly making aspects of police work increasingly visible. A consensus seems to be emerging that this new high-visibility status undermines public trust and challenges police legitimacy. This article analyzes this situation and questions the extent to which videos of the police are producing uniformly negative outcomes for them. It emphasizes how the police are involved in an ongoing struggle for legitimacy, played out on a public stage and involving different images, audiences, and interpretations of recorded police behavior, paying attention to the complex and countervailing dynamics of police visibility, empowerment, and legitimacy. It highlights some of these dimensions by drawing on research on policing in Canada to accentuate the ways individual line officers relate to their heightened camera visibility.
Tibetan Buddhist Self-Immolation
Authors: Carrico Kevin
Published: September 2015

Since 2009, 141 Tibetans have engaged in self-immolation, setting their bodies alight, in protest against China’s rule of their homeland. This article asks why. How has this previously unknown form of protest become the primary symbol of political opposition in Tibet today? Noting the lack of a tradition of self-immolation in Tibetan Buddhist culture, this article finds the origins of this seemingly incomprehensible act within the current sociopolitical context, wherein this fundamentally new phenomenon has taken on significant symbolic meaning in just a few years. This article further analyzes political, somatic, and religious meanings employed in Tibetan communities in interpreting this act, demonstrating how communities make sense of this phenomenon’s intertwined power and horror. Finally, beyond the Tibetan community, this article reviews various parties’ responses to these acts of sacrifice to begin envisioning new directions on the Tibetan plateau: a challenge demanded by the act of self-immolation.
Brain Metastases at Presentation in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Waqar Saiama N. , Waqar Sadaf H. , Trinkaus Kathryn , Gadea Carlos A. , Robinson Cliff G. , Bradley Jeffrey , Watson Mark A. , Puri Varun , Govindan Ramaswamy , Morgensztern Daniel
Published: September 2015

Objective:

We used brain radiotherapy as a surrogate for the presence of brain metastases in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine the prevalence of brain metastases using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database.

Methods:

Patients with NSCLC diagnosed between 1988 and 1997 were subdivided according to brain radiotherapy status at presentation into: “none” or “radiation therapy indicated.” We calculated the frequency of brain radiotherapy use in all patients. Odds ratios (ORs) for the indication of brain radiotherapy were calculated for individual prespecified covariates of interest. All statistical tests were 2-sided and P<0.05 were considered significant.

Results:

At presentation, brain radiotherapy was indicated in 10,963 (8.3%) of the 131,456 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 1988 and 1997. On multivariable analysis the following were significantly associated with brain radiotherapy use: age (OR, 0.653 per 10 y increase in age; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.642, 0.665); female sex (OR, 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10]); adenocarcinoma histology (HR, 1.67; 95% CI: 1.58, 1.76) or large cell or other histology (OR, 1.67; 95% CI: 1.57, 1.77); tumor size>3 cm (3.1 to 5 cm OR, 1.22; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.30 and >5 cm OR, 1.25; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.33); tumor grade >II (grade III OR, 1.82; 95% CI: 1.69, 1.95 and grade IV OR, 1.91; 95% CI: 1.73, 2.11); and nodal involvement N1 (OR, 1.33; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.47), N2 (OR, 2.24; 95% CI: 2.10, 2.40), and N3 (OR, 2.39; 95% CI: 2.19, 2.60).

Conclusions:

Brain radiotherapy is indicated in over 8% of patients with NSCLC at presentation. We demonstrated that the risk of brain metastasis at presentation may be stratified with the use of 6 clinical factors.
Understanding inequality in public school admission in urban China
Authors: Liu Jing
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply analysis of public discourses on Ze Xiao to explore and interpret the power relationships shaping inequality in admission to public junior high schools in urban China.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study first introduces the rise of Ze Xiao as an educational phenomenon in China. It then elucidates power relationships in public school admission by analyzing continuities and changes in stakeholders’ interaction in public school admission. It concludes by discussing educational reform for equal public school admission in urban China. Data were collected from written and spoken texts about public school admission, including newspaper articles from the 1980s to the 2000s, policy documents and interviews with relevant stakeholders.

Findings

– Findings demonstrate that multi-layered power relationships caused diverse inequalities in admission to public secondary education in urban China. These are represented by political and institutional privileges and an imbalance in education development during the social transition from a profit-driven approach in the 1990s to a balance-centered one after 2000. Arguably, there is a necessity to further promote a systematic reform to terminate the privileges and imbalance for an equal and balanced public secondary education in urban China post-2015.

Originality/value

– This study attempts to make a contribution toward reconstructing the meaning of inequality in admission to public junior high schools in urban areas by revealing the power relationships among stakeholders constituted through their interactions in public education during the different stages of socio-economic development in urban China.
Neoliberal governance in Indonesian universities: the impact upon academic identity
Authors: Gaus Nurdiana , Hall David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the under life of Indonesian academics during ongoing implementation of government-driven policy enacted in higher education instititutions in Indonesia. The attention was specifically focused on the new programme of accountability and quality assurance moderated by the implementation of online assessment system to monitor and evaluate the perfromance of lecturers directly and how this system impacted upon the meaning of academic identity perceived by them.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was drawn from a qualitative research of case study approach. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to collect data and conducted with 30 academics from three state universities.

Findings

– This study revealed that academics were grappling to balance their schism between keeping their existing identity tenable and excercising new prescribed roles from external environment. However, academics were still able to practice their preceived identity through their principled personal project that legitimate them to become academics and pursue their success rather than use instrumental means.

Practical implications

– The results of this study will be expected to contribute to a better understanding on the dynamics of academics’ world as it is encountered against government-driven policy, and provide indications for policy makers to take into account this issue in the formulation and enactment of their policy.

Originality/value

– A new aspect of identity in academic profession was found, that is to say religion.
Dynamic capabilities, human resources and operating routines
Authors: Barrales-Molina Vanesa , Montes Francisco Javier Llorens , Gutierrez-Gutierrez Leopoldo J
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain the outcomes and role of dynamic capabilities (DCs). To explain the outcomes, the authors study the relationship between new product development (NPD) (an example of DCs) and metaflexibility. To explain the role of DCs, the authors study how human resources and operating routines moderate the role of DCs in achieving adaptation in the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from 200 managers of Spanish firms, the authors apply regression analysis to test the moderating role of human resources and operating routines in the relationship between NPD and metaflexibility.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that highly qualified and committed workers enhance the effectiveness of NPD, while high frequency in repetition of operating routines significantly damages such effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is limited to analysing a unique DC (NPD), but future research could explore contributions on other consolidated DCs (e.g. alliance management capability) and compare results. Also, the database on managerial perceptions rather than objective measures.

Practical implications

– Managers who must address environmental changes should connect generation of DCs to complementary functional strategies, especially human resources strategy.

Originality/value

– This paper suggests additional outcomes derived from DCs, such as metaflexibility. It attempts to understand the complex process by which DCs interact to modify operating routines in order to respond to environmental changes.
Exchange rate movements and firm value
Authors: Mozumder Nurul , De Vita Glauco , Larkin Charles , Kyaw Khine S.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the sensitivity of firm value to exchange rate (ER) movements, and the determinants of such exposure for 100 European blue chip companies over 2001-2012.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors adopt a disaggregated framework that distinguishes between Eurozone and non-Eurozone firms, and between financial and non-financial firms across the pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis periods of the recent financial crisis.

Findings

– The authors find no significant difference between Eurozone and non-Eurozone, and financial and non-financial firms. Exposure is found to be higher during the financial crisis, across all sub-samples of firms. In the majority of cases the exposure coefficient is significantly positive, indicating that European firms’ stock returns are positively (negatively) affected by depreciation (appreciation) of ERs (indirect quotation).

Practical implications

– It is recommended that firms’ financial plans budget for higher liquidity levels in order to build up, during “good times”, a natural hedge for the higher exposure likely to be faced during periods characterized by greater financial distress.

Originality/value

– The main novelty lies in the adoption of a disaggregated framework that discriminates between pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis periods in order to ascertain the extent to which the recent financial crisis affected the relationship in question.
Industry level J-curve in Turkey
Authors: Durmaz Nazif
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the J-Curve effect in Turkey at the industry level.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to find the long-run and short-run effects, 58 industries (by Standard International Trade Classification Rev.3) have been identified by using monthly data that covers the periods from January 1990 to December 2012. Present study employs bounds testing procedure, developed by Pesaran and Shin (1999) and Pesaran et al. (2001).

Findings

– Although results indicate a positive satisfactory effect of real depreciation of lira in 13 industries, the J-Curve effect is detected in only 13 industries.

Originality/value

– The present study is one of the first studies to analyze the J-Curve effect at the industry level on Turkey. In addition to being one of the first studies, it will be an invaluable addition to the J-Curve literature.
Research data management services for a multidisciplinary, collaborative research project
Authors: Curdt Constanze , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Research data management (RDM) comprises all processes, which ensure that research data are well-organized, documented, stored, backed up, accessible, and reusable. RDM systems form the technical framework. The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a RDM system for an interdisciplinary, collaborative, long-term research project with focus on Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere data.

Design/methodology/approach

– The presented RDM system is based on a three-tier (client-server) architecture. This includes a file-based data storage, a database-based metadata storage, and a self-designed user-friendly web-interface. The system is designed in cooperation with the local computing centre, where it is also hosted. A self-designed interoperable, project-specific metadata schema ensures the accurate documentation of all data.

Findings

– A RDM system has to be designed and implemented according to requirements of the project participants. General challenges and problems of RDM should be considered. Thus, a close cooperation with the scientists obtains the acceptance and usage of the system.

Originality/value

– This paper provides evidence that the implementation of a RDM system in the provided and maintained infrastructure of a computing centre offers many advantages. Consequently, the designed system is independent of the project funding. In addition, access and re-use of all involved project data is ensured. A transferability of the presented approach to another interdisciplinary research project was already successful. Furthermore, the designed metadata schema can be expanded according to changing project requirements.
Financial constraints, bank concentration and SMEs: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Abubakr , Sameer Muhammad
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to empirically investigate the impact of bank market concentration of financial constraints on firm investment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This analysis is based on cross-industries panel of 368 listed Pakistani non-financial firms over the period of 2001-2009. Further, the Generalized Method of Moments estimation technique has been used to estimate the dynamic panel data model.

Findings

– By applying a dynamic panel analysis, it was found that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are financially constrained in the credit market. The main finding indicates that reduction in bank concentration eases financing constraints, and this effect is more pronounced for SMEs. In addition, while testing the firm opacity in this context, results reveal that opaque firms are more financially constrained, and bank market competition is less favourable to the firms with greater opacity.

Originality/value

– The results, first, assess the efficacy of ongoing financial reforms in Pakistan and, second, offer implications for other economies that exhibit financial development similar to that of Pakistan.
The cross-section of Johannesburg Securities Exchange listed equity returns (1994-2011)
Authors: Van Heerden Jakobus Daniel , Van Rensburg Paul
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to examine the impact of technical and fundamental (referred to as firm-specific) factors on the cross-sectional variation in equity returns on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE).

Design/methodology/approach

– To reach the objective, the study follows an empirical research approach. Cross-sectional regression analyses, factor-portfolio analyses and multifactor analyses are performed using 50 firm-specific factors for listed shares over three sample periods during 1994 to 2011.

Findings

– The results suggest that a strong value and momentum effect is present and robust on the JSE, while a size effect is present but varies over time. Multifactor analyses show that value and momentum factors are collectively significant in explaining the cross-section of returns. The results imply that the JSE is either not an efficient market or that current market risk models are incorrectly specified.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study offers practical application possibilities to investment analysts and portfolio managers.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use such a comprehensive data set for the specific analyses on the JSE over such a long period. All previously identified statistical biases are addressed in this study. Different approaches are applied to compare results and test for robustness for the first time.
Enriching Urban Policy Mobilities Research
Authors: Temenos Cristina , Baker Tom
Published: September 2015

Attending to the recent and growing debates on urban policy mobilities, this commentary offers a view towards an intellectual and methodological reflexiveness for urban policy mobilities researchers. We consider connections between the various approaches and considerations that researchers have argued for in regards to doing policy mobilities research. In doing so, we argue that new pathways for research can be usefully carved out through attention to embodiment, or a peopling of the geographies of policy mobilities.
Inhibition of elongin C promotes longevity and protein homeostasis via HIF‐1 in C. elegans
Authors: Hwang Wooseon , Artan Murat , Seo Mihwa , Lee Dongyeop , Nam Hong Gil , Lee Seung‐Jae V.
Published: September 2015

The transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) is crucial for responses to low oxygen and promotes longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. We previously performed a genomewide RNA interference screen and identified many genes that act as potential negative regulators of HIF‐1. Here, we functionally characterized these genes and found several novel genes that affected lifespan. The worm ortholog of elongin C, elc‐1, encodes a subunit of E3 ligase and transcription elongation factor. We found that knockdown of elc‐1 prolonged lifespan and delayed paralysis caused by impaired protein homeostasis. We further showed that elc‐1 RNA interference increased lifespan and protein homeostasis by upregulating HIF‐1. The roles of elongin C and HIF‐1 are well conserved in eukaryotes. Thus, our study may provide insights into the aging regulatory pathway consisting of elongin C and HIF‐1 in complex metazoans.
Genome‐scale identification of miRNA–mRNA and miRNA–lncRNA interactions in domestic animals
Authors: Li A. , Zhang J. , Zhou Z. , Wang L. , Sun X. , Liu Y.
Published: September 2015

Domestic animals show considerable genetic diversity. Previous studies suggested that animal phenotypes were affected by miRNA–mRNA interplay, but these studies focused mainly on the analysis of one or several miRNA–mRNA interactions. However, in this study, we investigated miRNA–mRNA and miRNA–lncRNA interactions on a genomic scale using miranda and targetscan algorithms. There has been strong directional artificial selection practiced during the domestication of animals. Thus, we investigated SNPs that were located in miRNAs and miRNA binding sites and found that several SNPs located in 3′‐UTRs of mRNAs had the potential to affect miRNA–mRNA interactions. In addition, a database, named miRBond, was developed to provide visualization, analysis and downloading of the resulting datasets. Our results open the way to further experimental verification of miRNA–mRNA and miRNA–lncRNA interactions as well as the influence of SNPs upon such interplay.
Association of TLR4 polymorphisms with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection status in Canadian Holsteins
Authors: Sharma B. S. , Abo‐Ismail M. K. , Schenkel F. S. , You Q. , Verschoor C. P. , Pant S. D. , Karrow N. A.
Published: September 2015

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes chronic enteritis in cattle that results in substantial financial losses to the cattle industry worldwide. Given that susceptibility to MAP infection is determined in part by genetics, marker‐assisted selection may help in the breeding of animals that are more resistant to MAP infection. The toll‐like receptor 4 gene (TLR4) was selected as a potential candidate gene because of its role in innate immunity and its involvement in MAP recognition and infection. The objective of this study, therefore, was to identify associations between TLR4 polymorphisms and susceptibility to MAP infection in Canadian Holstein cows. Two biologically relevant SNPs, including c.‐226G>C in the 5′‐untranslated region and the non‐synonymous SNP c.2021C>T in the potential TIR domain, were selected for an association analysis with MAP infection status in 409 Canadian Holsteins. The haplotype C‐T from these combined SNPs yielded significant association with susceptibility to MAP infection, supporting the involvement of TLR4 in susceptibility to MAP infection.
Autoantibodies in autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Sener Asli Gamze
Published: September 2015

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology characterized by clinical, histological, and immunological features, generally including circulating autoantibodies and a high total serum and/or gamma globulin. Liver‐related autoantibodies are very significant for the correct diagnosis and classification of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD), namely autoimmune hepatitis types 1 and 2 (AIH‐1 and 2), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and the sclerosing cholangitis types in adults and children. This article intends to review recent studies that investigate autoantibodies in autoimmune liver diseases from a microbiological perspective.
A clinical and molecular review of inverted papilloma of the urinary tract: how to handle?
Authors: Jørgensen Peter Hjorth , Vainer Ben , Hermann Gregers Gautier
Published: September 2015

Inverted papilloma (IP) of the urinary tract is classified by the World Health Organisation as a non‐invasive urothelial tumour with normal to minimal cytological atypia of the neoplastic cells. During the 1980s, it came under suspicion of having a premalignant or malignant potential and of being concurrent with urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). This quandary has been proven difficult to solve, due to the fact that IP is very rare and literature mostly consists of case reports with varying levels of information, making strong meta‐analyses problematic. New immunohistochemical techniques and genetic approaches are more frequently being used in the attempt to achieve better classifications, prognosis and treatment of lesions hereunder IP. This review will, in our awareness, be the first to combine the knowledge from retrospective studies with these new approaches for determining a possible premalignant potential and concurrency with UCC and subsequently outline a recommendation for follow‐up.
Temperature: Diet Interactions Affect Survival through Foraging Behavior in a Bromeliad‐Dwelling Predator
Authors: Dézerald Olivier , Céréghino Régis , Corbara Bruno , Dejean Alain , Leroy Céline
Published: September 2015

Temperature, food quantity and quality play important roles in insect growth and survival, influencing population dynamics as well as interactions with other community members. However, the interaction between temperature and diet and its ecological consequences have been poorly documented. Toxorhynchites are well‐known biocontrol agents for container‐inhabiting mosquito larvae. We found that Toxorhynchites haemorrhoidalis larvae (Diptera: Culicidae) inhabiting water‐filled rosettes of tank bromeliads catch and eat prey of both aquatic (mosquito larvae) and terrestrial origin (ants), using distinct predatory methods. They carried out frontal attacks on ants, but ambushed mosquito larvae. In choice tests, T. haemorrhoidalis favored terrestrial prey. Temperature had a significant effect on predator development and survival through its interaction with diet, but did not alter the preference for ants. T. haemorrhoidalis larvae emerged quickly when fed only mosquito larvae, whereas all individuals died before pupation when fed only ants. We conclude that behavioral factors (i.e., attraction to ants that disturb the surface of the water) overtake physiological factors (i.e., the adverse outcome of elevated temperature and an ant‐based diet) in determining a predator's response to temperature:diet interactions. Finally, because T. haemorrhoidalis larvae preferentially feed on terrestrial insects in tank bromeliads, mosquito larvae may indirectly benefit from predation release.
Upregulation of MiR‐122 via Trichostatin A Treatments in Hepatocyte‐like Cells Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Alizadeh Effat , Eslaminejad MohamadReza Baghaban , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Sadeghi Zohre , Abasi Mozghan , Herizchi Roya , Zarghami Nosratollah
Published: September 2015

The miR‐122 is a tissue‐specific miRNA; its expression is abundant in liver. MiR‐122 upregulation is crucial for differentiation, functionality, and maintenance of differentiated phenotype in hepatocytes. The improving effects of trichostatin A (TSA) on hepatic differentiation have been reported previously. The aim of this study was to determine whether TSA can affect the expression of miR‐122 in hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) generated from human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT‐MSCs). The hepatic differentiation of hAT‐MSCs induced by a mixture of growth factors and cytokines either with or without TSA treatments. The functionality of HLCs generated with or without TSA and the expression levels of miR‐122 were studied. The expression levels of miR‐122 in TSA‐treated HLCs was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those generated by growth factors and cytokines, only. The downregulation of a‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels but enhanced albumin synthesis (p < 0.05) and upregulation of liver‐enriched transcription factors (LETFs) HNF4α (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α) and HNF6 (hepatocyte nuclear factor 6) were observed in TSA‐treated HLCs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, administration of TSA in hepatogenic differentiation of hAT‐MSCs resulted in higher expression levels of miR‐122, facilitation of differentiation, and subsequently attenuation of AFP levels.
Can Children Be Useful Witnesses? It Depends How They Are Questioned
Authors: Brown Deirdre A. , Lamb Michael E.
Published: September 2015

For several decades, researchers have examined how children develop autobiographical memory, demonstrating that even young children report useful information about their experiences. However, the way adults question children influences profoundly the amount and nature of what children report. This research is relevant for the many contexts in which children are questioned (e.g., criminal investigations, courtroom proceedings, clinical settings). In this article, we briefly review developmental changes in how children respond to various kinds of questions. And we reflect on the implications for research and practice when children are interviewed to determine what they have experienced.
Maintaining Research Integrity While Balancing Cultural Sensitivity: A Case Study and Lessons From the Field
Authors: Sibbald Rebekah , Loiseau Bethina , Darren Benedict , Raman Salem A. , Dimaras Helen , Loh Lawrence C.
Published: September 2015

Contemporary emphasis on creating culturally relevant and context specific knowledge increasingly drives researchers to conduct their work in settings outside their home country. This often requires researchers to build relationships with various stakeholders who may have a vested interest in the research. This case study examines the tension between relationship development with stakeholders and maintaining study integrity, in the context of potential harms, data credibility and cultural sensitivity. We describe an ethical breach in the conduct of global health research by a arising from the ad‐hoc participation of a community stakeholder external to the visiting research group. A framework for reflection is developed from a careful examination of underlying factors and presented with a discussion of consequences and mitigation measures. This framework aims to present lessons learned for researchers working abroad who might face similar situations in their work.