bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cheating on the mutualistic contract: nutritional gain through seed predation in the frugivorous bat Chiroderma villosum (Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Wagner Insa , Ganzhorn Jörg U. , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Tschapka Marco 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Most frugivorous bats are efficient seed dispersers, as they typically do not damage seeds and transport them over long distances. In contrast, bats of the phyllostomid genus Chiroderma cheat fig trees by acting more as seed predators than as seed dispersers. The bats initially separate seeds from fruit pulp in the mouth. After extracting the juice from the fruit pulp, they thoroughly chew the seeds and spit out small seed fragments in a pellet. Consequently, the faeces contain almost no viable seeds. We compared the nutrient content of intact fig seeds with ejecta and faecal samples from both Chiroderma villosum and the ‘conventional’ frugivorous bat Artibeus watsoni. We show that C. villosum can extract nutrients from the seeds, especially protein and fat. The processing time of figs showed no significant difference between the two bat species. Food-choice experiments showed that C. villosum preferred fig species with more seeds over those with fewer seeds. This preference, in combination with the specialized seed-chewing behaviour, leads to an increased nutrient intake per fig. This unique strategy enables C. villosum to satisfy its nutritional requirements with a lower number of figs than other species, which decreases the amount of energy necessary for foraging flights as well as the predation risk during foraging.
Continuum Wind Flow Model: Introduction to Model Theory and Case Study Review
Authors: Walls Elizabeth 
Published: April 2015

When developing a wind farm, it is very important to accurately define the wind resource distribution across the project area such that an optimized turbine layout can be achieved. To estimate the wind resource distribution, typically, meteorological (met) towers are installed at various strategic locations and the wind speed and direction measured at these sites are used as inputs into wind flow models. Currently, linear and CFD models are most commonly used. Linear models can provide estimates quickly, with little training and at a low cost however, this type of model is well-known to deliver highly inaccurate estimates particularly in complex terrain. CFD models can provide more accurate estimates however they require significant computational time, an expert knowledge level and a much larger financial investment. Also, all commercially-available linear and CFD models are limited to using a single met site in the model creation. A new wind flow model, Continuum (patent pending), is introduced which is based on a simplified analysis of Navier-Stokes and utilizes data from all of the met sites simultaneously to develop site-calibrated models. The model coefficients, mUW and mDW, describe the sensitivity of the wind speed to changes in the upwind and downwind terrain exposure and are defined for downhill and uphill flow. The coefficients are a function of terrain complexity and, since terrain complexity can change across an area, the estimates are performed in a stepwise fashion where a path of nodes with a gradual change in complexity are found between each pair of sites. Also, coefficients are defined for each wind direction sector and estimates are performed on a sectorwise basis. The site-calibrated models are created by cross-predicting between each pair of met sites and, through a self-learning technique, the model coefficients that yield the minimum met cross-prediction error are found. A case study is presented where eleven met masts at a complex terrain site were modeled in Continuum. Using the site-calibrated model, the wind speeds were predicted at the met sites and excellent agreement was found between the estimated and actual wind speeds with a correlation coefficient of 0.96 and a RMSE of 0.90%. The largest wind speed estimate error was 1.6% and five of the eleven sites were modeled to within an error of 0.5%. In Continuum, a Round Robin analysis was performed using met subset sizes of 8, 9 and 10 mets where every possible combination of met sites were used to form a model which were then used to predict at the excluded met sites. The RMS error of the Round Robin predictions was ∼1.6% for all three subset sizes which confirmed the very good quality, high level of robustness and validity of the Continuum wind flow model.
MetaGenSense : A web application for analysis and visualization of high throughput sequencing metagenomic data
Authors: Correia Damien , Doppelt-Azeroual Olivia , Denis Jean-Baptiste , Vandenbogaert Mathias , Caro Valérie 
Published: April 2015

The detection and characterization of emerging infectious agents has been a continuing public health concern. High Throughput Sequencing (HTS) or Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have proven to be promising approaches for efficient and unbiased detection of pathogens in complex biological samples, providing access to comprehensive analyses. As NGS approaches typically yield millions of putatively representative reads per sample, efficient data management and visualization resources have become mandatory. Most usually, those resources are implemented through a dedicated Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), solely to provide perspective regarding the available information. We developed an easily deployable web-interface, facilitating management and bioinformatics analysis of metagenomics data-samples. It was engineered to run associated and dedicated Galaxy workflows for the detection and eventually classification of pathogens. The web application allows easy interaction with existing Galaxy metagenomic workflows, facilitates the organization, exploration and aggregation of the most relevant sample-specific sequences among millions of genomic sequences, allowing them to determine their relative abundance, and associate them to the most closely related organism or pathogen. The user-friendly Django-Based interface, associates the users’ input data and its metadata through a bio-IT provided set of resources (a Galaxy instance, and both sufficient storage and grid computing power). Galaxy is used to handle and analyze the user’s input data from loading, indexing, mapping, assembly and DB-searches. Interaction between our application and Galaxy is ensured by the BioBlend library, which gives API-based access to Galaxy’s main features. Metadata about samples, runs, as well as the workflow results are stored in the LIMS. For metagenomic classification and exploration purposes, we show, as a proof of concept, that integration of intuitive exploratory tools, like Krona for representation of taxonomic classification, can be achieved very easily. In the trend of Galaxy, the interface enables the sharing of scientific results to fellow team members.
On Product-Level Uncertainty and Online Purchase Behavior: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Krishnan Ramayya 
Published: April 2015

Online consumers are uncertain about subjective product quality (e.g., fit and feel of clothing and texture of materials) because of the absence of experiential information. In this paper, we examine the dynamic change of the products purchased online over time in the presence of this type of uncertainty. Using individual-level transaction data, we find that consumers purchase products with a high degree of product uncertainty as their online shopping experiences help them better estimate product quality. Our results also show that the average and highest prices of market baskets decrease (around 1%) when online shopping experience increases (10%). This implies that online consumers are reluctant to buy expensive products with only digitally transferred information, whereas they tend to purchase more of the cheaper products online along with their accumulated online shopping experience. We also verify the interaction effects of product uncertainty and product price on online consumers’ purchase decision. When online consumers buy products priced under $50, they readily buy products with a high degree of product uncertainty regardless of their online shopping experience. But consumers are unlikely to buy expensive products online if there is a high degree of product uncertainty, even when they have accumulated much online shopping experience. In addition, we find that online vendors can effectively overcome product-level uncertainty by taking advantage of retailer reputation in the physical world and through the use of digitized video commercials. Our study on the dynamics in the set of products purchased online expands the understanding of consumer purchase behavior under uncertainty.This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
A comparison of the effects of white athletic tape and kinesiotape on postural control in healthy individuals
Authors: Silva Anabela G , Cruz Ana , Ganesan Mohan 
Published: April 2015

Background/Aims: Using traditional white athletic tape and kinesiotaping are two of the most popular strategies to prevent ankle sprains, presumably through enhancement of proprioception. However, the influence of these methods on postural control needs further investigation. This within-subject crossover study set out to compare the effects of athletic taping and kinesiotaping on postural control immediately after application and after a 20-minute period of running. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants (6 females and 9 males; mean±SD age=19.87± 2.67 years, weight=66.21± 9.93 kg, height=169.43±10.22 cm) participated in this study. All participants attended two assessment sessions, with a maximum interval of seven days between sessions. Measurements of body sway were taken in both sessions with and without taping and before and after 20 minutes of treadmill running during eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions. Athletic tape was applied to ten participants in the first session followed by kinesiotape in the second session, while kinesiotape was applied to the remaining five participants in the first session followed by athletic tape in the second session. Results: There were no significant main effects for the control or experimental conditions (no taping, athletic taping and kinesiotaping) either before (F (2, 28)=1.47, p>0.05) or after running (F (1,14)≤2.07, p>0.05) for center of pressure (COP) area, distance and velocity. There was a significant interaction between eyes and condition for COP area (F (2, 28)=5.17, p=0.02) and distance (F (2, 28)=3.96, p=0.03). Conclusions: Athletic taping and kinesiotaping do not seem to improve postural control of healthy young individuals immediately after being applied. This needs to be further investigated in future studies.
Allied health professionals' perceptions of the role of sensory integration therapy in managing challenging behaviours
Authors: Samayan Kala , Dhanavendan Kunju , Nachiketa Raut 
Published: April 2015

Aim:This study investigated allied health professionals' awareness and knowledge of the role of sensory integration therapy in managing challenging behaviours in children with various disabilities.Methods:Thirty allied health professionals (physiotherapist=4; occupational therapist=4; speech pathologist=2; paediatrician=1; physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist=1; psychologist=3; special needs educator=11; social worker=3; vocational instructor=1) with a minimum of three years' experience working with children with developmental and behavioural disorders participated in this study. Participants were invited to attend a face-fo-face interview, which included eight questions on behaviours exhibited due to sensory processing issues and two questions related to non-sensory processing issues.Results:Although the majority (81%) of participants had come across most of the behaviours and considered most of the identified behaviours as challenging behaviours, less than a quarter (21%) of participants could identify the causative role of sensory processing disorders and hence, did not identify the use of sensory integration therapy in managing these behaviours. However, the majority (67%) of participants indicated feeling ‘very competent’ at handling challenging behaviours.Conclusions:There is a need to develop training programmes that focus on sensory integration and applied behavioural analysis to facilitate multidisciplinary working and improve professional understanding.
Possible association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated region of HOXB9 with acetabular overcoverage
Authors: Sekimoto T. , Kurogi S. , Funamoto T. , Ota T. , Watanabe S. , Sakamoto T. , Hamada H. , Chosa E. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesExcessive acetabular coverage is the most common cause of pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement. To date, an association between acetabular over-coverage and genetic variations has not been studied. In this study we investigated the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of paralogous Homeobox (HOX)9 genes and acetabular coverage in Japanese individuals to identify a possible genetic variation associated with acetabular over-coverage.MethodsWe investigated 19 total SNPs in the four HOX9 paralogs, then focused in detail on seven of those located in the 3’ untranslated region of HOXB9 (rs8844, rs3826541, rs3826540, rs7405887, rs2303485, rs2303486, rs79931349) using a case-control association study. The seven HOXB9 SNPs were genotyped in 316 subjects who had all undergone radiological examination. The association study was performed by both single-locus and haplotype-based analyses.ResultsThe genotype and allele frequencies of the five HOXB9 SNPs showed significant association with acetabular over-coverage compared with controls (rs7405887 OR = 3.16, p = 5.29E-6, 95% CI 1.91 to 5.25). A significant difference was also detected when haplotypes were evaluated (OR = 2.59, p = 2.61E-5, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.08). The two HOXB9 SNPs (rs2303485, rs2303486) were associated with decreased acetabular coverage (rs2303485 OR = 0.524, p = 0.0091, 95% CI 0.322 to 0.855; rs2303486 OR = 0.519, p = 0.011, 95% CI 0.312 to 0.865).ConclusionsThe five HOXB9 SNPs (rs8844, rs3826541, rs3826540, rs7405887, rs79931349) were associated with acetabular over-coverage. On the other hand, the two SNPs (rs2303485 and rs2303486) were associated with the lower acetabular coverage. The association of rs2303486 would be consistent with the previous study. Therefore, the HOXB9 SNPs might be involved in the morphogenesis of acetabular coverage, and could be an independent risk factor for developing pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:50–5.
Ouvidorias virtuais como estratégia de comunicação pública e controle social - um estudo sobre realidade das prefeituras catarinenses
Authors: Riffel Cristiane Maria , Bolsi Gilmar , Martins Rodrigues Nascimento Senndy 
Published: April 2015

O tema foi escolhido a partir da crescente discussão sobre a importância dos governos adotarem uma política de comunicação que tenha como foco a comunicação pública. As organizações estatais precisam comunicar as informações de interesse público, mas além de informar, devem oportunizar canais de relacionamento e participação do cidadão na administração pública. Por outro lado, o estudo foi motivado pela constatação de que há poucos estudos que abordam a realidade catarinense em termos de comunicação pública estatal e, em particular, sobre ouvidoria. Neste sentido a pesquisa teve como objetivo central investigar a utilização das ouvidorias virtuais nas prefeituras dos 293 municípios catarinenses. A pesquisa desenvolvida caracteriza-se como exploratória. Quantos aos procedimentos de coleta de dados, o estudo envolveu a realização de pesquisa bibliográfica e pesquisa de campo. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada tendo como fonte livros, revistas e artigos publicados em meios digitais relacionados à comunicação governamental, pública e ouvidoria. A pesquisa virtual envolveu as prefeituras dos 293 municípios de Santa Catarina. Inicialmente foi feito um levantamento de dados a partir de uma análise do site oficial das prefeituras para buscar informações e formar um banco de dados da pesquisa. Teve como objetivo identificar o termo usado para designar a área/canal de atendimento aos cidadãos, o procedimento utilizado para registrar uma manifestação na ouvidoria – e-mail ou formulário eletrônico. No segundo momento foi enviada uma mensagem a todas as prefeituras que possuem canal de ouvidoria virtual, com finalidade de verificar se estas realmente funcionam. O tratamento de dados foi feito de forma quantitativa. Os resultados demonstram que 97,27% das prefeituras utilizam, no mínimo, um canal de atendimento on-line ao cidadão. No entanto, a pesquisa demonstrou que 14% dos municípios que corresponde a 42 prefeituras possuem efetivamente uma ouvidoria virtual. Conclui-se a necessidade de rever o sentido e a responsabilidade de se disponibilizar uma ouvidoria virtual. A criação de uma ouvidoria não pode ser confundida com a disponibilização de link de “contato” no site. A ouvidoria deve ser efetivamente um canal de comunicação e participação do cidadão na administração pública.
Comparison of some physical and physiological characteristics of the male sedentaries, male handball players and male wrestlers whose ages were between 13 and 15<p>13- 15 yaş arasındaki güreşçiler hentbolcular ve sedanterlerin bazı fiziksel ve fizyolojik parametrelerinin karşılaştırılması
Authors: Alıcı Ömer , İri Rüchan 
Published: April 2015

<p>The study aimed at the comparison of some physical and physiological characteristics of the male sedentaries, male handball players and male wrestlers whose ages were between 13 and 15.</p><p>77 male individuals (sedentaries=26, handball players=26 and wrestler=25) participated voluntarily. Height, weight and BMI values of the subjects were measured and tests for right and left hand grip strengths, leg and back strength, 20m sprint test, 30 sec sit-up, push-up, sit-reach (flexibility), respiratory function (FVC, VC, FEV<sub>1</sub>, PEF) and counter movement jump (anaerobic power) were performed.</p><p>As a result; it was found out that those who did sports in adolescent period had higher physical and physiological parameters than sedentaries.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Özet</strong></p><p>Bu çalışmanın amacı, 13-15 yaş erkek sedanter, hentbolcu ve güreşçilerin bazı fiziksel ve fizyolojik özelliklerinin karşılaştırılmasıdır.</p><p>Araştırmaya 77 erkek sporcu ve öğrenci (sedanter=26, hentbolcu=26 ve güreşçi=25) gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. Çalışmaya katılan deneklerin boy, vücut ağırlığı, beden kitle indeksi (BKİ) ölçülmüş ve sağ ve sol el-pençe kuvvetleri, sırt-bacak kuvveti, 20 m. sürat, 30 sn. mekik, 30 sn. şınav, otur-uzan (esneklik), solunum fonksiyon (FVC, VC, FEV<sub>1</sub>, PEF) değerleri ve dikey sıçrama (anaerobik güç) testleri uygulanmıştır.</p><p>Sonuç olarak; adölesan dönemdeki spor yapan bireylerin fiziksel ve fizyolojik parametrelerinin aynı yaştaki sedanter bireylerden daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir.</p>
Professor Hudec’s “Techniques of the Diplomat’s Jurisprudence”: Does It Still Apply?
Authors: Chow Noel Zher Ming 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A “diplomat’s jurisprudence” was the label Professor Robert E. Hudec gave to the GATT, referring to the avoidance of legally binding commitments by its negotiators. Other nicknames (the “General Agreement to Talk and Talk” for example) were not so flattering. However, since 1995, the WTO (into which the GATT was absorbed) and its members have been involved in cleaning up that image in the way of giving the organization a legal, rules based foundation. This article examines the Hudec concept of the “diplomat’s jurisprudence” and the origins of the GATT, evaluates the organization’s evolution from its rudimentary beginnings, then determines the role of the diplomat’s jurisprudence in the modern WTO environment.
Participation of Developing Countries in Dispute Settlement System of World Trade Organisation
Authors: Khan Humayun Rasheed 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Today the world economy is immeasurably more complex, multi-faceted, and integrated than it was in the last quarter of 20th century. New financial procedures and interests have multiplied in the current trade and investment matrix. Developing countries are now rightfully taking a much greater share in global production, trade and investment. However, their level of participation in the dispute settlement system is an important aspect of academic inquiry. There are several reasons for inadequate participation of developing countries but lack of trust is at the heart of the entire debate. Division amongst the developing countries placed them in more vulnerable position. This paper focuses on reasons for poor participation of some of the developing countries in the dispute settlement understanding (DSU), problems of developing and least developed countries and points out some measures for bringing required equilibrium in the dispute settlement system so that it could be made just, fair and equitable in near future.
Thermal Conductivity of A-Site Cation-Deficient La-Substituted SrTiO3 Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Loland Thomas E. , Sele Jaran , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Vullum Per Erik , Johnsson Mats , Wiik Kjell 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
During the last decade oxide-based thermoelectric materials have received increased attention due to their high stability and thermal robustness at high temperatures as well as the availability and nontoxic nature of a number of promising candidates. In the present study we are investigating the thermoelectric properties of an n-type La-substituted SrTiO3 with the specific composition (La0.12Sr0.88)0.05TiO3. Nanosized powder precursors were spark plasma sintered (SPS) for 5 minutes between 900 and 1,200°C, resulting in densities between 73 and 98% and crystallite sizes between 40 nm and 1 μm. The formation of a rutile phase (TiO2) was observed in samples sintered at 1,150 and 1,200°C; at lower temperatures only single-phase cubic perovskite was observed. There was no clear evidence that the presence of rutile affected the thermal conductivity (κ). A significant reduction in κ was observed both with increasing porosity and reducing crystallite size, showing a minimum at ~700°C corresponding to ~1.3 W m−1 K−1.
Preclinical development of a C6-ceramide NanoLiposome, a novel sphingolipid therapeutic
Authors: Kester Mark , Bassler Jocelyn , Fox Todd E. , Carter Carly J. , Davidson Jeff A. , Parette Mylisa R. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Despite the therapeutic potential of sphingolipids, the ability to develop this class of compounds as active pharmaceutical ingredients has been hampered by issues of solubility and delivery. Beyond these technical hurdles, significant challenges in completing the necessary preclinical studies to support regulatory review are necessary for commercialization. This review seeks to identify the obstacles and potential solutions in the translation of a novel liposomal technology from the academic bench to investigational new drug (IND) stage by discussing the preclinical development of the Ceramide NanoLiposome (CNL), which is currently being developed as an anticancer drug for the initial indication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).