bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-JC Virus Antibody Prevalence in Canadian MS Patients
Authors: Bhan Virender , Lapierre Yves , Freedman Mark S. , Duquette Pierre , Selchen Daniel , Migounov Vladimir , Walt Len , Zhang Annie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground: Anti–John Cunningham (JCV) antibodies have been detected in approximately 50% to 60% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Age, sex, and geographic location have been associated with seroprevalence differences. We describe anti-JCV antibody prevalence in the Canadian cohort of patients enrolled in the JCV Epidemiology in MS study. Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study evaluated the effects of demographic and disease characteristics on anti-JCV antibody seroprevalence in MS patients irrespective of disease type and treatment. A single blood sample was collected for analysis of anti-JCV antibodies using a two-step enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to determine significance. Results: A total of 4198 Canadian MS patients participated in the study; the overall anti-JCV antibody prevalence was 56.3% (95% confidence interval: 54.8% to 57.8%). Seroprevalence was significantly associated with age (increasing from 45% in young to 61% in those >60 years), sex, and region (p<0.0001 for age and sex; p=0.005 for region). No significant differences in anti-JCV antibody prevalence were associated with race, MS disease type and duration, or number and duration of treatments. Immunosuppressant use was associated with a higher seroprevalence rate (63.4%) compared with no immunosuppressant use (55.9%; p=0.040). Conclusions: Canadian MS patients had an overall anti-JCV antibody seroprevalence that was consistent with previous studies using the two-step ELISA. Significant associations of anti-JCV antibody positivity were found with age, sex, region, and immunosuppressant therapy, whereas seroprevalence was not associated with race, MS type, MS duration, or number or duration of MS treatments.
Breast-feeding and hospitalization for asthma in early childhood: a nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan
Authors: Yamakawa Michiyo , Yorifuji Takashi , Kato Tsuguhiko , Yamauchi Yoshitada , Doi Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveWhether or not breast-feeding is protective against asthma among children is still controversial. Therefore, we examined the effects of breast-feeding on hospitalization for asthma in early childhood.DesignSecondary data analyses of a nationwide longitudinal survey of children in Japan ongoing since 2001, with results collected from 2001 to 2004. We used logistic regression models to evaluate the associations of breast-feeding with hospitalization for asthma in children between the ages of 6 and 42 months, adjusting for children’s factors (sex, day-care attendance and presence of older siblings) and maternal factors (educational attainment and smoking habit).SettingAll over Japan.SubjectsTerm singleton children with information on feeding practices during infancy (n 43367).ResultsAfter adjusting for maternal factors and children’s factors, exclusive breast-feeding at 6–7 months of age was associated with decreased risk of hospitalization for asthma in children. The adjusted odds ratio was 0·77 (95 % CI 0·56, 1·06). One-month longer duration of breast-feeding was associated with a 4 % decreased risk of hospitalization for asthma (OR=0·96; 95 % CI 0·92, 0·99).ConclusionsThe protective effects of breast-feeding on hospitalization for asthma were observed in children between the ages of 6 and 42 months.
Has the Earth been exposed to numerous supernovae within the last 300 kyr?
Authors: Melott Adrian L. , Usoskin Ilya G. , Kovaltsov Gennady A. , Laird Claude M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFirestone (2014) asserted evidence for numerous (23) nearby (d < 300 pc) supernovae (SNe) within the Middle and Late Pleistocene. If true, this would have strong implications for the irradiation of the Earth; at this rate, the mass extinction level events due to SNe would be more frequent than 100 Myr. However, there are numerous errors in the application of past research. The paper overestimates likely nitrate and14C production from moderately nearby SNe by about four orders of magnitude. Moreover, the results are based on wrongly selected (obsolete) nitrate and14C datasets. The use of correct and up-to-date datasets does not confirm the claimed results. The claims in the paper are invalid.
Economics for a creative world: a response to comments
Authors: KOPPL ROGER , KAUFFMAN STUART , FELIN TEPPO , LONGO GIUSEPPE 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn response to Pelikan, Witt, Foster, and Colander, we reiterate our main contributions: (1) our more careful demonstration of why ‘mechanistic’ models have limited application, (2) our account of novelty as a system-level phenomenon, and (3) our identification of ‘novelty intermediation’ as important to creative economic dynamics. We also address some of the criticisms raised by the commenters. Pavel Pelikan's idea of stochastic causality does not somehow eliminate unprestateable change. We do challenge certain strong notions of universal causation, as Ulrich Witt notes, but such notions are probably best abandoned. Although, we do not repudiate mathematical modeling as our paper suggested to John Foster, we may give less scope than Foster to such methods. Finally, we point out the extreme difficulty of implementing the sort of engineering vision Colander articulates.
Uptake of liquid from wet surfaces by the brush-tipped proboscis of a butterfly
Authors: Lee Seung Chul , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of the brush-tipped proboscis of the Asian comma (Polygonia c-aureum) on wet-surface feeding. The tip region of this proboscis was observed, especially two microstructures; the intake slits through which liquid passes into the proboscis and the brush-like sensilla styloconica. The sensilla styloconica were connected laterally to the intake slits in the tip region. The liquid-feeding flow between the proboscis and the wet surface was measured by micro-particle image velocimetry. During liquid feeding, the sensilla styloconica region accumulates liquid by pinning the air-liquid interface to the tips of the sensilla styloconica, thus the intake slit region remains immersed. The film flow that passes through the sensilla styloconica region shows a parabolic velocity profile and the corresponding flow rate is proportional to the cubed length of the sensilla styloconica. Based on these observations, we demonstrated that the sensilla styloconica promotes the uptake of liquid from wet surfaces. This study may inspire the development of a microfluidic device to collect liquid from moist substrates.
Cholesterol-lowering effect of rice bran protein containing bile acid-binding proteins
Authors: Wang Jilite , Shimada Masaya , Kato Yukina , Kusada Mio , Nagaoka Satoshi 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Dietary plant protein is well known to reduce serum cholesterol levels. Rice bran is a by-product of rice milling and is a good source of protein. The present study examined whether feeding rats a high-cholesterol diet containing 10% rice bran protein (RBP) for 10 d affected cholesterol metabolism. Rats fed dietary RBP had lower serum total cholesterol levels and increased excretion of fecal steroids, such as cholesterol and bile acids, than those fed dietary casein. In vitro assays showed that RBP strongly bound to taurocholate, and inhibited the micellar solubility of cholesterol, compared with casein. Moreover, the bile acid-binding proteins of the RBP were eluted by a chromatographic column conjugated with cholic acid, and one of them was identified as hypothetical protein OsJ_13801 (NCBI accession No. EAZ29742) using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. These results suggest that the hypocholesterolemic action of the RBP may be caused by the bile acid-binding proteins.
A classification approach based on variable precision rough sets and cluster validity index function
Authors: Lin Hongkang 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– The clustering/classification method proposed in this study, designated as the PFV-index method, provides the means to solve the following problems for a data set characterized by imprecision and uncertainty: first, discretizing the continuous values of all the individual attributes within a data set; second, evaluating the optimality of the discretization results; third, determining the optimal number of clusters per attribute; and fourth, improving the classification accuracy (CA) of data sets characterized by uncertainty. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The proposed method for the solution of the clustering/classifying problem, designated as PFV-index method, combines a particle swarm optimization algorithm, fuzzy C-means method, variable precision rough sets theory, and a new cluster validity index function.

Findings
– This method could cluster the values of the individual attributes within the data set and achieves both the optimal number of clusters and the optimal CA.

Originality/value
– The validity of the proposed approach is investigated by comparing the classification results obtained for UCI data sets with those obtained by supervised classification BPNN, decision-tree methods.
Lean transformation in a high mix low volume electronics assembly environment
Authors: Arasanipalai Raghavan Venkatesh , Yoon Sangwon , Srihari Krishnaswami 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to focus on integrating a lean framework in a high-mix-low-volume (HMLV) printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) environment to enhance current assembly processes and facility layouts. An HMLV PCBA environment is characterized by stochastic demands, a variety of products in terms of shapes and sizes and different sequences of assembly and test operations, in addition to long cycle times and high fall-out rates.

Design/methodology/approach
– Preliminary analysis indicates that the push inventory control system led to the longer cycle times, such that various lean methodologies have been applied to enhance the assembly operations. In this research, Kanban sizes for different assembly lines are also estimated to integrate and implement a “pull-system” into the lean framework. In addition, material movement and facility layout have been studied to minimize work-in-process travel time. An “iterative-MAIC” approach has been applied to implement lean principles.

Findings
– As a result, a lean manufacturing pilot line has been implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the lean principles before rolling them out across the manufacturing floor. It has been shown that the cycle times of the pilot line products are decreased by 40 per cent and the number of defects decreased by 10-30 per cent, depending on different assembly processes, after the lean implementation.

Originality/value
– There is limited literature that addresses lean transformation in an HMLV electronics manufacturing service provider handling several product types with different testing methodologies, frequent product revision changes and higher fall-out rates. Hence, in this research, lean manufacturing has been implemented in an HMLV PCBA environment, which has the challenges of varying demand with a mix of assembly and test operations for different product families.
Vacancy chains and the business cycle. Stringing together job-to-job transitions in micro data
Authors: Gianelle Carlo , Tattara Giuseppe 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of labour market flows over the business cycle through a vacancy chain model. It provides a direct computation of vacancy chains using micro data, empirically investigates the relationship between chain length and the characteristics of jobs and workers initiating the chain, and finally assesses the wage progression of workers moving along the chain.Design/methodology/approach– The paper draws on a longitudinal matched employer-employee database covering all employees in manufacturing in a large region of Italy. A transparent algorithm for vacancy chain computation is developed and standard econometric techniques are employed to analyze job-to-job transitions within identified chains.Findings– Vacancy chains account on average for more than one-third of total hires, and both the number and the length of chains are clearly pro-cyclical. Chains set in motion by women workers, young, old, blue collars, or employed by small firms tend to be shorter. There is a well-defined wage progression from the tail to the head of the chain, revealing that workers are sorted along chains according to skill and/or bargaining power.Research limitations/implications– There is a limited possibility of identifying separately individual ability and bargaining power.Practical implications– The vacancy chain methodology can increase the ability of policy makers to produce detailed maps of the labour market and identify worker profiles associated with poor outcomes and hence deserving special attention.Originality/value– For the first time, this paper operationalizes the vacancy chain approach on a large scale, at a very high level of detail, and over a long-time span.
A review on structural integrity assessment procedures
Authors: Ajay Shah Utkarsh 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to compare different existing assessment procedures for their limitations and applicable areas.Design/methodology/approach– Procedures have been studied in-depth along with their criterion for applications.Findings– The study shows applicability of different procedures along with their limitations and future scope.Originality/value– The paper provides starting point for performing damage assessment based on relevant procedures.
Buckling analysis of a delaminated panel by using a kinematic global-local coupling approach
Authors: Sellitto A. , Borrelli R. , Caputo F. , Riccio A. , Scaramuzzino F. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate on the behaviour of a delaminated stiffened panel; the delamination growth is simulated via fracture elements implemented in B2000++® code based on the Modified Virtual Crack Closure Technique (MVCCT), matrix cracking and fibre failure have been also taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach
– In order to correctly apply the MVCCT on the delamination front a very fine three-dimensional (3D) mesh is required very close to the delaminated area, while a 2D-shell model has been employed for the areas of minor interest. In order to couple the shell domain to the solid one, shell-to-solid coupling elements based on kinematic constraints have been used.

Findings
– Results obtained with the global/local approach are in good correlation with those obtained with experimental results.

Originality/value
– The global/local approach based on kinematic coupling elements in conjunction with fracture elements allows to investigate and predict the behaviour of a stiffened delaminated composite panel in an efficient and effective way.
Experimental and numerical investigation of fatigue crack growth in aluminum plates repaired by FML composite patch
Authors: Rahmani Kalestan M. , Moayeri Kashani H. , Pourkamali Anaraki A. , Ashena Ghasemi F. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to use the fiber metal laminates (FML) composites as a patch for repairing a single notched specimen made of AL1035 aluminum alloy. The FML composite patch was bonded on one side of the cracked specimens by adhesive Araldite 2015. Then the fatigue crack growth tests were conducted on the specimens and the effects of both FML patch lay-up sequence and pre-crack angle on the fatigue life were investigated. Finally, the effect of repairing on the fracture parameters (SIF and crack propagation direction) at the crack front has also been calculated using three-dimensional finite element analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
– The fatigue crack growth tests were conducted on the specimens and the effects of both FML patch lay-up sequence and pre-crack angle on the fatigue life were investigated.

Findings
– The results show that the fatigue life of the patched specimens with inclined crack increased approximately 2-6.02 times compared to the un-patched specimens. In addition, the fatigue crack growth rate decreased significantly when the patch was used. Generally, the FML patch with Plate-Fiber-Fiber-AL lay-up has more efficiency than other lay-up sequences.

Originality/value
– Recently, composite patches are used in the structure repair processes to increase the service life of cracked components. The bonded patch method is one of the efficient methods among repairing methods. Today, the FMLs are used in the aircraft structures as a replacement of high-strength aluminum alloys due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. Many researches have been performed on single and double side repaired panels using composite patches. In this study, the FML composites have been used as a patch for repairing a single notched specimen made of AL1035 aluminum alloy.
FATCA: implications for non-US funds: a general guide for determining the applicability of FATCA to non-USA funds
Authors: M. Garry Kristen , Gelencsér Etienne , M. O’Pray Eileen , King Naomi , B. Tate Jeffrey 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– To summarize the principal aspects of USA tax legislation commonly known as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act” (“FATCA”) that may be relevant to non-USA investment funds.

Design/methodology/approach
– Reviews the potential application of FATCA to non-USA investment funds in a question-and-answer format and summarizes the key FATCA compliance obligations that may apply to such funds.

Findings
– FATCA presents a number of compliance and operational challenges for non-USA investment funds. Such funds should be aware of their status under FATCA and resulting compliance responsibilities to ensure that they are compliant with FATCA and thus not subject to USA withholding tax.

Originality/value
– Practical guidance from experienced tax and investment funds lawyers that summarizes a complex body of law in a concise format.
Benefits of exposure
Authors: Fox Robert 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– This column aims to look at various aspects of search engine optimization (SEO) and the potential risks and rewards from exposing library-related content using techniques such as microdata and descriptive frameworks such as that outlined on schema.org.

Design/methodology/approach
– Regular column.

Findings
– This column explores concepts related to SEO and is speculative in nature.

Originality/value
– Academic libraries can greatly benefit from exploring the potential benefits of using SEO and microdata/microformats. The landscape for SEO has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the benefit to libraries who have in once sense seen themselves as competitors with the major search engines is significant.
Addressing sustainable challenges in China
Authors: Zhai Xiaolin , Reed Richard , Mills Anthony 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative approach to addressing increasing sustainable challenges facing China's built environment which are linked to a diverse range of factors including rapid economic and population growth. The research context includes mass urbanisation in and the Chinese construction industry's attitude towards adopting sustainable construction processes. The focus is placed on examining current on-site construction practices in China which have historically remained largely unchanged; this includes a high reliance on cheap labour accompanied by a substantial material waste. An alternative approach is to increase the uptake of off-site production in China's residential construction industry, however no previous studies have investigated the potential advantages and barriers of this alternative approach.

Design/methodology/approach
– In collaboration with an industry organisation a survey was completed by 110 construction professionals in China. The questionnaire referred to 21 individual factors relating to their perception about the current and potential future uptake of off-site production in construction processes in China.

Findings
– The results confirmed the existing level of off-site production in China's urban residential construction industry was relatively low. At present the cast-in-situ method was considered by stakeholders as the most effective approach. The findings also confirmed the benefits of off-site production are not fully understood by the housing construction industry in China. It is argued this knowledge gap reduces the Chinese construction industry's motivation levels when seeking to embrace the off-site production approach and adopt improved sustainable construction practices.

Originality/value
– This is an original study designed to address a gap in knowledge as there has been no previous research conducted into the use of off-site industrialised process in China. The results provide a valuable insight into the uptake of off-site production in the residential construction industry and will assist stakeholders and policymakers to increase the level of sustainability.