bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Signature Profiling as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Tool in Pediatric Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Authors: Surowiec Izabella , Orikiiriza Judy , Karlsson Elisabeth , Nelson Maria , Bonde Mari , Kyamanwa Patrick , Karenzi Ben , Bergström Sven , Trygg Johan , Normark Johan 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Background.  Accuracy in malaria diagnosis and staging is vital to reduce mortality and post infectious sequelae. In this study, we present a metabolomics approach to diagnostic staging of malaria infection, specifically Plasmodium falciparum infection in children.
Methods.  A group of 421 patients between 6 months and 6 years of age with mild and severe states of malaria with age-matched controls were included in the study, 107, 192, and 122, individuals, respectively. A multivariate design was used as basis for representative selection of 20 patients in each category. Patient plasma was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and a full metabolite profile was produced from each patient. In addition, a proof-of-concept model was tested in a Plasmodium berghei in vivo model where metabolic profiles were discernible over time of infection.
Results.  A 2-component principal component analysis revealed that the patients could be separated into disease categories according to metabolite profiles, independently of any clinical information. Furthermore, 2 subgroups could be ide.jpegied in the mild malaria cohort who we believe represent patients with divergent prognoses.
Conclusions.  Metabolite signature profiling could be used both for decision support in disease staging and prognostication.
Blebitis After EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device Implantation—A Case Series
Authors: Yarovoy Dmitry , Radhakrishnan Sunita , Pickering Terri-Diann , Iwach Andrew G. 
Published: May 2015

Purpose:
To present the management and outcomes of blebitis in patients who underwent EX-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device (GFD) implantation.

Design:
Retrospective case series.

Participants:
The study included 5 patients who developed blebitis following EX-PRESS GFD implantation.

Methods:
Charts of all patients who underwent EX-PRESS GFD implantation at the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. Five patients with blebitis were identified and their clinical course was recorded.

Main Outcome Measures:
Clinical course of blebitis.

Results:
Of 325 eyes that underwent EX-PRESS GFD implantation, 5 eyes (1.5%) with blebitis were identified. The mean interval between EX-PRESS GFD surgery and blebitis was 2.3±0.8 years. Four of the 5 eyes with blebitis had potential risk factors for bleb-related infection; 1 had chronic blepharitis, 2 had contact lens use, and one had 2 episodes of bleb leak before blebitis. All patients were treated with topical antibiotics; in addition, 3 received oral antibiotics and 1 received intravitreal antibiotics. None of the patients developed endophthalmitis. One patient had recurrent blebitis, which was treated with topical, oral, and intravitreal antibiotics. None of the patients had the device removed. The mean follow-up time after blebitis was 16.8±8.9 months (range, 10 to 32 mo).

Conclusions:
This case series suggests that blebitis after EX-PRESS GFD implanted under a scleral flap may be treated without removal of the device. Further study is required to determine the optimal method of treating this condition.
No Evidence of Association of Heterozygous Galactosylceramidase Deletion With Normal-Tension Glaucoma in a Korean Population
Authors: Shin Hye-Young , Park Sung-Won , Jung Seung-Hyun , Park Hae-Young Lopilly , Jung Kyoung-In , Chung Yeun-Jun , Park Chan Kee 
Published: May 2015

Purpose:
A significant association between primary open-angle glaucoma risk and copy-number variation in the galactosylceramidase (GALC) gene was reported recently. This study investigated whether a heterozygous deletion of the GALC gene plays a significant role in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) in Koreans.

Methods:
A 3-primer polymerase chain reaction assay was used to examine the heterozygous deletion of GALC in all Korean NTG cases (n=276) and controls (n=135).

Results:
We did not identify any deletion variant of GALC gene in the NTG patients.

Conclusions:
This is the first copy-number variation study of the GALC gene in the Korean population with NTG. We demonstrated that a heterozygous GALC deletion does not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of NTG in a representative clinic-based population of South Koreans, unlike whites.
Choroidal Thickness and Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Zhengwei , Yu Mengxi , Wang Feng , Dai Ying , Wu Zhifeng 
Published: May 2015

Purpose:
Numerous studies have detected choroidal thickness abnormalities and changes in open-angle glaucoma (OAG), as measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography technologies, but the results have not always been consistent. Therefore, a meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to evaluate the choroidal thickness in OAG.

Materials and Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, and Chinese databases including Wangfang and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure). Eligible articles were identified by reviewing the retrieved results. For continuous outcomes, we calculated the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 software.

Results:
Twenty-two case-control or cross-sectional studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The results of our study showed that there was no significant difference in subfoveal choroidal thickness between patients with OAG and controls (WMD=−7.94; 95% CI, −26.01 to 10.13; P=0.389). Similar findings were obtained for the average peripapillary choroidal thickness (WMD=−14.24; 95% CI, −30.20 to 1.73; P=0.08).

Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis found no significant difference in the choroidal thickness both under the fovea and around the optic nerve head between OAG patients and controls. On the basis of the anatomic features of blood supply in optic nerve head, it is plausible that the choroidal thickness is not an appropriate parameter to evaluate the damage of OAG, and choroidal thinning may not be an important component of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Research into the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated reverse osmosis product water and seawater using a wire beam electrode
Authors: Zhang Min , Ge Hong-Hua , Wang Xue-Juan , Meng Xin-Jing , Zhao Yu-Zeng , Liao Qiang-Qiang 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated reverse osmosis (RO) product water, and in seawater.Design/methodology/approach– The wire beam electrodes (WBE) and coupons made from Type Q235 carbon steel and were immersed in simulated reverse osmosis product water, and in seawater, for fifteen days. The corrosion potential distribution on the WBE at different times was measured. The corrosion rates of the carbon steel in different solutions were obtained using weight loss determinations. The different corrosion behavior of carbon steel in the two kinds of solution was analyzed.Findings– The results showed that the average corrosion potential, micro-cathode potential and micro-anode potential of the WBE decreased with time in simulated RO product water. During this period, the maximum potential difference between micro-cathodes and micro-anodes on the WBE surface also decreased with time. The potential difference was more than 260mV at the beginning of the test and was still greater than 110mV after fifteen days of immersion. The positions of cathodes and anodes remained basically unchanged and corrosion took place on the localized anode during the experiments. The average corrosion potential, micro-cathode potential and micro-anode potential on the WBE surface also decreased with time in the simulated seawater. However, the maximum potential difference between micro-cathode and micro-anode on the WBE surface in the simulated seawater was much smaller than was the case in simulated RO product water. It was 37.8 mV at the beginning of the test and was no more than 12mV after two days immersion. The positions of cathode region and anode kept changing, leading to overall uniform corrosion. The actual corrosion rate on the corroded anode region in simulated RO product water was greater than was the case in simulated seawater.Originality/value– The corrosion behavior differences of carbon steel between in RO product water and in seawater were revealed by using wire beam electrodes (WBE). From the micro point of view, it explained the reason why the actual corrosion rate of carbon steel in RO product water was greater than that in sea water. The results can be helpful to explore future corrosion control methods for carbon steel in RO product water.
Correlation study on general and accelerated corrosion of the welded structure of aluminum alloy 2219 in N2O4
Authors: Feng Yuanbo , Huang Zhiyong , Tian Gan , Jin Guofeng 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to present a correlation study on general and accelerated corrosion of the welded structure of aluminum alloy 2219 in N2O4.Design/methodology/approach– Corrosion experiments of the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG)-welded aluminum alloy structure were conducted under both mild and accelerated corrosion conditions by changing the water content in N2O4.Findings– The experimental results indicated that both general and accelerated corrosion processes of the TIG-welded structure of aluminum alloy 2219 in N2O4followed the linear equation ΔW = A + Bt, and the corrosion products were unchanged regardless of the water content in the N2O4solution.Originality/value– The weight loss comparison method is used to identify the structure of the conventional aluminum welding and aluminum welding structure corrosion dinitrogen tetroxide in nitric acid accelerated corrosion relationship.
SEC charges broker-dealer for failure to protect against insider trading by employees
Authors: Nathan Daniel A. , Rowe Tiffany 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– To alert broker-dealers to Securities and Exchange Commission charges brought against a broker-dealer for ineffective controls over employee use of confidential information and to provide guidance regarding development and implementation of controls to protect against improper use of material non-public information by employees.

Design/methodology/approach
– Reviews Securities and Exchange Commission settlement order with broker-dealer for violations of securities laws for failure to adequately prevent insider trading by employees and provides guidance for implementing control to prevent insider trading.

Findings
– The Securities and Exchange Commission’s charges are the first to be brought against a broker-dealer for failure to adequately protect against insider trading. A broker used a customer’s confidential information regarding an impending acquisition by a private equity firm to purchase stock in the target company. The broker-dealer settled charges of violations of the federal securities laws for failing to adequately establish, maintain, and enforce policies and procedures to protect against insider trading by employees with access to confidential client information.

Originality/value
– Practical guidance regarding internal controls at broker-dealers from experienced securities litigation and regulation lawyers.
What does it take to make the SEC happy? SEC criticism of broker-dealers’ due diligence for sales of unregistered securities leaves more questions than answers
Authors: Bettigole Bruce , Kruly Charlie 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– To highlight the insufficient guidance offered by a recent Securities and Exchange Commission settlement regarding a broker-dealer’s obligation to inquire into its customers’ sales of unregistered securities.

Design/methodology/approach
– Discusses the traditional interpretation of Section 4(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, which requires broker-dealers to conduct a reasonable inquiry into the basis for their customers’ proposed sales of unregistered securities. Then reviews a recent SEC settlement that appears to suggest the SEC believes there is a more stringent obligation on broker-dealers to inquire into their customers’ proposed sales of unregistered securities.

Findings
– The SEC’s recent settlement states that various inquiries conducted by a broker-dealer into its customers’ claimed registration exemptions were insufficient to satisfy the broker-dealer’s obligation under Section 4(a)(4). However, the settlement does not address why these inquiries were insufficient or what inquiries, if any, would have satisfied the broker-dealer’s obligations under Section 4(a)(4).

Originality/value
– This article analyses an SEC settlement that may, either intentionally or inadvertently, have used an enforcement action to attempt to heighten broker-dealers’ obligations under Section 4(a)(4).
FATCA violation underlies latest US tax and securities fraud charges
Authors: Fisher Miriam , McManus Brian 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– To explain the details and implications of a September 9, 2014 federal indictment, US v. Robert Bandfield, the first time a Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) violation has been charged as an “overt act” in furtherance of a tax conspiracy and securities fraud.

Design/methodology/approach
– Provides background, including the enactment of FATCA and the details of the indictment; describes an undercover investigation conducted by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force; and discusses the warnings this indictment sends to the global financial community.

Findings
– The indictment confirms the coordinated and aggressive tactics US law enforcement is now employing to investigate and prosecute offshore financial fraud.

Practical implications
– Banks and financial service providers need to be aware of the impact of enhanced US regulatory obligations and implement appropriate compliance measures. These institutions must also remain sensitive to risks presented by unscrupulous customers. Finally, they must be ready to manage appropriately information-gathering and investigatory inquiries originating with US authorities.

Originality/value
– Practical guidance from experienced tax controversy lawyers.
Recent key Bitcoin and virtual currency regulatory and law enforcement developments
Authors: Greebel Evan L. , Moriarty Kathleen , Callaway Claudia , Xethalis Gregory 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– To explain and draw conclusions from six recent bitcoin and virtual currency regulatory and law enforcement developments.

Design/methodology/approach
– Discusses and draws conclusions from six recent, important developments: two administrative rulings from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), recent remarks by New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Benjamin Lawsky, remarks by Mark Wetjen of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a recent Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informational sweep of crowdsales of crypto-equity, and the US Department of Justice proceedings against Trendon Shavers.

Findings
– Rather than trying to stifle or control virtual currencies, US governmental entities recognize the long-term value of virtual currencies and are trying to create a regulatory regime to foster growth and development, and an atmosphere where institutional and retail investors are protected.

Originality/value
– Provides an overview of the key United States regulatory issues facing companies engaged in Bitcoin-related businesses.
Prepare for the magnifying glass: SEC hikes scrutiny of asset managers – 4 steps to consider
Authors: Weiner Perrie Michael , Hunnius Patrick , Alexander Grant 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– To discuss the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) likely preparation of new rules to increase the monitoring and oversight of various asset funds, including hedge funds and alternative mutual funds, and recommends protective measure for fund managers to take.

Design/methodology/approach
– Discusses the SEC’s increasing concerns about risks related to the asset management industry and how those concerns may lead to additional scrutiny and regulation. Recommends four steps for alternative mutual fund managers to take at this time to protect their interests.

Findings
– The SEC’s potential regulatory action is in response to apparent increasing concern that the multitrillion-dollar asset management industry could create substantial instability to the financial system with the occurrence of a significant event, such as a sudden change in interest rates or widespread investor redemptions. It has been suggested that the proposed sweep of alternative mutual funds is part of a larger strategy by the SEC to bring the alternative mutual funds, and similarly situated entities such as asset managers and hedge funds, under the same regulatory umbrella imposed upon large banks and similarly situated financial institutions in response to the 2008 recession.

Practical implications
– Preparation will go a long way in dealing with what appears to be a developing mine field of new regulations, and potential enforcement actions, from the federal government.

Originality/value
– Knowing that increasing SEC scrutiny, such as inquiries and subpoenas, may be just around the corner, the precautionary measures outlined in this article will help alternative mutual fund managers protect their interests.
Business view of cloud
Authors: Karunakaran Sowmya , Krishnaswamy Venkataraghavan , Rangaraja P Sundarraj 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– This study aims to investigate the decisions related to business aspects of cloud computing and discuss the research density, models/techniques used and identify opportunities for future work.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this paper, 155 research articles shortlisted through a systematic review were analyzed and a classification framework was developed. Using this framework, the research density is discussed and a detailed review of four widely researched decision themes is provided.

Findings
– It was found that current research on business aspects is spread across 23 decision themes. The distribution, however, is skewed with 50 per cent pertaining to just four themes, namely, pricing, markets, sourcing and adoption. Simulation appears to be the preferred modeling approach. Decision themes in consumer behavior, sustainability, auditing and culture offer opportunities for future research.

Research limitations/implications
– The classification framework organizes extant research on applied models and allows researchers to identify potential avenues for application, improvement and development of models to support business decisions. The review is limited to academic articles and does not include industry reports.

Practical implications
– Practitioners can readily understand various perspectives relevant to a decision theme such as pricing or sourcing, seek and use associated models such as simulation, optimization and game theory to support their decision-making.

Originality/value
– Most of the extant review paper deal with cloud computing technology. This study is the first systematic review on the models applied to business aspects of cloud computing. This study provides a classification framework and explicitly lists associated decision themes, models/techniques and opportunities.
Factors affecting Halal purchase intention – evidence from Pakistan’s Halal food sector
Authors: Awan Hayat M. , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Haider Zeeshan 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify and determine the connection of various antecedents from educational literary works with Halal purchase intention. It also aims to investigate which antecedents, among all antecedents, have the highest possible participation toward the development of Halal food purchase intention. Consumers across the globe have an ever increasing demand for Halal items nowadays. Similarly, food stuff in Halal category has an increased acceptance across the globe. Numerous researches have therefore focused on Halal food perception, Halal understanding and its approval in various areas of the world.

Design/methodology/approach
– A total of 300 respondents were taken from four major cities of Pakistan to examine the relationship of factors that influence customer’s Halal purchase intention. Data were collected through structured questionnaire having seven-point Likert scale. It was divided into eight sections with statements measuring Halal Awareness, Halal Marketing, Subjective norms, Religion and Religiosity, Attitude, Subjective norms, Perceived Behavioural control, Halal Certification and Purchase Intention.

Findings
– The paper draws the findings that most of the customers rely on Halal Marketing, Personal and Societal perception and Halal certifications. On the other hand, least importance was given to their religious beliefs when making a purchase decision. The findings also suggest that customers are influenced by Halal Marketing and Branding practices of food products as they are being influenced by the sales promotions and celebrity endorsements. It has also been found that customers are willing to spend considerable efforts and money to purchase Halal food.

Originality/value
– The paper clarifies the strategies for Halal food manufacturers and marketers who are following Islamic Marketing philosophy as a base for their marketing campaigns. The study also provides a detailed insight into various behavioural, societal and marketing dimensions that guides the customers about their purchase intentions.
The Independence Case in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Liñeira Robert , Cetrà Daniel 
Published: May 2015

AbstractScotland is not the only sub‐state unit in Europe where relevant political actors make claims for independence. To generate insights on these independence demands, we compare the drivers, arguments and popular support for secession in Scotland, the Basque Country, Catalonia and Flanders. We argue that national identity, party politics and the economy are behind the independence requests, and the exact articulation of these elements varies from case to case. Currently, the most salient of these demands are the ones from Catalonia; Basque demands for self‐determination are less prominent than in the past, whereas the demand for a vote on independence is much less articulated in Flanders. Although the Scottish independence referendum has set a precedent for solving independence disputes, we argue that the possibilities of exporting the Scottish referendum experience to other realities are limited.