bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the bovine rumen bacterial community from birth to adulthood
Authors: Jami Elie , Israel Adi , Kotser Assaf , Mizrahi Itzhak 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The mammalian gut microbiota is essential in shaping many of its host’s functional attributes. One such microbiota resides in the bovine digestive tract in a compartment termed as the rumen. The rumen microbiota is necessary for the proper physiological development of the rumen and for the animal’s ability to digest and convert plant mass into food products, making it highly significant to humans. The establishment of this microbial population and the changes occurring with the host’s age are important for understanding this key microbial community. Despite its importance, little information about colonization of the microbial populations in newborn animals, and the gradual changes occurring thereafter, exists. Here, we characterized the overall bovine ruminal bacterial populations of five age groups, from 1-day-old calves to 2-year-old cows. We describe the changes occurring in the rumen ecosystem after birth, reflected by a decline in aerobic and facultative anaerobic taxa and an increase in anaerobic ones. Some rumen bacteria that are essential for mature rumen function could be detected as early as 1 day after birth, long before the rumen is active or even before ingestion of plant material occurs. The diversity and within-group similarity increased with age, suggesting a more diverse but homogeneous and specific mature community, compared with the more heterogeneous and less diverse primary community. In addition, a convergence toward a mature bacterial arrangement with age was observed. These findings have also been reported for human gut microbiota, suggesting that similar forces drive the establishment of gut microbiotas in these two distinct mammalian digestive systems.
THE PRICE OF ART
Authors: Beckert Jens , Rössel Jörg 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
How do prices for contemporary art come into being? Buyers of contemporary art face a problem of fundamental uncertainty, because what passes as quality is difficult to determine, and buyers can hardly estimate how a specific piece of art will perform as an investment. Since a market for contemporary art presupposes the possibility of at least limited rational purchasing decisions, uncertainty must be reduced. We argue that the value of an art work or artist originates in an intersubjective process of assessment and conferring of reputation by experts in the art field, such as gallery owners, curators, critics, art dealers, journalists, and collectors, who help establish the artistic reputation of a work or an artist. The quality signals emerging from the art field enable buyers to assess the economic value of art works. We tested this initial hypothesis against two datasets containing data on art prices and information from the biographies of artists.
Systematic parameter estimation in data-rich environments for cell signalling dynamics
Authors: Nim Tri Hieu , Luo Le , Clément Marie-Véronique , White Jacob K. , Tucker-Kellogg Lisa 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Motivation: Computational models of biological signalling networks, based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs), have generated many insights into cellular dynamics, but the model-building process typically requires estimating rate parameters based on experimentally observed concentrations. New proteomic methods can measure concentrations for all molecular species in a pathway; this creates a new opportunity to decompose the optimization of rate parameters.
Results: In contrast with conventional parameter estimation methods that minimize the disagreement between simulated and observed concentrations, the SPEDRE method fits spline curves through observed concentration points, estimates derivatives and then matches the derivatives to the production and consumption of each species. This reformulation of the problem permits an extreme decomposition of the high-dimensional optimization into a product of low-dimensional factors, each factor enforcing the equality of one ODE at one time slice. Coarsely discretized solutions to the factors can be computed systematically. Then the discrete solutions are combined using loopy belief propagation, and refined using local optimization. SPEDRE has unique asymptotic behaviour with runtime polynomial in the number of molecules and timepoints, but exponential in the degree of the biochemical network. SPEDRE performance is comparatively evaluated on a novel model of Akt activation dynamics including redox-mediated inactivation of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue).
Availability and implementation: Web service, software and supplementary information are available at www.LtkLab.org/SPEDRE
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Contact: LisaTK@nus.edu.sg
Energy audit and prospective energy conservation
Authors: Ainurzaman Jamaludin Adi , Zalina Mahmood Noor , Keumala Nila , Rosemary Mohd Ariffin Ati , Hussein Hazreena 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the efficiency of electricity use and potential of electricity reduction at 12 residential colleges located at University of Malaya Campus, Kuala Lumpur.Design/methodology/approachThe work presented applies an energy audit when energy consumption data were collected and analysed for a five‐year period. The total savings of electricity used at residential colleges were identified through the difference between average total energy use in a year (kWh) and minimum electricity usage.FindingsThe study finds that residential colleges with special features of building layout and arrangement performed better with regard to electricity consumption due to the prior group's superior utilisation of day lighting and natural ventilation. The floor area of the rooms, volume, density, enclosure and facade design, including window design, window area, and window‐to‐wall ratio also influenced the total electricity usage of the residential college buildings. Also, through adaptation of the corridor area to include more natural ventilation and daylight, approximately 40 to 90 percent of average electricity usage could be conserved in a year.Research limitations/implicationsThe methodology is limited to energy audit for a five‐year period of metered data and walk‐through analysis.Practical implicationsThe findings raised some issues related to thermal comfort of the residents.Originality/valueThe study can be used as baseline data for a tropical region particularly on current electricity usage and potential of energy conservation in residential building.
Volatility and foreign equity flows: evidence from the Philippines
Authors: French Joseph J. , Vishwakarma Vijay Kumar 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to dissect the dynamic linkages between foreign equity flows, exchange rates and equity returns in the Philippines.Design/methodology/approachUsing a parsimonious SVARX‐GARCH model and unique daily equity flow data, this research models the relationship between net equity flows, conditional variance of stock returns and conditional variance of exchange rates.FindingsThe authors find several noteworthy results, which are unique to this study and several results that confirm existing literature. Much of existing literature on foreign equity flows into emerging economies find that foreign equity investors are trend chasers and equity flows are auto correlated. The authors confirm these finding in the Philippines and document two new and important findings. First, it was found that unexpected increases in foreign equity flows to the Philippines increases the conditional volatility of the Filipino stock market significantly over the next two weeks of trading. The second major finding is that unexpected shocks to foreign equity flows sharply increases the conditional variance of the USD/PHP exchange rate over the next two to three weeks of trading.Practical implicationsTaken together, the results indicate that foreign equity investment, while providing many benefits for small open economies such as the Philippines, does in the short run increase the conditional variance of both the equity market and exchange rates. Policy makers must weigh the benefits of increased risk sharing and the potential for lower costs of capital with the short‐run potential for increase swings in asset prices.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the only studies of its kind to test the impact of foreign equity flows on the conditional volatility of returns and exchange rates.
Health and well being boards – developing transformational relationships
Authors: Allen Simon , Rowse Janet 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the discourse on the role and efficacy of the newly emerging health and well being boards which are established within the Health and Social Care Act 2012. It also aims to propose the importance of high functioning relationships underpinning clear but flexible local design.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the reflections of the chair of the shadow Health and Well Being Board in Bath and North East Somerset and the chief executive of one of the local provider organisations. They share a commitment to effective joint working and see the workings of health and well being boards epitomising the functionality of local interagency working. This is explored through a case study of the development of the Health and Well Being Board in Bath and North East Somerset.FindingsThe paper proposes the importance of high functioning relationships that can transcend structures and suggests that health and well being boards be considered as system orchestrators creating space for the challenge and creativity that creates “good enough” solutions to complex issues.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the active discourse on how best to establish and develop effective health and well being boards and aims to create value through shared learning and experience.
Profiting from poverty: ethics of microfinance in BOP
Authors: Sama Linda M. , Mitch Casselman R. 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the ethical dilemmas that emerge when offering microfinance services in BOP markets.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing the ethical lenses of deontology, teleology, virtue ethics and moral relativism, the paper builds on prior research on ethical issues in BOP markets and the ethics of microfinance to highlight the specific stakeholder impacts facing MFIs. Relevant literature and examples from practice are utilized to illustrate the different ethical perspectives.FindingsIn general, many of the key dilemmas represent themselves in the extreme poverty segment of the BOP where commercial business models have the least traction.Research limitations/implicationsPropositions are developed for the corrective actions in the paper which might allow future research to uncover differences in intervention success in different BOP markets.Practical implicationsThe discussion of potential interventions for the various stakeholders may ameliorate criticisms of MFIs, suggest opportunities for cross‐sectoral partnerships and improve outreach to the poorest of the poor.Social implicationsFor each issue addressed, this paper looks at the types of corrections that are made or called for through markets, government actions and civil society to respond to the negative impacts uncovered through our analysis.Originality/valueThe analysis in this paper contributes to the theoretical ethical literature with a very specific application to an emerging concern in the field of microfinance. It also offers prescriptive scenarios for industry and public policy makers. It challenges the ethics underlying businesses that wish to target the full spectrum of Base of Pyramid participants.
Postural influences on the mechanical and neural components of the cardiovagal baroreflex
Authors: Taylor C. E. , Willie C. K. , Atkinson G. , Jones H. , Tzeng Y.‐C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe ability to maintain arterial blood pressure when faced with a postural challenge has implications for the occurrence of syncope and falls. It has been suggested that posture‐induced declines in the mechanical component of the baroreflex response drive reductions in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity associated with postural stress. However, these conclusions are largely based upon spontaneous methods of baroreflex assessment, the accuracy of which has been questioned. Therefore, the aim was to engage a partially open‐loop approach to explore the influence of posture on the mechanical and neural components of the baroreflex.MethodsIn nine healthy participants, we measured continuous blood pressure, heart rate,RRinterval and carotid artery diameter during supine and standing postures. The modifiedOxford method was used to quantify baroreflex sensitivity.ResultsIn response to falling pressures, baroreflex sensitivity was similar between postures (P = 0.798). In response to rising pressures, there was an attenuated (P = 0.042) baroreflex sensitivity (mean ± SE) in the standing position (−0.70 ± 0.11 beats min−1mmHg−1) compared with supine (−0.83 ± 0.06 beats min−1mmHg−1). This was explained by a diminished (P = 0.016) neural component whilst standing (−30.17 ± 4.16 beats min−1mm−1) compared with supine (−38.23 ± 3.31 beats min−1mm−1). These effects were consistent when baroreflex sensitivity was determined usingRRinterval.ConclusionCardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity in response to rising pressures is reduced in young individuals during postural stress. Our data suggest that the mechanical component is unaffected by standing, and the reduction in baroreflex sensitivity is driven by the neural component.
Population pharmacokinetics of rituximab with or without plasmapheresis in kidney patients with antibody‐mediated disease
Authors: Puisset Florent , White‐Koning Mélanie , Kamar Nassim , Huart Antoine , Haberer Frédérique , Blasco Hélène , Le Guellec Chantal , Lafont Thierry , Grand Anaïs , Rostaing Lionel , Chatelut Etienne , Pourrat Jacques 
Published: February 2013

AimsBoth rituximab and plasmapheresis can be associated in the treatment of immune‐mediated kidney diseases. The real impact of plasmapheresis on rituximab pharmacokinetics is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare rituximab pharmacokinetics between patients requiring plasmapheresis and others without plasmapheresis.MethodsThe study included 20 patients receiving one or several infusions of rituximab. In 10 patients, plasmapheresis sessions were also performed (between two and six sessions per patient). Rituximab concentrations were measured in blood samples in all patients and in discarded plasma obtained by plasmapheresis using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method. Data were analysed according to a population pharmacokinetic approach.ResultsThe mean percentage of rituximab removed during the first plasmapheresis session ranged between 47 and 54% when plasmapheresis was performed between 24 and 72 h after rituximab infusion. Rituximab pharmacokinetics was adequately described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. Plasmapheresis had a significant impact on rituximab pharmacokinetics, with an increase of rituximab clearance by a factor of 261 (95% confidence interval 146–376), i.e. from 6.64 to 1733 ml h−1. Plasmapheresis performed 24 h after rituximab infusion decreased the rituximab area under the curve by 26%.ConclusionsPlasmapheresis removed an important amount of rituximab when performed less than 3 days after infusion. The removal of rituximab led to a significant decrease of the area under the curve. This pharmacokinetic observation should be taken into account for rituximab dosing, e.g. an additional third rituximab infusion may be recommended when three plasmapheresis sessions are performed after the first rituximab infusion.
Revisiting the concept of ‘style match’
Authors: Zhang Li‐fang , Sternberg Robert J. , Fan Jieqiong 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundIntellectual style, an encompassing term for such constructs as learning style, teaching style, teaching approach, and thinking style, refers to one's preferred way of processing information. For the past several decades, whether or not there is a need for a match between teachers’ teaching styles and students’ learning styles has been the focal point for debate among researchers, educators, and the general public.AimsThe preliminary objective of this research was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Preferred Teaching Approach Inventory (PTAI). The research's primary objective was to re‐examine the concept of ‘style match’ through testing the predictive power of students’ thinking styles for their preferred teaching approaches.SamplesData were collected from two samples of university students, one each from Shanghai, mainland China (N = 236), and Hong Kong (N = 123).MethodsParticipants provided the required demographic information and responded to two self‐report inventories: the Thinking Styles Inventory – Revised II and the PTAI.ResultsAcceptable reliability and good validity were found for the PTAI. All of the eight multiple regressions indicated that students’ thinking styles significantly contributed to their preferences for teachers’ teaching approaches. These contributions varied by gender among the Shanghai students and by academic discipline among the Hong Kong students.ConclusionsStudents, especially Shanghai female students and Hong Kong natural science students, are open to teaching approaches that do not precisely match their thinking styles. The concept of ‘style match’ requires new understanding. Findings have implications for research and education.
Making Sense of Neoliberal Securitization in Urban Policing and Surveillance
Authors: Deukmedjian John Edward 
Published: February 2013

Grâce à une analyse historique des fonctions de surveillance de police civile, cet article examine comment la titrisation civile se déroule en traitant disciplinaire‐surveillance et de sécurité‐surveillance des pratiques distinctes et des appareils qui fonctionnent respectivement à des moyens “centripètes” et “centrifuge” et en reconfigurant triangulation de Foucault de la gouvernance d'une matrice à deux par deux: la souveraineté‐gouvernement et de la discipline‐sécurité. Cet article montre comment la titrisation de police civile s'aligne avec la transformation actuelle du gouvernement à partir d'un centripète (Keynésienne) d'une centrifuge (néolibéral) la rationalité politique. Cela revêt une importance plus large de recherche: où la rationalité politique favorise l’équilibre n'avons‐nous pas trouver une prépondérance de la discipline‐surveillance? Où déséquilibre est promu n'avons‐nous pas trouver une prépondérance de la sécurité‐surveillance?Through a historic analysis of the surveillance functions of civil policing, this article considers how securitization is taking place by treating disciplinary surveillance and security surveillance as distinct practices and apparatuses that, respectively, function in “centripetal” and “centrifugal” ways and by reconfiguring Foucault's triangulation of governance to a two‐by‐two matrix: sovereignty government and discipline security. This article shows how the securitization of civil policing aligns with the current governmental transformation from a centripetal (Keynesian) to a centrifugal (neoliberal) governmentality. This has broader research significance: where governmentality promotes equilibrium do we not find a preponderance of disciplinary surveillance? Where disequilibrium is promoted do we not find a preponderance of security surveillance?
Twenty years of research shows UK child development team provision still varies widely for children with disability
Authors: Parr J. R. , Jolleff N. , Gray L. , Gibbs J. , Williams J. , McConachie H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo identify how services provided by child development teams (CDTs) have changed over 20 years. To what extent have major government initiatives aiming to improve the lives of children with disability and their families been implemented by teams?DesignSurvey sent to every UK CDT in 2009/2010; comparison with data gathered in 1988 and 1999.ResultsNinety‐four per cent (225/240) of CDTs responded; data on 242 teams were available from 1999 and 125 teams from 1988. Despite policy recommendations advocating the value of interdisciplinary team working, there was a decline in numbers of professionals working within the CDT multidisciplinary team. One‐third of all teams reported a reduction in their funding over the last 5 years. However, specialist clinics provided increased. Teams reported patchy adoption of national initiatives designed to improve provision. Transition services were underdeveloped.ConclusionsThis comprehensive survey of UK CDT service provision, as well as national studies of the healthcare experience of families with a disabled child, shows that improvements in provision are required.
Association between duration and quality of sleep and the risk of pre‐diabetes: evidence from NHANES
Authors: Engeda J. , Mezuk B. , Ratliff S. , Ning Y. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimsTo examine the association between duration and quality of sleep and the prevalence of undiagnosed and clinically identified diabetes mellitus and pre‐diabetes in a nationally representative sample.MethodsCross‐sectional study of 2285 participants ≥ 30 years old and without diagnosed sleep disorders from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2008). The primary exposures were sleep duration and quality. Sleep quality was assessed by questionnaire using trouble initiating sleep, trouble maintaining sleep, and waking up too early. The primary outcomes were clinically identified and undiagnosed pre‐diabetes and diabetes as defined by the American Diabetes Association using fasting plasma glucose (5.6–6.9 mmol/l = pre‐diabetes; ≥ 7.0 mmol/l = diabetes). Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association between sleep quality, sleep duration and glycaemic status.ResultsAfter adjustment for socio‐demographic characteristics and health behaviors, sleeping ≤ 5 h/night was associated with clinically identified pre‐diabetes (odds ratio 2.06, 95% CI 1.00–4.22 vs. 7 h). Both trouble maintaining sleep ≥ 5 times/month (odds ratio 3.50, 95% CI 1.30–9.45) and waking up too early ≥ 5 times/month (odds ratio 2.69, 95% CI 1.21–5.98) were also significantly associated with increased risk of clinically identified pre‐diabetes. Trouble initiating sleep and sleeping ≥ 9 h/night were not found to be associated with having diabetes.ConclusionsOnly clinically identified pre‐diabetes was associated with trouble maintaining sleep, waking up too early, and short sleep. No other relations were found to be significant. Findings suggest that poor sleep quality and short sleep duration were more strongly associated with clinically identified pre‐diabetes than 7–8 hours per day.