bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Import‐economic growth nexus: ARDL approach to cointegration
Authors: Islam Faridul , Muhammad Adnan Hye Qazi , Shahbaz Muhammad 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between import and economic growth for 62 countries.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) for long‐run relation and Granger causality test, in order to detect the direction of short‐run and long‐run causal relationship.FindingsThe results indicate that the long‐run relationship exists in the USA, the UK, Japan, Iceland, Canada, Italy, Algeria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Gabon, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, Bolivia, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Lesotho, Nicaragua, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, Congo, Gambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe when economic growth is dependent variable. This result confirms the importance of import in the process of sustainable economic growth of these countries. In alternative combination when import is dependent variable, the long‐run relationship is found in the USA, the UK, Japan, Finland, Iceland, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Bolivia, Cameroon, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Lesotho, Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Sudan, Swaziland, Thailand, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo, Gambia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Togo and Zambia. These findings confirm the importance of source of economic growth for import. On the other hand, the results of Granger causality test indicate mixed results but the importance is that in the case of higher income countries, there is unidirectional long‐run causality found from import to economic growth (except the USA, Iceland and Italy), and bidirectional long‐run causal relationship exists between import and economic growth in low income countries except Madagascar and Mauritania.Originality/valueThis paper provides the largest sample, including 62 countries, examining the relationship between import and economic growth, from 1971 to 2009.
Packaging in developing countries: identifying supply chain needs
Authors: Sohrabpour Vahid , Hellström Daniel , Jahre Marianne 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore packaging in developing countries by means of identifying and describing supply chain needs regarding packaging.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach is qualitative and includes an embedded single case study of ambient milk supply chains in developing countries. Data collection is based on the review of internal company documents, semi‐structured interviews with industrial experts and field observations.FindingsThe paper shows that secondary packaging is a vital supply chain component in these countries and that there are extensive interactions between packaging and the supply chain. The findings constitute a list of supply chain needs regarding secondary packaging broken down into categories. Moreover, propositions for managing the supply chain needs and challenges of packaging in developing countries are presented.Research limitations/implicationsIn the supply chains investigated, the focus is on the actors from the filling point at the manufacturer to the point of sale at retail stores in the ambient milk sector. To understand general aspects, the authors suggest further studies to test propositions developed in other contexts.Practical implicationsThe proposed list of packaging supply chain needs and suggested propositions provides insights into the issues and challenges of packaging as a part of designing and planning supply chains in developing countries and, by implication, in humanitarian supply chains that often (but not always) operate in such environments.Originality/valueThis research complements previous research in the areas of packaging and supply chain management by exploring supply chain needs regarding packaging in developing countries. It extends the traditional perspective of humanitarian logistics by linking supply chain thinking in developing countries to long‐term development and disaster relief logistics.
Specific association between bacteria and buoyant Microcystis colonies compared with other bulk bacterial communities in the eutrophic Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Shi Limei , Cai Yuanfeng , Kong Fanxiang , Yu Yang 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe diversity of buoyant Microcystis colony‐associated, settling particle‐associated and free‐living freshwater bacteria in the eutrophic Lake Taihu in China was compared by the polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes and by clone library analysis. The cluster analysis of DGGE profiles revealed that the buoyant Microcystis colony associates collected in summer and winter were clustered together and were distinct from settling particle‐associated and free‐living bacteria. In contrast, the bacterial communities of the latter two populations collected in summer were clustered together and varied from those collected in winter. The diversity indices of the Microcystis‐associated bacterial population were significantly lower than those of the other two bulk bacterial communities (P < 0.05). Clone library analysis revealed that no shared operational taxonomic units were found in the three populations. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that buoyant Microcystis‐associated bacteria were distinct from the other communities and that they were dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria were prevalent in all three habitats. Other bacterial taxa such as Planctomycetes, Verrucomicrobia, Gemmatimonadetes and Acidobacteria were associated with settling particles and with the water column. Buoyant Microcystis colonies, settling particles and the water column in the eutrophic lake are thus inhabited by different bacterial flora. In addition, specific bacterial communities are associated with buoyant Microcystis colonies.
Methylphenidate treatment affects mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in the striatum of young rats
Authors: Comim Clarissa M. , Pereira Josimar G. , Ribeiro Sandro J. , Quevedo João , Boeck Carina R. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveMethylphenidate (MPD) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and its therapeutic effect is attributed to the inhibition of dopamine.MethodsYoung male Wistar rats were administered MPD (1, 2, 5, or 10 mg/kg) once a day or an intraperitoneal injection of saline for 28 days (chronic treatment) or for 1 day (acute treatment). Two hours after the last administration the animals were decapitated and their striatum was dissected.ResultsIn this work, we show that continued treatment with MPD is capable of modifying the levels of phosphorylation of proteins JNK1/2 (c-Jun amino-terminal kinases 1 and 2) and ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2). Whereas the level of phosphorylation of protein ERK increased significantly, that of proteins JNK1/2 diminished.ConclusionThe alteration in the level of activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases can be a molecular mechanism through which MPD exerts its therapeutic effect.
Activation of GABAA receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex produces an anxiolytic-like response
Authors: Solati Jalal , Hajikhani Ramin , Golub Yulia 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesThere has been increasing evidence that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system is involved in the neurobiology of anxiety. The present study aimed to investigate the role of GABAergic systems in the modulation of anxiety in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats using the elevated plus maze test.MethodsRats were anaesthetised with a mixture of ketamine and xylazine, and then special cannulae were inserted stereotaxically into the mPFC. After 5–7 days of recovery, the effects of intra-mPFC administration of GABAergic agents were studied.ResultsBilateral injection of the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol (0.25, 0.5 and 1 μg/rat) produces an anxiolytic-like effect, shown by significant increases in the percentage of open-arm time (%OAT) and percentage of open-arm entries (%OAE). Intra-mPFC administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (0.25, 0.5 and 1 μg/rat) produces significant anxiogenic-like behaviour. However, intra-mPFC injection of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 μg/rat) and the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348 (5, 10 and 15 μg/rat) did not alter %OAT and %OAE significantly.ConclusionThe results of the present study demonstrate that the GABAergic system of the mPFC modulates anxiety-related behaviours of rats through GABAA receptors.
Kangaroo Mother Care in Kangaroo ward for improving the growth and breastfeeding outcomes when reaching term gestational age in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Ghavane Sunil , Murki Srinivas , Subramanian Sreeram , Gaddam Pramod , Kandraju Hemasree , Thumalla Sridevi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAim:  To study the effect of Kangaroo mother care in the Kangaroo ward in comparison with conventional care at neonatal unit on growth and breastfeeding in very low birth weight infants at 40 weeks’ corrected gestational age.Methods:  One hundred and forty neonates with birth weight <1500 g were randomized. The primary outcome was the average weight gain (g/kg/day) from the time of randomization to term gestational age.Results:  Mean birth weight, age in days and weight at randomization were similar in both the groups. At term gestational age, average weight gain (g/kg/day) post randomization (23.3 ± 8.7 g vs. 22.64 ± 9.1 g, p = 0.67) and breastfeeding rate (85.9% vs. 87.0%) were comparable. There was no difference in weight gain (g/kg/day) from randomization to hospital discharge between the Kangaroo care group and conventional care group (18.01 g vs. 15.64 g, p = 0.12). Mortality, morbidities like sepsis, hypothermia, apnoea, hypoglycaemia and duration of hospitalization were equally distributed. On average, 11.5 days of intermediate care were saved in the kangaroo group.Conclusion:  Kangaroo mother care in the Kangaroo ward is as effective as conventional care in the neonatal unit without any increase in morbidity or mortality in stable VLBW infants.
Systematic comparison between ecological momentary assessment and day reconstruction method for fatigue and mood states in healthy adults
Authors: Kim Jinhyuk , Kikuchi Hiroe , Yamamoto Yoshiharu 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesWhile both ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and the day reconstruction method (DRM) have been used to overcome recall bias, a full systematic comparison of these methods has not been conducted. This study was aimed to investigate the differences and correlations between momentary fatigue and mood states recorded by EMA and reconstructed ones recorded by simultaneous DRM in healthy adults.DesignEach of two different designs (time‐based and episode‐based) of EMA and DRM were simultaneously conducted.MethodsTwenty‐five healthy adults recorded momentary fatigue and mood states with EMA, and then, reconstructed them with DRM. Differences between the mean and the variability of momentary and reconstructed recordings, and the correlations between them, are analysed for different EMA designs.ResultsNo significant differences are found between the mean or the variability of EMA and DRM estimated over the monitoring period. However, correlations between EMA and DRM are low, albeit statistically significant.ConclusionsAlthough the overall mean and variability of EMA recordings may be accessible with DRM, detailed changes over time of momentary fatigue and mood states are not retrieved by DRM.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? Day reconstruction method (DRM) may be a reliable substitute strategy for the measurement of subjective symptoms instead of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Remembering the context of daily activities with DRM is assumed to be helpful in reconstructing subjective symptoms without recall bias.What does this study add? We are not able to reconstruct our diurnal time course (i.e. detailed changes over time) of subjective symptoms (e.g. fatigue and mood states in this study) with DRM, while their approximate mean and overall variability during the study period may be accessible with DRM. Reconstructed depression by DRM could be biased when the subjects remembered whether their behaviour was active or inactive.
Allergen‐specific CD4+ T cell responses in peripheral blood do not predict the early onset of clinical efficacy during grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Bonvalet M. , Moussu H. , Wambre E. , Ricarte C. , Horiot S. , Rimaniol A.‐C. , Kwok W. W. , Horak F. , de Beaumont O. , Baron‐Bodo V. , Moingeon P. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundSurrogate biomarkers of efficacy are needed in support of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to relate changes in peripheral CD4+ T cell responses to clinical efficacy during sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).MethodsAllergen‐specific CD4+ T cell responses were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 89 grass pollen‐allergic individuals enrolled in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled SLIT study conducted in an allergen exposure chamber (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00619827). Surface phenotype, proliferative responses, cytokine production and gene expression were analysed in coded samples at baseline, and after 2 and 4 months of SLIT, in PBMCs after in vitro allergen stimulation or among MHC class II/peptide (pMHCII)‐tetramer‐positive CD4+ T cells.ResultsSLIT induced a 29.3% improvement of the average rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score in the active group, when compared to the placebo group. In parallel, only minor changes in proportions of CD4+ T cells expressing Th1 (CCR5+, CXCR3+), Th2 (CRTh2+, CCR4+) and Treg (CD25+, CD127‐, Foxp3+) markers were detected. A down‐regulation of IL‐4 and IL‐10 gene expression and IL‐10 secretion (P < 0.001) were observed, as well as a decrease in the frequency of potential “pro‐allergic” CD27‐ Th2 cells from patients receiving active tablets (P < 0.001), but without any correlation with clinical benefit. pMHCII‐tetramer analyses failed to document any major impact in both numbers and polarization of circulating Phl p 1‐ and Phl p 5‐specific CD4+ T cells, confirming that early clinical improvement during SLIT is not associated with dramatic alterations in T lymphocyte responses.Conclusion & Clinical RelevanceChanges in patterns of peripheral CD4+ T cells are not markers for the early onset of efficacy during SLIT.
High incidence of DNA ploidy abnormalities and increased Mcm2 expression may predict malignant change in oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia
Authors: Gouvêa Adriele F , Santos Silva Alan R , Speight Paul M , Hunter Keith , Carlos Román , Vargas Pablo A , de Almeida Oslei P , Lopes Márcio A 
Published: September 2012

AimsTo assess the DNA content of cases of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) and correlate the DNA ploidy findings with the expression of Mcm2, geminin, and Ki67, and with clinicopathological data.Methods and resultsDNA quantification was performed by image cytometry using the ACIS III Automated Cellular Imaging System. Expression of Ki67, Mcm2 and geminin was determined by immunohistochemistry. There were 21 cases of PVL, the female/male ratio was 6:1, and the average age was 65.5 years. Seventeen patients (81.0%) did not report tobacco and alcohol consumption. Nine patients (42.9%) developed verrucous or squamous cell carcinoma. Levels of Mcm2 expression showed a positive correlation with increasingly severe epithelial changes (P = 0.03). Twenty patients had their DNA examined by ACIS III, and 19 (95%) showed aneuploidy. The frequency and severity of aneuploidy (P < 0.0001), the mean values of the DNA heterogeneity index (P < 0.0001) and the 5n‐exceeding fractions (P = 0.0007) increased according to epithelial alterations. Abnormal DNA content was observed even in the more indolent lesions.ConclusionsMcm2 expression and DNA ploidy analysis could be used to predict areas of malignant transformation. The clinicopathological findings associated with the immunohistochemical and DNA ploidy results support the distinct and aggressive profile of this entity.
Consumers' knowledge and perceptions on utilization of theMorama bean (Tylosema esculentum) inBotswana
Authors: Mahgoub Salah E.O. , Mthombeni Fungi M. , Maswabi Elizabeth B. , Jackson Jose C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMorama bean (Tylosema esculentum) is one of the wild legumes that grow in some parts of theSouthernAfrican countries likeBotswana,Namibia andSouthAfrica. A descriptive survey research design was conducted to assess consumers' knowledge, perceptions and utilization ofMorama bean inBotswana. A structured questionnaire was used for face to face interviews. Results indicated that a high percentage of families useMorama beans for food. Other minor uses included decoration and medicine. The majority of respondents indicated that they were unaware of the nutritional qualities of the bean and of any Morama products available in the market. However, they did indicate that they would like to seeMorama bean as part of some food products in the market. Development of viableMorama bean products can play a significant role in encouraging farmers to cultivateMorama on a commercial level – a wish expressed by some respondents. However, there is a need to embark on educational programmes that are aimed at creating and increasing awareness on the importance ofMorama bean and other similar uncultivated food crops. Knowledge about the role and benefits of indigenous foods in ensuring food security can help communities to utilize resources around them. The findings raised a number of issues that should be of interest to policy makers and the community as a whole. Follow‐up of these findings may help in better utilization ofMorama beans.
The use of FEIBA® in the correction of coagulation abnormalities induced by dabigatran
Authors: Khoo T.‐L. , Weatherburn C. , Kershaw G. , Reddel C.J. , Curnow J. , Dunkley S. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryIntroductionStudies have shown dabigatran to be an effective anticoagulant with an acceptable bleeding profile. None the less, these patients do suffer from bleeding complications. Unfortunately, there are currently no direct reversal agents to dabigatran or established guidelines on the management of bleeding in these circumstances.MethodsWe examined the effects on thrombin generation parameters, after ex‐vivo spiking the plasma of patients on dabigatran (n = 8) with FEIBA®. These parameters were measured using the calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) machine.ResultsIn our study, we showed the ability of FEIBA® to improve the abnormal thrombin generation parameters caused by dabigatran in these patients.ConclusionThis provides evidence, lacking in the literature, that this agent may be able to provide haemostatic support in situations where dabigatran induced coagulopathy exists.
When herbivores come back: effects of repeated damage on induced resistance
Authors: Underwood Nora 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Plants are known to respond to damage with subsequent changes in resistance. The consequences of these changes for plant fitness and herbivore populations will depend on both the response of a plant to a particular attack at a given moment and on how plants respond through time to varying levels of damage and varying numbers of attacks. While a small number of studies document how induced resistance changes with time after attack (time course of induction) and different levels of damage, few studies have examined the cumulative level of resistance after multiple attacks, and little is known about how the plant's response to damage changes with subsequent attacks.

Two experiments were conducted to address the consequences of repeated damage for resistance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, var Castlemart) to a common pest, the beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua). The first experiment documented the time course of resistance following a single damage event using both growth and choice bioassays. The second experiment examined whether the plant responded differently to one versus two damage events.

Results show that plants were significantly induced by day 1 and remained induced until 15 or 20 days later, suggesting that repeated damage during the response to initial damage is possible. Plants receiving a second bout of damage were able to further increase their resistance level over the level reached in response to a first bout of damage, but the magnitude of response to the second damage event was initially smaller and slower than the response to a single damage event.

There was no evidence in this study for immune‐like memory in induced resistance. Results of this study suggest that plants can respond to repeated damage, but that there is some limit on responses to repeated damage. Such limits on total plant resistance will affect the influence of induced resistance on herbivore populations and are consistent with assumptions of existing models of induced resistance and herbivore population dynamics, although models have not yet considered the consequences of slower rather than smaller responses to repeated damage.
Successful sidetracking of a well onshore Germany by integration of 3D vertical seismic profiling technology – a case study
Authors: Frehers S. , Ogliani F. , Rüth G. , Burg T. Ter 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTThe exploration for and exploitation of deep Lower Rotliegend gasfields onshore in North Germany often suffers from poor surface seismic imaging. This is owing to the depth of the reservoirs and a thick and complex Zechstein salt overburden. RWE Dea conducted a 3D vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey in a low‐performing production well after the borehole was plugged near total depth. Our main objective was to improve the seismic image of the reservoir zone in the vicinity of the well to determine a new landing point for a planned sidetrack. Because acquisition was in a densely populated and also partially environmentally protected area, there were surface restrictions concerning source deployment. Additionally, due to the complex geological setting, we conducted two 2D VSP field tests and thorough pre‐survey modelling to achieve the best results in terms of seismic imaging, environmental impact and reasonable cost. Deformation bands in the drill core suggest that the initial well was drilled close to a major fault, which was regarded as the main reason for the disappointing production rate. Therefore, we put special emphasis on fault detection in our processing and interpretation. Our interpretation approach used an enhanced structural mapping workflow that helped to design a sidetrack. When the sidetrack was drilled two years later, it ended up being one of the most productive wells in the field.