bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a directly cooled PV/T
Authors: Mtunzi Busiso , Meyer Edson L. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to design and implement a directly cooled photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) hybrid system.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research design subjects, instruments and methods that were used to collect data are as detailed in the paper. Two polycrystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules were used in this study.

Findings
– The directly water-cooled PV module (PV/T) was found to operate better as compared to a naturally cooled module for the first three months. The PV/T initially operated at a higher electrical efficiency for 87 per cent of the day. The monthly energy-saving efficiency of the PV/T was found to be approximately 61 per cent, while the solar utilisation of the naturally cooled PV module M1 was found to be 8.79 per cent and that of M2 was 47.93 per cent.

Research limitations/implications
– The major limitation was the continued drop in efficiency after the first three months of the PV/T placed outdoors. The fall in the efficiency was attributed to water ingress.

Practical implications
– Direct water cooling of PV modules is possible, only that a better sealing is needed to prevent water ingress.

Originality/value
– PV air cooling has been researched on. Use of water as a cooling medium has been carried out using serpentine pipes or riser tube, and no direct water cooling on the back of the module has been researched on.
Concept of dependent joints in functional reconfigurable robots
Authors: Mekid Samir , Shang M. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to discuss an example of modelling with experiments of robot prototype with dependent joint concept, including a full description of related functionalities. Reduction in active degrees of freedom in a machine can lead to improved accuracy, improved reliability and lower cost. The reconfiguration of machines and systems is a key technology for future responsive manufacturing systems. The concept of dependent joints helps to implement much specified sub-workspaces depending on functional needs in the machine.Design/methodology/approach– This is inherently made possible using smart mechanical concepts having embedded sensors and reconfigurable control systems. This paper introduces structural reconfiguration systems and discusses a sample approach to functional reconfiguration.Findings– A successful manipulator design with extended features when considering reduction in active degrees of freedom in a machine would lead to specific sub-workspace with improved accuracy, improved reliability and lower cost.Research limitations/implications– Reduction in active degrees of freedom in a machine can lead not only towards a dedicated functional workspace but also towards improved accuracy, improved reliability and lower cost.Originality/value– This paper is of value to engineers and researchers developing robotic manipulators for use in various aspects of industry.
Currency risk impact on the financial performance of multilateral banks
Authors: Kamau Philip , Inanga Eno L. , Rwegasira Kami 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of currency risks on the financial performance of multilateral banks (MBs). Financial performance is measured here by after-tax accounting profitability or losses.

Design/methodology/approach
– Quantitative hypothesis regarding the impact of currency risks on the financial performance of MBs was tested by a two-tailed t test for significance of the b regression coefficient.

Findings
– A regression analysis was done on the total currency risk and financial performance of MBs after taking into account currency risk over eight years. The analysis of variance of the regression of the b coefficient led to non-rejection of the null hypothesis of no association, F(1, 6) = 0.77, p
>
0.05. The results of the two-tailed t test on the b regression coefficient suggest that the relationship between currency risk and financial performance is statistically insignificant. Therefore, it was concluded that there is no significant impact of currency risk on the financial performance of MBs.

Research limitations/implications
– The results of the study can be generalized only for MBs given their peculiar characteristics as wholesale banks, which are owned mainly by governments and are generally not listed on stock exchanges.

Originality/value
– The study is of value to those interested in the multilateral banking industry. To the authors’ knowledge it is the first study providing empirical evidence on currency risk impact on MBs financial performance. The study finds that the currency risk impact on the financial performance of MBs is insignificant. The results are also useful to managers of MBs in terms of benchmarking their effectiveness in managing currency risk compared to their peers and learn from better performers. It has also policy implications in terms of justifying the current self-regulatory status, shareholder monitoring and governance of MBs as they are not significantly impacted by currency risk as it appears to be effectively managed.
High‐density lipoprotein acts as an opsonin to enhance phagocytosis of group A streptococcus by U937 cells
Authors: Liu Ling , Zhou Lulei , Li Yuxin , Bai Wencheng , Liu Na , Li Wenlong , Gao Yumin , Liu Zhi , Han Runlin 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTWe have previously demonstrated that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) can specifically bind to streptococcal collagen‐like protein 1 (Scl1) of M41‐type group A Streptococcus (GAS). However, the pathological or physiological significance of Scl1−HDL interaction is unknown. Here, the hypothesis that HDL acts as an opsonin to enhance phagocytosis of HDL‐bound GAS by monocytes given that some scavenger receptors can mediate the endocytosis of HDL was tested by using FITC‐labeled bacteria, human U937 monocytes and HDL for phagocytic assays. HDL (10 µg/mL) was found to significantly enhance internalization of M41‐type (ATCC 12373) GAS by U937 cells after 60 min incubation, compared with an HDL‐free group. The internalized GAS were dead after 60 min incubation with U937 cells regardless of presence and absence of HDL. Although very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) could specifically bind to ATCC 12373 strain, it did not promote phagocytosis of GAS. Additionally, LDL, HDL and VLDL did not enhance phagocytosis of CMCC 32198 strain because this strain did not bind to these lipoproteins. A physiological concentration of HDL (1000 µg/mL) had a similar effect. Anti‐CD36 antibody completely abolished opsonic phagocytosis whereas anti‐CD4 antibody did not, indicating that CD36 is the major scavenger receptor mediating the uptake of HDL‐opsonized GAS by U937 cells. Furthermore, because rScl1 competitively blocked the interaction of ATCC 12373 strain with HDL recombinant Scl1 (rScl1) derived from M41‐type GAS, it significantly decreased opsonophagocytosis of ATCC 12373 strain but not of CMCC 32198 strain. Therefore, our findings suggest that HDL may be an opsonin that enhances CD36‐dependent opsonophagocytosis of GAS by U937 cells.
ER stress‐induced autophagy in melanoma
Authors: Meng Xiao‐Xiao , Yao Mu , Zhang Xu Dong , Xu Hong‐Xi , Dong Qihan 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe activation of RAF‐MEK–extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade by v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)V600E mutation is a key alteration in melanoma. Although BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) has achieved remarkable clinical success, the positive response to BRAFi is not sustainable, and the initial clinical benefit is eventually barred by the development of resistance to BRAFi. There is growing evidence to suggest that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced autophagy could be a potential pro‐survival mechanism that contributes to genesis of melanoma and to the resistance to BRAFi. ER stress‐induced autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved membrane process. By degrading and recycling proteins and organelles via the formation of autophagous vesicles and their fusion with lysosomes, the autophagy plays a key role in homeostasis as well as pathological processes. In this review, we examine the autophagy phenomenon in melanocytic nevus, primary and metastatic melanoma, and its significance in BRAFi‐resistant melanoma.
Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers for Neolitsea sericea using Illumina paired‐end draft sequencing data
Authors: Moriguchi Yoshinari , Yamanaka Haruna , Ohdan Takashi , Fuji Shin‐ichi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSimple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed and characterized for Neolitsea sericea (Bl.) Koidz. (Lauraceae). Out of 196 designed primer pairs, a total of 144 pairs showed amplification, of which 44 had clear and stable chromatograms. Polymorphism of these 44 loci was tested using 32 individuals sampled from a single population of N. sericea. The number of alleles and the polymorphism information content varied from 3 to 12 and 0.271 to 0.853, respectively. A significant departure from the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium was observed in one of the 44 loci. These SSR markers are useful for population genetic studies and parentage analysis in N. sericea, which is one of the most common evergreen species in coastal Pinus thunbergii forests in central‐western Japan.
Why do women seek ultrasound scans from commercial providers during pregnancy?
Authors: Roberts Julie , Griffiths Frances E. , Verran Alice , Ayre Catherine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe commercial availability of ultrasound scans for pregnant women has been controversial yet little is known about why women make use of such services. This article reports on semi‐structured interviews with women in the UK who have booked a commercial scan, focusing on the reasons women gave for booking commercially provided ultrasound during a low‐risk pregnancy. Participants’ reasons for booking a scan are presented in five categories: finding out the sex of the foetus; reassurance; seeing the baby; acquiring keepsakes and facilitating bonding. Our analysis demonstrates that women's reasons for booking commercial scans are often multiple and are shaped by experiences of antenatal care as well as powerful cultural discourses related to ‘good’ parenting and the use of technology in pregnancy. Sociological and public debate about the availability of commercial ultrasound and its social and personal impacts should consider the wider sociocultural context that structures women's choices to make use of such services.
Effects of generalist herbivory on resistance and resource allocation by the invasive plant, Phytolacca americana
Authors: Huang Wei , Ding Jianqing 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSuccessful invasions by exotic plants are often attributed to a loss of co‐evolved specialists and a re‐allocation of resources from defense to growth and reproduction. However, invasive plants are rarely completely released from insect herbivory because they are frequently attacked by generalists in their introduced ranges. The novel generalist community may also affect the invasive plant's defensive strategies and resource allocation. Here, we tested this hypothesis using American pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.), a species that has become invasive in China, which is native to North America. We examined resistance, tolerance, growth and reproduction of plant populations from both China and the USA when plants were exposed to natural generalist herbivores in China. We found that leaf damage was greater for invasive populations than for native populations, indicating that plants from invasive ranges had lower resistance to herbivory than those from native ranges. A regression of the percentage of leaf damage against mass showed that there was no significant difference in tolerance between invasive and native populations, even though the shoot, root, fruit and total mass were larger for invasive populations than for native populations. These results suggest that generalist herbivores are important drivers mediating the defensive strategies and resource allocation of the invasive American pokeweed.
Mixed grain containing giant embryonic brown rice improves postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects
Authors: Park Eun‐Ock , Oh Mi‐Ra , Choi Eun‐Kyung , Shin Dong‐Hwa , Doo Jae‐Kyun , Kim Young‐Soo , Park Young‐Min , Jung Eun‐Soo , Park Byung‐Hyun , Chae Soo‐Wan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimMixed grain, which contributes to lowered glycaemic responses, has been shown to be effective in dietary management of patients with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.MethodsThe present study determined the postprandial blood glucose response of 20 healthy volunteers to mixed grains containing giant embryonic rice (MG‐GER) or giant embryonic brown rice (MG‐GEBR) compared with white rice (WR) in a randomised crossover design. Plasma glucose and serum insulin at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes were measured, and glycaemic index (GI) and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) were calculated.ResultsThe GIs for WR, MG‐GER and MG‐GEBR were 86.75 ± 5.78, 76.09 ± 7.01 and 69.33 ± 6.54, respectively. The 120‐minute iAUCs after administration of MG‐GER or MG‐GEBR were significantly lower than that of WR. In addition, the MG‐GEBR diet group had a significantly lower C‐peptide concentration at the 120‐minute time point when compared to the WR group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that consumption of MG‐GER or MG‐GEBR instead of WR is more effective to reduce postprandial glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion.
Improved Weather Generator Algorithm for Multisite Simulation of Precipitation and Temperature
Authors: King Leanna M. , McLeod A. Ian , Simonovic Slobodan P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe KnnCAD Version 4 weather generator algorithm for nonparametric, multisite simulations of temperature and precipitation data is presented. The K‐nearest neighbor weather generator essentially reshuffles the historical data, with replacement. In KnnCAD Version 4, a block resampling scheme is introduced to preserve the temporal correlation structure in temperature data. Perturbation of the reshuffled variable data is also added to enhance the generation of extreme values. The Upper Thames River Basin in Ontario, Canada is used as a case study and the model is shown to simulate effectively the historical characteristics at the site. The KnnCAD Version 4 approach is shown to improve on the previous versions of the model and offers a major advantage over many parametric and semiparametric weather generators in that multisite use can be easily achieved without making statistical assumptions dealing with the spatial correlations and probability distributions of each variable.
Musculoskeletal desmoid tumours: Pre‐ and post‐treatment radiological appearances
Authors: Liu Daniel , Perera Warren , Schlicht Stephen , Choong Peter , Slavin John , Pianta Marcus 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThis study was aimed to illustrate the pre‐ and post‐treatment imaging findings of musculoskeletal desmoid tumours and describe current treatment methods. Imaging of histologically proven cases of desmoid tumours at St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, were obtained via picture archiving communication system (PACS) and then assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Suitable imaging both pre‐ and post‐treatment were then obtained from PACS. All imaging chosen were de‐identified. Ninety‐two patients were found to have histologically proven cases of desmoid tumours between January 2000 and December 2013. Six patients with extra‐abdominal tumours were selected, where pre‐ and post‐treatment imaging was available. Desmoid tumours can occur in many areas of the body. Treatment of desmoids are varied. Although wide‐margin surgery has been the traditional form of treatment, it still cannot guarantee absence of tumour recurrence despite microscopically tumour‐free margins. Other forms of treatment such as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and also the conservative ‘watch and wait’ approach have been suggested, which show varying results.
Identification ofNorthSea molluscs withDNAbarcoding
Authors: Barco Andrea , Raupach Michael J. , Laakmann Silke , Neumann Hermann , Knebelsberger Thomas 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSequence‐based specimen identification, known asDNAbarcoding, is a common method complementing traditional morphology‐based taxonomic assignments. The fundamental resource inDNAbarcoding is the availability of a taxonomically reliable sequence database to use as a reference for sequence comparisons. Here, we provide a reference library including 579 sequences of the mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunitIfor 113NorthSea mollusc species. We tested the efficacy of this library by simulating a sequence‐based specimen identification scenario usingBestMatch, BestCloseMatch (BCM) and AllSpeciesBarcode (ASB) criteria with three different threshold values. Each identification result was compared with our prior morphology‐based taxonomic assignments. Our simulation resulted in 87.7% congruent identifications (93.8% when excluding singletons). The highest number of congruent identifications was obtained withBCMandASBand a 0.05 threshold. We also compared identifications with genetic clustering (BarcodeIndexNumbers,BINs) computed by theBarcode ofLifeDatasystem (BOLD). About 68% of our morphological identifications were congruent withBINs created byBOLD. Forty‐nine sequences were clustered in 16 discordantBINs, and these were divided in two classes: sequences from different species clustered in a singleBINand conspecific sequences divided in moreBINs. Whereas former incongruences were probably caused byBOLDentries in need of a taxonomic update, the latter incongruences regarded taxa requiring further investigations. These include species with amphi‐Atlantic distribution, whose genetic structure should be evaluated over their entire range to produce a reliable sequence‐based identification system.
Improvements to bronchoscopic brushing with a manual mapping method: A three‐year experience of 1143 cases
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tong Run , Wang Jianwei , Li Meng , He Shun , Cheng Shujun , Wang Guiqi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundConventional bronchoscopy with brushing alone for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is of low sensitivity. A manual mapping method was introduced and evaluated in this study, which could be routinely applied with bronchoscopic brushing to improve the sensitivity for malignant PPLs.MethodsThis mapping method involves the bronchoscopist drawing the route with a series of bronchial opening sketches and marking the leading bronchus at every bifurcation point based on thin‐section computed tomography. This map is then used to guide bronchoscope insertion for brushing. A cross‐sectional study on the evaluation of this method for the diagnosis of malignant PPLs was conducted on patients from July 2010 to June 2013.ResultsThe sensitivity for malignant PPLs of conventional brushing, conventional brushing with mapping on a portion of patients, and conventional brushing with mapping method increased from 17.0% to 25.8% to 31.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. For lesion sizes over 3 cm, the rate of these three groups increased from 25.1% to 38.6% to 50.9% (P < 0.001), respectively. The sensitivity of this mapping method for malignant PPLs was statistically associated with lesion size, lesion character, relationship between the lesion and the leading bronchus, linear distance between the targeted bronchus and the opening of the lobe bronchus, and accessibility (P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P < 0.001, P = 0.031, and P = 0.020, respectively).ConclusionsThe manual mapping method greatly increased the bronchoscopic brushing sensitivity for malignant PPLs compared to the conventional brushing method. During routine clinical work, it is economical and convenient for guiding bronchoscope insertion.
Identification of novel microtubule‐binding proteins by taxol‐mediated microtubule stabilization and mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: He Xianfei , Liu Zhu , He Qianqian , Qin Juan , Liu Ningning , Zhang Linlin , Li Dengwen , Zhou Jun , Shui Wenqing , Liu Min 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMicrotubule‐binding proteins (MBPs) are structurally and functionally diverse regulators of microtubule‐mediated cellular processes. Alteration of MBPs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including cancer. MBPs can stabilize or destabilize microtubules or move along microtubules to transport various cargoes. In addition, MBPs can control microtubule dynamics through direct interaction with microtubules or coordination with other proteins. To better understand microtubule structure and function, it is necessary to identify additional MBPs. In this study, we isolated microtubules and MBPs from mammalian cells by a taxol‐based method and then profiled a panel of MBPs by mass spectrometry. We discovered a number of previously uncharacterized MBPs, including several membrane‐associated proteins and proteins involved in post‐translational modifications, in addition to several structural components. These results support the notion that microtubules have a wide range of functions and may undergo more exquisite regulation than previously recognized.
Successful resection of a huge mediastinal liposarcoma extended to the bilateral thorax
Authors: Lin Feng , Pu Qiang , Ma Lin , Liu Chengwu , Mei Jiandong , Liao Hu , Guo Chenglin , Liu Lunxu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractLiposarcoma arising in the mediastinum is extremely rare. Herein we present a case of a 47‐year‐old man with a huge posterior mediastinal tumor that extended to the bilateral thorax. The patient underwent a complete resection of the tumor and experienced an uneventful recovery. Postoperative pathology finally revealed liposarcoma. The patient underwent follow‐up for 25 months, during which time no recurrence was found.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Questionnaire Based on the Nursing Outcomes Classification to Determine the Knowledge of Parents on Breast‐Feeding: Research Protocol
Authors: Paloma‐Castro Olga , Romero‐Sánchez José Manuel , Paramio‐Cuevas Juan Carlos , Pastor‐Montero Sonia María , del Carmen Sánchez‐Dalda María , Rozadillas‐Sanmiguel Elena , Moreno‐Corral Luis Javier 
Published: June 2015

PurposeTo develop and psychometrically evaluate a questionnaire based on the outcome “Knowledge: Breast‐feeding” of the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) to determine the knowledge of parents on breast‐feeding.BackgroundTheNOCoutcome “Knowledge: Breast‐feeding” allows for nurses/midwives to assess the efficacy of interventions aimed to improve the knowledge on breast‐feeding in parents thought the clinical interview/observation. However, the use of self‐administered questionnaires by patients could facilitate its evaluation.MethodsTwo‐phased study: (1) Development of the questionnaire based on experts' opinions; (2) Methodological design to assess its psychometric properties.Implications for Nursing PracticeThe availability of tools that enable the determination of the knowledge of patients would facilitate nurses/midwives to set objectives, individualize interventions, and measure their effectiveness.