bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymine distribution in genes provides novel insight into the functional significance of the proteome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum 3D7
Authors: Palanisamy Balamurugan , Ekambaram Rajasekaran , Heese Klaus 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Summary: Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)-mediated malaria is one of the most devastating diseases in the world, and the search for suitable antimalarial drugs remains an extraordinary challenge for scientists working in this area. Novel unconventional approaches could reveal new potential targets that may be useful for the treatment of malaria. We used a bioinformatics approach to analyze the entire genome of the Pf3D7 strain. Because the carbon (C-) content is a pivotal parameter that determines the hydrophobicity of a protein, which in turn controls protein folding and function, we analyzed the entire Pf3D7 proteome based on the gene’s thymine (T)-controlled amino acid expression. Our data disclose a total of 14 proteins encoded by chromosome-4 and chromosome-9 that have an outstanding T-encoded and C-controlled hydrophobic character. The identification of these proteins could open new pivotal drug-targeting avenues.
Contact: klaus@hanyang.ac.kr
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The effects of periodic marine inflow into the Baltic Sea on the migration patterns of Western Baltic spring-spawning herring
Authors: Miethe Tanja , Gröhsler Tomas , Böttcher Uwe , von Dorrien Christian 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Western Baltic spring-spawning herring (WBSSH, Clupea harengus L.) perform seasonal migrations between feeding grounds in the Skagerrak and Kattegat and their spawning sites in the Western Baltic Sea. The Sound, connecting the Kattegat to the Western Baltic Sea, is an important aggregation and transition zone for this herring stock during its spawning migration. We analysed data from the German autumn acoustic surveys of the years 1993–2009. These data revealed at least two different distribution patterns of herring in autumn: herring generally aggregated in the Sound, but in some years the majority of herring were detected further south, being outside of the Sound by the time of the survey. We tested whether observed annual differences in the herring migration can be explained by either stock characteristics (age and size) or hydrographical variables (salinity and oxygen concentration). Our results suggest that rather than being related to stock characteristics, the distribution pattern of herring was related to environmental conditions, i.e. to marine inflow events into the Baltic Sea. Barotropic inflow events in late summer and early autumn seem to prevent deoxygenation in the Sound and thereby favour the prolonged aggregation of herring in the Sound.
MRI May Serve as a Valid Alternative to Standing Radiography in Evaluating the Sagittal Alignment of the Upper Thoracic Spine
Authors: Wang Fei , Sun Xu , Mao Saihu , Liu Zhen , Qiao Jun , Zhu Feng , Zhu Zezhang , Pan Tao , Chen Ling , Zhao Qinghua , Qiu Yong 
Published: October 2013

Study Design:
This study is of a retrospective radiographic design.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to compare supine magnetic resonance images (MRI) with standing x-ray scanning in the evaluation of the sagittal alignment of the upper thoracic spine.

Summary of Background Data:
X-ray films have been reported to be inaccurate in evaluating the proximal thoracic sagittal alignment because of poor visibility of the upper thoracic region. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of supine MRI in evaluating spinal deformities in the coronal plane. However, no study has addressed the use of MRI for evaluating the sagittal alignment of the upper thoracic region.

Methods:
Ninety-six adolescents with idiopathic thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis were enrolled. The visibility of the upper thoracic spine landmarks from C7 to T6 in the lateral standing x-ray films was first graded. For patients with moderate or good clarity of the landmarks of each vertebra from C7 to T6 on x-ray films, the vertebral sagittal angles from T1 to T5 and the angle of T2–T5 kyphosis were measured by 3 observers on standing x-ray films and supine MRI images, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to determine the intraobserver, interobserver, and method reliability. The paired t test was performed to compare the measurements between the 2 methods.

Results:
The visibility of the upper thoracic region in x-ray films was generally unsatisfactory, especially for T1 and T2, whereas all the vertebrae were clear in MRI images. Only 50 patients’ x-ray films were graded as moderate or good visibility in the upper thoracic spine. Measurements on MRI images gave excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability (0.914–0.924 and 0.838–0.920, respectively), which were better than that on x-ray films (0.767–0.891 and 0.713–0.883, respectively). No significant difference was found between the 2 modalities in terms of sagittal angles of T3, T4, and T5 (P=0.680, 0.595, and 0.239, respectively) and T2–T5 kyphosis (P=0.105).

Conclusions:
With excellent measurement reproducibility, a supine MRI image may serve as a valid alternative to a standing x-ray film for the measurement for T3, T4, and T5 sagittal angles and for the evaluation of upper thoracic kyphosis.
Surgical Site Infections Following the Transoral Approach
Authors: Yin QingShui , Xia Hong , Wu ZengHui , Ma XiangYang , Ai FuZhi , Zhang Kai , Wang JianHua , Zhang Tao , Bai ZhaoHui , Wang ZhiYun 
Published: October 2013

Study Design:A retrospective review.Objective:The aim of this study was to discuss the characteristics, treatment, and incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following transoral approach surgery.Summary of Background Data:One of the primary risks associated with transoral approach surgery is postoperative SSI. Few reports exist detailing the specific circumstances, treatment options, and incidence of SSIs following transoral approach surgery in a large series of consecutive cases.Materials and Methods:From January 2005 to September 2010, 172 consecutive transoral surgeries were performed at a single tertiary referral center. Information on patients, treatment methods, and complication incidence and resolution was collected.Results:There were 6 cases of SSI (3.5%), all in complex craniocervical patients. Of the 6 cases, 2 (1.2%) were isolated local infections, whereas 4 (2.3%) resulted in intracranial infection. Of those with intracranial infections, 3 (75%) were instrumented, whereas 1 (25%) was uninstrumented. Four intraoperative dural lacerations occurred in the entire series (2.3%), all of which developed into intracranial infections. Full SSI resolution occurred in 4 (67%) patients following active treatment: in 3 of 4 patients (75%) with intracranial infections and in 1 of 2 patients (50%) with local infections. Of the 2 remaining unresolved cases, one patient (intracranial) refused removal of instrumentation and subsequently discontinued the treatment, and the other (local) experienced a delayed postoperative infection and died after not receiving treatment because of economic reasons. Following full implementation of care guidelines to avoid SSI in transoral patients, no further SSIs were observed.Conclusions:SSI rate following transoral exposure has increased from the authors’ earlier reports (0%), likely because of the increasing complexity and instrumentation of transoral approach cases. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage caused by dural injury highly predisposes to intracranial infection. Lumbar puncture, cranial computed tomography, continuous drainage diversion, and intrathecal injection of antibiotics are adequate methods of treatment. Strict consideration of surgical indications, adequate preoperative preparation, careful surgical technique to avoid dural injury, and postoperative oropharyngeal care are important steps for preventing SSI through the transoral approach.
Effects of AC interference on the optimum cathodic protection potential of X70 steel in soil solution
Authors: Ding Qingmiao , Li Zili , Hao Hongna 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The presence of alternating current (AC) causes serious damage on buried pipelines even when the off potential matches the −0.85 V/CSE criterion. The optimum cathodic protection potential (OCPP) is more accurate for cathodic protection. The paper aims to study how to get the optimum cathodic protection by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the effects of AC on the OCPP.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper describes the application of EIS to investigate the OCPP of X70 steel in a soil simulating solution with different AC interferences.

Findings
– The experimental results indicate that AC interference makes the OCPP decrease and the −0.85 V/CSE criterion is not reasonable when there is AC interference. When the AC voltage is less than 6 V, the OCPP is approximately −900 mV/SCE, and when AC voltage is more than 7 V, the OCPP is roughly −1,000 mV/SCE.

Originality/value
– There have been some researches on the OCPP, and the paper is the first one to study the AC effects on the OCPP and found that the OCPP changed when there was AC interference.
An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical study of the self-assembled monolayer phytic acid on the 430 stainless steel in NaCl solution
Authors: Cao Zhiyong , Wang Hairen , Jiang Yan , Qu June 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of inositol hexakisphosphoric (IP6) formed in NaCl solution at room temperature on the surface of Type 430 stainless steel (SS430) were studied. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– The corrosion inhibition behavior of the SAMs was examined by electrochemical polarization curves, and surface characterizations were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings
– The results showed that the IP6 molecules were adsorbed successfully on the SS430 surface and demonstrated the capability of corrosion inhibition. A maximum IE value of 71.81 percent was achieved due to co-adsorption of water. The SS430 electrodes exposed to media containing 5×10−3 mol/L of IP6 exhibited the best anti-corrosive performance.

Originality/value
– The present paper will report for the first time the adsorption and corrosion inhibition performances of IP6 SAMs on the SS430.
A Planet-Wide Information System
Authors: Ahamer Gilbert 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– Various economic growth theories propose a view of globalisation resulting in economic convergence. However, others suggest economic divergence (i.e. a widening gap between global rich and poor) and others still, different patterns of development. Hence it is necessary to validate such globalisation hypotheses with sound quantitative data.Design/methodology/approach– The paper proposes the “Global Change Data Base” (GCDB) that includes an analytical tool (AT) providing correlations between primary and secondary data (by country by year) from the fields of population, agriculture, economy, energy and human development.Findings– The AT is able to first test the hypotheses on global development and globalisation and second to suggest new hypotheses on the mechanisms of globalisation. Results can be used in curricula of Global Studies worldwide.Research limitations/implications– These data analysis has still to be complemented by sociological, political and economic theories providing insights into global restructuration processes and structural transitions through globalisation.Practical implications– “Forward-looking” as an emerging scientific discipline is supported by the proposed detailed analytical methods, namely by providing quantitative, in-depth techno-socio-economic megatrends.Social implications– The perception of globalisation might be rendered more inter-subjectively traceable by the GCDB.Originality/value– Up-to-date means of forward-looking are less detailed regarding economic sectors and energy sources compared to the proposed GCDB.
Global Education – an educational perspective to cope with globalisation?
Authors: Lehner Daniela , Wurzenberger Julia 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of Global Education (GE) from a “theory of action plan” and an “evolutionary and systems theory” approach as an educational perspective to cope with globalisation – more specifically, the challenges of globalisation. Moreover, an additional aim is to analyse the linkages of GE according to global society, global citizenship and transformative learning concepts.

Design/methodology/approach
– The analysis is based on a literature review regarding the challenges of globalisation combined with the theoretical pattern of GE separated into the following dimensions: objective/issues, temporal, spatial and social based on Lang-Wojtasik (2012), which will be further complemented with approaches from Selby and Rathenow (2006).

Findings
– GE is an educational perspective to cope with globalisation in consideration of different definitions and approaches of GE. The methods of GE, such as promoting a holistic view on the world, are designed based on the challenges of globalisation and, as a result, GE can provide perspectives for coping with globalisation.

Originality/value
– The challenges of globalisation are more and more noticeable in daily life. Therefore, it seems meaningful to the authors to resume an educational concept dealing with these challenges.
Measuring globalization
Authors: Zinkina Julia , Korotayev Andrey , I. Andreev Aleksey 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to encourage discussions regarding the existing approaches to globalization measurement (taking mainly the form of indices and rankings) and their shortcomings in terms of applicability to developing Global Studies curricula. Another aim is to propose an outline for the globalization measurement methodology that would take a systemic approach to revealing the global flows (both their direction and content) and networks, which will allow the multidimensionality in globalization measurement crucial for proposing and verifying formal explanations and hypotheses, as well as for developing globalization forecasts.

Design/methodology/approach
– Several methodologies for globalization measurements are compared in the paper, among the most important are variations of the index compilation methodology, and methods of network analysis.

Findings
– For Global Studies curricula, globalization measurement tools much more complex than indices are needed. A possible solution could lie in the analysis of country-to-country flows (and networks which these flows form), which appears much more data- and effort-consuming than the methodologies behind the index compilation, will allow the elaboration of a systemic vision of globalization and the interactions between its various aspects, which should necessarily underlie the Global Studies curricula.

Research limitations/implications
– The research concentrates upon the most widespread approaches to globalization measurements, such as the most widely recognized globalization indices, and the few attempts at country-to-country flows and networks measurement.

Originality/value
– The paper's originality/value lies in proposing an outline for a new multidimensional approach to measuring globalization based upon country-to-country flows and networks.
The impact of globalization on the formation of a global political system
Authors: V. Ilyin Ilya , Sergeevich Rozanov Alexander 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of globalization on the formation of a global political system.

Design/methodology/approach
– Taking into account the fact of global political evolution, the authors of the paper point out that the global political structures tend to change.

Findings
– During the past millennium the global political architecture has changed greatly from a state of low degree of cohesion and a simple structure to a fairly high level of unity and strong structure of today. Moreover, this development of the global political order was not just a simple change in the system of social relations, but also a directed search for such forms of organization that will be acceptable for a growing population.

Research limitations/implications
– The authors examine the development of a political system changing from the world phase to the global era. The paper aims to deepen the understanding of global political processes.

Practical implications
– The results of the research can be used as recommendations for state governments to strengthen the position of civil society and political institutions within a certain country.

Originality/value
– The development of a global political order was evolutionary in the sense that it took place as a “natural” process of “trial and error” (it can be viewed as a phenomenon of the deployment of evolution), which does not require the postulation of a general plan or focus. Political globalization is closely connected with the process of informatization. The global political system makes it easier to use information technologies as an instrument of political pressure.
Robust nonlinear HVAC systems control with evolutionary optimisation
Authors: Counsell John , Zaher Obadah , Brindley Joseph , Murphy Gavin 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– The purpose of this research is to design a robust high-performance nonlinear multi-input multi-output heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system controller for temperature and relative humidity regulation. Buildings are complex systems which are subjected to many unknown disturbances. Further complicating the control problem is the fact that, in practice, buildings and their systems have static nonlinearities such as power saturation that make stability difficult to guarantee. Therefore, in order to overcome these issues, a control system must be designed to be robust (performance insensitive) against uncertainties, static nonlinearities and effectively respond to unknown heat load and moisture disturbances.Design/methodology/approach– A state of the art nonlinear inverse dynamics (NID) technique is combined with a genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation scheme in order to improve robustness against uncertainty in the system's modelling assumptions. The parameter uncertainty problem is addressed by optimising the control system parameters over a specified range of uncertainty. The NID control structure provides further robustness with effective disturbance handling and a stability criteria that holds in the presence of actuator saturation.Findings– The proposed method delivers significantly more energy efficient performance whilst achieving improved thermal comfort when compared with a current industry standard HVAC controller design such as proportional-integral-derivative. The expected excellent response to disturbances is also demonstrated.Research limitations/implications– This method can easily be extended to account for other parameters with a specified uncertainty range.Practical implications– This research presents a method of optimised NID controller design which can be easily implemented in real HVAC controllers of building energy management systems with a high degree of confidence to provide high levels of thermal comfort whilst significantly reducing energy usage.Originality/value– A novel HVAC optimised NID control strategy using the robust inverse dynamics estimation feedback control topology with GA optimisation for improved robustness and tuning over a range of parameter uncertainty is described, designed and its performance benefits shown through simulation studies.
Multi-objective optimization for laminated steel sheet forming process based on desirability function approach and reliability analysis
Authors: Li Haibo , Chen Jun , Xiao Yuzhong 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– There are process uncertainties and material property variations during laminated steel sheet forming, and those fluctuations may result in non-reliable forming quality issues such as fracture and delamination. Additionally, the optimization of sheet forming process is a typical multi-objective optimization problem. The target is to find a multi-objective design optimization and improve the process design reliability for laminated sheet metal forming. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Desirability function approach is adopted to conduct deterministic multi-objective optimization, and response surface is used as meta-model. Reliability analysis is conducted to evaluate the robustness of the multi-objective design optimization. The proposed method is implemented in a step-bottom square cup drawing process. First, forming process parameters and three noise factors are assumed as probability variables to conduct reliability assessment of the laminated steel sheet forming process using Monte Carlo simulation. Next, only two forming process parameters, blank holding force and frictional coefficient, are considered as probability variables to investigate the influence of the forming parameter deviation on the variance of the response using the first-order second-moment method.

Findings
– The results indicate that multi-objective design optimization using desirability function method has high efficiency, and an optimized robust design can be obtained after reliability assessment.

Originality/value
– The proposed design procedure has potential as a simple and practical approach in the laminated steel sheet forming process.
Women managers in the United Arab Emirates: successful careers or what?
Authors: A. Tlaiss Hayfaa 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the career success of women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The paper examines the interplay of some of the macro-national and meso-organizational factors in explaining the micro-individual experiences of career success.Design/methodology/approach– The paper draws on in-depth interviews with 26 women managers in large private organizations in the UAE to explore whether they experienced their careers as successful or not and the measures they used to operationalize their career success.Findings– The findings presented in the paper support the use of a multi-level research design to capture the complexity of women's experience of career success. The findings illustrate how local cultural values, societal expectations, and organizational attitudinal and structural factors influence the experiences and the conceptualizations of career success of women in this research context.Originality/value– The originality of the paper is threefold. First, the value added of this research lies in exploring whether the women experienced career success or not and the reasons underscoring their experiences, before looking into how they measured that success. Second, the originality of the paper lies in adapting a relational multi-level framework that is commonly used in diversity management studies, to capture the multiple factors that impact the experiences and operationalization of career success of women. Third, the paper contributes to the limited research on the career experience of women in the UAE and the Arab Middle East in general.