bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time series analysis of interdependent phases of the electricity industry in South Korea
Authors: Heshmati Almas , Kim Yeonhak 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study specifies and estimates a model to investigate the relationship between different phases of the electricity industry and market. These include the generation, transmission, distribution and demand segments. Common variables that explain these segments are identified and their effects estimated. Korean time series data from the period 1961 to 2008 are considered for the empirical analysis. In the study, a series of steps is conducted. First, using cointegration and causality tests, the relationships between the variables of interest are established. Second, each phase is specified as a function of its determinants. Third, the phases are then estimated as an interdependent recursive system. By using the predicted values of variables from the previous phases, a possible endogeneity problem is avoided. Fourth, a model for the forecast is specified and estimated, and the future demand predicted. Finally, based on the results, policy guidelines are suggested to improve the market structure of the industry, and measures are proposed to achieve the stated goals of the industry and market.
MEASURING THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDENTS IN SECOND‐YEAR MICROECONOMICS
Authors: SMITH LEONARD C. , RANCHHOD VIMAL 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis paper analyses the impact of educational interventions made in the first‐ and second‐year microeconomics courses on academic development students' final mark in the second‐year course. It also addresses issues of methodology, specification, and statistical analysis with respect to other studies in the field. The results suggest that the educational interventions in the first‐year had a positive impact on the academic performance of the academic development cohort, relative to the mainstream cohort for the first period (2000‐2002). The results also suggest that the educational interventions introduced in the second period (2003‐2005), in the form of voluntary workshops, improved the academic performance of the academic development and mainstream cohorts.
NO‐ARBITRAGE ONE‐FACTOR MODELS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN TERM STRUCTURE OF INTEREST RATES
Authors: ALING PETER , HASSAN SHAKILL 
Published: September 2012

AbstractShort‐term interest rate processes determine the term structure of interest rates in an arbitrage‐free market and are central to the valuation of interest rate derivatives. We obtain parameter estimates and compare the empirical fit of alternative one‐factor continuous‐time processes for the South African short‐term interest rate (and hence of arbitrage‐free term structure models) using Gaussian estimation methods. We find support only for diffusions where the interest rate volatility is moderately sensitive to the level of the interest rate. Other common models with restrictions that either preclude this effect, or restrict it to be too high, do not fit the data. Differences in the specification of the drift function have no evident effect on model performance.
REVISITING THE EFFICIENT MARKET HYPOTHESIS FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES: PANEL SURKSS TEST WITH A FOURIER FUNCTION
Authors: ZHANG DONGXIANG , WU TSUI‐CHIH , CHANG TSANGYAO , LEE CHIA‐HAO 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study applies the panel seeming unrelated regression of the Kapetanios‐Shin‐Snell (SURKSS) test with a Fourier function to investigate the time‐series properties of stock prices in five African countries (i.e. Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia) over the period of January 2000–April 2011. The empirical results from the univariate unit root and panel‐based unit root tests indicate that unit root hypothesis can not be rejected for these five countries under study. However, results from the panel SURKSS test with a Fourier function indicate that unit root hypothesis can be rejected for Egypt and Morocco, two countries under study. Our results indicate that the weak‐form efficient market hypothesis holds in the other three countries, namely, Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia.
INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY AND MANUFACTURING EXPORTS IN AFRICA: A FIRM‐LEVEL ANALYSIS
Authors: MOYO BUSANI 
Published: September 2012

AbstractUsing bilateral trade flow models, a body of empirical work has documented how geography and infrastructure variables affect trade performance. However, in this paper, we apply censored regression models like the Tobit and Probit on firm‐level manufacturing data from 10 African countries, and results suggest that inadequate infrastructure in the form of customs, transport, electricity and water negatively affects export intensity and participation. Owning a generator and private water source also appear to have a significant impact on exports. This, therefore, means that firms can minimise the impact of power and water disruption on production, and hence trade by installing these alternative energy and water sources.
Development of natural tolerance and induced desensitization in cow’s milk allergy
Authors: Savilahti Emma M. , Savilahti Erkki 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCow’s milk allergy (CMA) affects 2–3% of infants. It resolves in the great majority spontaneously during childhood. CMA encompasses a spectrum of clinical and immunologic characteristics. Non‐IgE‐mediated allergy typically resolves earlier than IgE‐mediated allergy. The most documented prognostic characteristic is that intense‐specific IgE response predicts persistence of CMA. Low serum levels of cow’s milk (CM)‐specific IgG4 are also associated with persistent CMA. Natural development of tolerance involves an immunologic shift where Th2 responses diminish, and Th1 as well as T regulatory cell responses strengthen. Accordingly, specific IgE levels decrease and specific IgG4, possibly also IgA, levels increase in serum. Specific oral immunotherapy (OIT) with CM induces desensitization in most cases where spontaneous recovery has not yet occurred. Data on long‐term tolerance induction are still scarce. According to current research data, the immunologic changes induced by OIT resemble those seen during natural development of tolerance.
Zariski chambers on surfaces of high Picard number
Authors: Bauer Thomas , Schmitz David 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe present an improved algorithm for the computation of Zariski chambers on algebraic surfaces. The new algorithm significantly outperforms the currently available method and therefore allows us to treat surfaces of high Picard number, where huge numbers of chambers occur. As an application, we efficiently compute the number of chambers supported by the lines on the Segre–Schur quartic.
Draft Genome Sequence of Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. fusiforme ATCC 51190
T
Authors: Park Soon-Nang , Kong Si-Won , Park Mo-Se , Lee Jee-Won , Cho Eugene , Lim Yun Kyong , Choi Mi-Hwa , Kim Hwa-Sook , Chang Young-Hyo , Shin Jeong Hwan , Park Hong-Seog , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kook Joong-Ki 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Fusobacterium nucleatum
, one of the major causative bacteria of periodontitis, is classified into five subspecies (
nucleatum
,
polymorphum
,
vincentii
,
animalis
, and
fusiforme
) on the basis of the several phenotypic characteristics and DNA homology. This is the first report of the draft genome sequence of
F. nucleatum
subsp.
fusiforme
ATCC 51190
T
.
Genome Sequence of Brucella melitensis S66, an Isolate of Sequence Type 8, Prevalent in China
Authors: Ke Yuehua , Yuan Xitong , Zhen Qing , Wang Yufei , Li Tiefeng , Sun Yingjie , Song Hongbin , Huang Liuyu , Wang Dali , Cui Buyun , Mao Kairong , Chen Zeliang 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Brucella melitensis
is the most-represented
Brucella
species causing human brucellosis in China. Here we report the complete genome sequence of
B. melitensis
strain S66, a representative strain of sequence type 8 (ST8), which is prevalent in China, making it possible to compare the genome sequences of isolates from different countries.
Draft Genome Sequence of Moritella dasanensis Strain ArB 0140, a Psychrophilic Bacterium Isolated from the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Lee Sung Gu , Koh Hye Yeon , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kang Sung-Ho , Kim Hak Jun 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The psychrophilic bacterium
Moritella dasanensis
strain ArB 0140 was isolated near a glacier in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Here we report a 4.89-Mb draft genome sequence of
Moritella dasanensis
ArB 0140, which could provide comprehensive information on a psychrophilic mechanism in extreme environments.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Marine Streptomyces sp. Strain AA1529, Isolated from the Yellow Sea
Authors: Xiong Zhi-Qiang , Wang Yong 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Here we report the draft genome sequence of a
Streptomyces
strain, AA1529, isolated from marine sediment from the Yellow Sea. Its genome contains a subset of unique genes and gene clusters that encode diverse secondary metabolites, suggesting great potential as a source for the discovery of novel gene clusters and bioactive compounds.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814
T
Authors: Di Cagno Raffaella , De Angelis Maria , Cattonaro Federica , Gobbetti Marco 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The draft genome sequence of
Lactobacillus rossiae
DSM 15814
T
(CS1, ATCC BAA-88) was determined by a whole-genome shotgun approach. Reads were assembled to a 2.9-Mb draft version. RAST genome annotation evidenced 2,723 predicted coding sequences. Many carbohydrate, amino acid, and amino acid derivative subsystem features were found.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Recovered from Wild Bharal in Tibet, China
Authors: Bao Jingyue , Wang Qinghua , Parida Satya , Liu Chunju , Zhang Ling , Zhao Wenji , Wang Zhiliang 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

For the first time, here we announce the complete genome sequence of a field isolate of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) derived from macerated rectal tissue of a free living bharal (
Pseudois nayaur
) that displayed clinical disease consistent with severe infection with PPRV. Further, we compare the full genome of this isolate, termed PPRV Tibet/Bharal/2008, with previously available PPRV genomes, including those of virus isolates from domestic small ruminants local to the area where the reported isolate was collected. The current sequence is phylogenetically classified as a lineage IV virus, sharing high levels of sequence identity with previously described Tibetan PPRV isolates. Indeed, across the entire genome, only 26 nucleotide differences (0.16% nucleotide variation) and, consequently, 9 amino acid changes were present compared to sequences of locally derived viruses.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Street Rabies Virus Isolated from a Rabid Dog in China
Authors: Yu Fulai , Zhang Guoqing , Xiao Shaobo , Fang Liurong , Xu Gelin , Yan Jiaxing , Chen Huanchun , Fu Zhen F. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT
A rabies virus (RABV) was isolated from a dog in Anhui Province, China, in 2008. The virus was designated DRV-AH08. Its entire genome was sequenced and found to be closely related to RABV recently isolated in China and other Asian countries (homology of 87 to 98%) but distantly related to RABV in the “cosmopolitan” group (homology of 84 to 85%) in the clade I of RABV.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Recombinant Coxsackievirus B4 from a Patient with a Fatal Case of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Guangxi, China
Authors: Hu Y. F. , Du J. , Zhao R. , Xue Y. , Yang Fan , Jin Qi 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

The coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) belongs to human enterovirus B species within the family
Picornaviridae
. Here we report a novel complete genome sequence of a recombinant CVB4 strain, CVB4/GX/10, which was isolated from a patient with a fatal case of hand, foot, and mouth disease in China. The complete genome consists of 7,293 nucleotides, excluding the 3′ poly(A) tail, and has an open reading frame that maps between nucleotide positions 742 and 7293 and encodes a 2,183-amino-acid polyprotein. Phylogenetic analysis based on different genome regions reveals that CVB4/GX/10 is closest to a CVB4 strain, EPIHFMD-CLOSE CONTACT-16, in the 5′ half (VP4∼2B) of the genome, although it is closer to a Chinese CVB5 strain, CVB5/Henan/2010, in the 3′ half (2C∼3D) of the genome. Furthermore, similar bootscan analysis based on the whole genomes demonstrates that recombination has possibly occurred within the 2C domain and that CVB4/GX/10 is a possible progeny of intertypic recombination of the CVB4 strain EPIHFMD-CLOSE CONTACT-16 and CVB5/Henan/2010 that occurred during their cocirculation and evolution, which is a relatively common phenomenon in enteroviruses.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Novel European Clade Bovine Foamy Viruses from Germany and Poland
Authors: Hechler Torsten , Materniak Magdalena , Kehl Timo , Kuzmak Jacek , Löchelt Martin 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Bovine foamy virus (BFV), or bovine spumaretrovirus, is an infectious agent of cattle with no obvious disease association but high prevalence in its host. Here, we report two complete BFV sequences, BFV-Riems, isolated in 1978 in East Germany, and BFV100, isolated in 2005 in Poland. Both new BFV isolates share the overall genetic makeup of other foamy viruses (FV). Although isolated almost 25 years apart and propagated in either bovine (BFV-Riems) or nonbovine (BFV100) cells, both viruses are highly related, forming the European BFV clade. Despite clear differences, BFV-Riems and BFV100 are still very similar to BFV isolates from China and the United States, comprising the non-European BFV clade. The genomic sequences presented here confirm the concept of high sequence conservation across most of the FV genome. Analyses of cell culture-derived genomes reveal that proviral DNA may specifically lack introns in the
env-bel
coding region. The spacing of the splice sites in this region suggests that BFV has developed a novel mode to express a secretory but nonfunctional Env protein.
Improving safety and efficiency during emergent central venous catheter placement with a needleless securing clamp
Authors: Silich Bert , Chrobak Paul , Siu Jeffrey , Schlichting Adam , Patel Samir , Yang James 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveTo compare the needleless securing clamp to the traditional suture-secured clamp for central venous catheters.MethodsCompare the holding strength of each type of clamps by measuring the amount of kinetic energy absorbed, ask 20 physicians to evaluate the clamp placement using sutures or staples, and summarise the clamps effectiveness and complications in 10 patients.ResultsCompared to sutured clamp, the needleless clamp was more secure. The needleless clamp was also significantly better with regard to ease of use, safety, perceived strength (p value <0.002), and insertion time was reduced by 63%. No adverse events or skin infections occurred while using the needleless clamps.ConclusionsWithout incurring complications or increasing risk to patients, the needleless clamp is secure and improves safety and efficiency for physicians.
Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin improves disposition strategies for patients with acute dyspnoea: results from the BACH trial
Authors: Möckel Martin , Searle Julia , Hartmann Oliver , Anker Stefan D , Peacock W Frank , Wu Alan H B , Maisel Alan ,   on behalf of the BACH Writing group
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo assess the value of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in guiding patient disposition from the emergency department (ED), as one of the key factors of hospital resource utilisation, in undifferentiated patients with acute dyspnoea.MethodsWe used clinical and outcome data from a large international biomarker study (BACH trial) and analysed data of all 1557 patients of the European and US sites presenting with acute dyspnoea. Patients were discharged or transferred from the ED to different levels of care (general ward, monitoring unit, intensive care unit). This original patient disposition was compared with the hypothetical disposition based on an adapted method of net reclassification improvement (NRI), which upgraded or downgraded patients from one level of care to the other based on the MR-proADM test result.ResultsMR-pro-ADM was significantly higher in patients who died during the follow-up than in survivors (p<0.0001). When applying the adapted NRI model, 30 additional patients from the European Union (EU) and 55 additional patients from USA were theoretically discharged (increase of 16.5%) if MR-proADM had been used for patient management. The overall NRI, adding up the rates of upgrades and downgrades, in the EU was 16.0% (95% CI 8.2% to 23.9%). A total of n=72 (9.9%) patients changed disposition when adding MR-pro ADM. In the USA, the overall NRI was 12.0% (5.7%–18.4%) and a total of n=81 (11.2%) patients changed disposition.ConclusionsMR-proADM has the potential to guide initial disposition of undifferentiated ED patients with acute dyspnoea and might therefore be helpful to improve resource utilisation and patient care.
SECURITY OF A NEW TWO-WAY CONTINUOUS-VARIABLE QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION PROTOCOL
Authors: SUN MAOZHU , PENG XIANG , SHEN YUJIE , GUO HONG 
Published: September 2012

The original two-way continuous-variable quantum-key-distribution (CV-QKD) protocols [S. Pirandola, S. Mancini, S. Lloyd and S. L. Braunstein, Nat. Phys. 4 (2008) 726] give the security against the collective attack on the condition of the tomography of the quantum channels. We propose a family of new two-way CV-QKD protocols and prove their security against collective entangling cloner attacks without the tomography of the quantum channels. The simulation result indicates that the new protocols maintain the same advantage as the original two-way protocols whose tolerable excess noise surpasses that of the one-way CV-QKD protocol. We also show that all sub-protocols within the family have higher secret key rate and much longer transmission distance than the one-way CV-QKD protocol for the noisy channel.
How Do Annuloplasty Rings Affect Mitral Annular Strains in the Normal Beating Ovine Heart?
Authors: Bothe Wolfgang , Rausch Manuel K. , Escobar Kvitting John-Peder , Echtner Dominique K. , Walther Mario , Ingels Neil B. , Kuhl Ellen , Miller D. Craig 
Published: September 2012

Background—
We hypothesized that annuloplasty ring implantation alters mitral annular strains in a normal beating ovine heart preparation.

Methods and Results—
Sheep had 16 radiopaque markers sewn equally spaced around the mitral annulus. Edwards Cosgrove partial flexible band (COS; n=12), St Jude complete rigid saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring (RSA; n=10), Carpentier-Edwards Physio (PHY; n=11), Edwards IMR ETlogix (ETL; n=11), and GeoForm (GEO; n=12) annuloplasty rings were implanted in a releasable fashion. Four-dimensional marker coordinates were obtained using biplane videofluoroscopy with the ring inserted (ring) and after ring release (control). From marker coordinates, a functional spatio-temporal representation of each annulus was generated through a best fit using 16 piecewise cubic Hermitian splines. Absolute total mitral annular ring strains were calculated from the relative change in length of the tangent vector to the annular curve as strains occurring from control to ring state at end-systole. In addition, average Green-Lagrange strains occurring from control to ring state at end-systole along the annulus were calculated. Absolute total mitral annular ring strains were smallest for COS and greatest for ETL. Strains for RSA, PHY, and GEO were similar. Except for COS in the septal mitral annular segment, all rings induced compressive strains along the entire annulus, with greatest values occurring at the lateral mitral annular segment.

Conclusions—
In healthy, beating ovine hearts, annuloplasty rings (COS, RSA, PHY, ETL, and GEO) induce compressive strains that are predominate in the lateral annular region, smallest for flexible partial bands (COS) and greatest for an asymmetrical rigid ring type with intrinsic septal-lateral downsizing (ETL). However, the ring type with the most drastic intrinsic septal-lateral downsizing (GEO) introduced strains similar to physiologically shaped rings (RSA and PHY), indicating that ring effects on annular strain profiles cannot be estimated from the degree of septal-lateral downsizing.
Evidence of a Vicious Cycle in Mitral Regurgitation With Prolapse
Authors: Otani Kyoko , Takeuchi Masaaki , Kaku Kyoko , Haruki Nobuhiko , Yoshitani Hidetoshi , Eto Masataka , Tamura Masahito , Okazaki Masahiro , Abe Haruhiko , Fujino Yoshihisa , Nishimura Yousuke , Levine Robert A. , Otsuji Yutaka 
Published: September 2012

Background—
In patients with mitral valve prolapse, nonprolapsed leaflets are often apically tented. We hypothesized that secondary left ventricular dilatation attributed to primary mitral regurgitation (MR) causes papillary muscle (PM) displacement, resulting in this leaflet tenting/tethering, and that secondary tethering further exacerbates malcoaptation and contributes to MR severity.

Methods and Results—

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 25 patients with posterior mitral leaflet prolapse with an intact anterior mitral leaflet (AML) and 20 controls. From 3D zoom data sets, 11 equidistant antero-posterior cut planes of the mitral valve at midsystole were obtained. In each plane, tenting area of nonprolapsed leaflet and prolapse area of prolapsed leaflet were measured. Prolapse/tenting volume of each region was obtained as the product of interslice distance and the prolapse/tenting area. AML tenting volume and whole leaflet prolapse/tenting volume were then obtained. The PM tethering distance between PM tips and anterior mitral annulus was measured from 3D full-volume data sets. The severity of MR was quantified by vena contracta area extracted from color 3D transesophageal echocardiography data sets. AML tenting volume was significantly larger in patients with posterior mitral leaflet prolapse compared with that in controls (1.2±0.5 versus 0.6±0.2 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified independent contribution to AML tenting volume from an increase in PM tethering distance. Multivariate regression analysis identified independent contributions to MR severity (vena contracta area) from both whole leaflet tenting volume (
r
=0.44;
P
<0.05) and prolapse volume (
r
=0.44;
P
<0.05). AML tenting volume decreased along with left ventricular volume and PM tethering distance postrepair (n=8;
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—
These results suggest that primary mitral valve prolapse with MR causes secondary mitral leaflet tethering with PM displacement by left ventricular dilatation, which further exacerbates valve leakage, constituting a vicious cycle that would suggest a pathophysiologic rationale for early surgical repair.