bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A scalable architecture for concurrent online auctions
Authors: Karakostas Bill 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYOnline auction systems are characterised by a number of functional and performance management requirements, caused by the potentially very large numbers of distributed concurrent bidders, as well as by the auction rules. Such systems are typically implemented as three tier, thread‐based architectures, whose performance does not scale up well with an increase in the number of concurrent bidders. Nor such systems can take advantage of new Cloud based environments. In this paper, we propose an architectural framework for online auctions developed on top of a soft real‐time platform (Open Telecom Platform) using a concurrent language (Erlang) and an embedded Web server (Yaws). The proposed framework can scale up to hundreds of thousands of concurrent users while its performance can benefit from multicore and symmetric multiprocessing computer architectures. We demonstrate the capabilities of the framework by developing prototypes for two auction types known as ‘unique bid’ and ‘penny’, analyse their performance characteristics and compare them with that of existing auction systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus: is it feasible?
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Maggi Daria , Maurizi Anna Rita , Pozzilli Paolo , Buzzetti Raffaella 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe increasing global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires the implementation of preventive strategies to halt this trend, tailored to the specific needs of individual regions. Risk factors for T2DM are among the main targets for improving health outcomes and curbing the development of diabetes; excessive weight and obesity are two of the most important risk factors that need to be addressed. A growing body of evidence suggests that subjects with pre‐diabetes who lose body weight and increase physical activity can delay or prevent the onset of T2DM, and in some cases, blood glucose levels may return to normal. Several studies have shown that moderate to intensive levels of exercise are effective in reducing both intra‐abdominal and total adiposity among obese subjects, both improving cardiovascular risk profile and reducing the risk of T2DM development. These consistent observations have given rise to large‐scale randomized controlled trials that use lifestyle intervention (including behavioural strategies for the reinforcement of prescribed changes in nutritional intake, physical activity or both), with or without pharmacological treatment, in populations at high risk of developing T2DM. In this review, large‐scale national trials that have focused on the prevention of T2DM are critically evaluated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of aspirin and statins on long‐term survival in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction complicated by heart failure: an analysis of 1706 patients
Authors: Lewinter Christian , Bland John M. , Crouch Simon , Cleland John G.F. , Doherty Patrick , LeWinter Martin M. , Køber Lars , Hall Alistair S. , Gale Christopher P. 
Published: December 2013

AimsAspirin and statins are established therapies for acute myocardial infarction (MI), but their benefits in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remain elusive. We investigated the impact of aspirin and statins on long‐term survival in patients hospitalized with acute MI complicated by HF.Methods and resultsOf 4251 patients in the Evaluation of Methods and Management of Acute Coronary Events (EMMACE)‐1 and ‐2 observational studies, 1706 patients had HF. A propensity score‐matching method estimated the average treatment effects (ATEs) of aspirin and statins on survival over 90 months. ATEs were calculated as relative risk differences in all‐cause mortality comparing patients receiving aspirin and statins with controls, respectively. Moreover, combined aspirin and statins vs. none (ATE I), aspirin or statins vs. none (ATE II), and aspirin and statins vs. aspirin or statins (ATE III) were assessed. The median survival times of the ATE I, ATE II and ATE III were 25, 50, and 85 months, respectively. Regarding aspirin, the ATE was significantly improved at 6, 12, and 90 months [ATE 6 months: 10%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3–18%], where the ATE of statins favoured survival at 1–24 months (ATE 1 month: 5%, 95% CI 0.3–10%). Mortality was lower at 1, 6, and 24 months in those who received aspirin and statins (ATE I). When the combination was compared with either treatment alone, an effect persisted between 6 and 90 months (ATE III).ConclusionIn patients with acute MI complicated by HF, prescription of aspirin and statins either alone or together was associated with better long‐term survival.
Concise Asymmetric Synthesis of β‐Trifluoromethylated α,β‐Diamino Esters through Addition Reactions of Glycine Esters to CF3‐Sulfinylimine
Authors: Xie Chen , Mei Haibo , Wu Lingmin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract(S)‐N‐(tert‐Butylsulfinyl)‐3,3,3‐trifluoroacetaldimine underwent reactions with enolates of glycine esters with quite remarkable stereochemical results, that is, with virtually complete (>99 % de) diastereoselectivity and excellent (>98 %) yields. Furthermore, the reactions are conducted under operationally convenient conditions (Cs2CO3‐catalyzed, ambient temperature) to provide the most advanced, general, and scalable access to biologically important β‐trifluoromethylated α,β‐diamino acids.
Analysis of transient scattering problems using a discontinuous Galerkin method: application to the shielding effectiveness of enclosures with heterogeneous walls
Authors: Boubekeur Mohamed , Kameni Abelin , Pichon Lionel , Modave Axel , Geuzaine Christophe 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYIn this paper, different formulations of Maxwell equations are combined for computing the shielding effectiveness of enclosures made from heterogeneous periodic materials. The validity of the homogenized parameters given by Maxwell‐Garnett rules in the frequency domain are tested in the time domain by using a nodal DG method, which uses an interface condition based on analytical solution in the frequency domain to replace a conductive sheet. This interface condition allows to avoid meshing the thin sheet, thus reducing the computational cost. Results of scattering by composite enclosures are presented in the frequency domain thanks to a FFT. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Secrets of Operational and Organizational Due Diligence
Authors: Recardo Ronald J. , Toterhi Tim 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCompanies that opt to grow by merging with or acquiring another organization must systematically address the due diligence phase of the process. In particular, their leaders must focus on the key issues affecting the target organization's operations and organizational structure. These include distribution channels, consolidation of physical assets, business strategies, value chains and processes, human resources practices, talent retention, and change management. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Operational Excellence in the Greek Brewing Industry
Authors: Vrellas Charisis G. , Tsiotras George D. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAn overview of the two largest breweries in Greece reveals some of the ways that operational excellence can be achieved in the brewing industry. At Athenian Brewery SA, one of the largest companies in Greece, the total quality management philosophy addresses product quality and safety, environmental protection, and employee health and safety to focus on stakeholders' needs and well‐being. In addition to implementing a total productive management program to drive continuous improvement, the organization's leaders also pay particular attention to raw material quality and the distribution network to ensure customer satisfaction. At Mythos Brewery SA, Greece's second‐largest brewing company, a revamped information management system complemented the company's emphasis on recycling and other sustainability initiatives to cut costs and improve productivity. Pioneers in operational excellence in a demanding market, these two companies serve as role models for other organizations in their region and industry. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Holocene warming marked by abrupt onset of longer summers and reduced storm frequency around Greenland
Authors: MAYEWSKI P. A. , SNEED S. B. , BIRKEL S. D. , KURBATOV A. V. , MAASCH K. A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe abrupt climate shifts identified in Greenland ice cores transformed understanding of the climate system. Although primarily studied in the paleoclimate record, abrupt climate change induced by greenhouse gas rise poses a serious threat to modern humans and ecosystems. We present the first ultra‐high‐resolution view (hundreds of samples per year) of the abrupt onset (within 1 year) of the current interglacial (warm) climate retrieved from the Greenland Ice Sheet Project Two (GISP2) ice core archive. This abrupt onset is manifested by a marked reduction in storm event frequency and increase in the length of the summer season around Greenland. We apply this metric to the current rapid climatic amelioration in the Arctic as a precursor for future abrupt climate change events.
Inhibitory receptor molecules in chronic hepatitis B and C infections: novel targets for immunotherapy?
Authors: Hakim Mohamad S. , Spaan Michelle , Janssen Harry L. A. , Boonstra Andre 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYChronic HBV and HCV infections are the leading cause of liver‐related morbidity and mortality. For effective antiviral immunity, virus‐specific T cells are required, but these cells have been shown to be weak or absent in chronic HBV and HCV patients. One of the mechanisms that underlies the impaired T‐cell response is the result of the continuously high viral load that causes HBV‐specific and HCV‐specific T cells to become exhausted, which is characterized by impaired proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxic activity of T cells as well as high susceptibility to apoptosis. In vitro studies from chronic HBV and HCV patients as well as in vivo studies in animal models demonstrated a reversible state of T‐cell exhaustion, which can be manipulated to reinvigorate the specific antiviral immune responses. In chronic HCV infection, this concept has been explored in clinical trials by administration of specific antibody to block the inhibitory pathways. The manipulation of inhibitory receptors is a promising and potential strategy for immunotherapeutic interventions in chronic HBV and HCV patients to facilitate complete elimination of the viruses or sustained viral control. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An instrument for analyzing arguments produced in modeling‐based chemistry lessons
Authors: Mendonça Paula Cristina Cardoso , Justi Rosária 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPrevious research on argumentation in science education has focused on the understanding of relationships between modeling and argumentation (an important topic that only recently has been addressed in few empirical studies), and the methodological difficulties related to the analysis of arguments produced in classrooms. Our study is related to these two aspects. This paper introduces an instrument to analyze arguments produced by students involved in modeling‐based lessons, and discusses the instrument in the light of the current literature. This instrument has been successfully used to analyze arguments in modeling‐based contexts through focus on analysis of plausibility of arguments regarding a given idea or model, and a documentation of the main elements (justification, evidence) and goals of an argument (explanation and persuasion). It has some advantages over other proposals found in the literature, mainly the consideration of the notion of scientific curricular argument (that allows the analysis of arguments in the light of student's knowledge and evidence available in the modeling process), and the distinction between the types of justification (that are important for monitoring the understanding of abstract phenomena). Therefore, it supports the analysis of argumentative situations that occur in regular classes, showing how the quality of students' arguments varies when they participate in distinct activities. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 192–218, 2014
Management of Thoracic Esophageal Perforation
Authors: Lin Yidan , Jiang Guangliang , Liu Lunxu , Jiang Jack Xiwen , Chen Longqi , Zhao Yongfan , Yang Junjie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterize an optimal strategy in managing thoracic esophageal perforation, focusing on the differential diagnosis and treatment of patients with contained versus noncontained perforations and on the importance of the time interval between injury and repair and how that affects the outcome of a primary repair.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted. A strict definition of contained or noncontained perforation was based on a combination of esophagography, chest CT scan, and endoscopy as well as monitoring systemic symptoms. Management options for our cohort included conservative therapy, primary repair and debridement, esophagectomy, and mesh‐covered stents. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the time interval after injury: ≤48‐h group and >48‐h group.ResultsBetween January 1997 and January 2013, a total of 66 consecutive patients (47 males and 19 females, mean age = 49.1 ± 16.2 years) were treated for thoracic esophageal perforation. Perforation was confirmed by esophagography in 51 patients and by endoscopy in 15 patients. Eighteen patients were assigned to the contained perforation group. All these patients were successfully cured without surgery. The noncontained group included 48 patients; its mortality rate was 7.7 % (3/39) with surgery and 55.6 % (5/9) with stent placement. Compared with the contained group, the noncontained group had a significantly longer length of stay (LOS) (16 ± 3.2 vs. 26.3 ± 18.7 days; p < 0.05) and a higher mortality rate (0 vs. 22.9 %, p < 0.05). In the two time‐interval groups, patient characteristics, including age, gender, and comorbidities, etiologic cause, length and location of the perforation, and the incidence of using tissue buttress were similar (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative leak was significantly higher in >48‐h group (0 in ≤48‐h group vs. 37.5 % in >48‐h group; p < 0.01). In addition, the >48‐h group had a significantly longer LOS (18.0 ± 9.1 days in ≤48‐h group vs. 31.5 ± 18.6 days in >48‐h group; p < 0.01). The two deaths occurred in the >48‐h group (0 in ≤48‐h group vs. 12.5 % in >48‐h group; p > 0.05) due to postoperative leaks.ConclusionsContained or noncontained perforation should be rigorously differentiated. Then, for a contained perforation, conservative therapy coupled with repeated imaging is reasonable treatment. For a noncontained perforation, a primary repair can be safely performed within 48 h after injury. After that, a primary repair is still reasonable but is associated with an increased risk of postoperative leaks.
Examining Relational Empowerment for Elementary School Students in a yPAR Program
Authors: Langhout Regina Day , Collins Charles , Ellison Erin Rose 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper joins relational empowerment, youth empowerment, and Bridging Multiple Worlds frameworks to examine forms of relational empowerment for children in two intermediary institutions—school and a youth participatory action research after‐school program (yPAR ASP). Participants were twelve children, most of whom were Latina/o and from im/migrant families, enrolled in a yPAR ASP for 2 years. A mixed‐method approach was utilized; we analyzed children's interviews, self‐defined goals, and their social networks to examine their experiences of relational empowerment. We conclude that children experienced each of the five relational empowerment factors—collaborative competence, bridging social divisions, facilitating others’ empowerment, mobilizing networks, and passing on a legacy—in the yPAR ASP setting, and some factors in school. These experiences, however, were more pronounced in the yPAR ASP setting. Additionally, social network analyses revealed that a small but meaningful percentage of actors bridged worlds, especially home and family, but by year 2, also school and the yPAR ASP. Finally, most helpers for school‐based goals came from school, but a sizable number came from family, friends, and home worlds, and by year 2, also came from the yPAR ASP. Implications range from theoretical to methodological development, including the use of social network analysis as a tool to descriptively examine relational power in context.
Clinical features and ETFDH mutation spectrum in a cohort of 90 Chinese patients with late‐onset multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Xi Jianying , Wen Bing , Lin Jie , Zhu Wenhua , Luo Sushan , Zhao Chongbo , Li Duoling , Lin Pengfei , Lu Jiahong , Yan Chuanzhu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe major cause of lipid storage myopathies (LSM) in China is multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) caused by ETFDH mutations. We here present an analysis of the spectrum of ETFDH mutations in the largest cohort of patients with MADD (90 unrelated patients). We identified 61 ETFDH mutations, including 31 novel mutations, which were widely distributed within the coding sequence. Three frequent mutations were identified: c.250G > A (most common in South China), c.770A > G and c.1227A > C (most common in both South and North China). Regional differences of allele frequency and further haplotype analysis suggest the possibility of founder effects of c.250G > A and c.770A > G. These findings promise to provide the basis for implementing a rapid and economical strategy for diagnosing MADD.
Virtual Recentralization: Pilgrimage as Social Imaginary in the Demilitarized Islands between China and Taiwan
Authors: Lin Wei-Ping 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDrawing on ethnography from Mazu, a group of demilitarized islands between China and Taiwan, this article argues that contemporary pilgrimage is an imaginative work that generates hope and potentialities for the increasingly marginalized islanders. I explore the imaginative qualities of the rituals, qualities that I refer to collectively as “virtual recentralization.” “Recentralization” connotes the islanders' longing to regain their Cold War status as the focal point between China and Taiwan, even though the desired goal can only be “virtual” as cross-strait tensions continue to diminish. These pilgrimages, with their eclectic, improvisatory, and novel forms, differ from traditional pilgrimages in important ways: rather than transmitting permanent and solid religious values, they are oriented towards performance and are imbued with elements of fiction and fantasy. They are the means by which the Mazu islanders, in this neoliberal era, imagine their future, reconfigure political, economic, and religious space, and forge new connections between China, Taiwan, and even the wider world.
Effects of rapeseed and soybean oil dietary supplementation on bovine fat metabolism, fatty acid composition and cholesterol levels in milk
Authors: Altenhofer Christian , Spornraft Melanie , Kienberger Hermine , Rychlik Michael , Herrmann Julia , Meyer Heinrich HD , Viturro Enrique 
Published: December 2013

The main goal of this experiment was to study the effect of milk fat depression, induced by supplementing diet with plant oils, on the bovine fat metabolism, with special interest in cholesterol levels. For this purpose 39 cows were divided in three groups and fed different rations: a control group (C) without any oil supplementation and two groups with soybean oil (SO) or rapeseed oil (RO) added to the partial mixed ration (PMR). A decrease in milk fat percentage was observed in both oil feedings with a higher decrease of −1·14 % with SO than RO with −0·98 % compared with the physiological (−0·15 %) decline in the C group. There was no significant change in protein and lactose yield. The daily milk cholesterol yield was lower in both oil rations than in control ration, while the blood cholesterol level showed an opposite variation. The milk fatty acid pattern showed a highly significant decrease of over 10 % in the amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in both oil feedings and a highly significant increase in mono (MUFA) and poly (PUFA) unsaturated fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) included. The results of this experiment suggest that the feeding of oil supplements has a high impact on milk fat composition and its significance for human health, by decreasing fats with a potentially negative effect (SFA and cholesterol) while simultaneously increasing others with positive (MUFA, PUFA, CLA).
Chloride channels are necessary for full platelet phosphatidylserine exposure and procoagulant activity
Authors: Harper M T , Poole A W 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPlatelets enhance thrombin generation at sites of vascular injury by exposing phosphatidylserine during necrosis-like cell death. Anoctamin 6 (Ano6) is required for Ca2+-dependent phosphatidylserine exposure and is defective in patients with Scott syndrome, a rare bleeding disorder. Ano6 may also form Cl− channels, though the role of Cl− fluxes in platelet procoagulant activity has not been explored. We found that Cl− channel blockers or removal of extracellular Cl− inhibited agonist-induced phosphatidylserine exposure. However, this was not due to direct inhibition of Ca2+-dependent scrambling since Ca2+ ionophore-induced phosphatidylserine exposure was normal. This implies that the role of Ano6 in Ca2+−dependent PS exposure is likely to differ from any putative function of Ano6 as a Cl− channel. Instead, Cl− channel blockade inhibited agonist-induced Ca2+ entry. Importantly, Cl− channel blockers also prevented agonist-induced membrane hyperpolarization, resulting in depolarization. We propose that Cl− entry through Cl− channels is required for this hyperpolarization, maintaining the driving force for Ca2+ entry and triggering full phosphatidylserine exposure. This demonstrates a novel role for Cl− channels in controlling platelet death and procoagulant activity.
Extended time processing for passive bistatic radar
Authors: Smith Graeme E. , Chetty Kevin , Baker Christopher John , Woodbridge Karl 
Published: December 2013

The authors present a novel optimisation of calculation of the range‐velocity surface for passive bistatic radar (PBR). Unlike other optimisations, the time‐bandwidth product is maintained by ensuring that maximum integration gain is achieved. The advocated technique also permits extended observation intervals without increased processing. Continuous signals of opportunity are interrupted in the receiver; this enables high coherence over extended data acquisition times facilitating high Doppler/velocity resolution. The effect of this technique on integration gain and robustness to target decorrelation is investigated using a simulation. A validating experiment is reported in which a prototype PBR obtains a velocity resolution of 0.07 ms−1 when measuring a human target.