bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coral transplantation triggers shift in microbiome and promotion of coral disease associated potential pathogens
Authors: Casey Jordan M. , Connolly Sean R. , Ainsworth Tracy D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBy cultivating turf algae and aggressively defending their territories, territorial damselfishes in the genusStegastesplay a major role in shaping coral-algal dynamics on coral reefs. The epilithic algal matrix (EAM) insideStegastes’ territories is known to harbor high abundances of potential coral disease pathogens. To determine the impact of territorial grazers on coral microbial assemblages, we established a coral transplant inside and outside ofStegastes’ territories. Over the course of one year, the percent mortality of transplanted corals was monitored and coral samples were collected for microbial analysis. As compared to outside damselfish territories,Stegasteswere associated with a higher rate of mortality of transplanted corals. However, 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that territorial grazers do not differentially impact the microbial assemblage of corals exposed to the EAM. Regardless ofStegastespresence or absence, coral transplantation resulted in a shift in the coral-associated microbial community and an increase in coral disease associated potential pathogens. Further, transplanted corals that suffer low to high mortality undergo a microbial transition from a microbiome similar to that of healthy corals to that resembling the EAM. These findings demonstrate that coral transplantation significantly impacts coral microbial communities and transplantation may increase susceptibility to coral disease.
The Integration of Sub-10 nm Gate Oxide on MoS2 with Ultra Low Leakage and Enhanced Mobility
Authors: Yang Wen , Sun Qing-Qing , Geng Yang , Chen Lin , Zhou Peng , Ding Shi-Jin , Zhang David Wei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe integration of ultra-thin gate oxide, especially at sub-10 nm region, is one of the principle problems in MoS2 based transistors. In this work, we demonstrate sub-10 nm uniform deposition of Al2O3 on MoS2 basal plane by applying ultra-low energy remote oxygen plasma pretreatment prior to atomic layer deposition. It is demonstrated that oxygen species in ultra-low energy plasma are physically adsorbed on MoS2 surfaces without making the flakes oxidized and is capable of benefiting the mobility of MoS2 flake. Based on this method, top-gated MoS2 transistor with ultrathin Al2O3 dielectric is fabricated. With 6.6 nm Al2O3 as gate dielectric, the device shows gate leakage about 0.1 pA/μm2 at 4.5 MV/cm which is much lower than previous reports. Besides, the top-gated device shows great on/off ratio of over 108, subthreshold swing (SS) of 101 mV/dec and a mobility of 28 cm2/Vs. With further investigations and careful optimizations, this method can play an important role in future nanoelectronics.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Insights into Membrane Permeabilization, Lipopolysaccharide Fragmentation and Application in Plant Disease Control
Authors: Datta Aritreyee , Ghosh Anirban , Airoldi Cristina , Sperandeo Paola , Mroue Kamal H. , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús , Kundu Pallob , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy , Bhunia Anirban 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe recent increase in multidrug resistance against bacterial infections has become a major concern to human health and global food security. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently received substantial attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics because of their potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. These peptides have also been implicated in plant disease control for replacing conventional treatment methods that are polluting and hazardous to the environment and to human health. Here, we report de novo design and antimicrobial studies of VG16, a 16-residue active fragment of Dengue virus fusion peptide. Our results reveal that VG16KRKP, a non-toxic and non-hemolytic analogue of VG16, shows significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and plant pathogens X. oryzae and X. campestris, as well as against human fungal pathogens C. albicans and C. grubii. VG16KRKP is also capable of inhibiting bacterial disease progression in plants. The solution-NMR structure of VG16KRKP in lipopolysaccharide features a folded conformation with a centrally located turn-type structure stabilized by aromatic-aromatic packing interactions with extended N- and C-termini. The de novo design of VG16KRKP provides valuable insights into the development of more potent antibacterial and antiendotoxic peptides for the treatment of human and plant infections.
Assessing the gender gap in labour market index: volatility of results and reliability
Authors: Castellano Rosalia , Rocca Antonella 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– The construction and use of composite indicators has recently increased considerably because such indicators permit the comparison and ranking of countries with respect to complex phenomena of global importance. Together with the diffusion of these composite indicators, a major debate has emerged over their real capacity to produce objective and reliable results. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– In this paper, an analysis of the results of the Gender Gap Labour Market Index (GGLMI) – an ad hoc composite indicator constructed by the authors to analyse the gender gap in European labour markets – is proposed, in order to identify the most appropriate choices in the construction of composite indicators, to obtain reliable results. This is a sensible approach, especially when various aspects (some of them controversial) have to be synthesised.Findings– In addition to highlighting the greater robustness of non-compensatory methods, this analysis confirms the variability of countries’ rankings on graded positional lists, and suggests the need to use a procedure based on a set of alternative methods conveniently combined in each step of the composite indicator construction.Research limitations/implications– The research identifies the weak steps in composite indicator construction and the data characteristics which increase the volatility. Only an approach based on various alternative paths can control for it.Practical implications– It offers some reflections on the extent to which gender disparities in labour market still persist in European countries and the different ways in which it manifests.Social implications– The analysis of characteristics and policies activated in countries at the top of the ranking can suggest initiatives to promote gender equality.Originality/value– Besides of testing the robustness of results, an effort in order to identify the best way to obtain a synthetic and reliable single rank is made. Further, the results produced by the GGLMI for the year 2011 are presented and discussed.
A comparison on financial literacy between welfare recipients and non-welfare recipients in Brunei
Authors: Pg Md Salleh Ak Md Hasnol Alwee 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights onto the level of financial literacy in Brunei, notably focussing on the findings of welfare recipient’s vis-à-vis non-welfare recipients.

Design/methodology/approach
– Findings are based on structured interviews with 431 heads of households (215 welfare recipients and 216 non-welfare recipients), within the realm of money management, emergency planning and investing for goals. To analyze the data, Pearson’s χ2 test and logistic regressions are undertaken.

Findings
– The findings underline the importance of enhancing the level of financial literacy, notably for low-income households and those in poverty, as the analysis highlighted their level of financial literacy was significantly lower than non-welfare recipients.

Research limitations/implications
– Future researches may want to consider a random sampling approach and/or using other districts in the country, to ascertain a representative set of findings.

Practical implications
– The implication of the findzings highlights the need for welfare programs to consider incorporating financial literacy programs, designed specifically for welfare recipients, distinct from non-welfare recipients.

Originality/value
– There is currently no known research on financial literacy related to Brunei. Further, the paper also focusses on financial literacy, as a means to assist those in welfare or poverty, in order to enhance their financial well-being.
African Pentecostalism as entrepreneurial space
Authors: Ojo Sanya 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– This study aims to intend to examine how African Pentecostals use the structure of their religion to re-enact their entrepreneurial ideals and uniqueness and develop enterprising attitude and altitude. Also to appraise how they manipulate their ethnic cultural assets and faith-based networks to stimulate and maintain their entrepreneurial activities.Design/methodology/approach– A case study of a specific religious organisation was exploited whereby a few number of adherents from a particular ethnic church in the UK were interviewed. The theoretical framework of Mead’s symbolic interaction was explored to accomplish the study’s objectives.Findings– Findings demonstrate the ability of an ethnic minority group to adjust to a secondary range of social conditions in the country of residence through adoption of a theology that tracks the contours of their culture.Research limitations/implications– This paper emphasises the significance of material expressions of spiritual agency that acts as instrument of establishing the active, progressing self of ethnic minority group in the country of residence, thus, illuminating the interconnections between religion and enterprise. Such understandings present great prospects to fabricate new sites of meaning among a particular minority group through understanding various contradictions embedded in their religious practices.Practical implications– The study stresses the significance of material expressions of spiritual agency that acts as avenue for disadvantaged group to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The Pentecostal enclave thus helps immigrants to keep body and soul together in an environment that is embedded with ethnic penalties.Social implications– The African Pentecostal movement serves, not only as instrument of converting others, but its Prosperity gospel emphasis the significance of material expression of spiritual agency. This acts as a means of establishing the active, progressing self, with capacity to produce law-abiding citizenry among ethnic groups.Originality/value– The study illuminates the interconnections between religion and enterprise that offer great opportunities to fabricate new sites of meaning among a particular minority group through understanding various contradictions embedded in their religious practices.
A look at female entrepreneurship in Kosovo: an exploratory study
Authors: Ramadani Veland , Rexhepi Gadaf , Abazi-Alili Hyrije , Beqiri Bersant , Thaçi Abdullah 
Published: July 2015

Purpose– This paper aims at focusing on female entrepreneurs in Kosovo. It treats the conditions and perspectives of female entrepreneurship development and an array of problems that female entrepreneurs are facing.Design/methodology/approach– To get a better picture on the profile of the female entrepreneurs in Kosovo, motives, problems and perspectives that stand in front of female entrepreneurs in Kosovo, a survey was conducted during the period of January-February 2015. From 90 distributed questionnaires, 70 responses were received, which means the response rate was 78 per cent.Findings– The authors found that the majority of female entrepreneurs in Kosovo operate micro-businesses; are well educated; mostly operate in the trade sector; majority of them generate incomes from 20,000-40,000; most of them have business experience up to six years; obtaining financing sources is the main problem; and are good in financial management.Practical implications– A useful information source for students, academics and policy-makers.Originality/value– This paper addresses an under-researched country, that is Kosovo.
Effect of environmental factors on seed germination and emergence of Lepidium vesicarium
Authors: Amini Rouhollah , Mobli Ahmadreza , Ghanepour Sanam 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLepidium vesicarium is a weed species with a wide distribution in the rangelands and dry‐land farming in East Azarbaijan, Iran. The experiments were undertaken to assay the effects of light, temperature, pH, osmotic potential, NaCl concentration and burial depth on seed germination and emergence of L. vesicarium. Germination was maintained at high levels (> 80%) over a wide day/night temperature range (10/5 to 30/20°C), but a severe reduction in the germination rate of L. vesicarium was found below 20/10°C. Germination of L. vesicarium was influenced by different light/dark regimes, as the germination rate was highest at 16 h light for the all treatments (0, 8, 12, 16 and 24 h light). Germination was 92–95% over a wide range of pH (2‐10). Germination was >50% at a water potential of −0.7 MPa and salinity of 21 dS/m, indicating that drought and salt conditions have a minimal impact on seed germination. With increasing burial depth from 0 to 2 cm, the number of days required for 50% emergence increased and no germination was observed at burial depths deeper than 3 cm. This suggests that L. vesicarium would become troublesome in the rangelands and for growers in reduced‐tillage cropping systems. The ability to emerge from shallow depths, coupled with tolerance of a wide pH range, drought and salinity at germination, should be taken into account when managing this weed species.
The role of managerial risk‐taking in the ‘rise and fall’ of the CDS market
Authors: Dias Roshanthi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSince the innovation of credit default swaps (CDSs) in 1997, the market for CDSs grew dramatically to $62 trillion in 2007 (ISDA 2010). However, this market declined significantly with the onset of the GFC, prompting the question, ‘What lies behind the phenomenal growth and the eventual collapse of the CDS market?’ Using CDS spread data from 319 bank and non‐bank financial institutions across 33 countries over the period 2001–2010, I provide evidence of the determinants that affect risk‐taking by financial institutions, proxied by CDS spreads, and argue within an agency theoretical framework that managerial risk‐taking contributed to the ‘rise and fall’ of the CDS market.
Ventricular Assist Device in Single‐Ventricle Heart Disease and a Superior Cavopulmonary Anastomosis
Authors: Niebler Robert A. , Shah Tejas K. , Mitchell Michael E. , Woods Ronald K. , Zangwill Steven D. , Tweddell James S. , Berger Stuart , Ghanayem Nancy S. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOur objective is to describe the use of a ventricular assist device (VAD) in single‐ventricle patients with circulatory failure following superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA). We performed a retrospective chart review of all single‐ventricle patients supported with a VAD following SCPA. Implantation techniques, physiologic parameters while supported, medical and surgical interventions postimplant, and outcomes were reviewed. Four patients were supported with an EXCOR Pediatric (Berlin Heart Inc., The Woodlands, TX, USA) following SCPA for a median duration of 10.5 days (range 9–312 days). Selective excision of trabeculae and chords facilitated apical cannulation in all patients without inflow obstruction. There were two pump exchanges in the one patient supported for 312 days. Two patients were evaluated by cardiac catheterization while supported. Three of four patients were successfully bridged to transplantation. One patient died while supported. All patients had significant bleeding at the time of transplantation, and one required posttransplant extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with subsequent full recovery. VAD support can provide a successful bridge to transplantation in patients with single‐ventricle circulation following SCPA. A thorough understanding of the challenges encountered during this support is necessary for successful outcomes.
Sexual Concerns of Patients With Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Merle Pascal , Maxhera Bujar , Albert Alexander , Ortmann Philipp , Günter Mareile , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe growing field of implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) lacks studies that evaluate the sexual and psychosocial concerns of LVAD patients. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the sexual and psychosocial behaviors of these patients. A sexual and psychosocial survey was conducted in patients who underwent the implantation of LVAD. Inclusion criteria were patients who were discharged home. The survey consisted of 17 questions with main focus on the sexual life and activities. The survey was sent to 38 patients. Twelve patients had either no partners or did not respond to the survey. Data of the remaining 26 patients with a mean age of 54 ± 13 years old were analyzed. The mean time between LVAD implantation and the first sexual activity was 16 ± 13 weeks (6–42 weeks). Following LVAD implantation, there was a steady improvement in the physical condition and quality of life. However, a remarkable decrease in the degree of satisfaction with sexual life following LVAD implantation (5.5 ± 2.2 vs. 4.1 ± 2.5) was observed (P = 0.05) (a scale of 1–7, with 7 being very satisfied and 1 not satisfied). Decreasing sexual activities after LVAD implantation was mainly to avoid partner disappointment, sudden cardiac arrest, and LVAD failure. There is a notable reduction in the degree of satisfaction with sexual life after LVAD implantation. The majority of the patients avoid discussing this issue with their physicians. Psychological and psychosocial support of LVAD patients is mandatory to improve their life quality.
Ageing effect on flicker‐induced diameter changes in retinal microvessels of healthy individuals
Authors: Seshadri Swathi , Ekart Aniko , Gherghel Doina 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPurposeTo compare flicker‐induced retinal vessel diameter changes in varying age groups with low cardiovascular risk.MethodsRetinal vascular reactivity to flicker light was assessed by means of dynamic retinal vessel analysis in 57 participants aged 19–30 years, 75 participants aged 31–50 years and 62 participants aged 51–70 years participants. Other assessments included carotid intima–media thickness (c‐IMT), augmentation index (AIx), blood pressure profiles, blood lipid metabolism markers and Framingham risk scores (FRS).ResultsRetinal arterial dilation amplitude (DA) and postflicker percentage constriction (MC%) were significantly decreased in the oldest group compared to the middle‐aged (p = 0.028; p = 0.021) and youngest group (p = 0.003; p = 0.026). The arterial constriction slope (SlopeAC) was also decreased in the oldest group compared to the youngest group (p = 0.027). On the venous side, MC% was decreased in the middle‐aged and oldest groups in comparison with the youngest group (p = 0.015; p = 0.010, respectively). Additionally, men exhibited increased arterial DA (p = 0.007), and percentage dilation (MD%, p < 0.001) in comparison with women, but only in the youngest age group. Both AIx and c‐IMT scores increased with age (both p < 0.001); however, no correlations were found between the observed differences in the measured retinal vascular function and systemic parameters.ConclusionIn individuals with low cardiovascular risk, there are age‐related differences in flicker‐induced retinal vessel diameter changes throughout the entire functional response curve for arteries and veins. Gender differences mainly affect the arterial dilatory phase and are only present in young individuals.
Impact of treatment algorithms on the prescribing of antithrombotic therapy in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome – a prospective audit
Authors: Cameron Alan C. , McCallum Linsay , Gardiner Thomas , Darroch Claire , Walters Matthew R. , Oldroyd Keith G. 
Published: July 2015

AimsChest pain presentations are common although most patients do not have an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that our local therapeutic guideline was leading to many low risk patients being inappropriately treated with potent anti‐thrombotic therapy for ACS.MethodsWe conducted a prospective analysis of patients presenting with suspected ACS to the Western Infirmary Glasgow over a 2 month period between 6/10/13–3/11/13 and 5/4/14–2/5/14. We collated data on demographics, investigation, initial management and final diagnosis. Patients taking warfarin were excluded. We calculated sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for our local guideline, the SIGN guideline and a new guideline proposal.ResultsWe studied 202 patients of whom 112 (55%) were male with mean (SD) age 60 (15) years. Full anti‐thrombotic therapy for ACS was recommended in 91 patients (45%) according to the NHS GG&C guideline, 37 (18%) by the SIGN guideline and 30 (15%) by our new guideline proposal. The final diagnosis was ACS in 39 patients (19%). The current NHS GG&C guideline had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity 63% and AUROC 0.71 (95% CI 0.63, 0.80). The respective values were 62%, 92% and 0.77 (95% CI 0.67, 0.86) for the SIGN guideline and 54%, 94% and 0.74 (95% CI 0.64, 0.84) for our new proposed guideline.ConclusionsOnly one‐fifth of patients who present with chest pain or suspected ACS have ACS as their final diagnosis. Our new guideline proposal is highly specific and would minimize unnecessary administration of potent anti‐thrombotic therapy to low risk patients.
Transition Probability Estimates for Non-Markov Multi-State Models
Authors: Titman Andrew C. 
Published: July 2015

Summary
Non-parametric estimation of the transition probabilities in multi-state models is considered for non-Markov processes. Firstly, a generalization of the estimator of Pepe et al., (1991) (Statistics in Medicine) is given for a class of progressive multi-state models based on the difference between Kaplan–Meier estimators. Secondly, a general estimator for progressive or non-progressive models is proposed based upon constructed univariate survival or competing risks processes which retain the Markov property. The properties of the estimators and their associated standard errors are investigated through simulation. The estimators are demonstrated on datasets relating to survival and recurrence in patients with colon cancer and prothrombin levels in liver cirrhosis patients.