bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α gene in elite combat athletes
Authors: Cieszczyk Pawel , Sawczuk Marek , Maciejewska Agnieszka , Ficek Krzysztof , Eider Jerzy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARα) is a main regulator of energy metabolism, as it regulates the expression of genes encoding several key muscle enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation. Importantly for power sports, it may affect pathways of glucose metabolism, which can be critical in power‐based sports. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of the PPARα gene polymorphisms in mixed power/endurance athletes. The study was carried out on elite combat athletes and sedentary individuals, in an attempt to determine possible relationships between genotype and physical performance. We tested 60 male elite Polish combat athletes. Control samples came from 181 unrelated sedentary volunteers. The G/C polymorphic site in PPARα intron 7 was scanned using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) protocol with TaqI enzyme. Differences in the distribution frequency of this polymorphism were assessed by chi‐square analysis. The results revealed that frequencies of the PPARα GG genotype (73.33% vs. 54.70%; P=0.04) and G allele (82.50% vs. 70.17%; P=0.01) were significantly higher in the elite combat athletes compared with sedentary controls. The results confirm the significance of the PPARα gene as a useful genetic marker in combat athletes. However, these results should be supported with more experimental data on PPARα polymorphisms with larger groups of elite athletes.
Influence of sport type and interdependence on the developmental experiences of youth male athletes
Authors: Bruner Mark W. , Hall Jonathan , Côté Jean 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sport type, interdependence (task and outcome), and the developmental experiences of select male basketball players (n=129) and middle‐distance runners (n=83) aged 14–17 years. Athletes completed the Youth Experiences Survey 2.0 (Hansen & Larson, 2005) and a modified measure assessing task and outcome interdependence (Van der Vegt, Emans, & Van de Vliert, 1998 Vliert, 2001). Hierarchical multiple regression determined that basketball players reported higher rates of teamwork and social skills, adult networks and social capital, and negative experiences. Furthermore, outcome interdependence was a predictor of identity exploration, initiative, emotional regulation, positive relationships, teamwork and social skills, and adult networks and social capital experiences independent of sport type. Although different sports may provide different learning environments, the developmental experiences youth garner may be more strongly influenced by how the people involved interact (outcome interdependence) than by the type of sport.
Reduced home advantage for basketball teams from capital cities in Europe
Authors: Gómez Miguel A. , Pollard Richard 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the home advantage effect in professional basketball leagues in Europe, especially the differences in home advantage between capital city teams and other teams in each country. All the teams (n=159) of seven national professional basketball leagues were studied (Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Spain, and Turkey) and classified as capital city teams or other teams. The data (n=7432 games) were gathered for six seasons (2003–2004 to 2008–2009). The results confirmed the existence of a home advantage effect in all seven basketball leagues. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) between the leagues, with home advantage highest in Romania (65.10%) and Greece (65.02%), and lowest in Turkey (58.12%) and Lithuania (56.13%). The results also show that capital city teams experienced lower home advantage compared with other teams in all seven countries. After controlling for team ability, this was statistically significant for Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Turkey (all P<0.05), but not for Lithuania, Russia or Spain (all P>0.10). These results are consistent with previous studies in football, which suggested that teams playing in capital cities in Europe had lower home advantage than those playing elsewhere. Possible reasons for this finding include a diminished sense of being part of a cohesive local community when playing in a capital city, a lower sense of territorial protection and, for the away team, a lessened feeling of unfamiliarity.
Human rights in the Arab World (2009–10): the impact of wasted chances and the consecration of human rights violations
Authors: ꜤAwad Muhsin 
Published: February 2011

This article is based on the Arab Organization for Human Rights (AOHR) report on the situation of human rights in the Arab World (‘Awad et al. 2010), which was issued in July 2010 and is comprehensive for the period extending from mid-2009 to mid-2010. This connotes a pivotal and decisive period when the Arab nation was obliged to confront critical decisions that will influence the future and the fate of the nation (ummah) for a long time to come.
Across a wide range of pivotal issues central to the Arab nation there have been decisive gains at the level of the right of self-determination in Palestine and Iraq, and at the level of civil peace and territorial integrity in the Sudan, Somalia and Yemen, as well as on reform and democratic transition in many Arab countries. For a very long time there has not ceased to be a choice between development, social policies and Arab economic cooperation in the period between two global crises, the first of which depleted Arab sovereign funds by half and the second of which is brewing ominously on the horizon of the global economy.
This paper tackles the most prominent features of the human rights condition through four main sections: the development of national legislation; political and civil rights; public freedoms; and developmental and environmental challenges and their impact on the implementation of social and economic rights.
Topology and prediction of RNA pseudoknots
Authors: Reidys Christian M. , Huang Fenix W. D. , Andersen Jørgen E. , Penner Robert C. , Stadler Peter F. , Nebel Markus E. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Motivation: Several dynamic programming algorithms for predicting RNA structures with pseudoknots have been proposed that differ dramatically from one another in the classes of structures considered.
Results: Here, we use the natural topological classification of RNA structures in terms of irreducible components that are embeddable in the surfaces of fixed genus. We add to the conventional secondary structures four building blocks of genus one in order to construct certain structures of arbitrarily high genus. A corresponding unambiguous multiple context-free grammar provides an efficient dynamic programming approach for energy minimization, partition function and stochastic sampling. It admits a topology-dependent parametrization of pseudoknot penalties that increases the sensitivity and positive predictive value of predicted base pairs by 10–20% compared with earlier approaches. More general models based on building blocks of higher genus are also discussed.
Availability: The source code of gfold is freely available at http://www.combinatorics.cn/cbpc/gfold.tar.gz.
Contact: duck@santafe.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
vanishing tassel2Encodes a Grass-Specific Tryptophan Aminotransferase Required for Vegetative and Reproductive Development in Maize
Authors: Phillips Kimberly A. , Skirpan Andrea L. , Liu Xing , Christensen Ashley , Slewinski Thomas L. , Hudson Christopher , Barazesh Solmaz , Cohen Jerry D. , Malcomber Simon , McSteen Paula 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAuxin plays a fundamental role in organogenesis in plants. Multiple pathways for auxin biosynthesis have been proposed, but none of the predicted pathways are completely understood. Here, we report the positional cloning and characterization of the vanishing tassel2 (vt2) gene of maize (Zea mays). Phylogenetic analyses indicate that vt2 is a co-ortholog of TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE OF ARABIDOPSIS1 (TAA1), which converts Trp to indole-3-pyruvic acid in one of four hypothesized Trp-dependent auxin biosynthesis pathways. Unlike single mutations in TAA1, which cause subtle morphological phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana, vt2 mutants have dramatic effects on vegetative and reproductive development. vt2 mutants share many similarities with sparse inflorescence1 (spi1) mutants in maize. spi1 is proposed to encode an enzyme in the tryptamine pathway for Trp-dependent auxin biosynthesis, although this biochemical activity has recently been questioned. Surprisingly, spi1 vt2 double mutants had only a slightly more severe phenotype than vt2 single mutants. Furthermore, both spi1 and vt2 single mutants exhibited a reduction in free auxin levels, but the spi1 vt2 double mutants did not have a further reduction compared with vt2 single mutants. Therefore, both spi1 and vt2 function in auxin biosynthesis in maize, possibly in the same pathway rather than independently as previously proposed.
Stability analysis of liquid hydrogen turbopump‐seal rotor system with internal damping
Authors: Bai Changqing , Xu Qinyu 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic stability of liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system in rocket engine under the effects of seal and internal rotor damping.Design/methodology/approachThe dynamic modeling of a liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system in rocket engine is presented in this paper with the aid of the finite element technique. The mathematical model takes into account the seal hydrodynamic forces described by Muszynska model and the internal rotor damping, viscous damping, and hysteretic damping. The shooting method and Floquet theory are employed to investigate the effects of seal and internal rotor damping on the nonlinear dynamic stability of two turbopump designs, the original and the modified design with a flexible bearing support.FindingsThe numerical results, which are in good agreement with test data, show that the destabilizing effect of internal rotor damping play a key role in the original design. In the modified design, the stability margins are enhanced and the vibration response levels are minimized. The onset speed of instability increases in original design and decreases in modified design as the effects of seal nonlinearities are considered. The predicted results indicate that the seals have a great destabilizing effect in the modified design and the turbine end bearing is the most dangerous hardware in both designs. The system stability analysis shows that the effect of seal length on the system stability is significant comparing with that of seal radius.Practical implicationsThe results can be used in the design and operation of a liquid hydrogen turbopump rotor system to improve its stability performance and eliminate its subsynchronous problem.Originality/valueSince seal and internal damping are two key destabilizing factors in liquid hydrogen turbopumps and the seal nonlinearities are inevitable, the use of nonlinear theory to study their effects on nonlinear stability and dynamic performance can lead to accurate prediction and explain the nature of the subsynchronous motion.
Application of MAO‐processed ceramic layer in micro thrusters
Authors: Kang Xiaoming , Xin Tiezhu , Jin Feng , Dong Lei , Zhao Wansheng 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose and assess the possibility of using ceramic coating layer as a heat‐resistant material in micro solid propellant thruster.Design/methodology/approachA ceramic layer is coated on the inner surface of the combustor of a micro thruster by applying micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) technology. The thermal property of the coating is analyzed with laser pulse method. To evaluate the heat‐resistant performance of the coating, the temperature history of the micro thruster inner surface is experimentally tested and recorded in a water thermostat bath. A numerical simulation of the thruster working condition is also carried out.FindingsBoth experimental and simulation results reveal that the heat‐resistant ability of the coating processed by MAO is proven to be effective.Practical implicationsThis paper attempts to help designers choose material processing technology to improve micro solid propellant thruster heat‐resistant ability.Originality/valueThe paper shows that with a ceramic coating layer processed with MAO, aluminium can sustain higher temperature and it can be used as the structural material for short‐time‐work micro thruster.
A SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation method based on mathematical horizon reference
Authors: Xiaojuan Wu , Xinlong Wang 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to overcome the limitations of existing celestial horizon references, and improve the navigation accuracy of the strap‐down inertial navigation system/celestial navigation system (SINS/CNS) integrated system with an innovative scheme of deep integration.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a novel conception of mathematical horizon reference (MHR) provided by the strap‐down matrix of SINS is proposed. Then, the realization mechanism of the MHR‐based vertical vector is introduced from the viewpoint of vector rotation. Moreover, the MHR implementation scheme of high precision and reliability is presented, and on this basis, the method which utilizes vertical vector to achieve celestial navigation is introduced. In addition, with considering the characteristics of SINS and the MHR‐based CNS, the SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation system and its specific realization are proposed. Finally, simulation tests are implemented to validate this SINS/CNS deep integrated navigation method.FindingsThe innovative SINS/CNS deep integrated system could make full use of SINS and CNS navigation information to achieve higher navigation accuracy for the long‐duration and high‐altitude vehicles.Originality/valueThis paper provides a novel realization method of high precision MHR and the MHR‐based SINS/CNS deep integration.
Vibrational genetic algorithm enhanced with neural networks in RCS problems
Authors: Volkan Pehlivanoglu Y. , Baysal Oktay 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a new genetic optimization strategy which provides computationally more efficient and accurate solutions, and to provide practically applicable optimization method in radar cross‐section (RCS) minimization problems.Design/methodology/approachThe problem of RCS minimization for three‐dimensional air vehicle is considered. New computationally efficient optimization tool; neural networks (NNs) coupled multi‐frequency vibrational genetic algorithm (NN‐coupled VGAm) is based on genetic algorithm (GA) search strategy together with NNs. The results include RCS minimization problem of an air vehicle under structural and aero dynamical‐related geometry constraints.FindingsFor the demonstration problem considered, remarkable reduction in the computational time has been accomplished.Research limitations/implicationsThe results reported in this paper suggest an efficient GA optimization methodology for engineering problems.Originality/valueOwing to reduction in computational time, the new method provides a shorter design cycle for engineering problems.
Journal‐ranking lists and the academic librarian
Authors: Bales Stephen , Sare Laura , Coker Catherine , vanDuinkerken Wyoma 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the use of journal‐ranking lists for academic librarian promotion and tenure (P&T) decision.Design/methodology/approachUsing a case study, the researchers analyzed a proposed journal‐ranking list created for P&T decisions. A quantitative analysis of peer‐reviewed journal articles was performed to support this analysis.FindingsThe paper shows that the use of journal‐ranking lists for P&T decisions inadequately conflates academic librarians with teaching faculty members.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relied primarily on a single case study, so it may not be scientifically generalized.Social implicationsThis study identifies journal‐ranking lists as an inadequate tool for the evaluation of academic librarians and encourages action to divorce the valuation of intellectual achievement from quantitative structures.Originality/valueThe analysis of the quantitative/metric underpinnings of intellectual labor in higher education is necessary for academic freedom.
What are we really doing to market electronic resources?
Authors: Kennedy Marie 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to identify which marketing activities libraries are using to promote electronic resources and to examine how libraries are measuring the successes or failures of their marketing plans.Design/methodology/approachThe research analyzes the literature published in library science on marketing techniques for electronic resources in use at libraries; the corpus is composed of 24 documents published from 1994‐2009. The literature is qualitatively analyzed to determine the techniques in use, the libraries' goals, targeted groups, budgets, and assessments of their marketing plans.FindingsA total of 38 unique marketing techniques were discovered in the 24 documents consulted for this research. The four most popular techniques were patron training in a group setting, flyers/brochures, e‐mails to patrons, and surveys. Libraries were generally unclear about stating the goals for their marketing plans but were able to easily identify the target of their marketing efforts. Budgeting was inconsistent among libraries included in this research; nine libraries reported having either no budget for marketing or did not mention budgeting in the article. Assessment was the weakest part of the marketing plans, with four libraries not documenting an awareness of the need for assessment and seven libraries noting an understanding of the need to evaluate their plan but unsure how to do so.Originality/valueBased on the analysis the paper makes it clear that as libraries engage in marketing activities, they should make themselves aware of general principles before beginning their plan. Special focus should be given to selecting activities that match the goals of the marketing plan and choosing an appropriate evaluation technique before beginning the marketing activities.
Retaining academic librarians: by chance or by design?
Authors: Strothmann Molly , Angie Ohler Lila 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the direct and indirect strategies that academic libraries currently use to retain librarians and the levels of satisfaction librarians express about those strategies.Design/methodology/approachThe study consisted of a 23‐item survey, administered online to current academic librarians. In total, 895 viable responses were received.FindingsRespondents reported that initiatives related to professional development are the most widely available type. Respondents expressed satisfaction with most of the initiatives available to them and general agreement with positive workplace environment statements; however, administrators were substantially more satisfied than employees in other positions. Few indicated that their libraries had adopted a formal retention program, implying that the reported retention strategies are generally seen as serving another purpose.Research limitations/implicationsAs little previous research has been conducted on this topic, this study is inherently exploratory. The list of potential retention initiatives studied represented a wide range of strategies suggested by the literature, but it could not be exhaustive, nor can it account for variations in individuals' preferences and priorities. Factors that may contribute to employee retention usually have multiple purposes, making it difficult to state confidently whether retention is their goal. This paper questions whether retention is approached intentionally or incidentally, a worthwhile area for future study.Practical implicationsUnderstanding current retention strategies and librarians' attitudes toward them should help library administrators to plan future retention efforts in a more deliberate way.Originality/valueA number of articles have described the importance of retention and provided advice on encouraging it. This paper is unique in examining how that advice has been implemented throughout the field of academic librarianship.
Employability skills of LIS graduates in Pakistan: needs and expectations
Authors: Fatima Warraich Nosheen , Ameen Kanwal 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the opinion of young and senior library and information science (LIS) professionals in Pakistan on LIS curricula and its relevance to market needs to enhance employability.Design/methodology/approachA mixed research method was used to collect data from professionals through two questionnaires, focus group and personal experiences.FindingsThe findings reveal that the LIS curriculum offered at the University of the Punjab (PU) is up to date and well designed but it is not fully meeting the needs of young graduates and employers. Both groups were dissatisfied with employability skills due to lack of implementation of LIS curricula and shortage of specialized faculty members at the time of data collection in May 2008. The employers complained of weak communication, practical and presentation skills. They expect graduates with more multidimensional and market oriented skills. However, the school takes a lead in introducing new curricula among the rest.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only focuses on the graduates of Department of LIS, University of the Punjab, among the eight library schools in Pakistan.Practical implicationsThe study divulges very valuable information for the planning and revision of the LIS curriculum and change in teaching practices in all eight library schools of Pakistan. It will also be helpful for LIS graduates to learn more market oriented and multi dimensional skills to meet the changing demands of the information marketplace and enhance their employability.Originality/valueThis is first ever study in any library school of Pakistan about the employability skills of its graduates.
Robots in the nuclear industry: a review of technologies and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: February 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the uses of robots in the nuclear power industry, with an emphasis on newer developments and applications.Design/methodology/approachFollowing an introduction to the nuclear industry, this paper considers robotic applications in two areas: test and inspection and decommissioning. A range of products, applications and case histories are discussed.FindingsIt is shown that robots are used widely for test and inspection and decommissioning tasks. The majority are highly specialised and are frequently produced by specialist nuclear engineering companies. The main robotic test and inspection techniques are visual inspection, ultrasonics and eddy current and the use of robots reflects both the need to minimise operator exposure to radiation and the frequent difficulties in accessing critical components such as pressure vessel welds and steam generator tubes. Key decommissioning uses include handling and size reduction of contaminated materials, cutting and demolition.Originality/valueThis paper provides details of inspection and decommissioning robots in the nuclear power industry.