bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐insurance for local adaptation
Authors: Suarez Pablo , Linnerooth‐Bayer Joanne 
Published: March 2010

AbstractInsurance instruments that provide economic security against droughts, floods, tropical cyclones and other weather extremes have emerged as an opportunity for developing countries in their concurrent efforts to reduce their vulnerability to weather variability and adapt to climate change. Yet, issues remain concerning the viability of insurance systems serving the most vulnerable and their potential role in an adaptation regime. Many pilot projects are underway, that can inform debate on these issues. This discussion builds on a recent drought micro‐insurance project for subsistence farmers in Malawi, which by enabling farmers to access higher yield seeds, raises their productivity and decreases their vulnerability to climate change. Beyond this ‘developmental’ gain from insurance we show that micro‐insurance in Malawi can directly promote adaptation by actually reducing crop losses from drought. This is possible by incorporating seasonal rainfall forecasts, which are strongly related to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), into insurance pricing. This paper describes the Malawi pilot program, its challenges after the first operational year and the potential benefits of ENSO‐based pricing. The paper concludes by discussing the outlook for micro‐insurance in the emerging climate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Knowledge and Action in Development
Response surface methodology
Authors: Khuri André I. , Mukhopadhyay Siuli 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to provide a survey of the various stages in the development of response surface methodology (RSM). The coverage of these stages is organized in three parts that describe the evolution of RSM since its introduction in the early 1950s. Part I covers the period, 1951–1975, during which the so‐called classical RSM was developed. This includes a review of basic experimental designs for fitting linear response surface models, in addition to a description of methods for the determination of optimum operating conditions. Part II, which covers the period, 1976–1999, discusses more recent modeling techniques in RSM, in addition to a coverage of Taguchi's robust parameter design and its response surface alternative approach. Part III provides a coverage of further extensions and research directions in modern RSM. This includes discussions concerning response surface models with random effects, generalized linear models, and graphical techniques for comparing response surface designs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:Statistical Models > Linear ModelsStatistical Models > Nonlinear Models
Algorithm quasi‐optimal (AQ) learning
Authors: Cervone Guido , Franzese Pasquale , Keesee Allen P. K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe algorithm quasi‐optimal (AQ) is a powerful machine learning methodology aimed at learning symbolic decision rules from a set of examples and counterexamples. It was first proposed in the late 1960s to solve the Boolean function satisfiability problem and further refined over the following decade to solve the general covering problem. In its newest implementations, it is a powerful but yet little explored methodology for symbolic machine learning classification. It has been applied to solve several problems from different domains, including the generation of individuals within an evolutionary computation framework. The current article introduces the main concepts of the AQ methodology and describes AQ for source detection(AQ4SD), a tailored implementation of the AQ methodology to solve the problem of finding the sources of atmospheric releases using distributed sensor measurements. The AQ4SD program is tested to find the sources of all the releases of the prairie grass field experiment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Knowledge Discovery
Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Rule-Based Mining
In vivo formation of a stable pentameric (P2α/P1β)–P0–(P1α/P2β) ribosomal stalk complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Francisco‐Velilla Rosario , Remacha Miguel 
Published: March 2010

AbstractHeterodimers of acidic proteins P1α/P2β and P1β/P2α bind to P0 and are fundamental for the assembly of the ribosomal stalk. However, different inconsistencies are found in the literature regarding additional P protein heterodimer formations and their individual interactions with P0. Using the two‐hybrid approach, we have found results that help to clarify these interactions. Thus, we have found that neither P1 nor P2 directly interact with P0 unless the endogenous heterodimer partner is being expressed in the cell. In addition, a P2‐free amino end is a requisite in these heterodimers for binding to P0. With regard to the two‐hybrid interactions between P1 and P2, the known canonical P1α–P2β and P1β–P2α interactions do not depend on either a free amino end or the presence of endogenous P0, P1 or P2 proteins. Furthermore, the non‐canonical P1β–P2β pair also behaves similarly, although this interaction is weaker. Interestingly, P1α–P2α, P1α–P1β and P2α–P2β two‐hybrid interactions were also detected, although in these cases the endogenous P proteins were involved. Thus, these positive interactions are the consequence of the interaction between two canonical heterodimers. As the ribosome anchorage protein P0 is also necessary, the results suggest that, in vivo, all five P proteins form a complex, independent of the ribosome, containing the two canonical heterodimers and P0. This complex has been isolated in cells expressing a P0 protein unable to bind to the ribosome. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Oxidized‐LDL is Associated with Diabetes Duration Independent of Maintaining Optimized Levels of LDL‐Cholesterol
Authors: Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Khalilzadeh Omid , Khajeali Leila , Esteghamati Alireza , Morteza Afsaneh , Jamali Arsia , Dadkhahipour Sheida 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) plays a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis and diabetes complications. The aim of this study was first, to evaluate the association between ox‐LDL and diabetes duration, and second, to examine serum level of ox‐LDL in patients with prolonged diabetes and a desirable LDL‐cholesterol level. A total of 36 type‐2 diabetic patients with a diabetes duration of more than 5 years, 36 newly diagnosed diabetic patients, and 36 age‐, sex‐ and BMI‐matched healthy participants were recruited. Healthy participants and newly diagnosed patients were not receiving any treatment. All patients with prolonged diabetes had desirable LDL‐cholesterol levels (<100 mg/dL), according to the adult treatment panel‐III guidelines. While LDL‐cholesterol was significantly lower in patients with diabetes duration >5 years, in comparison to newly diagnosed patients (P < 0.01), ox‐LDL was significantly higher in patients with prolonged diabetes (P < 0.001). The ox‐LDL‐to‐LDL ratio was dramatically higher in patients with diabetes duration >5 years in comparison to newly diagnosed patients and healthy participants (P < 0.001). Ox‐LDL was significantly associated with diabetes duration (r = 0.519, P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, this association remained significant (β = 0.501, P = 0.003) after adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, this study showed that the serum ox‐LDL level increases with the length of diabetes, even though the patients' LDL‐cholesterol level is maintained at a desirable level. Our findings highlight that possibly more attention should be focused on markers of oxidative stress in the management of lipids in diabetic patients.
Competitive conditions in Islamic and conventional banking: A global perspective
Authors: Ariss Rima Turk 
Published: March 2010

AbstractI analyze the competitive conditions prevailing in Islamic and conventional global banking markets, and investigate the possible differences in profitability between these markets, using a sample of banks across 13 countries during 2000–2006. The results suggest that Islamic banks allocate a greater share of their assets to financing activities compared to conventional banks, and they are also better capitalized. Different computed measures of competition indicate that Islamic banking is less competitive compared to conventional banking. A second‐stage analysis shows that profitability significantly increases with market power, but this does not warrant higher profitability levels for Islamic banks.
Formation of dipolar vortices and vortex streets due to nonlinearly interacting ion-temperature-gradient-driven modes in dense magnetoplasmas
Authors: BATOOL NAZIA , MIRZA ARSHAD M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractNonlinear equations which govern the dynamics of low-frequency (ω ⪡ ωci, where ω is the perturbation frequency of the wave and ωci is the ion gyro-frequency), ion-temperature-gradient-driven modes in the presence of equilibrium density, temperature and magnetic field gradients are derived. New set of nonlinear equations are derived. In the nonlinear case, new types of solutions in the form of dipolar vortices and vortex streets are found to exist in dense quantum plasma. These structures are found to be formed on very short spatial scales.
Disease burden of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome in The Netherlands
Authors: HAAGSMA J. A. , SIERSEMA P. D. , DE WIT N. J. , HAVELAAR A. H. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYPost-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) has been established as a sequel of infectious intestinal disease (IID). The aim of this study was to estimate the burden of PI-IBS caused by the pathogens Campylobacter, Salmonella and Shigella, and to compare this with other outcomes associated with these pathogens. The attributable risk of PI-IBS due to bacterial pathogens was calculated and linked to national data on gastroenteritis incidence and measures for severity and duration of illness in order to estimate the burden of PI-IBS. One year post-infection, IBS developed in 9% of patients with bacterial IID. The burden of PI-IBS adds over 2300 disability adjusted life years to the total annual disease burden for the selected pathogens. PI-IBS is a frequent sequel of IID, resulting in a considerable disease burden compared to other outcomes. If this relationship is not considered, this will result in an underestimation of the disease burden of IID.
Second Among Unequals? A Study of Whether France's “Quota Women” are Up to the Job
Authors: Murray Rainbow 
Published: March 2010

The introduction of France's “parity” law in 2000 raised fears of electing inferior women candidates via a gender quota. France has since held two legislative elections, with the proportion of women in parliament rising from 10.9% to 12.3% in 2002, and 18.5% in 2007. These rises permit an empirical evaluation of whether “quota women” measure up to those elected without a quota. New women parliamentarians are compared to their male counterparts and to women elected before 2002 to see whether there are any noticeable differences in their background (profession, age, and prior experience) and their levels of parliamentary activity (including numbers of bills, reports, and questions introduced).The findings challenge the notion that parity is producing weak politicians. The slightly different profiles of men and women politicians reflect wider barriers to women's political careers that would not have been overcome without the parity law. Once women are elected, the volume of activity shows no evidence of being gendered, suggesting that women are as effective in the job as men. These findings imply that sex is a barrier to entry but not to performance, reinforcing claims for the use of quotas to overcome entry barriers and negating claims that quotas produce second-rate parliamentarians.
A translational study of circulating cell-free microRNA-1 in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Cheng Yunhui , Tan Ning , Yang Jian , Liu Xiaojun , Cao Xiaopei , He Pengcheng , Dong Xiaoli , Qin Shanshan , Zhang Chunxiang 
Published: March 2010

miRNAs (microRNAs) participate in many diseases including cardiovascular disease. In contrast with our original hypothesis, miRNAs exist in circulating blood and are relatively stable due to binding with other materials. The aim of the present translational study is to establish a method of determining the absolute amount of an miRNA in blood and to determine the potential applications of circulating cell-free miR-1 (microRNA-1) in AMI (acute myocardial infarction). The results revealed that miR-1 is the most abundant miRNA in the heart and is also a heart- and muscle-specific miRNA. In a cardiac cell necrosis model induced by Triton X-100 in vitro, we found that cardiac miR-1 can be released into the culture medium and is stable at least for 24 h. In a rat model of AMI induced by coronary ligation, we found that serum miR-1 is quickly increased after AMI with a peak at 6 h, in which an increase in miR-1 of over 200-fold was demonstrated. The miR-1 level returned to basal levels at 3 days after AMI. Moreover, the serum miR-1 level in rats with AMI had a strong positive correlation with myocardial infarct size. To verify further the relationship between myocardial size and miR-1 level, an IP (ischaemic preconditioning) model was used. The results showed that IP significantly reduced circulating miR-1 levels and myocardial infract size induced by I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion) injury. Finally, the levels of circulating cell-free miR-1 were significantly increased in patients with AMI and had a positive correlation with serum CK-MB (creatine kinase-MB) levels. In conclusion, the results suggest that serum miR-1 could be a novel sensitive diagnostic biomarker for AMI.
Inferring cluster-based networks from differently stimulated multiple time-course gene expression data
Authors: Shiraishi Yuichi , Kimura Shuhei , Okada Mariko 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Clustering and gene network inference often help to predict the biological functions of gene subsets. Recently, researchers have accumulated a large amount of time-course transcriptome data collected under different treatment conditions to understand the physiological states of cells in response to extracellular stimuli and to identify drug-responsive genes. Although a variety of statistical methods for clustering and inferring gene networks from expression profiles have been proposed, most of these are not tailored to simultaneously treat expression data collected under multiple stimulation conditions.
Results: We propose a new statistical method for analyzing temporal profiles under multiple experimental conditions. Our method simultaneously performs clustering of temporal expression profiles and inference of regulatory relationships among gene clusters. We applied this method to MCF7 human breast cancer cells treated with epidermal growth factor and heregulin which induce cellular proliferation and differentiation, respectively. The results showed that the method is useful for extracting biologically relevant information.
Availability: A MATLAB implementation of the method is available from http://csb.gsc.riken.jp/yshira/software/clusterNetwork.zip
Contact: yshira@riken.jp
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Blockade of the MEK/ERK signalling cascade by AS703026, a novel selective MEK1/2 inhibitor, induces pleiotropic anti‐myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kim Kihyun , Kong Sun‐Young , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Li Xianfeng , Song Weihua , Nahar Sabikun , Burger Peter , Rumizen Mathew J. , Podar Klaus , Chauhan Dharminder , Hideshima Teru , Munshi Nikhil C. , Richardson Paul , Clark Ann , Ogden Janet , Goutopoulos Andreas , Rastelli Luca , Anderson Kenneth C. , Tai Yu‐Tzu 
Published: March 2010

SummaryThis study investigated the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action of AS703026, a novel, selective, orally bioavailable MEK1/2 inhibitor, in human multiple myeloma (MM). AS703026 inhibited growth and survival of MM cells and cytokine‐induced osteoclast differentiation more potently (9‐ to 10‐fold) than AZD6244. Inhibition of proliferation induced by AS703026 was mediated by G0‐G1 cell cycle arrest and was accompanied by reduction of MAF oncogene expression. AS703026 further induced apoptosis via caspase 3 and Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage in MM cells, both in the presence or absence of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Importantly, AS703026 sensitized MM cells to a broad spectrum of conventional (dexamethasone, melphalan), novel or emerging (lenalidomide, perifosine, bortezomib, rapamycin) anti‐MM therapies. Significant tumour growth reduction in AS703026‐ vs. vehicle‐treated mice bearing H929 MM xenograft tumours correlated with downregulated pERK1/2, induced PARP cleavage, and decreased microvessels in vivo. Moreover, AS703026 (<200 nmol/l) was cytotoxic against the majority of tumour cells tested from patients with relapsed and refractory MM (84%), regardless of mutational status of RAS and BRAF genes. Importantly, BMSC‐induced viability of MM patient cells was similarly blocked within the same dose range. Our results therefore support clinical evaluation of AS703026, alone or in combination with other anti‐MM agents, to improve patient outcome.
Impact of Taiwanese culture on beliefs about expressing anxiety and engaging in physical activity: a discursive analysis of the literature
Authors: Ma Wei‐Fen , Huang Xuan‐Yi , Chang Hsiu‐Ju , Yen Wen‐Jiuan , Lee Sheuan 
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives. This paper analysed the scholarly discourse about the influence of Taiwanese culture on beliefs about expressing anxiety and engaging in physical activity from literature review.Background. The well‐being of individuals with mental illness is promoted by the World Health Organization. Reducing barriers to treatment and care in community health‐service systems requires cultural understanding. However, little is known about the influence of Taiwanese culture on physical activity programmes for people with anxiety disorders in Taiwan.Design. A discursive analysis of the literature.Method. Literature was used to examine the impact of Taiwanese culture on beliefs about anxiety and physical activity from historical, economic, social, political and geographical perspectives.Results. Taiwanese cultural beliefs about anxiety and physical activity can be summarised into six themes. Beliefs about anxiety are reflected in three themes: anxiety and shame, beliefs against direct communication and beliefs about anxiety and external forces. Beliefs about engaging in physical activity are reflected in three themes: beliefs about human action, the relationship between health and physical activity and priority of academic achievement.Conclusion. This paper exposes the hidden power of culture to influence Taiwanese beliefs about anxiety and physical activity. Three negative beliefs about anxiety influence the expression of anxiety symptoms and help‐seeking behaviours. Two positive and one negative belief about physical activity significantly affect choice of activity type and level of participation in physical activity. Anxiety and physical activity have a dynamic relationship and both are deeply influenced by Taiwanese culture.Relevance to clinical practice. An awareness of cultural influences on beliefs about anxiety and physical activity is important when encouraging Taiwanese people with anxiety disorders to engage in physical activity. This awareness may help nurses understand better how their patients perceive anxiety and physical activity, leading to more appropriate physical activity programmes to improve both physical and psychological well‐being.
Effects of acupressure on menstrual distress in adolescent girls: a comparison between Hegu–Sanyinjiao Matched Points and Hegu, Zusanli single point
Authors: Chen Huei‐Mein , Chen Chung‐Hey 
Published: March 2010

Aim and objectives.  To examine a comparison between Hegu and Sanyinjiao matched points and Hegu, Zusanli single point on adolescent girls’ menstrual distress, pain and anxiety perception.Background.  Primary dysmenorrhoea is a major cause of temporary disability, with a prevalence ranging from 60–93%, depending upon the population and study. No one has yet compared the effects of single point and multiple point acupressures.Design.  A single blind randomised experimental study was used.Methods.  Adolescents (n = 134) randomly assigned to experimental groups Zusanli (n = 30), Hegu (n = 33) and Hegu–Sanyinjiao Matched Points (n = 36) received acupressure intervention protocol for 20 minutes, while the control group (n = 35) did not receive any acupressure intervention. Four instruments were used to collect data: (1) the Visual Analog Scale for Pain; (2) the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire Short Form; (3) the Short‐Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and (4) the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety.Results.  During the six‐month follow‐up, acupressure at matched points Hegu and Sanyinjiao reduced the pain, distress and anxiety typical of dysmenorrhoea. Acupressure at single point Hegu was found, effectively, to reduce menstrual pain during the follow‐up period, but no significant difference for reducing menstrual distress and anxiety perception was found. Zusanli acupressure had no significant effects of reducing menstrual pain, distress and anxiety perception.Conclusion.  This controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that six‐month acupressure therapy provides female adolescents with dysmenorrhoea benefits.Relevance to clinical practice.  Acupressure is an effective and safe non‐pharmacologic strategy for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea. We recommend the use of acupressure for self‐care of primary dysmenorrhoea at Hegu and Sanyinjiao matched points and single point Hegu, as pressure placement at these points is easy for adolescent girls to learn and practice.
Understanding the cultural context of Chinese mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding and infant health in Canada
Authors: Chen Wil‐Lie 
Published: March 2010

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore Chinese mothers’ perceptions about breastfeeding and infant health in the Canadian context.Background.  Chinese mothers’ breastfeeding perceptions are challenging for health professionals in North America, but few studies have focused on this issue in depth.Design.  An interpretive qualitative methodology was used.Methods.  Data were collected through semi‐structured individual interviews with 15 purposively sampled Chinese mothers two months after delivery in Vancouver, British Columbia. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative analysis was used to develop coding categories and identify themes.Results.  Two main themes emerged: (1) the idea of harmony within change and (2) the meaning of infant health. The first represents mothers’ perceptions about breastfeeding: the value of common sense, purity of breast milk and the laws of nature. The second represents notions of infant health, including its indicators and the relationship between mother’s health and infant health.Conclusions.  Chinese mothers’ concepts of breastfeeding are associated with Western biomedical thought, traditional Chinese medicine and personal experiences, especially those embedded in the traditional Chinese cultural context. Perceptions of breastfeeding and infant health regarding notions of harmony within natural dynamic patterns must be considered when promoting breastfeeding.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study highlights the cultural context affecting Chinese mothers’ breastfeeding practices. Nurses and other health professionals require sensitivity when assessing Chinese mothers’ breastfeeding practice so that they are able to provide appropriate postnatal and breastfeeding support.