bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cobalamin deficiency results in an abnormal increase inl-methylmalonyl-co-enzyme-A mutase expression in rat liver and COS-7 cells
Authors: Nakao Motoyuki , Hironaka Shoko , Harada Naoki , Adachi Tetsuya , Bito Tomohiro , Yabuta Yukinori , Watanabe Fumio , Miura Takumi , Yamaji Ryoichi , Inui Hiroshi , Nakano Yoshihisa 
Published: August 2008

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of cobalamin (Cbl) on the activity and expression ofl-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM) in rat liver and cultured COS-7 cells. The MCM holoenzyme activity was less than 5 % of the total (holoenzyme+apoenzyme) activity in the liver although rats were fed a diet containing sufficient Cbl. When weanling rats were maintained on a Cbl-deficient diet, the holo-MCM activity became almost undetectable at the age of 10 weeks. In contrast, a marked increase in the total-MCM activity occurred under the Cbl-deficient conditions, and at the age of 20 weeks it was about 3-fold higher in the deficient rats than in the controls (108 (sd14·5)v.35 (sd8·5) nmol/mg protein per min (n5);P < 0·05). Western blot analysis confirmed that the MCM protein level increased significantly in the Cbl-deficient rats. However, the MCM mRNA level, determined by real-time PCR, was rather decreased. When COS-7 cells were cultured in a medium in which 10 % fetal bovine serum was the sole source of Cbl, holo-MCM activity was barely detected. The supplementation of Cbl resulted in a large increase in the holo-MCM activity in the cells, but the activity did not exceed 30 % of the total-MCM activity even in the presence of Cbl at 10 μmol/l. In contrast, the total-MCM activity was significantly decreased by the Cbl supplementation, indicating that Cbl deficiency results in an increase in the MCM protein level in COS-7 cells as well as in rat liver.
Variation in the Bitter‐taste Receptor Gene TAS2R38, and Adiposity in a Genetically Isolated Population in Southern Italy
Authors: Tepper Beverly J. , Koelliker Yvonne , Zhao Liqiang , Ullrich Natalia V. , Lanzara Carmela , D'Adamo Pio , Ferrara Antonella , Ulivi Sheila , Esposito Laura , Gasparini Paolo 
Published: August 2008

Objective: Variation in the bitter‐taste receptor gene, TAS2R38 confers the ability to taste 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP). The objective of this study was to relate TAS2R38 haplotypes and PROP‐tasting phenotypes to adiposity in a genetically isolated population. We hypothesized that the nontaster phenotype would be associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) in females, and that dietary restraint would mediate this relationship.Methods and Procedures: Participants were 540 healthy inhabitants of the genetically isolated village of Carlantino in southern Italy who were 15–89 years of age at the time of the study. Haplotype analyses were performed and PROP tasting was assessed using a filter paper method. Height, weight, and WC were measured and restrained eating was assessed using a brief questionnaire.Results: Nontaster females had higher BMI and WC than females who were phenotypic tasters, and this relationship was specific to females with low dietary restraint. Regression analysis showed that BMI declined by 1.7 units across taster groups in females when the model included the PROP by restraint interaction. PROP phenotype was not significantly associated with WC in the regression models. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 were not associated with BMI or WC in females. Neither TAS2R38 haplotype nor PROP phenotype was strongly related to BMI or WC in males.Discussion: These data support previous findings of a relation between the nontaster phenotype and higher BMI in females that is modified by dietary restraint. Assessment of PROP phenotypes might provide unique information about adiposity that is not captured by haplotype analysis alone.
Clients’ experiences of relational depth in person‐centred counselling
Authors: Knox Rosanne 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study explored clients’ experiences of relational depth using a qualitative methodology. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants who had been clients of predominately person‐centred counselling. Participants were asked to focus on specific moments which they had experienced as relational depth. The clients’ descriptions of those experiences showed some similarity to therapists’ descriptions, including feelings of aliveness, realness, and openness, although there were also some significant differences described. Participants experienced their therapists as being holding, accepting, and ‘really real’, and as offering something over and above what they had expected from a professional therapeutic relationship. Such moments were often seen by participants as being highly significant moments in the therapy with an enduring positive effect. The implications of these findings are discussed and areas for further research highlighted.
Inference of structure in subdivided populations at low levels of genetic differentiation—the correlated allele frequencies model revisited
Authors: Guillot Gilles 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Motivation: This article considers the problem of estimating population genetic subdivision from multilocus genotype data. A model is considered to make use of genotypes and possibly of spatial coordinates of sampled individuals. A particular attention is paid to the case of low genetic differentiation with the help of a previously described Bayesian clustering model where allele frequencies are assumed to be a priori correlated. Under this model, various problems of inference are considered, in particular the common and difficult, but still unaddressed, situation where the number of populations is unknown.
Results: A Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm and a new post-processing scheme are proposed. It is shown that they significantly improve the accuracy of previously existing algorithms in terms of estimated number of populations and estimated population membership. This is illustrated numerically with data simulated from the prior-likelihood model used in inference and also with data simulated from a Wright–Fisher model. Improvements are also illustrated on a real dataset of eighty-eight wolverines (Gulo gulo) genotyped at 10 microsatellites loci. The interest of the solutions presented here are not specific to any clustering model and are hence relevant to many settings in populations genetics where weakly differentiated populations are assumed or sought.
Availability: The improvements implemented will be made available in version 3.0.0 of the R package Geneland. Informations on how to get and use the software are available from http://folk.uio.no/gillesg/Geneland.html.
Supplementary information: http://folk.uio.no/gillesg/CFM/SuppMat.pdf
Contact: gilles.guillot@bio.uio.no
HLA‐DQB1*02 Dose Effect on RIA Anti‐tissue Transglutaminase Autoantibody Levels and Clinicopathological Expressivity of Celiac Disease
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Mora Barbara , Megiorni Francesca , Mazzilli Maria Cristina , Magliocca Fabio Massimo , Tiberti Claudio , Bonamico Margherita 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTObjectives:Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy caused by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. Anti‐transglutaminase autoantibody (tTGAb) assay is useful to detect candidates undergoing intestinal biopsy. Our aim was to investigate whether the DQB1*02 allele could influence tTGAb titers and the clinicopathological expressivity of the disease.Methods:A total of 124 patients with celiac disease, tested for RIA tTGAb at diagnosis, were typed for HLA‐DRB1, ‐DQA1, and ‐DQB1 genes and divided according to the number of DQB1*02 alleles: group 1, homozygous; group 2, heterozygous; group 3, negative.Results:The mean of tTGAb indexes was significantly higher in group 1 patients than in group 2 (P < 0.02) and group 3 patients (P < 0.01). Patients with at least 1 DQB1*02 allele showed more often a typical CD and diffuse histological lesions than did patients in the other groups.Conclusions:The study demonstrates that tTGAb titers are HLA‐DQB1*02 dose dependent, with significantly higher levels in homozygous individuals. Moreover, individuals with at least 1 HLA‐DQB1*02 allele tend to have a more expressed clinical and histological form of celiac disease.
The Google generation: the information behaviour of the researcher of the future
Authors: Rowlands Ian , Nicholas David , Williams Peter , Huntington Paul , Fieldhouse Maggie , Gunter Barrie , Withey Richard , Jamali Hamid R. , Dobrowolski Tom , Tenopir Carol 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis article is an edited version of a report commissioned by the British Library and JISC to identify how the specialist researchers of the future (those born after 1993) are likely to access and interact with digital resources in five to ten years' time. The purpose is to investigate the impact of digital transition on the information behaviour of the Google Generation and to guide library and information services to anticipate and react to any new or emerging behaviours in the most effective way.Design/methodology/approachThe study was virtually longitudinal and is based on a number of extensive reviews of related literature, survey data mining and a deep log analysis of a British Library and a JISC web site intended for younger people.FindingsThe study shows that much of the impact of ICTs on the young has been overestimated. The study claims that although young people demonstrate an apparent ease and familiarity with computers, they rely heavily on search engines, view rather than read and do not possess the critical and analytical skills to assess the information that they find on the web.Originality/valueThe paper reports on a study that overturns the common assumption that the “Google generation” is the most web‐literate.
UK scholarly e‐book usage: a landmark survey
Authors: Nicholas David , Rowlands Ian , Clark David , Huntington Paul , Jamali Hamid R. , Ollé Candela 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis JISC funded UK National E‐Books Observatory study is a benchmarking survey of e‐book usage and perceptions in more than 120 participating universities. The paper aims to present the results that investigated: use of e‐books in general (methods of obtaining e‐books, reasons for using, viewing/reading behaviour in connection with e‐books); use of e‐books provided by the library; use of JISC collection texts (use and awareness); use of the library and print material in general.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on an online survey which was conducted between 18 January and 1 March 2008, over which period 22,437 full or partial responses were received.FindingsThe study shows that e‐book penetration is very strong (61.8 per cent of all students are already using them in connection with their scholarly work, as teachers or students), so the e‐book revolution has already happened but clearly it has some way to go.Originality/valueThe paper presents the results of the biggest survey of its kind ever conducted, which represents a huge advance in one's knowledge of e‐book use on a national scale.
Look before you leap
Authors: Chua Alton Y.K. , Goh Dion H. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine a flagging but yet‐to‐be abandoned knowledge management (KM) project at a healthcare organisation in Asia through a case study approach.Design/methodology/approachSemi‐structured interviews with a variety of stakeholders familiar with the project were conducted. Additionally, archival data in the form of email correspondences, presentation materials and web sites were collected to triangulate against the responses given by the interviewees.FindingsThe findings which are validated against a theoretical KM failure framework afford a nuanced perspective of how the failure factors identified in the framework were germane to the case.Practical implicationsBy exposing these factors, administrators and managers in the healthcare industry who intend to implement KM projects can be better informed of the risks involved. For researchers, this paper serves as a call for a greater inquiry into KM projects in the healthcare industry that are facing impending failures.Originality/valueThis paper reveals that KM project failure is a reality with which administrators, managers and researchers have to reckon.
Web search efficacy: definition and implementation
Authors: Mansourian Yazdan 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to report a number of factors that are perceived by web users as influential elements in their search procedure. The paper introduces a new conceptual measure called “web search efficacy” (hereafter WSE) to evaluate the performance of searches mainly based on users' perceptions.Design/methodology/approachA rich dataset of a wider study was inductively re‐explored to identify different categories that are perceived influential by web users on the final outcome of their searches. A selective review of the literature was carried out to discover to what extent previous research supports the findings of the current study.FindingsThe analysis of the dataset led to the identification of five categories of influential factors. Within each group different factors have been recognized. Accordingly, the concept of WSE has been introduced. The five “Ss” which determine WSE are searcher's performance, search tool's performance, search strategy, search topic, and search situation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research body is scattered in different areas and it is difficult to carry out a comprehensive review. The WSE table, which is derived from the empirical data and was supported by previous research, can be employed for further research in various groups of web users.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the area of information seeking on the web by providing researchers with a new conceptual framework to evaluate the efficiency of each search session and identify the underlying factors on the final outcome of web searching.
E‐learning: a nutrition and HIV/AIDS information tool
Authors: Steyn Leonie , Cronjé Johannes C. , Bothma Theo J.D. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how e‐learning can add value to a postgraduate distance learning course using a combination of media for teaching and learning in the field of nutrition and HIV and AIDS.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through the survey method using questionnaires, group discussions and interviews. Descriptive quantitative statistics supported by qualitative techniques were used to gather data.FindingsFindings from this research indicate that implementing e‐learning as a mode of teaching and learning (provided that it is properly implemented and presented) can add value to an outcomes‐based, distance learning course. E‐learning provides: support for a paper‐based, distance learning course in nutrition and HIV and AIDS; students with access to information and knowledge about the basic concepts of nutrition and HIV and AIDS; an alternative and interactive learning experience while encouraging self‐directed explorative knowledge formation; and a means to develop critical thinking skills and methods of communication needed for independent, lifelong learning.Practical implicationsThe selected instructional media can be applied successfully to adult and distance learning in the field of HIV and AIDS as well as nutrition.Originality/valueThe paper shares findings on the integration of e‐learning into a HIV and AIDS nutrition course (for non‐medical students), offered in an African context through open distance learning and demonstrates how the course addresses student profile and limited resources.
Competitive intelligence: construct exploration, validation and equivalence
Authors: Saayman Andrea , Pienaar Jaco , de Pelsmacker Patrick , Viviers Wilma , Cuyvers Ludo , Muller Marie‐Luce , Jegers Marc 
Published: August 2008

PurposeLittle empirical research has been conducted on competitive intelligence (CI). This paper aims to contribute to the quantitative strand of the CI literature by exploring and validating the theoretical constructs of the CI process.Design/methodology/approachData from 601 questionnaires filled out by South African and Flemish exporters were subjected to exploratory factor analysis and construct equivalence analysis between the sub‐samples.FindingsThe results showed that the CI process consists of three constructs, while the context in which CI takes place consists of four constructs. This agrees to some extent with the literature. When verifying the constructs for both cultures it was found that all but one CI context construct can be viewed as equivalent in both groups. Bias analysis identified one item in the questionnaire that was biased. Via regression analysis it was also indicated that the context in which CI takes place influences the CI process to a large extent. The research identified size as an important influencing factor in a business' CI process.Practical implicationsBusinesses involved in CI should take note that an improvement in their formal infrastructure, employee involvement and internal information processes could enhance their CI capability.Originality/valueThis paper contributes towards the formalising of the constructs of competitive intelligence.
Characterization of thermal barrier coated various aerospace alloys
Authors: Pirge Gursev 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used in gas turbine engines because they allow higher operating temperatures due to their thermal insulation effect. The aim of this paper is to explain the effect of the substrate (base metal) on the performance of TBCs applied to various nickel‐based superalloys and stainless steels.Design/methodology/approachSpecimens were prepared by applying atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). Six TBC‐coated samples were prepared. Three of the substrates were stainless steel and the rest were nickel‐based superalloys. Characterization effort included thermal exposure, microhardness testing, optical metallography and image analysis.FindingsMicrohardness test results showed that extended periods in high‐temperature environments affected the coating morphology, which was measured by changes in the microhardness values. At the end of the long periods in the furnace, microhardness values increased, which might be a sign that modulus of the coating increased. These changes in the microhardness might be due to the sintering effect and morphological changes that occurred in the coating. Effects of thermal exposure to the coatings were also visible in the micrographs in the form of fully open cracks. Development of larger cracks was life‐threatening for the ceramic coating.Originality/valueIt was shown for the first time that, in the above‐mentioned crack growth and spallation stages, stainless steel and superalloy substrates showed considerably different performances. Microhardness test results of coatings on different substrates were considerably dissimilar, which was a sign that the coating morphology was affected during thermal exposure.
Influence of harsh environmental conditions on CFRP‐aluminum single lap joints
Authors: Breziner Luis , Hutapea Parsaoran 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of harsh environmental conditions on the fundamental failure mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)‐aluminum single lap single‐bolted joints under tensile loading.Design/methodology/approachCFRP‐aluminum single lap joints were aged under extremely hot (60°C), hot and humid (60°C, 95%RH), and freezing cold (−51°C) environments and tensile‐tested to measure the joint stiffness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Finite element studies were performed to design the experiments.FindingsFor all composite stacking sequences studied, it was found that hot and humid conditions reduced UTS of the joint by as much as 29 percent. Hot‐humid and freezing conditions also decreased UTS with the exception of the twill 2 × 2 laminate, which slightly increased UTS by 3.7 percent under freezing conditions. The opposite effect was observed for stiffness, where hot‐humid conditions increased the modulus of elasticity in the axial direction.Practical implicationsThe results of the study can be used to design hybrid structures comprising CFRP composites and aluminum single lap single‐bolted joints. For example, such joints are found in the fuselage of aircraft and more recently in critical components such as wing boxes and nacelles.Originality/valueEven though there is much information about temperature and moisture effects on composites materials and the mechanics of hybrid joints, the analysis of environmental condition for hybrid joints, specifically for CFRP‐aluminum bolted joints, is vaguely documented. The paper shows the experimental results for single lap single‐hole bolted joints that have been aged to three different environmental conditions: extreme hot, hot and humid, and extreme cold.
A single heavy load airdrop and its effect on a reversible flight control system
Authors: Raissi Kamran , Mani Mahmoud , Sabzehparvar Mehdi , Ghaffari Hooyar 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the addition of airdrop capability to a commuter aircraft and its consequences on the reversible flight control system.Design/methodology/approachAirdrop was modeled to include its effect on aerodynamics and flight control system. A mathematical model was also developed for the reversible longitudinal flight control system of a regional commuter aircraft using the available geometry, mass property and kinematics. The model was incorporated into a general multi‐body dynamics code and validated using existing manufacturer's data which included recorded data from flight. The airdrop simulation results showed that the flight control system is affected in two steps. In the first step, the movement of the load required a forward force by the pilot. In this step, the elevator power was a key factor and had to be increased to allow the pilot to keep the aircraft in trim position during the airdrop. In the second step, a sudden forward shift of centre of gravity required an abrupt change in the direction of applied force. The maximum allowable force and control column movement had to be checked. In the case under study, they did not impose any difficulty.FindingsThe result showed that a special consideration had to be taken into account when an aircraft with reversible flight control system was to be used for airdrop mission.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the behaviour of a reversible flight control system during airdrop operation through analysis and simulation.