bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genetic interaction analysis identifies cancer drivers that modify EGFR dependency
Authors: Liao Sida , Davoli Teresa , Leng Yumei , Li Mamie Z. , Xu Qikai , Elledge Stephen J.
Published: February 2017

A large number of cancer drivers have been identified through tumor sequencing efforts, but how they interact and the degree to which they can substitute for each other have not been systematically explored. To comprehensively investigate how cancer drivers genetically interact, we searched for modifiers of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) dependency by performing CRISPR, shRNA, and expression screens in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) model. We elucidated a broad spectrum of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and oncogenes (OGs) that can genetically modify proliferation and survival of cancer cells when EGFR signaling is altered. These include genes already known to mediate EGFR inhibitor resistance as well as many TSGs not previously connected to EGFR and whose biological functions in tumorigenesis are not well understood. We show that mutation of PBRM1, a subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, attenuates the effects of EGFR inhibition in part by sustaining AKT signaling. We also show that mutation of Capicua (CIC), a transcriptional repressor, suppresses the effects of EGFR inhibition by partially restoring the EGFR-promoted gene expression program, including the sustained expression of Ets transcription factors such as ETV1. Together, our data provide strong support for the hypothesis that many cancer drivers can substitute for each other in certain contexts and broaden our understanding of EGFR regulation.
The performance of China’s stock market price limits: noise mitigator or noise maker?
Authors: Tao Juan , Yingying Wu , Jingyi Zhang
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the effectiveness of price limits on stock volatilities in China over a more recent time period spanning from 2007 to 2012. The motivation stems from the fact that very high stock market volatilities are observed in China and we are sceptical of the volatility mitigating effect claimed by advocates of price limits.

Design/methodology/approach

The effectiveness of price limits on volatilities is examined using an event study methodology and within an expanded framework of volatility-volume relationships. The sample stocks include the 300 component stocks of the CSI300 Index.

Findings

Both event study and regression analysis suggest that price limits exaggerate market volatilities by causing volatility spillovers. The destabilising effect is much more pronounced for small firm stocks and when the market falls. In addition to the informational source of volatilities (represented by volume), price limits create another non-trivial frictional source of volatilities in China’s stock market.

Originality/value

This research is the first to re-examine the price limit effect in China’s stock market in an expanded framework of volatility-volume relationships. It identifies price limits, in addition to information, as another non-trivial frictional source of volatilities. The findings derived from a recent sample period confirm the conventional view of inefficiency of price limits raised by Fama (1989) and provide evidence in support of the pervasive trend of stock market deregulations.
A novel message authentication method for VANET without RSU
Authors: Yein Alan Dahgwo , Lin Chih-Hsueh , Huang Yu-Hsiu , Hsieh Wen-Shyong , Lee Chung-Nan , Kuo Pin-Chun
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Riding on the wave of intelligent transportation systems, the vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is becoming a popular research topic. VANET is designed to build an environment where the vehicles can exchange information about the traffic conditions or vehicle situation to help the vehicles avoid traffic accidents or traffic jams. In order to keep the privacy of vehicles, the vehicles must be anonymous and the routing must be untraceable while still being able to be verified as legal entities. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The exchanged messages must be authenticated to be genuine and verified that they were sent by a legal vehicle. The vehicles also can mutually trust and communicate confidentially. In VANETs, road-side units (RSUs) are installed to help the vehicles to obtain message authentication or communicate confidentially. However, the coverage of RSUs is limited due to the high cost of wide area installation. Therefore the vehicles must be able to obtain message authentication by themselves – without an RSU.

Findings

The authors take the concept of random key pre-distribution used in wireless sensor networks, modify it into a random secret pre-distribution, and integrate it with identity-based cryptography to make anonymous message authentication and private communication easier and safer. The authors construct a two-tier structure. The tier 1, trust authority, assigns n anonymous identities and embeds n secrets into these identities to be the private secret keys for the tier 2, registered vehicles. At any time, the vehicles can randomly choose one of n anonymous identities to obtain message authentication or communicate confidentially with other vehicles.

Originality/value

The processes of building neighbor set, setting pairing value, and message authenticating are proposed in this paper. The proposed method can protect against the attacks of compromising, masquerading, forging, and replying, and can also achieve the security requirements of VANET in message authentication, confidential communication, anonymity, and un-traceability. The performance of the proposed method is superior to the related works.
The application of simultaneous elimination and back-substitution method (SEBSM) in finite element method
Authors: Liu Yunfei , Lv Jun , Gao Xiaowei
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method called simultaneous elimination and back-substitution method (SEBSM) to solve a system of linear equations as a new finite element method (FEM) solver.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a new technique assembling the global stiffness matrix will be proposed and meanwhile the direct method SEBSM will be applied to solve the equations formed in FEM.

Findings

The SEBSM solver for FEM with the present assembling technique has distinct advantages in both computational time and memory space occupation over the conventional methods, such as the Gauss elimination and LU decomposition methods.

Originality/value

The developed solver requires less memory space no matter the coefficient matrix is a typical sparse matrix or not, and it is applicable to both symmetric and unsymmetrical linear systems of equations. The processes of assembling matrix and dealing with constraints are straightforward, so it is convenient for coding. Compared to the previous solvers, the proposed solver has favorable universality and good performances.
Diverse approaches to negative treatment in the workplace: sector differences and their effects
Authors: Verheij Jesper , Groeneveld Sandra , Kuyper Lisette
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to examine whether and how different diversity approaches of public, semi-public and private sector organizations affect negative treatment experienced in the workplace. Broadly speaking, organizations might either approach diversity as a problem of inequality or as a resource and an added value for the organization. As such, a pro-equality and a pro-diversity approach can be distinguished which are both examined in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

In a quantitative study, structural equation modeling was used on survey data of a representative sample of Dutch employees.

Findings

Results show that while both approaches are negatively associated with negative treatment, the pro-diversity is most strongly so. Sector differences were less pronounced than expected, although employees across different sectors of employment benefit from both the approaches to a different extent.

Research limitations/implications

Further research examining the effect of diversity approaches to negative treatment across sectors is required. Suggestions for further research are discussed.

Practical implications

Looking at sector differences, the findings showed that employees across public, semi-public and private sector organizations benefitted from the diversity approaches to a different extent. Organizations across different sectors are therefore suggested to adopt different diversity approaches to combat negative treatment in the workplace.

Originality/value

Most studies either focus on a pro-equality or pro-diversity approach. The present study combines both and, moreover, pays attention to the way both approaches affect negative treatment experienced in the semi-public sector. Examining variation within the public sector is unique in the context of diversity research.
A comparative study of population-based algorithms for a political districting problem
Authors: Rincón-García Eric Alfredo , Gutiérrez-Andrade Miguel Ángel , de-los-Cobos-Silva Sergio Gerardo , Mora-Gutiérrez Roman Anselmo , Ponsich Antonin , Lara-Velázquez Pedro
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose comparing the performance of three algorithms based on different population-based heuristics, particle swarm optimization (PSO), artificial bee colony (ABC) and method of musical composition (DMMC), for the districting problem.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to compare the performance of the proposed algorithms, they were tested on eight instances drawn from the Mexican electoral institute database, and their respective performance levels were compared. In addition, a simulated annealing-based (simulated annealing – SA) algorithm was used as reference to evaluate the proposed algorithms. This technique was included in this work because it has been used for Federal districting in Mexico since 1994. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated in terms of the quality of the approximated Pareto front and efficiency. Regarding solution quality, convergence and dispersion of the resulting non-dominated solutions were evaluated.

Findings

The results show that the quality and diversification of non-dominated solutions generated by population-based algorithms are better than those produced by Federal Electoral Institute’s (IFE’s) SA-based technique. More accurately, among population-based techniques, discrete adaptation of ABC and MMC outperform PSO.

Originality/value

The performance of three population-based techniques was evaluated for the districting problem. In this paper, the authors used the objective function proposed by the Mexican IFE, a weight aggregation function that seeks for a districting plan that represents the best balance between population equality and compactness. However, the weighting factors can be modified by political agreements; thus, the authors decided to produce a set of efficient solutions, using different weighting factors for the computational experiments. This way, the best algorithm will produce high quality solutions no matter the weighting factors used for a real districting process. The computational experiments proved that the proposed artificial bee colony and method of musical composition-based algorithms produce better quality efficient solutions than its counterparts. These results show that population-based algorithms can outperform traditional local search strategies. Besides, as far as we know, this is the first time that the method of musical composition is used for this kind of problems.
A fuzzy model for the valuation of quality management system
Authors: Brotons Jose M. , Sansalvador Manuel E.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The economic effects resulting from the commitment to ISO 9001 certification is a controversial issue. Many authors have concluded about the positive economic effects resulting from the establishment of quality systems in accordance with the requirements established in the ISO 9001 standard, but other authors have not appreciated this positive relationship. The purpose of this paper is to provide a model that facilitates the valuation of the ISO 9001 quality system.

Design/methodology/approach

In the process of developing a valuation model, given the uncertainty this process involves, the use of fuzzy math is very useful. First, as for an internal valuation method, the authors highlight the discounted cash flow in a fuzzy environment. The internal valuation will be completed by external expert opinions. To improve the information supplied by experts, the paper makes use of the experton theory. In this context, the authors propose the aggregation of the experts’ opinion by using basic defuzzification distribution (BADD)-fuzzy induced ordered weighted averaging. Finally, the results undergo contra-expertise. After presenting the theoretical model, the authors proceed with its application by using a case study.

Findings

The paper develops a new method for the economic evaluation of the ISO 9001 certification.

Originality/value

The authors propose the valuation of ISO 9001 quality management system, and they do it using some interesting tools which fuzzy logic offers. In this way, it is possible to eliminate subjectivity and improve the final results.
A fuzzy methodology for innovation management measurement
Authors: Alfaro-García Victor G. , Gil-Lafuente Anna M. , Alfaro Calderón Gerardo G.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Innovation has been recognized as one of the main sources of competitive advantage for organizations and nations. The purpose of this study is to present an innovation management measurement approach by applying fuzzy techniques to small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a survey focusing on seven innovation measurement areas: innovation strategy, knowledge management, project management, portfolio management, internal enablers, organization and structure and external enablers. A total of 91 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the city of Morelia, Mexico, participated in the study. Furthermore, the data collected were analyzed under a multi-criteria decision-making approach using the theory of expertons and the induced generalized ordered weighted averaging operator.

Findings

The results show that the most valued areas are innovation strategy, organization and structure, knowledge management and project management. Furthermore, portfolio management, external drivers and internal drivers are the areas with the lowest valuations.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original methodological structure based on an expertise process designed to achieve well-founded results from uncertain and subjective opinions directly from the managers of the surveyed SMEs.
Short- and long-term debt determinants in Swedish SMEs
Authors: Öhman Peter , Yazdanfar Darush
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the capital structure determinants of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a particular focus on short- and long-term debt.

Design/methodology/approach

Several methods were used to analyse a sample of 15,897 Swedish SMEs for which complete financial information was available for a four-year period following the 2008 financial crisis, i.e. the 2009-2012 period.

Findings

The results indicate that eight explanatory variables – i.e. size, age, growth, profitability, liquidity, asset tangibility, non-debt tax shields and industry affiliation – are associated to various extents with SME debt policy.

Research limitations/implications

The current study is limited to examining a sample of Swedish SMEs in five industry sectors covering the 2009-2012 period. Further research could examine the generalizability of the present results by considering other countries, industry sectors and periods.

Practical implications

As debt policy influences firm performance, value and survival, SME owners and managers, regulators and financial institutions may benefit from studies considering a relatively large number of capital structure determinants, several of which are linked to short- and long-term debt in various ways.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to examine the determinants of short- and long-term debt in SMEs, which play a fundamental role in the economy, using a large-scale cross-sectional database covering a period following the 2008 financial crisis.
Repeat Coronary Artery Dissection in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bitting Casey P. , Zumwalt Ross E.
Published: February 2017

Non‐atherosclerotic spontaneous coronary artery dissection (NA‐SCAD) is a rare cause of morbidity and mortality with a propensity for young, healthy, and often peripartum women. NA‐SCAD etiology is poorly understood, with possible hormonal and hereditary mechanisms. Current treatment strategies range from conservative management (often showing resolution on angiographic follow‐up) to invasive angiographic procedures. Rarely, NA‐SCAD has recurred in another coronary artery, ranging hours to years later. We report NA‐SCAD of the right coronary artery (RCA) in a 30‐year old, 3‐month postpartum female with an additional autopsy finding of remote myocardial infarction (MI) in the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery territory. The remote MI is consistent with prior NA‐SCAD of the LAD and, given the medical history, may have occurred in the peripartum period of the decedent first pregnancy 3 years earlier. As such, to the best of our knowledge, this may represent the first reported case of NA‐SCAD recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy.
Investment in concealable information by biased experts
Authors: Kartik Navin , Lee Frances Xu , Suen Wing
Published: February 2017

We study a persuasion game in which biased—possibly opposed—experts strategically acquire costly information that they can then conceal or reveal. We show that information acquisition decisions are strategic substitutes when experts have linear preferences over a decision maker's beliefs. The logic turns on how each expert expects the decision maker's posterior to be affected by the presence of other experts should he not acquire information that would turn out to be favorable. The decision maker may prefer to solicit advice from just one biased expert even when others—including those biased in the opposite direction (singular)—are available.
Pass‐through in a concentrated industry: empirical evidence and regulatory implications
Authors: Miller Nathan H. , Osborne Matthew , Sheu Gloria
Published: February 2017

We estimate pass‐through with 30 years of data from the portland cement industry. Robust econometric evidence supports that fuel cost changes are more than fully transmitted downstream in the form of price changes. This validates an implicit pass‐through assumption made in recent academic research and regulatory analyses. We combine the econometric results with estimates of competitive conduct obtained from the literature to evaluate the incidence of market‐based CO2 regulation. Producers bear roughly 11% of the regulatory burden and could be compensated with 16% of the revenues obtained.
Bilateral lung metastasectomy in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater
Authors: Pih Gyu Young , Kim Dong Kwan , Park Kwang‐Min , Chang Heung‐Moon
Published: February 2017

The efficacy of lung metastasectomy is well established in several cancers, including colorectal cancer. However, little is known about the result of lung metastasectomy in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Only two case reports have reported the efficacy of metastasectomy in ampullary cancer patients with pulmonary metastasis. We report the result of bilateral lung metastasectomy in a patient with ampullary cancer. A 63‐year‐old woman underwent pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. About three years after the surgery, two non‐calcified lung nodules in the right lower and left upper lobes had developed. Wedge resections of both lung nodules were performed and the pathological examination showed that the lung nodules were pulmonary metastases from the ampullary cancer. Ten years after the lung surgery, the patient is well and there is no evidence of recurrence. Surgical resection could be considered in patients with pulmonary metastasis from ampulla of Vater cancer, even when the metastases are bilateral.
Vedolizumab exposure in pregnancy: outcomes from clinical studies in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mahadevan U. , Vermeire S. , Lasch K. , Abhyankar B. , Bhayat F. , Blake A. , Dubinsky M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Vedolizumab is a gut‐selective immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody to α4β7 integrin for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Prospective clinical studies of vedolizumab in pregnancy have not been conducted; therefore, existing safety data of vedolizumab in pregnancy were examined.

Aim

To assess pregnancy outcomes in females and partners of males who received vedolizumab.

Methods

All pregnancy data collected during the clinical programme (from 14 May 2007 to 27 June 2013) and in the post‐marketing setting (to 19 November 2015) were analysed.

Results

Across six studies, there were 27 pregnancies in female participants and 19 pregnancies in partners of male participants. Among 24 vedolizumab‐treated females (23 with CD/UC, one healthy volunteer), there were 11 live births, five elective terminations, four spontaneous abortions and four undocumented outcomes. A congenital corpus callosum agenesis anomaly was reported in one live birth from a healthy volunteer with extensive obstetric history exposed to single‐dose vedolizumab 79 days before estimated conception. Of 19 pregnancies in partners of male participants, there were 11 live births, two spontaneous abortions, three elective terminations and three undocumented outcomes. Post‐marketing reports recorded 81 pregnancies, resulting in four live births, 11 spontaneous abortions and 66 pregnancies that were on‐going or reported undocumented outcomes.

Conclusions

Initial analysis, limited by sample size and follow‐up, identified no new safety concerns for pregnancy outcomes in females directly or indirectly exposed to vedolizumab. However, vedolizumab should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the mother/unborn child.
Impact of accelerometer and pedometer use on physical activity and glycaemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Baskerville R. , Ricci‐Cabello I. , Roberts N. , Farmer A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Self‐directed pedometer use increases physical activity levels in the general population; however, evidence of benefit for Type 2 diabetes is unclear and has not been systematically reviewed for accelerometers.

Aim

To examine the impact of using physical activity monitoring devices (pedometers and accelerometers) on free‐living physical activity and HbA1c levels in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review. Bibliographic databases included Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, SportDiscus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included controlled trials evaluating interventions based on the use of pedometers or accelerometers to promote physical activity in people with Type 2 diabetes. Primary outcomes were physical activity (min/week or steps) and HbA1c [mmol/mol (%)]. Secondary outcomes were weight, blood pressure and lipid profile.

Results

Twelve trials (1458 participants) were identified, of which nine studied pedometers and three accelerometers. Random‐effects meta‐analysis showed an overall increase in physical activity (standardized mean difference 0.57, 95% CI 0.24, 0.91) in the intervention groups. Accelerometers and pedometers produced a similar effect size. No significant differences were observed in HbA1c, BMI, blood pressure or lipid profile.

Conclusions

People with Type 2 diabetes, provided with an accelerometer or pedometer, substantially increased their free‐living physical activity. There is no evidence that monitor use alone improves HbA1c or other clinical outcomes. Further trials are needed to compare the relative effects of activity monitors within differing complex interventions.
Decreased biventricular longitudinal strain shortly after congenital heart defect surgery
Authors: de Boer Jonne M. , Kuipers Irene M. , Klitsie Liselotte M. , Blom Nico A. , ten Harkel Arend D. J.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Impaired ventricular performance in patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart defect (CHD) may ultimately result in clinical heart failure. It is therefore important to regularly evaluate the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) performance. We evaluated tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) before and after surgical correction of a CHD.

Study design

Patients with CHD undergoing biventricular corrective surgery were included in this retrospective study. In addition, a group of healthy controls was included. The performance of LV, RV and interventricular septum (IVS) was assessed using mitral inflow velocities, TDI peak systolic (S′), peak early (E′) and peak late (A′) diastolic velocity. LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were assessed using STE. Measurements were performed preoperatively and at discharge.

Results

A total of 204 patients and 78 controls were included. All TDI measurements were significantly decreased after surgery. Nonetheless, LV S′ and A′ were still within normal limits. LV and RV GLS were significantly reduced after surgery and significantly lower compared to controls. A longer aortic cross‐clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time were associated with significantly lower TDI and strain parameters in the RV and IVS, but not in the LV.

Conclusion

TDI and STE results generally imply a significantly lower ventricular performance in patients with CHD postoperatively. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between aortic cross‐clamping and CPB time and several RV performance parameters. As this association was not observed in the LV, this could implicate less vulnerability of the LV to cardiopulmonary bypass.
Words versus Deeds: Evidence from Post‐Call Manager Trades
Authors: Brockman Paul , Cicon James E. , Li Xu , Price S. McKay
Published: February 2017

We examine the impact of conference call tones on the direction and magnitude of subsequent manager trades. Our univariate results show that corporate insiders buy company shares following negative‐tone conference calls and sell shares following positive‐tone conference calls. This inverse call tone–trading pattern holds for both managers’ introductory sessions and subsequent question‐and‐answer (Q&A) sessions. Our multivariate results confirm the univariate call tone–trading patterns and show that contrarian manager trades are mostly driven by managerial selling activity. In contrast to the consistent and strong evidence of managers trading in the opposite direction of their call tones, we find no evidence of managers trading in the same direction of their call tones. We also examine the impact of analyst Q&A challenges on post‐call manager trades. Our findings suggest that managers learn from analyst feedback and adjust their post‐call trades accordingly.
Periodontal disease, tooth loss and dementia: Is there a link? A systematic review
Authors: Tonsekar Pallavi P. , Jiang Shuying S. , Yue Gang
Published: February 2017

Background

It has been suggested that dementia is caused by neuronal damage due to chronic inflammation from peripheral sources such as the oral cavity in periodontal disease.

Objective

The aim of our review was to assess the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment associated with chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss.

Materials and methods

An extensive search of electronic databases of articles on the relation between periodontitis, tooth loss and dementia published on or before April 2016 was conducted. Experimental and human studies that provided a description consistent with multiple tooth loss, chronic periodontal disease and cognitive impairment obtained by validated methods were selected. The data extracted from the articles included study design, country of origin, sample size, methods used to assess periodontitis and cognition, average age at the baseline and number of years of follow‐up. The Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of human studies.

Results

The literature search yielded 756 articles which were independently screened, and 16 articles were included in the review. Four human studies reported an association of subsequent dementia with multiple tooth loss. One human study reported that chronic periodontal disease was associated with dementia. Eight experimental studies demonstrated an association between cognitive impairment and tooth loss.

Conclusion

The literature on chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss as risk factors to dementia remains inconclusive. More randomised clinical trials on the association between periodontitis and dementia with uniform criteria for evaluation and diagnosis of periodontitis are warranted.
The assessment of organizational culture in cross‐cultural settings: Investigating the psychometric quality and cultural equivalence of three quantitative instruments
Authors: Puppatz Martin , Burmeister Anne , Deller Juergen
Published: February 2017

This study tested the psychometric quality and cultural equivalence of the German versions of three instruments for measuring organizational culture: the Denison Organizational Culture Survey (DOCS), the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP), and the Global leadership & organizational behavior effectiveness survey (GLOBE). Using an organizational sample from the banking industry, we analyzed the metric equivalence (by means of assessing the psychometric quality), the conceptual equivalence (by means of assessing the construct validity) as well as the linguistic and functional equivalence of the three instruments. The results indicate that the psychometric properties and the equivalence of the DOCS and the OCP can be summarized as satisfactory. In contrast, reliability indices of the GLOBE scales were far below recommended thresholds and results regarding its construct validity were unsatisfying. Conceptual equivalence could therefore not be assumed. Avenues for future research and implications for practitioners are discussed. In addition, the authors created and tested a German translation of the OCP scales and an adapted version of the German DOCS scales.
Applying organizational justice theory to admission into higher education: Admission from a student perspective
Authors: Niessen A. Susan M. , Meijer Rob R. , Tendeiro Jorge N.
Published: February 2017

Applicant perceptions of methods used in admission procedures to higher education were investigated using organizational justice theory. Applicants to a psychology study program completed a questionnaire about several admission methods. General favorability, ratings on justice dimensions, relationships between general favorability and these dimensions, and differences in perceptions based on gender and on the aim of the admission procedure (selection or matching) were studied. In addition, the relationship between favorability and test performance, and the relationship between favorability and behavioral outcomes were investigated. Applicants rated interviews and trial‐studying tests most favorably. Contrary to expectations based on the existing literature, high school grades were perceived least favorably and there was no relationship between applicant perceptions and enrollment decisions. In line with previous research in the employment literature, general favorability was most strongly related to face validity, study‐relatedness, applicant differentiation, the chance to show skills, perceived scientific evidence, and perceived wide‐spread use. We found no differences in applicant perceptions based on gender and small differences based on the aim of admission procedures. These results extend the applicant perceptions literature to educational admission and the results are useful for administrators when choosing methods to admit students.
A deskilling and challenging journey: the lived experience of Indonesian nurse returnees
Authors: Kurniati A. , Chen C.‐M. , Efendi F. , Ogawa R.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To illuminate the lived experiences of Indonesian nurses who previously worked as caregivers in Japanese residential care facilities, by exploring the journey of becoming returnees.

Background

The creation of bilateral agreements between Indonesia and Japan has facilitated the movement of Indonesian nurses to work as caregivers in Japan since 2008. While this decision raised concerns with regard to the degradation of nursing skills, little is known about this issue from the perspective of nurse returnees and how the experience affects their life.

Method

A hermeneutic phenomenological method was employed for this study. A purposive sample of 15 Indonesian nurse returnees participated in this study. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in four of Indonesia's provinces between August and October 2015. Data were analysed thematically, supported by QSR NVIVO 10 software.

Findings

Four key themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) returning home; (ii) going back to zero; (iii) walking through a difficult journey; and (iv) overcoming barriers. These findings described the lived experiences of nurse returnees when they got back to the country of origin.

Conclusion

Indonesian nurse returnees experienced deskilling and struggled to re‐enter the nursing profession or to find other non‐nursing jobs. The significant impact of this migration on individual nurses with regard to maximizing the benefits of return migration deserves further investigation.

Implication for nursing and health policy

The Indonesian government, jointly with other stakeholders, should develop a brain gain strategy to align returnees’ expertise with the needs of the national labour market. The public‐private partnership should be strengthened to utilize returnees in healthcare services.
The influence of reference effect on pricing strategies in revenue management settings
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Ding , Zhang Chen
Published: February 2017

This paper studies the reference effect on dynamic pricing in revenue management for cases with limited capacity and stochastic demand. We first present a single‐period fixed pricing (FP) model in finite horizon with fixed capacity and stochastic demand, and show that there is a unique optimal solution. The model is then extended to a discrete‐time dynamic pricing (DP) model as a benchmark case. We subsequently propose a DP model with reference effect (DPR), investigate the properties of the revenue function, and present a computational scheme to compute the dynamic optimal price. Numerical experiments are conducted to exhibit how the reference effect may influence the initial price, pricing trend, price dispersion, and expected revenue, with the FP, DP, and DPR policies in the same environment of a fixed capacity facing stochastic demand. We also present, through numerical examples, a comparison between deterministic demand and stochastic demand scenarios under reference effect, and with a fixed initial price versus a variable initial price.
The European Parliament as a Forum of National Interest? A Transnationalist Critique of Jürgen Habermas' Reconstruction of Degressive Proportionality
Authors: von Achenbach Jelena
Published: February 2017

Arguing from a transnationalist perspective, this contribution contests Jürgen Habermas' reconstruction of degressive proportionality according to which the principle is justified as a mechanism empowering national interest. The critique is developed on legal, empirical and normative grounds. In the first step, the article demonstrates that the European Parliament (EP) is legally designed to serve as a medium of transnational political alignments. Based on empirical studies, it then shows that the members of the EP exercise their representative role as advocates of political platforms of a cross‐border nature. Normatively, the contribution argues that it is possible to reconstruct degressive proportionality from a transnationalist, European perspective: The purpose of this complex legal construction is to establish the conditions of an open, fair and pluralistic transnational discourse in the EP. Degressive proportionality allows for heterogeneity and diversity within the Union citizenry, which remains – for the time being – divided in national constituencies, to be articulated politically.
Promising therapeutic efficacy of a novel reduced expression in immortalized cells/dickkopf‐3 expressing adenoviral vector for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sawahara Hiroaki , Shiraha Hidenori , Uchida Daisuke , Kato Hironari , Kato Ryo , Oyama Atsushi , Nagahara Teruya , Iwamuro Masaya , Horiguchi Shigeru , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Mandai Mari , Mimura Tetsushige , Wada Nozomu , Takeuchi Yasuto , Kuwaki Kenji , Onishi Hideki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Watanabe Masami , Sakaguchi Masakiyo , Takaki Akinobu , Nouso Kazuhiro , Yagi Takahito , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim

Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC)/dickkopf‐3 (Dkk‐3) is a tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated in various cancers. In our previous study of prostate cancer, the REIC/Dkk‐3‐expressing adenoviral vector (Ad‐REIC) was found to induce cancer‐selective apoptosis. This study recently developed a novel super gene expression (SGE) system and used this system to re‐construct an Ad‐REIC vector, termed the Ad‐SGE‐REIC, to achieve more effective therapeutic outcomes. In this study, the therapeutic effects of Ad‐SGE‐REIC on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was assessed.

Methods

Human HCC cell lines (HLE, Huh7, HepG2, HLF, SK‐Hep1, and PLC), human HCC tissues, and mouse HCC cell line (Hepa1‐6) were used in this study. REIC/Dkk‐3 expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The relative cell viability and the apoptotic effect were examined in vitro, and the anti‐tumor effects of Ad‐SGE‐REIC treatment were analyzed in the mouse xenograft model. This study additionally assessed anti‐tumor immunological effects on the immunocompetent mice.

Results

REIC/Dkk‐3 expression was decreased in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. Ad‐SGE‐REIC reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in HCC cell lines (HLE and Huh7), inhibited tumor growth in the mouse xenograft model, and demonstrated in vivo anti‐cancer immunostimulatory effects on the HCC cell line (Hepa1‐6).

Conclusions

Ad‐SGE‐REIC treatment not only enhanced cell killing effects in vitro but also elicited significant therapeutic effects, with tumor growth suppression, in vivo. REIC/Dkk‐3 gene therapy using Ad‐SGE‐REIC potentially represents an innovative new therapeutic tool for HCC.
Diatom life cycles and ecology in the Cretaceous
Authors: Jewson David H. , Harwood David M.
Published: February 2017

The earliest known diatom fossils with well‐preserved siliceous frustules are from Lower Cretaceous neritic marine deposits in Antarctica. In this study, we analyzed the cell wall structure to establish whether their cell and life cycles were similar to modern forms. At least two filamentous species (Basilicostephanus ornatus and Archepyrgus melosiroides) had girdle band structures that functioned during cell division in a similar way to present day Aulacoseira species. Also, size analyses of cell diameter indicated that the cyclic process of size decline and size restoration used to time modern diatom life cycles was present in five species from the Lower Cretaceous (B. ornatus, A. melosiroides, Gladius antiquus, Ancylopyrgus reticulatus, Kreagra forfex) as well as two species from Upper Cretaceous deposits (Trinacria anissimowii and Eunotogramma fueloepi) from the Southwest Pacific. The results indicate that the “Diatom Sex Clock” was present from an early evolutionary stage. Other ecological adaptations included changes in mantle height and coiling. Overall, the results suggest that at least some of the species in these early assemblages are on a direct ancestral line to modern forms.
Personality and Employment Transitions at Older Ages: Direct and Indirect Effects through Non‐Monetary Job Characteristics
Authors: Angrisani Marco , Hurd Michael D. , Meijer Erik , Parker Andrew M. , Rohwedder Susann
Published: February 2017

We study whether individuals with different personality traits systematically exhibit different retirement trajectories. We find weak direct associations between personality and employment transitions. On the other hand, personality does contribute indirectly to these transitions by moderating the effects of non‐monetary job characteristics. Specifically, workers with different traits are observed to follow different retirement paths when faced with similar physical demands, computer skills requirements, job flexibility, and age discrimination in the workplace. Contrary with other economic domains, conscientiousness does not have the strongest association with retirement; the other components of the Big Five personality traits show more salient patterns.
Callous‐unemotional, impulsive‐irresponsible, and grandiose‐manipulative traits: Distinct associations with heart rate, skin conductance, and startle responses to violent and erotic scenes
Authors: Fanti Kostas A. , Kyranides Melina N. , Georgiou Giorgos , Petridou Maria , Colins Olivier F. , Tuvblad Catherine , Andershed Henrik
Published: February 2017

The present study aimed to examine whether callous‐unemotional, grandiose‐manipulative, and impulsive‐irresponsible dimensions of psychopathy are differentially related to various affective and physiological measures, assessed at baseline and in response to violent and erotic movie scenes. Data were collected from young adults (N = 101) at differential risk for psychopathic traits. Findings from regression analyses revealed a unique predictive contribution of grandiose‐manipulative traits in particular to higher ratings of positive valence for violent scenes. Callous‐unemotional traits were uniquely associated with lower levels of sympathy toward victims and lower ratings of fear and sadness during violent scenes. All three psychopathy dimensions and the total psychopathy scale showed negative zero‐order correlations with heart rate at baseline, but regression analyses revealed that only grandiose manipulation was uniquely predictive of lower baseline heart rate. Grandiose manipulation was also significantly associated with lower baseline skin conductance. Regarding autonomic activity, findings resulted in a unique negative association between grandiose manipulation and heart rate activity in response to violent scenes. In contrast, the impulsive‐irresponsible dimension was positively related with heart rate activity to violent scenes. Finally, findings revealed that only callous‐unemotional traits were negatively associated with startle potentiation in response to violent scenes. No associations during erotic scenes were identified. These findings point to unique associations between the three assessed dimensions of psychopathy with physiological measures, indicating that grandiose manipulation is associated with hypoarousal, impulsive irresponsibility with hyperarousal, and callous‐unemotional traits with low emotional and fear responses to violent scenes.
A Bayesian Model Selection Approach for Identifying Differentially Expressed Transcripts from RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Papastamoulis Panagiotis , Rattray Magnus
Published: February 2017

Recent advances in molecular biology allow the quantification of the transcriptome and scoring transcripts as differentially or equally expressed between two biological conditions. Although these two tasks are closely linked, the available inference methods treat them separately: a primary model is used to estimate expression and its output is post processed by using a differential expression model. In the paper, both issues are simultaneously addressed by proposing the joint estimation of expression levels and differential expression: the unknown relative abundance of each transcript can either be equal or not between two conditions. A hierarchical Bayesian model builds on the BitSeq framework and the posterior distribution of transcript expression and differential expression is inferred by using Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. It is shown that the model proposed enjoys conjugacy for fixed dimension variables; thus the full conditional distributions are analytically derived. Two samplers are constructed, a reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler and a collapsed Gibbs sampler, and the latter is found to perform better. A cluster representation of the aligned reads to the transcriptome is introduced, allowing parallel estimation of the marginal posterior distribution of subsets of transcripts under reasonable computing time. Under a fixed prior probability of differential expression the clusterwise sampler has the same marginal posterior distributions as the raw sampler, but a more general prior structure is also employed. The algorithm proposed is benchmarked against alternative methods by using synthetic data sets and applied to real RNA sequencing data. Source code is available on line from https://github.com/mqbssppe/cjBitSeq.
Observed and parent‐reported conscience in childhood: Relations with bullying involvement in early primary school
Authors: Jansen Pauline W. , Zwirs Barbara , Verlinden Marina , Mieloo Cathelijne L. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Verhulst Frank C. , Jansen Wilma , van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: February 2017

This exploratory study aimed to examine which components of early childhood conscience predicted bullying involvement around school entry. In the population‐based Generation R Study, teacher reports of bullying involvement and parent reports of conscience were available for 3,244 children (M age = 6.7 years). Higher levels of overall conscience predicted lower bullying perpetration scores, independently of intelligence quotient, temperamental traits and sociodemographic characteristics. Particularly, the subscales guilt, confession, and internalized conduct, and to a lesser extent empathy, predicted bullying perpetration. Conscience was not related to victimization. Similar results were found using observations during so‐called ‘cheating games’ (subsample N = 450 children). Findings suggest that improving children's understanding of moral standards and norms may be a potential target for bullying intervention programs in early primary school.