bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
King Kong
Authors: Rony Fatimah Tobing
Published: September 2014

When the fantasy/adventure movie King Kong, directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, was released in 1933, the film immediately became more than just a big movie hit for the studio RKO. The movie, and its archetypal image of the giant prehistoric gorilla King Kong rampaging through New York City and carrying off the screaming blonde heroine to the top of the Empire State Building, has had a profound hold on the US cultural imagination, and its legacy continues to the present day. With a screenplay co-written by James A. Creelman and Ruth Rose (who was married to Schoedsack), from an idea conceived by Cooper and Edgar Wallace, King Kong used new technology such as stop-motion animation, traveling mattes, and back projection, as well as dramatic music, and startling and strange sound effects, to elevate a story about travel and adventure to the level of spectacle and horror. The screams of the Manhattanites on Broadway running away from Kong were meant to reflect our own horror and fascination with the great savage beast. Starring Robert Armstrong as the jungle filmmaker Carl Denham, Bruce Cabot as first mate Jack Driscoll, and Fay Wray as would-be starlet Ann Darrow, King Kong tells the tale of how these three sail toward Indonesia to make a jungle picture, and end up finding Kong “way west of Sumatra.” Ultimately the biggest star of the film was Kong, who endures as a cult cultural icon, inspiring other Kong films, such as the sequel Son of Kong, and the Toho Studios 1962 film King Kong vs. Godzilla, and two major remakes, one in 1976 produced by Dino De Laurentiis, and one in 2005 by Peter Jackson. Yet culturally, King Kong is more than just an amusement park ride or a national monster fetish. There is something about the film and its story that entices viewers and interpreters to read it in diverse and sometimes perverse ways: as Surrealist dream, capitalist fairy tale, campy horror genre movie, imperialist metaphor, allegory for the unconscious, history of ethnographic spectacle, and repressed spectacle for racial and sexual taboos. As Cynthia Marie Erb writes (Tracking King Kong: A Hollywood Icon in World Culture, 2009), the monster figure evokes an ambivalent response: Kong is interpreted as both a catalyst for anarchy, and a container for conservative values about the racialized Other.
Late Toxicity and Outcomes in High-risk Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Hypofractionated IMRT and Long-term Androgen Suppression Treatment
Authors: Pervez Nadeem , Boychak Alex , Drodge Claudia S. , Yee Don , Le Duc , Murtha Albert , Parliament Matthew , Amanie John , Mihai Alina , Field Colin , Mackenzie Marc , Ghosh Sunita , Fallone Gino , Pearcey Robert
Published: September 2014

Objective:

To assess late toxicity and outcomes in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with hypofractionated radiation treatment with androgen suppression therapy.

Methods:

Sixty high-risk prostate cancer patients were enrolled. IMRT prescription was 68 Gy/25 fractions (2.7 Gy/fraction) to the prostate and proximal seminal vesicles (SV). The pelvic lymph nodes (PLN) and distal SV concurrently received 45 Gy/25 fractions (1.8 Gy/fraction). The patients were treated with helical TomoTherapy-based IMRT and underwent daily megavoltage CT image–guided verification before each treatment. RTOG Toxicity scores were recorded for a 5-year period.

Results:

Sixty patients completed RT with median follow-up of 63 months (range, 7 to 80 mo).

At 5 years follow-up timepoint: Grade (G)2 and G3 late genitourinary toxicity was experienced in 7 (17.0%) and 1 (2.44%), respectively; gastrointestinal G2 as highest toxicity recorded in only 1 (2.44%) patient. There was no G3 gastrointestinal toxicity recorded at this timepoint.

With 63-month median follow-up (mean of 65.41±1.72 mo), the 5-year overall survival was 86.67%; 5 years freedom from biochemical failure was 91.67% and freedom from clinical failure was 96.67%.

Conclusions:

Dose escalation and hypofractionated radiation treatment with IMRT treating the prostate and proximal SV concurrently with the pelvic lymph nodes and distal SV and long-term androgen suppression therapy is well tolerated with respect to acute and late toxicity with 5-year actuarial overall survival 86.67%, freedom from biochemical failure 91.38%, and freedom from clinical failure 96.67%. Longer follow-up will provide more information on 10-year survival outcomes.
Uncovering the spatio-temporal dynamics of value-based decision-making in the human brain: a combined fMRI–EEG study
Authors: Larsen Tobias , O'Doherty John P.
Published: September 2014

While there is a growing body of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence implicating a corpus of brain regions in value-based decision-making in humans, the limited temporal resolution of fMRI cannot address the relative temporal precedence of different brain regions in decision-making. To address this question, we adopted a computational model-based approach to electroencephalography (EEG) data acquired during a simple binary choice task. fMRI data were also acquired from the same participants for source localization. Post-decision value signals emerged 200 ms post-stimulus in a predominantly posterior source in the vicinity of the intraparietal sulcus and posterior temporal lobe cortex, alongside a weaker anterior locus. The signal then shifted to a predominantly anterior locus 850 ms following the trial onset, localized to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex. Comparison signals between unchosen and chosen options emerged late in the trial at 1050 ms in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, suggesting that such comparison signals may not be directly associated with the decision itself but rather may play a role in post-decision action selection. Taken together, these results provide us new insights into the temporal dynamics of decision-making in the brain, suggesting that for a simple binary choice task, decisions may be encoded predominantly in posterior areas such as intraparietal sulcus, before shifting anteriorly.
An evolutionary computational theory of prefrontal executive function in decision-making
Authors: Koechlin Etienne
Published: September 2014

The prefrontal cortex subserves executive control and decision-making, that is, the coordination and selection of thoughts and actions in the service of adaptive behaviour. We present here a computational theory describing the evolution of the prefrontal cortex from rodents to humans as gradually adding new inferential Bayesian capabilities for dealing with a computationally intractable decision problem: exploring and learning new behavioural strategies versus exploiting and adjusting previously learned ones through reinforcement learning (RL). We provide a principled account identifying three inferential steps optimizing this arbitration through the emergence of (i) factual reactive inferences in paralimbic prefrontal regions in rodents; (ii) factual proactive inferences in lateral prefrontal regions in primates and (iii) counterfactual reactive and proactive inferences in human frontopolar regions. The theory clarifies the integration of model-free and model-based RL through the notion of strategy creation. The theory also shows that counterfactual inferences in humans yield to the notion of hypothesis testing, a critical reasoning ability for approximating optimal adaptive processes and presumably endowing humans with a qualitative evolutionary advantage in adaptive behaviour.
On the correlation of CTCF binding and c-myc amplification in human prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Fleischmann Tobias T. , Assum Günter
Published: September 2014

2.

Background

Background: One of the hallmarks of prostate cancer development is the amplification ofC-MYCcopy numbers. It is not yet clear what the driving force behind the activation ofC-MYCexpression in prostate cancer is. CTCF, which is known for its role as chromatin organiser, is thought to be involved in the activation ofC-MYCexpression. The affinity of CTCF to its binding site on the DNA is negatively affected by methylation of CpG islands, including its binding site within the promoter sequences ofC-MYC. DNA hypermethylation is often found in cancer cells and could therefore be responsible for reduced binding of CTCF at theC-MYCpromoter, which can in turn lead to enhanced expression.

Results

Here, the copy number ofC-MYCof five different prostate cancer cell lines has been determined by FISH, and the state of methylation of the binding site of CTCF upstream ofC-MYCwas investigated. TheC-MYClocus was shown to be amplified to various degrees in all cell lines, reflecting the copy number of actual tumors very well, but methylation was found to remain unchanged compared to healthy cells in all examined cell lines. Hence, no correlation betweenC-MYC-copy number and CTCF binding possibilities could be established.

Conclusions

The enhanced expression ofC-MYCin prostate cancer cell lines is not affected by CTCF, whose binding presumably still persists.C-MYCactivation in prostate cancer must therefore be caused by a disparate mechanism, which also deviates from other well known mechanisms that are seen in Burkitt-Lymphoma, Leukemia and breast cancer.
Optional classification for reassembly methods with different precision remanufactured parts
Authors: Liu Mingzhou , Liu Conghu , Zhu Qinghua
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to research how the reassembly (remanufacturing assembly) achieves a quality that is not lower than original production with different precision remanufactured parts based on the integration of mechanics, mathematics (measurement uncertainty) and management (optional classification). Remanufactured product quality is the soul of the remanufacturing project.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, this paper studies the recycled parts features and reassembly features. Then, we build the mathematical sub-model with remanufactured parts and dimensional precision, which is proven that optional classification can effectively improve the reassembly accuracy mathematically. The optimization model of optional classification for reassembly is proposed under the constraint of a dimensional chain, and the solutions are studied based on particle swarm optimization. Finally, this method is applied in a remanufacturing enterprise and achieves good results.

Findings

– The method can reduce the cost of quality loss and improve the quality of remanufactured products.

Originality/value

– It provides a new solution and idea for reassembly with different precision remanufactured parts and promotes the healthy development of reverse logistics with a high level of customer satisfaction. This method can maximize the use of different levels of quality remanufactured parts and improve reassembly accuracy by mathematical proofs and examples.
Human factors automatic evaluation for entire maintenance processes in virtual environment
Authors: Qiu Shiguang , Yang Yunfei , Fan Xiumin , He Qichang
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose a systematic approach for human factors (HFs) automatic evaluation for entire maintenance processes in virtual environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, a maintenance process information model is constructed to map real maintenance processes into computer environment. Next, based on this information model, the automatic evaluation methods for visibility, operation comfort and reachability are presented. All evaluation results are weighted and added up to establish a comprehensive HFs evaluation model. Then, the methods mentioned above are realized as an HFs evaluation module, which is integrated into virtual maintenance simulation platform, software developed by our lab.

Findings

– An application in HFs evaluation of repairing hydraulic motor on container spreader is implemented, and an on-site survey is carried out. The comparison between the result from the survey and the result we get using the presented methods shows that our solution can support HFs fast assessment accurately and effectively.

Practical implications

– Through evaluating maintenance operation processes, engineers can better analyze and validate the maintainability design of complex equipment, and some potential ergonomic issues can be found and dealt earlier.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to present a systematic approach to achieve HFs fast and accurate evaluation for entire maintenance processes, rather than for a few maintenance postures.
How congruent are managers’ perceptions of cultural distance with objective reality?
Authors: Azar Goudarz
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which managers’ perceptions of cultural distance – one of the most important explanatory factors in the field of international business – are congruent with objective reality.

Design/methodology/approach

– By subjecting a sample of 242 export ventures to correlation and confirmatory factor analyses, managers’ perceptions of the cultural distance (i.e. perceived cultural distance) between 29 international markets and Sweden (the home market) were compared, with “objective” cultural distance gauged using Hofstede's (1980) scores for dimensions of national culture.

Findings

– A statistically significant correlation was found between managers’ perceptions of cultural distance and “objective” cultural distance.

Originality/value

– Despite the importance of perceptual data in many theoretical and practical domains, few studies analyze the validity of such data. The present findings validate the congruence of perceptual data regarding cultural distance with “objective” cultural distance.
Metacognition, cultural psychological capital and motivational cultural intelligence
Authors: Gulistan Yunlu Dilek , Clapp-Smith Rachel
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of cultural psychological capital, its impact on motivational cultural intelligence (CQ), the influence of motivational cultural intelligence on metacognitive awareness, and the moderating role of perspective taking on the relationship between motivational cultural intelligence and metacognition.

Design/methodology/approach

– Collected data from international management program alumni to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results show that cultural psychological capital has a positive relationship with motivational cultural intelligence, which in turn relates to metacognitive awareness, and perspective taking does not moderate the relationship between motivational cultural intelligence and metacognition.

Research limitations/implications

– The data were collected from a single source. The study supports broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 2001) by demonstrating that cultural psychological capital has an important association with motivational cultural intelligence.

Practical implications

– Cultural psychological capital can be improved. Therefore, organizations that desire to increase the motivation of employees may consider improving the cultural psychological capital of employees. Learning is an important outcome of motivational cultural intelligence, and it is an asset for today's organizations.

Originality/value

– The study takes a positive perspective for cross-cultural experiences and identifies cultural psychological capital as an important resource for expatriates. Metacognitive awareness, as an outcome, provides support that cross-cultural experience results in higher learning for individuals who are motivated.
Social capital and national innovation system: a cross-country analysis
Authors: Ghazinoory Sepehr , Bitaab Ali , Lohrasbi Ardeshir
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– In the last two decades, researchers have paid much attention to the role of cultural values on economic and social development. In particular, the crucial role of different aspects of culture on the development of innovation has been stressed in the literature. Consequently, it is vital to understand how social capital, as a core cultural value, affects the innovation process and the innovative performance at the national level. However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of four different dimensions of social capital (institutional and interpersonal, associational life and norms) on two of the main functions of national innovation system (NIS) (entrepreneurship and knowledge creation) based on over 50,000 observations in 34 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this regard, national-level data from the World Values Survey database was employed to quantify social capital. Entrepreneurship is, in turn, assumed to consist of three sub-indexes and 14 indicators based on the Global Entrepreneurship Index. Knowledge creation is also measured through US Patent Office applications. Also, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling approach were used to build the measurement model and investigate the impact that each factor of social capital had on entrepreneurship and knowledge application, respectively. Measurement and structural models were built and their reliability and validity were tested using various fit indices. Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions.

Findings

– Research findings suggest the strong positive effect of institutional trust and networking on entrepreneurship. Also, interpersonal trust and networks were shown to have high influence on knowledge development at the national level. Norms appear to have naïve to medium negative effects on both functions.

Originality/value

– However, to date, the impact of different dimensions of social capital and innovation has not been properly portrayed or explained.
Eulerian-Eulerian modelling and computational fluid dynamics simulation of wire mesh demisters in MSF plants
Authors: Al-Fulaij Hala , Cipollina Andrea , Micale Giorgio , Ettouney Hisham , Bogle David
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to focus on simulation of wire mesh demisters in multistage flash desalination (MSF) plants. The simulation is made by the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.

Design/methodology/approach

– A steady state and two-dimensional (2D) model was developed to simulate the demister. The model employs an Eulerian-Eulerian approach to simulate the flow of water vapor and brine droplets in the demister. The computational domain included three zones, which are the vapor space above and below the demister and the demister. The demister zone was modeled as a tube bank arrange or as a porous media.

Findings

– Sensitivity analysis of the model showed the main parameters that affect demister performance are the vapor velocity and the demister permeability. On the other hand, the analysis showed that the vapor temperature has no effect on the pressure drop across the demister.

Research limitations/implications

– The developed model was validated against previous literature data as well as real plant data. The analysis shows good agreement between model prediction and data.

Originality/value

– This work is the first in the literature to simulate the MSF demister using CFD modeling. This work is part of a group effort to develop a comprehensive CFD simulation for the entire flashing stage of the MSF process, which would provide an extremely efficient and inexpensive design and simulation tool to the desalination community.
A novel improved accelerated particle swarm optimization algorithm for global numerical optimization
Authors: Wang Gai-Ge , Hossein Gandomi Amir , Yang Xin-She , Hossein Alavi Amir
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Meta-heuristic algorithms are efficient in achieving the optimal solution for engineering problems. Hybridization of different algorithms may enhance the quality of the solutions and improve the efficiency of the algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel, robust hybrid meta-heuristic optimization approach by adding differential evolution (DE) mutation operator to the accelerated particle swarm optimization (APSO) algorithm to solve numerical optimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The improvement includes the addition of DE mutation operator to the APSO updating equations so as to speed up convergence.

Findings

– A new optimization method is proposed by introducing DE-type mutation into APSO, and the hybrid algorithm is called differential evolution accelerated particle swarm optimization (DPSO). The difference between DPSO and APSO is that the mutation operator is employed to fine-tune the newly generated solution for each particle, rather than random walks used in APSO.

Originality/value

– A novel hybrid method is proposed and used to optimize 51 functions. It is compared with other methods to show its effectiveness. The effect of the DPSO parameters on convergence and performance is also studied and analyzed by detailed parameter sensitivity studies.
Advancing the equality and diversity agenda in armed forces: global perspectives
Authors: Ishaq Mohammed , Maaria Hussain Asifa
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Focusing on some of the key strands of equality and diversity (E&D), the purpose of this paper is to highlight the progress made by armed forces in implementing the E&D agenda, with specific focus on Anglophone countries and their allies. The research also looks at the obstacles encountered by managers and policymakers in attempting to establish effective diversity management in a traditionally highly conservative public sector institution.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an approach known as secondary analysis, there is an in-depth review of a wide range of data sources.

Findings

– The analysis reveals that E&D issues in armed forces have been under researched and there is also unbalanced coverage and reporting of E&D across nations. There is also evidence of greater progress on diversity management in the armed forces of some countries but a distinct lack of progress in others. A combination of political, legal, economic and social influences are impinging on the culture of militaries. Whilst in the long-term these pressures are likely to result in armed forces becoming more reflective of developments in wider society, the road to achieving this is still fraught with uncertainty.

Originality/value

– To increase the understanding of diversity management in public institutions characterised by an mono culture and traditionally associated with resistance to change, and establish the extent to which the legal, social justice and business cases for promoting E&D are wholly applicable to the armed forces.
Apposition, contradiction, conflict and domination
Authors: Pynnönen Anu , Takala Tuomo
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively describe and explain the contemporary Finnish discourse of municipal managers. The emphasis within is on analyzing the encounters of the public sector management discourse and the private sector management discourse, and the effects that these encounters have on the construction and representation of municipal management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a three-phase discourse analysis, proceeding from the textual and linguistic level through interpretive analysis to critical analysis. This analysis is based on the proceedings and presentations of a seminar of municipal leadership and management, arranged in 2013 in Finland.

Findings

– The encounters of the discourses form three types: apposition of actors; contradiction and conflict of contexts; and domination of the private sector discourse. Apposition is a surface-level phenomenon, synonymizing the actors of the two discourses. Contradiction and conflict are caused by the incompatibility of operational and value contexts. Domination is a phenomenon of prioritizing the private sector principles and values in conflict situations. All these may affect the role and work of, as well as expectations toward, the municipal manager.

Research limitations/implications

– Further research and more samples are needed to assess wider applicability of the present findings.

Originality/value

– The study highlights the roles of language and discourse in the construction and representation of municipal management and managers. It increases the importance of understanding the discursive elements of the new public management phenomenon. In addition, the study supplements the existing macro-level studies.
Consumer characteristics and social influence factors on green purchasing intentions
Authors: Wang Shih-Tse
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Green consumer behavior has recently attracted the attention of academic researchers. To address a lack of relevant research, the effects that consumer characteristics (i.e. external locus of control and collectivism) and social influence factors (i.e. environmental visibility and subjective norms) exert on green purchasing intentions are investigated in this study. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a quantitative online survey of 1,866 participants in Taiwan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.

Findings

– The results show that although an external locus of control exerted a negative effect on consumers’ green consumption intentions, collectivism values exerted a positive influence. In addition, both environmental visibility and subjective norms exerted a significant effect on green purchasing intentions.

Originality/value

– Consumer characteristics and social influence factors were integrated into green consumer research in this study. The findings can improve green market managers’ understanding of the role that consumer characteristics and social influence factors play in consumer decisions.
Integrating corporate social responsibility into efforts to realize millennium development goals
Authors: Katamba David , Marvin Nkiko Cedric , Tushabomwe-Kazooba Charles , Babiiha Mpisi Sulayiman , Kemeza Imelda , M.J. Wickert Christopher
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an alternative roadmap to accelerating realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Uganda, even after 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a mixed research methodology, this research documented CSR activities of 16 companies operating in Uganda. Data collection was guided by quantitative and qualitative methodologies (semi-structured interviews with CSR managers, plus non-participant observation of CSR activities and projects linked with MDGs). Triangulation was used to ensure credibility and validity of the results. For data analysis, the authors followed a three-stepwise process, which helped to develop a framework within which the collected data could be analyzed. For generalization of the findings, the authors were guided by the “adaptive theory approach”.

Findings

– Uganda will not realize any MDGs by 2015. However, CSR activities have the potential to contribute to a cross-section of various MDGs that are more important and relevant to Uganda when supported by the government. If this happens, realization of the MDGs is likely to be stepped up. CSR's potential contributions to the MDGs were found to be hindered by corruption and cost of doing business. Lastly, MDG 8 and MDG 3 were perceived to be too ambiguous to be integrated into company CSR interventions, and to a certain extent were perceived to be carrying political intentions which conflict with the primary business intentions of profit maximization.

Practical implications

– Governments in developing countries that are still grappling with the MDGs can use this research when devising collaborations with private-sector companies. These documented CSR activities that contribute directly to specific MDGs can be factored into the priority public-private partnership arrangements. Private companies can also use these findings to frame their stakeholder engagement, especially with the government and also when setting CSR priorities that significantly contribute to sustainable development.

Originality value

– This research advances the “Post-2015 MDG Development Agenda” suggested during the United Nations MDG Summit in 2010, which called for academic and innovative contributions on how MDGs can be realized even after 2015.
Mediating role of research and development on entrepreneurial activities and growth
Authors: M. Salman Doaa
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent the level of human development affects the relationships between entrepreneurial activities (EAs) and total factor productivity (TFP). The paper's objectives are threefold. First, it seeks to examine the effect of EA on TFP. Second, it attempts to test for the moderating effect of human development on the relation between EA and TFP, using the generalized methods of moments (GMM), in a panel data across two groups of countries based on their human development index during the period 2000-2008. Third, it tests the causality between TFP, EA, research and development (R&D), unemployment and inflation across countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cross-countries study using a panel GMM for two groups of countries based on their human development index during the period 2000-2008.

Findings

– Empirical evidence provides that EA have a positive significant relation across countries on TFP in the higher human development levels. The outcomes point toward the role of policies supporting EA as a vital tool to accelerate development and growth via channels such as: better education levels, enhancing R&D, creating more jobs, and stable monetary policy.

Research limitations/implications

– From the paper limitation is it focusses only on very high human and high human development countries and not studying medium and low-development countries but this limitation is refereed to source of the entrepreneurship data.

Practical implications

– This paper provides a comparative analysis of the empirical results and presents prospective explanations for the observed relationships between different groups of countries to study the dynamics of change with relative short time series.

Originality/value

– The study is of value for policy makers of the important relation between levels of development among countries as engine to growth via EA. Moreover, the findings provide a set of policies for governments to undertake tenable actions to accelerate the effectiveness of the institutional setting.
Influence of different smoking techniques on contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in traditional smoked Mozzarella di Bufala Campana
Authors: Esposito Mauro , Citro Angelo , Marigliano Laura , Urbani Valeria , Seccia Giuseppe , Marotta Maria Pia , de Nicola Clara
Published: September 2014

The levels of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including benzo[a]pyrene and three other PAH were determined in smoked Mozzarella di Bufala Campana. Different smoking techniques were compared to evaluate the risk associated with consumption of these cheeses. Although no maximum limits are set for PAHs in cheese, the levels found in some samples constitute a health risk. In fact, using corrugated cardboard, high levels were detected in the whole product or in the outer part. Also, the use of traditional materials involves the accumulation of PAHs in the outer part, but in the total product concentrations are significantly lower. No contamination was found using liquid smoke.
The tortoise and the hare: the impact of employment instability on firm performance
Authors: Ji Yong‐Yeon , Guthrie James P. , Messersmith Jake G.
Published: September 2014

The main objective of this study is to assess the influence of employment instability on firm performance in a sample of publicly traded firms. Competing theoretical arguments are considered with regard to likely outcomes associated with employment instability. A large sample of cross‐sectional time‐series data is then analysed using generalised estimating equations (GEE) regression techniques. Results indicate that employment instability is negatively associated with firm performance, although the relationship is also demonstrated to be quadratic (an inverseU‐shaped relationship). This suggests that the main relationship varies depending upon the level of employment instability. Industry characteristics are also examined as moderators of this main effect. The results suggest a disordinal interaction effect for industry differentiation, where employment instability is negatively associated with firm performance for firms in highly differentiated industries and positively associated in less differentiated industries.
Human antigen R mediated post‐transcriptional regulation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition related genes in diabetic nephropathy 人抗原R调节糖尿病肾病中上皮细胞间质转化相关基因的转录后调控
Authors: Yu Che , Xin Wei , Zhen Junhui , Liu Yi , Javed Akhtar , Wang Rong , Wan Qiang
Published: September 2014

Background

Human antigen R (HuR) is a ubiquitously expressed RNA‐binding protein that modulates gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. While cytoplasmic HuR expression was identified as a marker in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of several types of cancer, its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear.

Methods

Renal biopsies from Type 2 diabetic patients and STZ‐induced DN rats were stained for HuR and EMT markers. Redistribution of HuR was detected by immunostaining and western blot in high glucose stimulated cells. RNAi was used to supress HuR expression. The binding affinity for EMT‐related genes was evaluated by immunoprecipitation.

Results

Cytoplasmic HuR expression was elevated in human and rat DN specimens along with EMT changes compared to normal controls. HuR shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm facilitated epithelial to mesenchymal transition in renal epithelial cells. The suppression of HuR partially inhibited EMT of high glucose stimulated HK‐2 cells. Furthermore, HuR bound to 3′‐UTRs of critical cytokines or transcription factors mRNA involved in EMT process.

Conclusion

Acquired phenotypic traits of EMT were partially through the enhanced HuR‐binding proteins and its post‐transcriptional regulation role in DN.
Radiation exposure to anaesthetists during endovascular procedures
Authors: Arii T. , Uchino S. , Kubo Y. , Kiyama S. , Uezono S.
Published: September 2014

Medical radiation exposure increases the likelihood of cataract formation. A personal dosimeter was attached to the left temple of 77 anaesthetists during 45 endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and 32 interventional neuroradiology procedures. Compared with interventional neuroradiology, the median (IQR [range]) total radiation dose emitted by fluoroscopic equipment was significantly lower during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (4175 (3127–5091 [644–9761]) mGy than interventional neuroradiology (1420 (613–2424 [165–10 840]) mGy, p < 0.001). However, radiation exposure to the anaesthetist's temple was significantly greater during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (15 (6–41 [1–109]) μSv) than interventional neuroradiology (4 (2–8 [0–67]) μSv, p < 0.001). These data suggest that anaesthetists at our institution would have to deliver anaesthesia for ~1300 endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and ~5000 interventional neuroradiology cases annually to exceed the general occupational limits, and ~10 000 endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs and ~37 500 interventional neuroradiology cases to exceed the ocular exposure limits recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Nevertheless, anaesthetists should be aware of the risk of ocular radiation exposure, and reduce this by limiting the time of exposure, increasing the distance from the source of radiation, and shielding.
Breast cancer survival in New Zealand women
Authors: Campbell Ian D. , Scott Nina , Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Kollias James , Walters David , Taylor Corey , Webster Fleur , Zorbas Helen , Roder David M.
Published: September 2014

Background

The Quality Audit (BQA) of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand includes a broad range of data and is the largest New Zealand (NZ) breast cancer (BC) database outside the NZ Cancer Registry. We used BQA data to compare BC survival by ethnicity, deprivation, remoteness, clinical characteristic and case load.

Methods

BQA and death data were linked using the National Health Index. Disease‐specific survival for invasive cases was benchmarked against Australian BQA data and NZ population‐based survivals. Validity was explored by comparison with expected survival by risk factor.

Results

Compared with 93% for Australian audit cases, 5‐year survival was 90% for NZ audit cases overall, 87% for Maori, 84% for Pacific and 91% for other.

Conclusions

BC survival in NZ appears lower than in Australia, with inequities by ethnicity. Differences may be due to access, timeliness and quality of health services, patient risk profiles, BQA coverage and death‐record methodology.
Clinically relevant aspects of stem cell technologies: current state of play
Authors: Stuart Michael J. , Pattavilakom Ananthababu
Published: September 2014

The emergence of stem cell technologies and their potential applications in regenerative medicine have generated immense interest by both the lay public and clinicians. Unproven and unregulated cell‐based therapies are commercially available both in Australia and internationally, and reports of patient uptake (stem cell tourism) and associated morbidity are increasingly frequent. Clinicians in all fields will require an enhanced understanding of the basic science principles and current state of play in regenerative medicine in order to effectively counsel patients regarding these therapies in the setting of both commercial ventures and clinical trials. This review aims to concisely highlight the key clinically pertinent features of these trials and briefly discuss the specific therapeutic potential, mechanism of action and risks associated with these variables.
2 Tropical Landscapes and the Ancient Maya: Diversity in Time and Space
Authors: Chase Arlen F. , Lucero Lisa J. , Scarborough Vernon L. , Chase Diane Z. , Cobos Rafael , Dunning Nicholas P. , Fedick Scott L. , Fialko Vilma , Gunn Joel D. , Hegmon Michelle , Iannone Gyles , Lentz David L. , Liendo Rodrigo , Prufer Keith , Sabloff Jeremy A. , Tainter Joseph A. , Valdez Fred , van der Leeuw Sander E.
Published: September 2014

Archaeologists have begun to understand that many of the challenges facing our technologically sophisticated, resource dependent, urban systems were also destabilizing factors in ancient complex societies. The focus of IHOPE‐Maya is to identify how humans living in the tropical Maya Lowlands in present‐day Central America responded to and impacted their environments over the past three millennia, and to relate knowledge of those processes to modern and future coupled human–environment systems. To better frame variability in ancient lowland Maya development and decline, the area that they once occupied may be subdivided into a series of geographical regions in which the collected archaeological data can be correlated with environmental differences. Although beginning as small agricultural communities occupying a variety of ecological niches in the humid tropics of Mesoamerica, the ancient Maya became an increasingly complex set of societies involved in intensive and extensive resource exploitation. Their development process was not linear, but also involved periods of rapid growth that were punctuated by contractions. Thus, the long‐term development and disintegration of Maya geopolitical institutions presents an excellent vantage from which to study resilience, vulnerability, and the consequences of decision‐making in ancient complex societies.
8 Calakmul: Agent Risk and Sustainability in the Western Maya Lowlands
Authors: Gunn Joel D. , Folan William J. , Isendahl Christian , Carrasco María del Rosario Domínguez , Faust Betty B. , Volta Beniamino
Published: September 2014

Great attention has been focused on the southern trade routes across the Yucatan Peninsula through Tikal but little to the potential for crossing through Calakmul further to the north. This chapter shows that a combination of topography and politics make the Calakmul corridor the more efficient transit route. The political turmoil generated by Teotihuacan's involvement in Lowland trade following C.E. 378 cascaded into centuries of conflict between cities along the Tikal corridor and inhabitants of alternative routes. We trace the evolution of this conflict as influenced by landscape and climate, and decisions of the ambulatory Kaan Dynasty of El Mirador, Dzibanche, Calakmul and finally Calkini. The conflict seems to have played out in the elevated interior of the peninsula, the bone of contention perhaps being control of the Calakmul corridor through the Candelaria River. We suggest there are sufficient parallels between the Calakmul and European Rhône River corridors to draw a productive analogy between two, including that they both fall under the same synoptic climate system. Because the post‐Columbian world economic system rose indirectly from the Rhône corridor, the two systems make a good test bed for thinking about the future evolution of the world system. The scale of comparison is rendered feasible by viewing the systems in terms of the scale of information transfer in which they were embedded. We offer three brief examples of how rise and decline of the Calakmul hegemony suggests ways of thinking about the future of the world economic system: warfare, sustainable design, and climate engineering.
Impact of average household income and damage exposure on post‐earthquake distress and functioning: A community study following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake
Authors: Dorahy Martin J. , Rowlands Amy , Renouf Charlotte , Hanna Donncha , Britt Eileen , Carter Janet D.
Published: September 2014

Post‐traumatic stress, depression and anxiety symptoms are common outcomes following earthquakes, and may persist for months and years. This study systematically examined the impact of neighbourhood damage exposure and average household income on psychological distress and functioning in 600 residents of Christchurch, New Zealand, 4–6 months after the fatal February, 2011 earthquake. Participants were from highly affected and relatively unaffected suburbs in low, medium and high average household income areas. The assessment battery included the Acute Stress Disorder Scale, the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7), along with single item measures of substance use, earthquake damage and impact, and disruptions in daily life and relationship functioning. Controlling for age, gender and social isolation, participants from low income areas were more likely to meet diagnostic cut‐offs for depression and anxiety, and have more severe anxiety symptoms. Higher probabilities of acute stress, depression and anxiety diagnoses were evident in affected versus unaffected areas, and those in affected areas had more severe acute stress, depression and anxiety symptoms. An interaction between income and earthquake effect was found for depression, with those from the low and medium income affected suburbs more depressed. Those from low income areas were more likely, post‐earthquake, to start psychiatric medication and increase smoking. There was a uniform increase in alcohol use across participants. Those from the low income affected suburb had greater general and relationship disruption post‐quake. Average household income and damage exposure made unique contributions to earthquake‐related distress and dysfunction.
High self‐monitors' cognitive access to self‐presentation‐related information
Authors: Tyler James M. , McIntyre Miranda M. , Graziano William G. , Sands Kaleigh J.
Published: September 2014

We examined whether high self‐monitors cognitively process self‐presentation‐related information and concepts more readily than low self‐monitors. Results across three studies indicate that compared to low self‐monitors, high self‐monitors have greater cognitive access to self‐presentation‐related information and concepts. High self‐monitors produced more words related to self‐presentation in a shorter amount of time (Study 1) and in a cognitive load condition (Study 2). In both studies, the number of words did not differ when participants took longer to create their list and when they were in a no cognitive load condition. In Study 3, high (vs. low) self‐monitors showed faster reaction time to self‐presentation‐related concepts. In contrast, reaction time to non‐self‐presentation items did not differ. The findings contribute to both the theory and knowledge of self‐monitoring by demonstrating that information processing related to self‐presentational concepts is an important component of self‐monitoring, in that such information is more cognitively accessible to high self‐monitors.
Correlation of the incretin effect with first‐ and second‐phase insulin secretions in Koreans with various glucose tolerance statuses
Authors: Oh Tae Jung , Park Kyong Soo , Cho Young Min
Published: September 2014

Objective

To examine the relationship between beta‐cell function and the incretin effect.

Design

We performed a 180‐min hyperglycaemic clamp study with oral glucose administration at 60 min in Korean subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 9), impaired fasting glucose (IFG, n = 6) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM, n = 6).

Measurements

First‐ and second‐phase insulin secretions were measured during the first 60 min. The insulin response to intravenous glucose during the 60‐ to 120‐min interval (Insiv) was calculated using a prediction method. The insulin response to oral glucose (Insoral) was calculated by subtracting the Insiv from the overall insulin response during the 60‐ to 120‐min interval (Insoverall). The incretin effect under the hyperglycaemic clamp condition (IEclamp) was calculated by the equation: 100 × [(Insoverall − Insiv)/Insoverall].

Results

The IEclamp was comparable among the three groups (46·3 ± 6·4%, 35·7 ± 8·8% and 51·4 ± 7·4% for the NGT, IFG and T2DM group, respectively, P = 0·327) and was not correlated with the first‐ and second‐phase insulin secretions. However, the Insoral (mU/l 60 min) was significantly different between the NGT, IFG and T2DM groups (5199 ± 1185, 2164 ± 956 and 1034 ± 355, respectively; P = 0·010) and was well correlated with the first‐ and second‐phase insulin secretions.

Conclusions

The incretin effect measured by the hyperglycaemic clamp with oral glucose loading was neither correlated with beta‐cell function nor different between NGT, IFG and T2DM groups in Koreans.