bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of an Outstanding Disk in the cD Galaxy of the HydraA Cluster
Authors: Fujita Yutaka , Okabe Nobuhiro , Sato Kosuke , Tamura Takayuki , Matsushita Satoki , Hirashita Hiroyuki , Nakamura Masanori , Matsushita Kyoko , Nakazawa Kazuhiro , Takizawa Motokazu
Published: March 2014

The central cD galaxy of the Hydra A cluster has one of the most powerful active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the nearby Universe ($z \lesssim 0.2$). We report on the discovery of a dust lane in the cD galaxy using Subaru telescope. The i 0-band image shows the existence of a dark band of the size of $3.\prime \prime 6 \times 0\prime \prime . 7 (4 \textrm {kpc} \times 0.8 \textrm{kpc}),$, which appears to be quite similar to the dust lane observed in Centaurus A. The morphology indicates that the cold disk that seen as the dust lane is almost edge-on and rotates around the AGN. Since the minor axis of the dust lane is nearly parallel to the radio jets emerging from the AGN, the disk is probably feeding its gas into the central black hole. From the absorption, we estimate the hydrogen column density of the lane is $N_{\textrm H} = 2.0 \times 10^{21} \textrm {cm}^{-2}$, and the mass of the disk is $\sim8 \times 10^{7} M \odot$. The column density is consistent with constraints obtained from Chandra X-ray observations. The age of the disk is $\gtrsim 4 \times 10^{7}$ yr. The position angle of the disk and the galaxy's photometric axis are misaligned, which may imply that the cold gas in the disk is brought via galaxy mergers. Our observations may indicate that the supply of cold gas by galaxy mergers is required for the most intensive feedback from AGNs
Long-Period Oscillations of Sunspots by NoRH and SSRT Observations
Authors: Bakunina Irina A. , Abramov-Maximov Vladimir E. , Nakariakov Valery M. , Lesovoy Sergei V. , Soloviev Alexander A. , Tikhomirov Yurii V. , Melnikov Victor F. , Shibasaki Kiyoto , Nagovitsyn Yurii A. , Averina Elena L.
Published: March 2014

Long-term oscillations of microwave emission generated in sunspot magnetospheres are detected with the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) at a frequency of 17 GHz, and the Siberian Solar Radio Telescope (SSRT) at 5.7 GHz. Significant periodicities in the range of 22-170 min are found in the variation of the emission intensity, polarisation and the degree of circular polarisation. Periods of the oscillations are not stable: they are different in different sunspots and in the same sunspot on different days. A cross-correlation analysis shows the presence of common significant periods in both NoRH and SSRT data. The cross-correlation coefficients are typically lower than 0.5, which can be attributed to the different heights of the emission formation, and different mechanisms for the emission generation (gyroresonance and thermal bremstrahlung at 17 GHz, and pure gyroresonance at 5.7 GHz). The observational results are consistent with the global sunspot oscillation model.
Calibration and Data Processing for a Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph in the DecimeterWave Range
Authors: Wang Wei , Yan Yihua , Liu Donghao , Chen Zhijun , Su Cang , Liu Fei , Geng Lihong , Chen Linjie , Du Jing
Published: March 2014

The Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph (CSRH) is a solar-dedicated interferometric array with a frequency range from 400MHz to 15 GHz. There are 40 4.5m antennas with 400MHz to 2 GHz, and 60 2m antennas with 2 GHz to 15 GHz in this telescope. CSRH is under construction at Mingantu station, which is about 400 km away from Beijing in China. Now, CSRH-I, which includes an antenna, a receiver, and a correlator in the decimetric wave range, has already been established. CSRH-II is under construction and will be completed by the end of this year. This paper introduces the whole system of CSRH-I briefly, and presents delay measurements, polarization calibration, and some other results of calibration and data processing for CSRH-I.
Systematic Microwave Source Motions along a Flare-Arcade Observed by Nobeyama Radioheliograph and AIA/SDO
Authors: Kim Sujin , Masuda Satoshi , Shibasaki Kiyoto , Bong Su-Chan
Published: March 2014

We found systematic microwave source motions along a flare-arcade using Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH) 17 GHz images. The motions were associated with an X-class disk flare that occurred on 2011 February 15. For this study, we also used EUV images from Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and magnetograms from Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard Solar Dynamics Observatory, and multi-channel microwave data from Nobeyama Radio Polarimeters (NoRP) and Korean Solar Radio Burst Locator (KSRBL). We traced centroids of the microwave source observed by NoRH 17 GHz during the flare, and found two episodes of the motion based on several facts: (1) The microwave source moved systematically along the flare-arcade, which was observed by the AIA 94 Å channel, in a direction parallel to the neutral line. (2) The period of each episode was 5 min and 14 min, respectively. (3) Estimated parallel speed was 34 km s-1 for the first episode and 22 km s-1 for the second episode. The spectral slope of the microwave flux above 10 GHz obtained by NoRP and KSRBL was negative for both episodes, and for the last phase of the second episodes it was flat with a flux of 150 sfu. The negative spectrum and the flat with high flux indicate that the gyrosynchrotron emission from accelerated electrons was dominant during the source motions. The sequential images from the AIA 304 Å and 94 Å channels revealed that there were successive plasma eruptions, and each eruption was initiated just before the start time of the microwave sources motion. Based on the results, we suggest that the microwave source motion manifests the displacement of the particle acceleration site caused by plasma eruptions.
An Updated View of Solar Eruptive Flares and the Development of Shocks and CMEs: History of the 2006 December 13 GLE-Productive Extreme Event
Authors: Grechnev Victor V. , Kiselev Valentin I. , Uralov Arkadiy M. , Meshalkina Nataliya S. , Kochanov Alexey A.
Published: March 2014

An extreme 2006 December 13 event marked the onset of the Hinode era, being the last major flare in the solar cycle 23 observed with NoRH and NoRP. The event produced a fast CME, strong shock, and a big particle event responsible for GLE70. We endeavor to clarify the relations between the eruptions, shock wave, and flare, and to shed light on a debate over the origin of energetic protons. One concept relates it to flare processes. Another one associates the acceleration of ions with a bow shock driven by a CME at (2-4)R⊙. The latter scenario is favored by a delayed particle release time after the flare. However, our previous studies have established that a shock wave is typically excited by an impulsively erupting magnetic rope (future CME core) during the flare rise, while the outer CME surface evolves from an arcade whose expansion is driven from inside. Observations of the 2006 December 13 event reveal two shocks following each other, whose excitation scenario contradicts the delayed CME-driven bowshock hypothesis. Actually, the shocks developed much earlier, and could accelerate protons still before the flare peak. Then, the two shocks merged into a single stronger one, and only decelerated and dampened long afterwards.
Serum Citrulline as a Biomarker of Gastrointestinal Function During Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children
Authors: Gosselin Kerri B. , Feldman Henry A. , Sonis Andrew L. , Bechard Lori J. , Kellogg Mark D. , Gura Kathleen , Venick Robert , Gordon Catherine M. , Guinan Eva C. , Duggan Christopher
Published: March 2014

Objectives:

We sought to determine whether serum citrulline (CIT), an amino acid produced by small bowel enterocytes, was associated with clinical and biochemical markers of gastrointestinal function in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 26 children to define time‐related changes in serum CIT during the course of HCT. Markers of gastrointestinal function including oral energy intake, emesis, stool volume, presence of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), oral mucositis severity, and cytokine and neurohormone levels were measured. Weekly serum CIT concentrations were obtained from 10 days prior until 30 days after HCT.

Results:

Mean baseline CIT concentration was 22.7 μmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.7–27.6) on day −10, which decreased to a nadir of 7.5 μmol/L (95% CI 3.1–18.0, P = 0.017) on day 8 following HCT before returning to baseline by day 30. After adjustment for IL‐6 level (1.0% lower CIT per 10% increase in interleukin‐6, P = 0.004), presence of acute GVHD (27% lower CIT, P = 0.025), and oral energy intake (2.1% lower CIT per 10% decrease in energy intake, P = 0.018), the nadir shifted to day 10, when mean CIT concentration was lower in patients with severe oral mucositis (6.7 μmol/L, 95% CI 3.4–13.1) than in those without severe mucositis (11.9 μmol/L, 95% CI 5.8–24.4, P = 0.003). Change in CIT was not correlated with stool volume, C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐α, leptin, or ghrelin.

Conclusions:

In children undergoing HCT, serum CIT correlates with measures of gastrointestinal function (oral mucositis severity, dietary intake, acute GVHD) and may reflect mucosal injury to the gastrointestinal tract.
Molecular physiology of the dynamic regulation of carbon catabolite repression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Borirak Orawan , Bekker Martijn , Hellingwerf Klaas J.
Published: March 2014

We report on the use of the chemostat as an optimal device to create time-invariant conditions that allow accurate sampling for various omics assays in Escherichia coli, in combination with recording of the dynamics of the physiological transition in the organism under study that accompany the initiation of glucose repression. E. coli cells respond to the addition of glucose not only with the well-known transcriptional response, as was revealed through quantitative PCR analysis of the transcript levels of key genes from the CRP (cAMP receptor protein) regulon, but also with an increased growth rate and a transient decrease in the efficiency of its aerobic catabolism. Less than half of a doubling time is required for the organism to recover to maximal values of growth rate and efficiency. Furthermore, calculations based on our results show that the specific glucose uptake rate (qs
) and the H+/e− ratio increase proportionally, up to a growth rate of 0.4 h–1, whilst biomass yield on glucose (Yx

/

s
) drops during the first 15 min, followed by a gradual recovery. Surprisingly, the growth yields after the recovery phase show values even higher than the maximum theoretical yield. Possible explanations for these high yields are discussed.
Two major mumps genotype G variants dominated recent mumps outbreaks in the Netherlands (2009–2012)
Authors: Gouma Sigrid , Sane Jussi , Gijselaar Daphne , Cremer Jeroen , Hahné Susan , Koopmans Marion , van Binnendijk Rob
Published: March 2014

During three seasons of mumps outbreaks in the Netherlands (September 2009–August 2012), 822 mumps cases were laboratory-confirmed at the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Most patients were vaccinated young adults. Given the protracted endemic circulation, we studied the genetic diversity and changes of mumps virus over a period of 3 years. Phylogenetic analysis of the small hydrophobic (SH) gene (316 bp) was performed on a representative set of 808 specimens that tested positive for mumps via PCR. Additionally, the haemagglutinin/neuraminidase (HN) gene (1749 bp) and fusion (F) gene (1617 bp) were sequenced for a subset of samples (n = 17). Correlations between different sequence types and epidemiological and clinical data were investigated. The outbreaks in the Netherlands were dominated by two SH gene sequence types within genotype G, termed MuVs/Delft.NLD/03.10 (variant 1) and MuVs/Scheemda.NLD/12.10 (variant 2). Sequence analysis of the HN and F genes indicated that the outbreaks were initiated by separately introduced genetic lineages. The predominance of variant 2 by the end of the first outbreak season could not be explained by any of the epidemiological factors investigated. Orchitis was more frequently reported in males infected with variant 2, irrespective of age and vaccination status. These findings illustrate genetic heterogeneity of an emerging mumps genotype, and raise questions about the mechanisms driving mumps epidemiology and immunity in relation to vaccination.
A FMEA-based approach to prioritize waste reduction in lean implementation
Authors: Victor B. de Souza Ruy , Cesar R. Carpinetti Luiz
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper presents a proposal of adaptation of the failure mode and effect analysis method to analyze wastes and define priorities for actions aimed at minimizing or eliminating these wastes based on the criteria of severity, occurrence and detection.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposition was developed in parallel to the implementation of a lean production system of a manufacturing company. A pilot application of the proposal was based on the analysis of a flow of information for order processing.

Findings

– Application of the proposed procedure results in a classification of levels of priority for waste reduction of the analyzed waste modes. Following this procedure, high priority will be given to actions focused on the elimination or minimization of the most common causes of the most severe waste modes.

Originality/value

– Prioritization of actions to minimize waste is essential to sustain lean production systems. However, identifying the wastes most in need of attention is not always straightforward and methods presented in the literature to evaluate leanness do not focus on waste reduction prioritization. Adoption of the proposed technique can certainly aid planning implementation and improvement of lean production programs, and in the end, it can contribute to the effectiveness and sustainability of lean production systems.
Advancing campus and community sustainability: strategic alliances in action
Authors: Bilodeau Leanne , Podger Jackie , Abd-El-Aziz Alaa
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Universities can provide a leadership role to develop and mobilize knowledge to meet societal needs. In fulfilling this mission, universities can also serve as agents of sustainable development on campus and in communities they serve. The purpose of this article is to describe the drivers that have advanced the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus' operational and academic sustainability objectives; the initiatives and partnerships developed on campus and in the community in response to these drivers; and the outcomes and lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article summarizes the experience of the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus in leveraging key drivers to develop sustainability initiatives and partnerships for greater operational efficiencies, cost savings, environmental stewardship and applied research. The university's leadership commitment to sustainability, economic opportunities and provincial legislative requirements are among the drivers discussed. This paper also provides an innovative partnership framework to support sustainable community development.

Findings

– Drivers of sustainability in higher education can contribute to the development of sustainability initiatives and partnerships that benefit institutions and communities and achieve operational and academic sustainability mandates.

Practical implications

– This article provides information that can be applied by institutions of higher education to advance sustainability within the context of current economic conditions and societal needs.

Originality/value

– The experience of the campus and the partnership framework presented in this paper is original. The framework provides a mechanism to engage students, faculty and the community in sustainable community development research. Key insights from multiple perspectives and lessons learned are shared.
Sales and operations planning
Authors: E. Plank Richard , Hooker Robert
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline the usage of interactive marketing tools in the area of sales and operations planning (S&OP) to further collaboration among supply chain partners. Emergent challenges and research directions are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using extant literature from S&OP, supply chain management and interactive marketing, the authors integrate those to show the value of using interactive marketing tools to further integration across the supply chain of important S&OP processes.

Findings

– S&OP utilizes sophisticated software to integrate various business processes beyond B2C and into B2B relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– Uncertainty exists as to the measurement of the performance of a supply chain, or the network or system of companies, is not developed enough to deal with that issue. However, this is addressed in the research questions section.

Practical implications

– The practical implications for the use of integrative marketing tools to link B2C as well as B2B partners through S&OP are numerous and far reaching.

Originality/value

– This study uniquely examines the use of interactive marketing tools for B2B, as opposed to simply B2C.
Global use and access of social networking web sites: a national culture perspective
Authors: Gong Wen , L. Stump Rodney , G. Li Zhan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the role and effect of national culture on social networking web sites (SNWs) use and access across countries while controlling for socio-economic factors, specifically networked readiness, level of education and mobile penetration.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hofstede's multidimensional framework serves as the conceptual basis for the study. Hierarchical regressions are conducted to test the hypothesized effects of cultural dimensions beyond that of the control variables on the penetration of SNWs using a secondary dataset for 36 countries.

Findings

– The results provide supporting empirical evidence linking three of Hofstede's cultural dimensions to nations' SNWs use and access.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations include the use of secondary data for a limited number of countries. Only three social-economic variables were included as controls on the relationship between culture and SNWs access and usage. Future research will benefit from examining other cultural frameworks (such as Hall's classifications) and potential factors such as a nation's demographic composition and their roles in adoption and diffusion of the SNWs. Further research is needed to validate the results by including more nations and employing time-series data of social media penetration and diffusion.

Practical implications

– Managerial implications are discussed with respect to formulating more effective online marketing strategies for brand engagement and promotional media choice by accommodating for cultural differences.

Originality/value

– The paper's original contribution stems from the fact that little can be found in the literature about the influence of national culture on the use of social media. It attempts to establish the importance of understanding cultural impact on consumers' SNWs adoption behavior across countries.
Why is liberal education so incoherent? An anthropological perspective
Authors: Bates Graber Robert
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper's purpose is to account for liberal education's characteristic incoherence.

Design/methodology/approach

– Its approach is to sketch a dilemma created by cultures being inherently conservative, while nations, in order to be internationally competitive, need to be innovative. The definitional and systemic bases of culture's conservatism offer no point of attack; but a third base is enculturation, which does.

Findings

– Shortly after puberty, society's more promising young people are strongly urged to leave home for an extended period, and be exposed to ways of acting and thinking that often clash with how they have been brought up. They are encouraged to explore new subjects and indulge their curiosity; they are encouraged to “think outside the box” of their own enculturation. The incoherence of liberal education leaves them not with a sense of closure, but in a state of constructive confusion conducive to innovation in all aspects of life. Liberal education thus serves the social function of countering the anti-innovative tendency of culture.

Practical implications

– Attempts to impose coherence on undergraduate educational experience by “tying things all together” for students are ill-advised.

Originality/value

– Seeing incoherence as a desirable rather than deplorable feature of undergraduate liberal education can help us facilitate rather than inadvertently inhibit innovative thought and action in the rising generation.
The reflective practitioner: the role of a public liberal-arts university in saving liberal education
Authors: D. Paino Troy
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to discuss the role of a public liberal-arts university in education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author first defines the principles and definitions of liberal education, then analyses these ideas in relation to public liberal-arts universities.

Findings

– Liberal education holds enduring value in a world where state support for higher education is steadily decreasing and the author concludes that society needs public liberal-arts universities in order to maintain freedom of thought and democracies.

Originality/value

– This piece presents a view of public liberal-arts universities in the wider context of liberal education, recession and worldwide threats to democracy and personal freedoms.
Integration and the liberal arts: a historical overview
Authors: Conrad Leon
Published: March 2014

Purpose

–The traditional liberal-arts curriculum of the word-based Trivium (grammar, dialectic/logic, rhetoric) and the number-based Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, music) has an intrinsic unity. Used in an integrated way, it provides a tool for self-development, self-realisation and self-integration. The purpose of this paper is to outline the core nature of the integrative quality of the liberal-arts curriculum, trace the gradual disintegration of the curriculum from its adoption in classical Greece, and provide practical suggestions for the re-integration of the curriculum in the context of modern educational practice.

Design/methodology/approach

–The paper presents a philosophical survey of the history of the theory and practice relating to the intrinsic integrated quality of liberal-arts education from pre-classical Greece to the present day.

Findings

–The integrated quality of the liberal-arts curriculum has experienced a gradual disintegration from its adoption in classical Greece to the twenty-first century. The paper provides practical suggestions for the re-integration of an integrated approach to the curriculum in the context of modern educational practice.

Practical implications

–Re-engaging with the integrated quality of the liberal-arts curriculum is vital for fulfilling the purpose of education as a practice: that of enabling a human being to flourish in a holistic way, in order to take an active role within a civil society.

Originality/value

–The paper provides a valuable antidote to overly rational thinking by arguing for the need to restore the intrinsic integrative quality of the liberal-arts curriculum in educational practice in order to support the flourishing of individuals, society in order for the emergence of a mutually supportive interaction between them to appear.
Empowering leadership, employee goal orientations and work performance
Authors: I. Wong Humborstad Sut , G.L. Nerstad Christina , Dysvik Anders
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possible curvilinear relationship between empowering leadership and individual in-role and extra-role work performance and the potential moderating role of individual goal orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted based on data from 655 certified accountants. Leaders' empowering behavior was measured using Ahearneet al.'s scale. Mastery and performance goal orientations were measured using items from VandeWalle. In-role work performance was measured via a ten-item scale developed and used by Kuvaas and Dysvik. Organizational citizenship behavior was measured using items validated by Van Dyne and LePine.

Findings

– Too little empowerment might have a negative or limited impact – or none at all – on individual in-role and extra-role work performance. In addition, individual mastery orientation positively moderates these curvilinear relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– Empowering leadership-employee performance relationships are not necessarily linear. The present study provides an alternative explanation to the somewhat inconsistent findings in the current literature.

Practical implications

– Due to the curvilinear nature of empowering leadership, leaders should not just casually adopt this leadership style but ensure that they implement it at high levels with clear clarification of the goals and work roles.

Originality/value

– Even though empowering leadership is important to individual performance, scant research has explored whether and when empowering leadership could be detrimental. This study provides an additional view to empowerment research by examining the potential curvilinear influence of empowering leadership.
Factors influencing employee satisfaction in the police service: the case of Slovenia
Authors: Tomaževič Nina , Seljak Janko , Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The paper has two purposes – first, to examine the dimensionality of employee satisfaction and, second, to identify the impact of the groups of factors on employee satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– The measurement of satisfaction of all employees in the Slovenian Police based on the comprehensive on-line questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to formulate the facets of satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of three facets of employee satisfaction.

Findings

– Three facets of employee satisfaction were determined and the influence of three types of factors (demographic, job-related and organizational-support-related factors) on them was investigated. The results show that the worst assessed facet was salary and security, whereas no significant differences were found between two other facets, namely relationships and leadership, and tasks and working conditions. The three factors influenced employee satisfaction with different levels of intensity.

Research limitations/implications

– The current economic situation in the state, especially in the public sector and in the police service, definitely impacts the results of the survey. The survey was conducted just before the announcement of savings measures in the Slovenian public sector. Since it was conducted on-line, it has to be assumed that for some employees this probably meant that anonymity could not be assured.

Practical implications

– The survey was performed in order to identify the opportunities for improvements in police management. The results indicate the importance of leadership, communication and participation in the work of police officers, especially during a period of limited financial resources.

Originality/value

– The paper shows that the strongest influence, by far, on employee satisfaction is that of the employees' feeling that the police will support and protect them in case they are exposed while performing their legitimate and professional work. Trust in one's immediate superior also has a strong influence. Both could be an important signal to the management of the police to focus on activities to increase cohesiveness within the police and constantly promote the feeling of belongingness to the police among all its members.
Cryptic species diversity: an overlooked factor in environmental management?
Authors: Feckler Alexander , Zubrod Jochen P. , Thielsch Anne , Schwenk Klaus , Schulz Ralf , Bundschuh Mirco
Published: March 2014

Molecular genetic methods continuously uncover cryptic lineages harboured by various species. However, from an applied perspective, it remains unclear whether and to which extent such a genetic diversity affects biological traits (e.g. ecological, behavioural and physiological characteristics) and environmental management.

We assessed potential deviations regarding the trait ‘environmental stress tolerance’ using individuals from five field populations of each of two cryptic lineages (called A and B) comprised under the nominal species Gammarus fossarum. We used ammonia as a chemical stressor while assessing the feeding rate on leaf discs as a measure of sublethal response. In this context, we established a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay to allow a rapid identification of the lineages.

We observed a biologically meaningful and statistically significant twofold higher overall tolerance of one cryptic lineage, lineage B, over the other. Confounding factors that may have the potential to influence the test results, such as life stage, sex, season of collection, parasitism, physiological status of organisms and upstream land‐use patterns of the river catchments, were either controlled for or displayed only minor deviations between lineages.

Synthesis and applications. The trait differences observed in the present study seem to be mainly explained by the considerable genetic differentiation between cryptic lineages of one nominal species. Although traits other than tolerance have been minimally investigated in this context, this study indicates implications in the reliability and quality of environmental monitoring and management if cryptic lineage complexes are ignored.
Liars or Self-Deceived? Reflections on Political Deception
Authors: Galeotti Anna Elisabetta
Published: March 2014

This paper contributes to the issue of political deception by exploring the role of self-deception in democratic politics. Within politics, deception of the people is actually very often produced by the self-deception of political leaders and officials, which is then supplemented by mechanisms of self-deception of the public itself. That self-deception, rather than simply straightforward deception, is a significant obstacle to truth and transparency in democratic politics is often hinted at by political scientists and historians but never properly pursued. And yet it should be, for which one of them is the case has important normative implications. This paper briefly presents the notion of self-deception and offers some reasons to take its presence in politics seriously. It also counters possible objections to doing so. Different kinds of political self-deception are presented and illustrated through historical examples so as to provide a clear typology and make the case for self-deception in politics stronger.
Pregnancy outcome following maternal use of zanamivir or oseltamivir during the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic: a national prospective surveillance study
Authors: Dunstan HJ , Mill AC , Stephens S , Yates LM , Thomas SHL
Published: March 2014

Objective

To conduct enhanced surveillance for signals of teratogenesis following use of the neuraminidase inhibitors zanamivir and oseltamivir in the treatment or post‐exposure prophylaxis of 2009 A/H1N1 influenza during pregnancy.

Design

Prospective cohort study, using national surveillance data collected by the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) during the 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Population

Pregnant women who were reported to UKTIS by healthcare professionals seeking advice about exposure to zanamivir and oseltamivir or to other non‐teratogenic drugs.

Methods

Pregnancy outcomes were collected for prospectively reported pregnancies exposed to zanamivir (n = 180) or oseltamivir (n = 27), and compared with a reference group of 575 prospectively reported pregnancies exposed to non‐teratogenic drugs over the same period.

Main outcome measures

Rates of major congenital malformation, preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Results

No significant differences in overall rates of major malformation in live‐born infants [adjusted odds ratios (aOR): zanamivir 0.37 (95% confidence interval 0.02–2.70); oseltamivir aOR 0.81 (0.05, 14.15)], preterm delivery [aOR: zanamivir 0.95 (0.45, 1.89); oseltamivir aOR 1.68 (0.38, 5.38)] or low birth weight [aOR: zanamivir 0.94 (0.25, 2.90); oseltamivir aOR 4.12 (0.59, 17.99)] were observed following exposure at any gestation. No major malformations were reported in 37 zanamivir or eight oseltamivir first trimester exposures.

Conclusion

These surveillance data do not provide a signal that use of zanamivir or oseltamivir in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of the adverse pregnancy outcomes studied but the data are too limited to state conclusively that there is no increase in risk.
Mortgage Brokers, Origination Fees, Price Transparency and Competition
Authors: Ambrose Brent W. , Conklin James N.
Published: March 2014

This article examines the dynamics between mortgage broker competition, origination fees and price transparency. A reverse first‐price sealed‐bid auction model is used to motivate broker pricing behavior. Confirming the model predictions, our empirical analysis shows that increased mortgage brokerage competition at the Metropolitan Statistical Area level leads to lower fees. The findings are robust to different measures of fees as well as different measures of competition. We also provide evidence that broker competition reduces mortgage origination fees on retail (nonbrokered) loans as well. In addition, our results indicate that pricing complexity is an important determinant of fees, and increased broker competition is associated with a higher probability of a loan being priced with transparency. Our results suggest that mortgage brokers increase competition and lower fees in the mortgage market.
Concomitant oral and intravenous pharmacokinetics of trametinib, a MEK inhibitor, in subjects with solid tumours
Authors: Leonowens Cathrine , Pendry Carolyn , Bauman John , Young Graeme C. , Ho May , Henriquez Frank , Fang Lei , Morrison Royce A. , Orford Keith , Ouellet Daniele
Published: March 2014

Aims

The aim of this phase 1, single centre, open label study in four patients with solid tumours was to determine the absolute bioavailability of a 2 mg oral dose of trametinib. Trametinib is an orally bioavailable, reversible and selective allosteric inhibitor of MEK1 and MEK2 activation and kinase activity.

Methods

A microtracer study approach, in which a 5 μg radiolabelled i.v. microdose of trametinib was given concomitantly with an unlabelled 2 mg oral tablet formulation, was used to recover i.v. and oral pharmacokinetic parameters, simultaneously.

Results

The least‐squares mean (90% confidence interval) absolute bioavailability of trametinib (2 mg tablet) was 72.3% (50.0%, 104.6%). Median tmax after oral administration was 1.5 h and the geometric mean terminal half‐life was 11 days. The geometric mean clearance and volume of distribution after i.v. administration were 3.21 l h−1 and 976 l, respectively, resulting in a terminal elimination half‐life of 11 days.

Conclusions

Trametinib absolute bioavailability was moderate to high, whereas first pass metabolism was low.
Modulation of gamma globin genes expression by histone deacetylase inhibitors: an in vitro study
Authors: Ronzoni Luisa , Sonzogni Laura , Fossati Gianluca , Modena Daniela , Trombetta Elena , Porretti Laura , Cappellini Maria Domenica
Published: March 2014

Induction of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of β‐thalassaemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). Several pharmacological agents, such as hydroxycarbamide (HC) and butyrates, have been shown to induce the γ‐globin genes (HBG1, HBG2). However, their therapeutic use is limited due to weak efficacy and an inhibitory effect on erythroid differentiation. Thus, more effective agents are needed. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are potential therapeutic haemoglobin (Hb) inducers able to modulate gene expression through pleiotropic mechanisms. We investigated the effects of a HDAC inhibitor, Givinostat (GVS), on erythropoiesis and haemoglobin synthesis and compared it with sodium butyrate and HC. We used an in vitro erythropoiesis model derived from peripheral CD34+ cells of healthy volunteers and SCD donors. GVS effects on erythroid proliferation and differentiation and on Hb synthesis were investigated. We found that GVS at high concentrations delayed erythroid differentiation with no specific effect on HBG1/2 transcription. At a low concentration (1 nmol/l), GVS induced Hb production with no effects on cells proliferation and differentiation. The efficacy of GVS 1 mol/l in Hb induction in vitro was comparable to that of HC and butyrate. Our results support the evaluation of GVS as a new candidate molecule for the treatment of the haemoglobinophathies due to its positive effects on haemoglobin production at low and non‐toxic concentrations.
Leukaemic cells from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients undergo apoptosis following microtubule depolymerization and Lyn inhibition by nocodazole
Authors: Frezzato Federica , Trimarco Valentina , Martini Veronica , Gattazzo Cristina , Ave Elisa , Visentin Andrea , Cabrelle Anna , Olivieri Valeria , Zambello Renato , Facco Monica , Zonta Francesca , Cristiani Andrea , Brunati Anna Maria , Moro Stefano , Semenzato Gianpietro , Trentin Livio
Published: March 2014

Functional abnormalities of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells may be related to the microtubular network of cell cytoskeleton; specifically tubulin involvement in cells after B‐cell receptor engagement. As microtubule inhibitors could represent a therapeutic strategy for CLL, this study investigated the capability of nocodazole, a synthetic depolymerizing agent, to kill CLL leukaemic cells. We demonstrated that nocodazole was highly specific for the in vitro induction of apoptosis in leukaemic cells from 90 CLL patients, without affecting the viability of T‐cells and/or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) recovered from the same patients. Nocodazole was observed to overcome the pro‐survival signals provided by MSCs. Competing with ATP for the nucleotide‐binding site, nocodazole has been observed to turn off the high basal tyrosine phosphorylation of leukaemic cells mediated by the Src‐kinase Lyn. Considering that most anti‐microtubule drugs have limited clinical use because of their strong toxic effects, the high selectivity of nocodazole for leukaemic cells in CLL and its capability to bypass microenvironmental pro‐survival stimuli, suggests the use of this inhibitor for designing new therapeutic strategies in CLL treatment.
Personal values and political activism: A cross‐national study
Authors: Vecchione Michele , Schwartz Shalom H. , Caprara Gian Vittorio , Schoen Harald , Cieciuch Jan , Silvester Jo , Bain Paul , Bianchi Gabriel , Kirmanoglu Hasan , Baslevent Cem , Mamali Catalin , Manzi Jorge , Pavlopoulos Vassilis , Posnova Tetyana , Torres Claudio , Verkasalo Markku , Lönnqvist Jan‐Erik , Vondráková Eva , Welzel Christian , Alessandri Guido
Published: March 2014

Using data from 28 countries in four continents, the present research addresses the question of how basic values may account for political activism. Study 1 (N = 35,116) analyses data from representative samples in 20 countries that responded to the 21‐item version of the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ‐21) in the European Social Survey. Study 2 (N = 7,773) analyses data from adult samples in six of the same countries (Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Poland, and United Kingdom) and eight other countries (Australia, Brazil, Chile, Italy, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and United States) that completed the full 40‐item PVQ. Across both studies, political activism relates positively to self‐transcendence and openness to change values, especially to universalism and autonomy of thought, a subtype of self‐direction. Political activism relates negatively to conservation values, especially to conformity and personal security. National differences in the strength of the associations between individual values and political activism are linked to level of democratization.
Impulsive behaviour in interpersonal encounters: Associations with quarrelsomeness and agreeableness
Authors: aan het Rot Marije , Moskowitz D.S. , Young Simon N.
Published: March 2014

Associations between impulsivity and interpersonal behaviours have rarely been examined, even though impulsivity may disrupt the flow of social interactions. For example, it is unknown to what extent the commonly used Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11) predicts impulsive behaviour in social situations, and how behaving impulsively during interpersonal encounters might influence levels of quarrelsomeness and agreeableness. In this study, 48 healthy working individuals completed the BIS‐11 and recorded their behaviour in social situations using event‐contingent recording. Record forms included items representing quarrelsome, agreeable, and impulsive behaviours. BIS‐11 motor impulsiveness scores predicted impulsive behaviour in social situations. Impulsive behaviour was associated, in different interactions, with both agreeableness and quarrelsomeness. Behaving impulsively in specific interactions was negatively associated with agreeableness in participants with higher BIS‐11 motor impulsiveness and positively associated with agreeableness in participants with lower BIS‐11 motor impulsiveness. Impulsive quarrelsome behaviour may cause interpersonal problems. Impulsive agreeable behaviour may have positive effects in individuals with low trait impulsivity. The idea that there are between‐person differences in the effects of state impulsivity on the flow of social interaction deserves further study.
Facies and stratigraphical analyses of glacial and interglacial sediments at Morgan Bluffs, Banks Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Lakeman Thomas R. , England John H.
Published: March 2014

Stratigraphical exposures of both glacial and non‐glacial sediments at Morgan Bluffs, a >6‐km long exposure on the east coast of Banks Island, comprise a discontinuous archive of Quaternary environmental change. A detailed facies analysis of the sediments and a new stratigraphical framework is incompatible with the many climatostratigraphical units proposed previously. Instead, three distinct intervals of sedimentation are recognized. The first records the progradation of a delta, followed by fluvial aggradation of a braided river valley perhaps ∼1 Ma. The second documents glacigenic sedimentation, including fluctuations of a tidewater glacier margin, in a marine basin more than 0.78 Ma. The third records till deposition by the NW Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Late Wisconsinan, followed by the progradation of a deglacial, ice‐contact delta into an ice‐dammed lake ∼12.8 cal. ka BP. The revised stratigraphical framework adds important new terrestrial observations to a sparse and fragmentary data set of Quaternary environmental change in the Canadian Arctic. This study challenges former references and correlations to the previously proposed climatostratigraphical framework and nomenclature.
Teachers' perceptions about children's movement and learning in early childhood education programmes
Authors: Gehris J. S. , Gooze R. A. , Whitaker R. C.
Published: March 2014

Background

Efforts to improve the academic skills of preschool‐aged children have resulted in approaches that tend to limit children's movement. However, movement experiences have long been considered important to children's learning and have received increased attention because of the obesity epidemic. Early childhood educators are important sources of information about if and how to promote learning and school readiness through movement, but little effort has been made to understand teachers' views on this topic.

Methods

We conducted six focus groups with 37 teachers from a Head Start programme with centres in three cities in eastern Pennsylvania. We inquired about: (1) how movement influences children's learning; (2) what types of movement experiences are most beneficial for children; (3) what settings best support children's movement; and (4) challenges related to children's movement. To identify key themes from the focus groups, transcripts were analysed using an inductive method of coding.

Results

Teachers' views were expressed in four major themes. First, young children have an innate need to move, and teachers respond to this need by using movement experiences to prepare children to learn and to teach academic concepts and spatial awareness. However, teachers wanted more training in these areas. Second, movement prepares children for school and for life by building children's confidence and social skills. Third, teachers and children benefit from moving together because it motivates children and promotes teacher–child relationships. Finally, moving outdoors promotes learning by engaging children's senses and promoting community interaction.

Conclusions

More training may be required to help early childhood educators use movement experiences to teach academic concepts and improve children's spatial awareness. Future interventions could examine the impacts on children's movement and learning of having teachers move with children during outdoor free play and including more natural features in the design of outdoor play areas.
INFORMATION AND THE DEMAND FOR CLEAN AIR
Authors: FINNEY MILES M.
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the relationship between the relocating household's reaction to air quality and its information on environmental quality. The results suggest households exposed to public information on the environment are more responsive to air quality differences if they also are knowledgeable about local environmental conditions. (JEL Q510, R230, D830)
Cross‐Border Investments and Venture Capital Exits inEurope
Authors: Bertoni Fabio , Groh Alexander Peter
Published: March 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

We examine the way in which the exit mode (i.e., initial public offering –IPO, trade sale, or write‐off) of venture capital (VC) investments is influenced by the additional exit opportunities brought by cross‐borderVCinvestors.

Research Findings/Insights

We perform our analysis on a sample of 1,062 VC investments in 462 young high‐tech companies in seven European countries. Our findings indicate that, controlling for firm performance, investor characteristics, and local exit conditions, the probability of exiting via trade sale is positively correlated to the additional set of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities brought by cross‐border investors. A similar effect, but with weaker statistical significance, is also identified for exits byIPO, which are positively affected byIPOvolumes in the countries of cross‐border investors.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Cross‐borderVCinvestment may, at least partially, compensate for inadequate local exit conditions. Cross‐border investors can spillover the capital market activity of their home country and enhance exit options for young ventures. International syndicates are also quicker to write off their non‐performing investments.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Not all exit modes are equally affected by international syndication. The impact of cross‐border investors on the exit mode also depends on their country of origin and, more specifically, on the exit opportunities available there. The mechanism is stronger for trade sales than forIPOs.