bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B
2 and G2 Toda systems on compact surfaces: A variational approach
Authors: Battaglia Luca
Published: January 2017

We consider the B2 and G2 Toda systems on a compact surface (Σ, g), namely, systems of two Liouville-type PDEs coupled with a matrix of coefficients A=(aij)=2−1−22 or 2−1−32. We attack the problem using variational techniques, following the previous work [Battaglia, L. et al., Adv. Math. 285, 937–979 (2015)] concerning the A2 Toda system, namely, the case A=2−1−12. We get the existence and multiplicity of solutions as long as χ(Σ) ≤ 0 and a generic choice of the parameters. We also extend some of the results to the case of general systems.
Direct measurement of exciton dissociation energy in polymers
Authors: Toušek J. , Toušková J. , Chomutová R. , Paruzel B. , Pfleger J.
Published: January 2017

Exciton dissociation energy was obtained based on the comparison of thickness of the space charge region estimated from the measurement of capacitance of prepared Schottky diode and from the measurement of photovoltage spectra. While the capacitance measurements provide information about the total width of the space charge region (SCR) the surface photovoltaic effect brings information only about the part of the SCR where electric field is sufficiently high to cause dissociation. For determination of the dissociation energy it is sufficient to find the electric potential in the SCR where the process starts.
Heat dissipation analysis of bendable AlGaInP micro-LED arrays
Authors: Fang Shiwei , Wang Weibiao , Liang Jingqiu , Liang Zhongzhu , Qin Yuxin , Lv Jinguang
Published: January 2017

A strategy for fabricating bendable AlGaInP light emitting diode (LED) arrays is presented in this paper. Sample LED arrays with 8 × 8 pixels were fabricated and subjected to bending. Bending only weakly affected the light output power and the current–voltage characteristics of the arrays. LED arrays suffer from a thermal problem owing to the energy loss during the electrical-to-optical energy conversion. We have designed a three-dimensional heat conduction model for analyzing the effect of the polymer substrate, the configuration of pixels, and the micro-structure on heat dissipation in bendable LED arrays. Thermal conductivity of the polymer substrate critically affected the heat dissipation, suggesting that the substrate thickness should be in the 500–1000 μm range. A larger pixel distance yielded more distributed heat sources and more uniform temperature distribution. Micro-structured polymer substrates yielded lower temperature, especially for the fins array micro-structure. Based on enhancing the polymer’s thermal conductivity and distributing LED pixels, optimizing the substrate’s micro-structure is an effective method to improve heat dissipation in bendable LED arrays. Optimized heat dissipation could effectively reduce heat accumulation in LED arrays and alleviate an increase in the junction temperature, allowing to increase the output power of the device.
Defect induced phonon scattering for tuning the lattice thermal conductivity of SiO2 thin films
Authors: Cao Sen , He Hu , Zhu Wenhui
Published: January 2017

In this work, the thermal properties of nanoscale SiO2 thin films have been systematically investigated with respect to the thickness, crystal orientations and the void defects using non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics (NEMD) simulation. Size effect for the lattice thermal conductivity of nanoscale SiO2 thin films was observed. Additionally, SiO2 thin films with [001] oriented exhibited greater thermal conductivity compared with other crystal orientations which was discussed in terms of phonon density of states (PDOS). Furthermore, the porosity of void defects was introduced to quantify the influence of defects for thermal conductivity. Results exhibited that the thermal conductivity degraded with the increase of porosity. Two thermal conductivity suppression mechanisms, namely, void defects induced material loss interdicting heat conduction and phonon scattering enhanced by the boundary of defects, were proposed. Then, a further simulation was deployed to find that the effect of boundary scattering of defects was dominant in thermal conductivity degradation compared with material loss mechanism. The conclusion suggests that the thermal conductivity could be configured via regulating the distribution of PDOS directly associated with void defects.
Oxides formation on hydrophilic bonding interface in plasma-assisted InP/Al2O3/SOI direct wafer bonding
Authors: Gong Kewei , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Han Yanjun , Hao Zhibiao , Wang Jian , Wang Lai , Li Hongtao
Published: January 2017

Successful direct wafer bonding between InP and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers has been demonstrated by adopting a 20-nm-thick Al2O3 as the intermediate layer. A detailed investigation on the property of the bonding interface is carried out. Water contact angle test reveals an improved hydrophilicity for both the InP and the Al2O3/SOI wafers after oxygen plasma surface activation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is employed to characterize the bonding interface before and after the wafer bonding process. It is found that oxides are formed on the bonding interface during bonding, which helps ensure high quality hydrophilic bonding.
Destination management and visitor management: non-convergent literatures but complementary activities and issues.
Authors: Pearce D. G.
Published: January 2017

This chapter systematically explores the relationship between destination management and visitor management (VM) by investigating and comparing the goals, policies and implementation activities associated with each of them. By bridging the two streams of literature, this chapter thus lays a foundation for the appreciation of VM research at the different levels of a destination in this book.
The relevance of visitors' national park affinity for effective visitor management in protected areas.
Authors: Bayer J. , Fehringer A. , Lehar G. , Jurgeit F. , Leitner T.
Published: January 2017

This chapter introduces the concept of visitor affinity to the visitor management (VM) literature. It illustrates the basic possibilities and limits of segmentation by visitor affinity, within the framework of visitor monitoring in protected areas. For this purpose, different methodological procedures are identified and discussed in order to allow a better comparison between protected areas. Hereupon, guiding strategies for a target group-oriented VM are formulated. The Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria, is used as a case study for empirical research.
Using heritage interpretation to manage film-induced tourism at heritage visitor attractions.
Authors: Bakiewicz J. , Leask A. , Barron P. , Rakic T.
Published: January 2017

This chapter shows the potential value of heritage interpretation in the context of addressing a range of potential visitor management (VM) challenges at heritage visitor attractions (HVAs) where film-induced tourism has occurred. Its empirical discussions explore management challenges at one such HVA, Alnwick Castle in the UK, and pay particular attention to (post-film exposure) visitors' expectations and the influence these have had on heritage interpretation at the site. The chapter argues that, in the context of film-induced tourism at HVAs, heritage interpretation can be a particularly valuable VM tool and one which is increasingly considered to be an essential part of the overall quality of visitors' experiences.
Islam - spiritual journey in Islam: the Qur'anic Cognitive Model.
Authors: Elhadary T.
Published: January 2017

This chapter has two objectives. First, to acquaint the reader with certain Islamic matters which they should grasp before embarking on an Islamic-related religious journey, or more specifically visiting Muslim religious historical places, if they wish to reach a more than superficial understanding of the Qur'an. Second, the chapter illuminates the major tenets of faith referred to in the Qur'an. Thus, the chapter attempts to clarify the concept of pilgrimage in Islam and to address questions about Islam that commonly arise in the mind of the non-Muslim tourist (and/or pilgrim). These notions are drawn out and explored by utilizing the Qur'anic Cognitive Model (or QCM), thus presenting the basic claims of the Qur'an and thereby minimizing the degree of deviation from mainstream Islam.
A defence of anti-criterialism
Authors: Langford Simon
Published: January 2017

According to philosophical orthodoxy, there are informative criteria of identity over time. Anti-criterialism rejects this orthodoxy and claims that there are no such criteria. This paper examines anti-criterialism in the light of recent attacks on the thesis by Matt Duncan, Sydney Shoemaker and Dean Zimmerman. It is argued that those attacks are not successful. Along the way, a novel strategy to defend anti-criterialism against the critics’ most challenging objection is developed. Under-appreciated difficulties for criterialism are also raised which, I claim, there is no obvious way to solve. It is concluded that anti-criterialism may be a much stronger rival to criterialism than is often supposed.
Cell proliferation depends on the direct binding between PKM2 and AKAP-Lbc
Authors: Chen Xinping , Carnegie Graeme K.
Published: January 2017

The M2 form of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PKM2) has generated much interest recently due to its important role in tumor metabolism. A yeast two-hybrid screen carried out by the Alliance for Cell Signaling suggests that PKM2 interacts with A-Kinase Anchoring Protein (AKAP)-Lbc.

AKAP-Lbc (also known as AKAP13) is a scaffold protein that integrates signaling through multiple enzymes including protein kinases A and D and the small G protein Rho. AKAP-Lbc was originally identified in leukemic blast cells, and multiple reports implicate AKAP-Lbc in breast, prostate and thyroid cancers, however the role of AKAP-Lbc in cancer biology is not understood.

Co-immunoprecipitation, pulldown and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) data indicate that PKM2 interacts with AKAP-Lbc. Mapping experiments indicate that PKM2 directly interacts with amino acid residues 1923-2817 of AKAP-Lbc. By disrupting the interaction between the two proteins with the expression of the AKAP-Lbc fragments, our data suggest that the binding between PKM2 and PKA plays a critical role in cell proliferation. The work indicates that the binding between AKAP-Lbc and PKM2 may be an important target to treat some cancers by reducing the cell proliferation.
Contemporary evolution of a Lepidopteran species,Heliothis virescens, in response to modern agricultural practices
Authors: Fritz Megan L , DeYonke Alexandra M , Papanicolaou Alexie , Micinski Stephen , Westbrook John , Gould Fred
Published: January 2017

Adaptation to human-induced environmental change has the potential to profoundly influence the genomic architecture of affected species. This is particularly true in agricultural ecosystems, where anthropogenic selection pressure is strong.Heliothis virescensfeeds on cotton in its larval stages and US populations have been declining since the widespread planting of transgenic cotton, which endogenously express proteins derivedBacillus thuringiensis(Bt). No physiological adaptation to Bt toxin has been found in the field, so adaptation to this altered environment could involve: 1) shifts in host plant selection mechanisms to avoid cotton, 2) changes in detoxification mechanisms required for cotton-feeding versus feeding on other host plants, or 3) loss of resistance to previously used management practices including insecticides. Here we begin to address the question of whether such changes occurred inH. virescenspopulations between the years 1997 and 2012. As part of our study, we produced anH. virescensgenome assembly and used this in concert with a ddRAD-seq enabled genome scan to identify loci with significant allele frequency changes over the 15 year period after Bt crops became widespread in the agricultural landscape. Confirmation that a known genetic change at a previously describedH. virescenstarget of selection was detectable in our genome scan increased our confidence in this methodology. We quantified the strength of selection required to elicit the observed allele frequency changes at loci under selection. Potential contributions of genes near the loci under selection to adaptive phenotypes in theH. virescenscotton system are discussed.
The mitochondrial genomes of the acoelomorph wormsParatomella rubraandIsodiametra pulchra
Authors: Robertson Helen E , Lapraz François , Egger Bernhard , Telford Maximilian J , Schiffer Philipp H.
Published: January 2017

Acoels are small, ubiquitous, but understudied, marine worms with a very simple body plan. Their internal phylogeny is still in parts unresolved, and the position of their proposed phylum Xenacoelomorpha (Xenoturbella+Acoela) is still debated.

Here we describe mitochondrial genome sequences from two acoel species:Paratomella rubraandIsodiametra pulchra. The 14,954 nucleotide-longP. rubrasequence is typical for metazoans in size and gene content. The largerI. pulchramitochondrial genome contains both ribosomal genes, 21 tRNAs, but only 11 protein-coding genes. We find evidence suggesting a duplicated sequence in theI. pulchramitochondrial genome.

Mitochondrial sequences for bothP. rubraandI. pulchrahave a unique genome organisation in comparison to other published metazoan mitochondrial genomes. We found a large degree of protein-coding gene and tRNA overlap inP. rubra, with little non-coding sequence making the genome compact. Conversely, theI. pulchramitochondrial genome has many long non-coding sequences between genes, likely driving the genome size expansion. Phylogenetic trees inferred from concatenated alignments of mitochondrial genes grouped the fast-evolving Acoela and Tunicata, almost certainly due to the systematic error of long branch attraction: a reconstruction artefact that is probably compounded by the fast substitution rate of mitochondrial genes in this taxon.
MPI tray: a versatile crystallization plate for membrane proteins
Authors: Rathmann Barbara , Quirnheim Pais David , Thielmann Yvonne
Published: January 2017

High-throughput crystallization of biological macromolecules is usually performed on multi-well plates, the design of which needs to address different and sometimes conflicting requirements. In this regard, handling of membrane proteins presents a particular challenge owing to the common use of detergents with associated effects on surface tension. Reported here is the design of a new crystallization plate, termed the MPI tray, which is optimized for UV and visible imaging with membrane protein samples. Following basic considerations regarding geometry and material, the surface properties of the plate were subjected to extensive analysis and modification in order to improve the performance in a robotic environment. An electrostatic surface potential was identified as the major problem affecting the automated setup of experiments, and it was found that treatment of the crystallization plate with ethanol is effective in removing this potential.
Concurrent determination of nanocrystal shape and amorphous phases in complex materials by diffraction scattering computed tomography
Authors: Birkbak Mie Elholm , Nielsen Ida Gjerlevsen , Frølich Simon , Stock Stuart R. , Kenesei Peter , Almer Jonathan D. , Birkedal Henrik
Published: January 2017

Advanced functional materials often contain multiple phases which are (nano)crystalline and/or amorphous. The spatial distribution of these phases and their properties, including nanocrystallite size and shape, often drives material function yet is difficult to obtain with current experimental techniques. This article describes the use of diffraction scattering computed tomography, which maps wide-angle scattering information onto sample space, to address this challenge. The wide-angle scattering signal contains information on both (nano)crystalline and amorphous phases. Rietveld refinement of reconstructed diffraction patterns is employed to determine anisotropic nanocrystal shapes. The background signal from refinements is used to identify contributing amorphous phases through multivariate curve resolution. Thus it is demonstrated that reciprocal space analysis in combination with diffraction scattering computed tomography is a very powerful tool for the complete analysis of complex multiphase materials such as energy devices.
Crystal structure of poly[tetra-μ2-cyanido-1:2κ8N:C-bis(dimethyl sulfoxide-1κO)diargentate(I)iron(II)]
Authors: Kucheriv Olesia I. , Naumova Dina D. , Tokmenko Inna I. , Polunin Ruslan A. , Terebilenko Kateryna V.
Published: January 2017

In the title polymeric complex, [Fe{OS(CH3)2}2{Ag(CN)2}2], the FeIIcation is located at an inversion centre and is coordinated by four cyanide (CN−) anions and two dimethyl sulfoxide molecules in a slightly compressed N4O2octahedral geometry, the AgIcation is C-coordinated by two CN−anions in a nearly linear geometry. The CN−anions bridge the FeIIand AgIcations to form a two-dimensional polymeric structure extending parallel to (102). In the crystal, the nearest Ag...Ag distance between polymeric sheets is 3.8122 (12) Å. The crystal studied was a twin with a contribution of 0.2108 (12) for the minor component.
Di-n-butylbis[N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-methyldithiocarbamato-κ2S,S′]tin(IV): crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Mohamad Rapidah , Awang Normah , Kamaludin Nurul F. , Jotani Mukesh M. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: January 2017

The complete molecule of the title compound, [Sn(C4H9)2(C5H10NOS2)2], is generated by a crystallographic mirror plane, with the SnIVatom and the two inner methylene C atoms of the butyl ligands lying on the mirror plane; statistical disorder is noted in the two terminal ethyl groups, which deviate from mirror symmetry. The dithiocarbamate ligand coordinates to the metal atom in an asymmetric mode with the resulting C2S4donor set defining a skew trapezoidal bipyramidal geometry; then-butyl groups are disposed to lie over the longer Sn—S bonds. Supramolecular chains aligned along thea-axis direction and sustained by methylene-C—H...S(weakly coordinating) interactions feature in the molecular packing. A Hirshfeld surface analysis reveals the dominance of H...H contacts in the crystal.
(E)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Lokeshwari D. M. , Pavithra G. , Renuka N. , Lokanath N. K. , Naveen S. , Ajay Kumar K.
Published: January 2017

In the title compound, C16H10Cl2O3, the olefinic double bond adopts an E conformation [C—C=C—C torsion angle = −172.9 (3)°]. The dihedral angle between the benzodioxole and dichlorobenzene rings is 5.57 (9)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the c-axis direction.
Assembly line design considering line balancing and part feeding
Authors: Nourmohammadi Amir , Eskandari Hamidreza
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to optimize the configuration of assembly lines (ALs) considering the two long-term decision problems within the line balancing and part feeding (PF) contexts, when the supermarket concept is applied in PF.

Design/methodology/approach

To this purpose, a bi-level mathematical model is proposed to deal with the assembly line balancing problem (ALBP) and supermarket location problem (SLP) during the strategic decision-making phase of ALs’ configuration. The proposed model is applied on the known test problems taken from the ALBP literature to verify its performance.

Findings

The computational results verify that when the proposed structure is applied, the resulting AL configurations are optimized from both ALBP and SLP considerations in terms of the number of stations and line efficiency as well as supermarket transportation and installation costs.

Originality/value

No study has yet dealt with the long-term decision problem of configuring ALs considering both ALBP and SLP. Also, this study validates the effect of the ALBP on the SLP solutions as two long-term interrelated decision problems.
Field oriented predictive control strategy for induction machine drives
Authors: Qi Xin , Wu Lin , Zhou Xiaomin , Ma Xianghua
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to drive the induction machine system with a low switching frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

An unconventional inverter control strategy – field-oriented predictive control (FOPC) – is presented. The strategy limits current distortion by setting a boundary circle. The voltage vector, which could keep current trajectories in boundary, is selected to obtain a low switching frequency.

Findings

A dual simulation step technique is developed to investigate the influence of sampling frequency on current distortion control and switching frequency. Current control distortion can be improved, i.e. reduced, by increasing the sampling frequency; however, the switching frequency will also increase. Such a law is discovered by the dual simulation step technique and finally verified by experiments.

Originality/value

A new predictive control method, FOPC, is derived from the rotor filed coordinate machine model and presented in this paper. FOPC circumvents derivative calculations, and thus avoids high-frequency noise amplification.
Humans’ relationship to nature – framing sustainable marketing
Authors: Löbler Helge
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Although humans are part of nature, the relationship between humans and nature is not well understood, neither in sustainable marketing nor in relationship marketing. Nature is damaged by humans, and a lot of natural resources coming from nature are taken for granted. The services provided by nature are also often taken for granted. However, humans cannot live without these services, but nature can probably survive without humans, especially man-made (artificial) services. The paper aims to offer a frame that allows aligning marketers and academics’ understanding of service with that of sustainability for sustainable marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of different literature streams, biological, ecological and service literature shows that service is a much broader phenomenon as discussed in the service literature. The paper will show that a fundamental relationship between either humans or humans and nature is service as defined here. Service is understood here as an ongoing process of exchange and change. Service as proposed here is a form of coexistence.

Findings

Service will be defined as an ongoing process of exchange and change (transfer and transformation) of resources. This understanding integrates human and natural service without connecting it only to human intentions, wishes or needs as causation for service. The process of service as conceptualized here is in line with the understanding of sustainability, as it is discussed nowadays. Aligning marketers’ understanding of service with that of sustainability gives a new frame for sustainable marketing.

Research limitations/implications

The work may be understood as a step toward a sustainable marketing by framing sustainable processes from a service perspective. The holistic understanding of sustainable marketing offers new chances not only for further research but also for a better (more sustainable) understanding of day-to-day practices.

Practical implications

If humans understand the fundamental relationship with nature, it can help to act in harmony with nature and not against it to improve sustainable development based on a better understanding of human’s relationship with nature.

Social implications

Mainstream sustainable marketing is sometimes based on a strong anthropocentrism. This paper balances the role of humans toward nature.

Originality/value

It is the first paper in relationship marketing looking at the relationship with nature and uses this view to frame this concept of sustainable marketing.
The importance of CSR in forming customer–company identification and long-term loyalty
Authors: Huang Min-Hsin , Cheng Zhao-Hong , Chen I-Chun
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Promoting customer–company identification (CCI) has become a crucial relationship marketing strategy for service firms. The purpose of this study is to examine how customers’ perceptions of service quality and corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect CCI over time. More importantly, a comparative analysis is conducted to compare the long-term effectiveness of service quality versus CSR in forming CCI.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed and then empirically examined using latent growth curve modeling. The study data were collected from restaurant customers in Taiwan in four waves of 213 repeated measures.

Findings

The results of this study show that customers’ perceptions of both service quality and CSR affect CCI. Particularly, the results of this study indicate that compared with service quality, customers’ perceived CSR has a stronger effect in the promotion of CCI over time.

Practical implications

This study offers a new insight for service marketing practitioners who are planning and implementing strategies for enhancing CCI. The findings suggest that relationship investments are more effective over the long term when service firms shift their investment priority over time from achieving high service quality to increasing consumers’ belief in the firm’s commitment to CSR.

Originality/value

Though previous research has explored the various drivers of CCI, longitudinal examinations are surprisingly scarce in this context. Using latent growth curve modeling, this study examines how CCI antecedents influence changes in CCI over time. More importantly, this study reveals that CSR has a stronger long-term impact on CCI than service quality.
From relationship marketing to total relationship marketing and beyond
Authors: Gummesson Evert
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to emphasize the need for generation of more general, abstract and grand theory in marketing by synthesizing relationship marketing and other developments and to address complexity instead of fragmented bits of marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a discourse based on new theoretical developments, literature and personal reflection.

Findings

Relationships, networks and interaction constitute the core of marketing.

Research limitations/implications

Future focus on theory generation and complexity through case study research and not on fragmented quantitative surveys and hypotheses testing. When complexity is better understood, boil it down to actionable simplicity in the form of mid-range theory.

Practical implications

Research in marketing is there to be used in real life; it is not an academic parlor game. The paper addresses complexity instead of shunning it, search for the core of marketing and offer simplification as mid-range theory (checklists, heuristics, etc.) and with focus on decisions, action and results.

Originality/value

Going from the current fragmented approach of marketing to a holistic and theory-based approach, linking theory with practice.
Role stressors and coping strategies among nurse managers
Authors: Udod Sonia , Cummings Greta G. , Care W. Dean , Jenkins Megan
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share preliminary evidence about nurse managers’ (NMs) role stressors and coping strategies in acute health-care facilities in Western Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory inquiry provides deeper insight into NMs’ perceptions of their role stressors, coping strategies and factors and practices in the organizational context that facilitate and hinder their work. A purposeful sample of 17 NMs participated in this study. Data were collected through individual interviews and a focus group interview. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six phase approach to thematic analysis guided data analysis.

Findings

Evidence demonstrates that individual factors, organizational practices and structures affect NMs stress creating an evolving role with unrealistic expectations, responding to continuous organizational change, a fragmented ability to effectively process decisions because of work overload, shifting organizational priorities and being at risk for stress-related ill health.

Practical implications

These findings have implications for organizational support, intervention programs that enhance leadership approaches, address individual factors and work processes and redesigning the role in consideration of the role stress and work complexity affecting NMs health.

Originality/value

It is anticipated that health-care leaders would find these results concerning and inspire them to take action to support NMs to do meaningful work as a way to retain existing managers and attract front line nurses to positions of leadership.
Responsible leader behavior in health sectors
Authors: Longest Beaufort
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand attention to responsible leader behavior in the world’s health sectors by explaining how this concept applies to health sectors, considering why health sector leaders should behave responsibly, reviewing how they can do so, and asserting potential impact through an applied example.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a viewpoint, reflecting conceptualizations rooted in leadership literature which are then specifically applied to health sectors. A definition of responsible leader behavior is affirmed and applied specifically in health sectors. Conceptualizations and viewpoints about practice of responsible leader behavior in health sectors and potential consequences are then discussed and asserted.

Findings

Leadership failures and debacles found in health, but more so in other sectors, have led leadership researchers to offer insights, many of them empirical, into the challenges of leadership especially by more clearly delineating responsible leader behavior.

Practical implications

Much of what has been learned in the research about responsible leader behavior offers pathways for health sector leaders to more fully practice responsible leadership.

Social implications

This paper asserts and provides a supporting example that greater levels of responsible leader behavior in health sectors hold potentially important societal benefits.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply emerging conceptualizations and early empirical findings about responsible leader behavior specifically to leaders in health sectors.
Adoption of Protective Behaviours: Residents Response to City Smog in Hefei, China
Authors: Cheng Peng , Wei Jiuchang , Marinova Dora , Guo Xiumei
Published: January 2017

City smog outbreaks in many Chinese cities aroused public concern about health risks and environmental pollution in China. This study investigates protective behaviours of the citizens in response to city smog using protective action decision to understand their actions. A survey was conducted in Hefei, Anhui in 2015, after the city experienced severe smog events. The data from 429 respondents supported the developed model. Hazard‐related attributes were the strongest predictors for willingness to adopt protective behaviours. Public risk perception only positively affected self‐protective actions. Information sources affected risk perception and increased the respondents’ self‐protective intentions. Older adults and respondents with lower educational levels were more likely to adopt environmentally friendly actions. The findings’ theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Abnormal mismatch repair and other clinicopathologic predictors of poor response to progestin treatment in young women with endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia and well‐differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma: a consecutive case series
Authors: Zakhour M , Cohen JG , Gibson A , Walts AE , Karimian B , Baltayan A , Aoyama C , Garcia L , Dhaliwal SK , Elashoff D , Amneus M , Walsh C
Published: January 2017

Objective

To report the response to progestin therapy in young women with endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) or FIGO grade 1 endometrial adenocarcinoma (FIGO 1 EAC) based on clinicopathologic features, including abnormal DNA mismatch repair (MMR) by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Design

Consecutive case series.

Setting

Olive View‐UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, CA, USA, and Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Population

Women ≤55 years old with CAH or FIGO 1 EAC.

Methods

Response to progestin therapy in 84 consecutive patients was assessed based on clinicopathologic factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), initial histology, and IHC staining for MMR proteins.

Main outcome measures

Rates of abnormal MMR protein expression and response to progestin therapy were determined.

Results

Six (7%) patients had abnormal IHC staining, of whom five (83%) had FIGO 1 EAC at initial diagnosis. Following progestin treatment, none of the endometrial lesions in patients with abnormal IHC for MMR proteins had resolution of hyperplasia or malignancy, in contrast to 41 (53%) with normal staining (P = 0.028). Age ≤40 years and initial lesion (CAH versus FIGO 1 EAC) were predictors of response to progestin; BMI was not.

Conclusions

In this cohort, 7% of women ≤55 years of age with CAH or FIGO 1 EAC had loss of MMR proteins by IHC. These patients had a higher incidence of invasive cancer and a lower incidence of resolution with progestin therapy.

Tweetable abstract

Abnormal MMR protein expression predicts poor response to progestins in young women with CAH or FIGO 1 EAC.
The Changing Roles of Community Health Workers
Authors: Malcarney Mary‐Beth , Pittman Patricia , Quigley Leo , Horton Katherine , Seiler Naomi
Published: January 2017

Objective

To examine what different types of employers value in hiring community health workers (CHWs) and determine what new competencies CHWs might need to meet workforce demands in the context of an evolving payment landscape and substantial literature suggesting that CHWs are uniquely qualified to address health disparities.

Study Design

We used a multimethod approach, including a literature review, development of a database of 76 programs, interviews with 24 key informants, and a qualitative comparison of major CHW competency lists.

Principal Findings

We find a shift in CHW employment settings from community‐based organizations to hospitals/health systems. Providers that hire CHWs directly, as opposed to partnering with community organizations, report that they value education and training more highly than traditional characteristics, such as peer status. We find substantial similarities across competency lists, but a gap in competencies that relate to CHWs’ ability to integrate into health systems while maintaining their unique identity.

Conclusions

As CHW integration into health care organizations advances, and as states move forward with CHW certification efforts, it is important to develop new competencies that relate to CHW–health system integration. Chief among them is the ability to explain and defend the CHW's unique occupational identity.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators for primary prevention in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akel Tamer , Lafferty James
Published: January 2017

Background

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have proved their favorable outcomes on survival in selected patients with cardiomyopathy. Although previous meta‐analyses have shown benefit for their use in primary prevention, the evidence remains less robust for patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) in comparison to patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of ICD therapy on reducing all‐cause mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with NICM.

Data sources

PubMed (1993‐2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2000‐2016), reference lists of relevant articles, and previous meta‐analyses. Search terms included defibrillator, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials.

Study selection

Eligible trials were randomized controlled trials with at least an arm of ICD, an arm of medical therapy and enrolled some patients with NICM. The primary endpoint in the trials should include all‐cause mortality or mortality from SCD.

Data extraction

Hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality and mortality from SCD were either extracted or calculated along with their standard errors.

Data synthesis

Of the 1047 abstracts retained by the initial screen, eight randomized controlled trials were identified. Five of these trials reported relevant data regarding patients with NICM and were subsequently included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled analysis of HRs suggested a statistically significant reduction in all‐cause mortality among a total of 2573 patients randomized to ICD vs medical therapy (HR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.96; P=.02). Pooled analysis of HRs for mortality from SCD was also statistically significant (n=1677) (HR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.76; P=.001).

Conclusion

ICD implantation is beneficial in terms of all‐cause mortality and mortality from SCD in certain subgroups of patients with NICM.
REGULATION STRATEGIES FOR THE PROVISION OF PATERNALISTIC GOODS
Authors: LEVAGGI Laura , LEVAGGI Rosella
Published: January 2017

In this study, we analyze the regulation of markets for the provision of services whose costs are subsidized for paternalistic reasons. We model the choice of a benevolent regulator who wants to maximize consumer welfare in a setting where quality cannot be verified and the good provided is fully subsidized. The choice is thus made between two types of providers (profit maximizers and altruistic providers) and two frameworks (monopoly franchise and quality competition). Our analysis shows that in this environment the performance of mixed markets is always dominated by pure forms. Moreover, although making efficient providers compete for the market minimizes cost, the choice of quality competition with altruistic providers may be preferable from a welfare point of view whenever service quality is relevant and the productivity differential is not substantial.
Early menarche and risk‐taking behavior in Korean adolescent students
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , Choe Byeong Moo , Park Jae Hong , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between early menarche and risk‐taking behavior in a representative sample of Korean adolescent students.

Methods

Data were drawn from a cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample of 33 829 female adolescents (grades 7‐12) from the 2014 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web‐based Survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the association between early menarche and risk‐taking behavior.

Results

Female adolescents who experienced menarche at an earlier age tended to have an earlier initiation of sexual intercourse (odds ratio [OR] 4.61, 95% CI, 3.05‐6.98, P = .001), smoking (OR 4.29, 95% CI, 3.75‐4.9, P < .001), alcohol drinking (OR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02‐1.24, P < .001), and substance use (OR 25.16, 95% CI, 18.78‐33.72, P < .001). These adolescents were also at greater risk of pregnancy (OR 4.05, 95% CI, 2.56‐6.41, P = .01) and sexually transmitted diseases (OR 2.35, 95% CI, 1.66‐3.33, P < .001).

Discussion

Early menarche is significantly associated with risk‐taking behavior in Korean adolescent students. This finding suggests that early educational intervention and social programs are needed for female adolescents with early menarche.
Up‐and‐left as a spatial cue of leadership
Authors: Paladino Maria Paola , Mazzurega Mara , Bonfiglioli Claudia
Published: January 2017

Cues of leadership are features that signal who is (or who is expected to be) the leader in a specific context. Although their use is widespread, empirical research is scarce, especially for spatial positioning as a sign of leadership. Based on work on spatial biases, we suggest here that the upper‐left corner of a page is a spatial position associated with leadership. In the present studies (N = 455), we investigated this hypothesis and showed that a layout with a photograph positioned in the upper‐left corner (compared to the upper‐right, lower‐left, or lower‐right corner) led people to infer that the person portrayed in the photograph had a leading (vs. subordinate) role in the organization. Participants also thought that the upper‐left corner was the ideal spatial position to convey a leading (vs. subordinate) role in an organization. Implications of these results for symbols of leadership and spatial biases are discussed.
Schisandrol B protects against cholestatic liver injury through pregnane X receptors
Authors: Zeng Hang , Jiang Yiming , Chen Pan , Fan Xiaomei , Li Dongshun , Liu Aiming , Ma Xiaochao , Xie Wen , Liu Peiqing , Gonzalez Frank J , Huang Min , Bi Huichang
Published: January 2017

Background and Purpose

Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid are the only two FDA‐approved drugs for cholestatic liver diseases. Thus, new therapeutic approaches need to be developed. Here we have evaluated the anti‐cholestasis effects of Schisandrol B (SolB), a bioactive compound isolated from Schisandra sphenanthera.

Experimental Approach

Hepatoprotective effect of SolB against intrahepatic cholestasis, induced by lithocholic acid (LCA), was evaluated in mice. Metabolomic analysis and gene analysis were used to assess involvement of pregnane X receptor (PXR). Molecular docking, cell‐based reporter gene analysis and knockout mice were used to demonstrate the critical role of the PXR pathway in the anti‐cholestasis effects of SolB.

Key Results

SolB protected against LCA‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis. Furthermore, therapeutic treatment with SolB decreased mortality in cholestatic mice. Metabolomics and gene analysis showed that SolB accelerated metabolism of bile acids, promoted bile acid efflux into the intestine, and induced hepatic expression of the PXR‐target genes Cyp3a11, Ugt1a1, and Oatp2, which are involved in bile acid homeostasis. Mechanistic studies showed that SolB activated human PXR and up‐regulated PXR target genes in human cell lines. Additionally, SolB did not protect Pxr‐null mice from liver injury induced by intrahepatic cholestasis, thus providing genetic evidence that the effect of SolB was PXR‐dependent.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings provide direct evidence for the hepatoprotective effects of SolB against cholestasis by activating PXR. Therefore, SolB may provide a new and effective approach to the prevention and treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.
Novel pegylated interferon‐β as strong suppressor of the malignant ascites in a peritoneal metastasis model of human cancer
Authors: Iwamura Tomokatsu , Narumi Hideki , Suzuki Tomohiko , Yanai Hideyuki , Mori Katsuyuki , Yamashita Koji , Tsushima Yoshiaki , Asano Tomomi , Izawa Akiko , Momen Shinobu , Nishimura Kazumi , Tsuchiyama Hiromi , Uchida Masashi , Yamashita Yuji , Okano Kiyoshi , Taniguchi Tadatsugu
Published: January 2017

Malignant ascites manifests as an end‐stage event during the progression of a number of cancers and lacks a generally accepted standard therapy. Interferon‐β (IFN‐β) has been used to treat several cancer indications; however, little is known about the efficacy of IFN‐β on malignant ascites. In the present study, we report on the development of a novel, engineered form of human and murine IFN‐β, each conjugated with a polyethylene glycol molecule (PEG‐hIFN‐β and PEG‐mIFN‐β, respectively). We provide evidence that these IFN‐β molecules retain anti‐viral potency comparable to unmodified IFN‐β in vitro and manifested improved pharmacokinetics in vivo. Interestingly, PEG‐mIFN‐β significantly inhibited the accumulation of ascites fluid and vascular permeability of the peritoneal membrane in models of ovarian cancer and gastric cancer cell xenograft mice. We further show that PEG‐hIFN‐β directly suppresses VEGF165‐induced hyperpermeability in a monolayer of human vascular endothelial cells and that PEG‐mIFN‐β enhanced gene expression for a number of cell adhesion related molecules in mouse vascular endothelial cells. Taken together, these findings unveil a hitherto unrecognized potential of IFN‐β in maintaining vascular integrity, and provide proof‐of‐mechanism for a novel and long‐acting pegylated hIFN‐β for the therapeutic treatment of malignant ascites.
Question, Explanation, Follow‐Up: A Mechanism for Learning From Others?
Authors: Kurkul Katelyn E. , Corriveau Kathleen H.
Published: January 2017

This study explored differences in caregiver–child interactions following children's information‐seeking questions. Naturalistic speech from thirty‐seven 4‐year‐olds and their caregivers was used to explore children's information‐seeking questions, the caregiver's response, and children's subsequent follow‐up. Half of the families were low‐socioeconomic status (SES) and the other half were mid‐SES. Although children across socioeconomic groups asked a similar proportion of questions, mid‐SES caregivers offered significantly more explanatory responses to causal questions as well as more noncircular explanations than low‐SES caregivers. No differences were found in children's follow‐up to responses given to fact‐based questions; however, after hearing unsatisfactory responses to causal questions, mid‐SES children were significantly more likely to provide their own explanation. Such variability in caregiver–child interaction may have implications for subsequent learning.
Adolescent Sleep Duration, Variability, and Peak Levels of Achievement and Mental Health
Authors: Fuligni Andrew J. , Arruda Erin H. , Krull Jennifer L. , Gonzales Nancy A.
Published: January 2017

To inform public health recommendations for adolescent sleep, the amounts of sleep associated with the highest levels of academic achievement and mental health were examined. The degree to which daily variability in sleep duration represents an underappreciated but functionally significant sleep behavior also was tested. A total of 421 adolescents (Mage = 15.03 years) with Mexican‐American backgrounds reported nightly sleep times for 2 weeks; approximately 80% repeated the same protocol 1 year later. Multilevel modeling indicated that the amount of sleep associated with the lowest levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms was more than 1 hr greater than the amount associated with the highest levels of academic performance. Greater daily variability in sleep duration predicted greater symptomatology and mixed academic outcomes.
Transplantation tolerance: the big picture. Where do we stand, where should we go?
Authors: Waldmann H
Published: January 2017

A major goal in organ transplantation has been to safely exploit the natural processes of immune tolerance in order to minimize the dose and duration of drug immunosuppression. In this commentary, I argue that we can learn from how tumours avoid rejection, to evolve a three-stage tolerance-inducing strategy for transplanted tissues.