bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender wage differential in private and public sector employment
Authors: Tandrayen-Ragoobur Verena , Pydayya Rajeev
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the magnitude of the gender wage disparity in the public and private sectors in Mauritius across both mean differentials and overall wage distribution. The paper then decomposed the gender wage differential using the Oaxaca and Blinder (1973) decomposition technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cross-sectional data from the Continuous Multi-Purpose Household Budget Survey (CMPHS), from 2006 to 2013. The sample size on average is around 12,000 households surveyed per year.

Findings

The results reveal that that gender wage differentials are prevalent in both economic sectors; however, the disparity is more pronounced in the private sector. In addition, the differences in wages are larger at the bottom compared to the top end of the wage distribution, suggesting the presence of sticky floors. Lastly, it was observed that the unexplained wage gap (discrimination) is higher in the private sector than in public sector across the years.

Originality/value

The literature on the gender wage gap in Africa is limited. This paper adds to the existing literature on gender wage differential with an analysis of the gender wage disparity across the public and private sectors in Mauritius.
Effect of education on migration decisions in Ghana: a rural-urban perspective
Authors: Amuakwa-Mensah Franklin , Boakye-Yiadom Louis , Baah-Boateng William
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of education on migration decisions focusing on rural and urban in-migrants by comparing the 2005/2006 and 2012/2013 rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS5 and GLSS6). After correcting for selectivity bias, the authors observed that anticipated welfare gain and socio-economic variables such as sector of employment, sex, experience, age, educational level and marital status significantly affect an individual’s migration decision.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors made use of Sjaastad’s (1962) human capital framework as a basis for examining the impact of education on migration. The migration decision equation was based on the Heckman two stage procedure.

Findings

– While educational attainment is observed to have a positive effect on migration decision in the period 2005/2006, the authors find a negative effect of educational attainment on migration decision in the period 2012/2013. The effect of educational attainment on migration decision in 2005/2006 for urban in-migrant is higher than the effect for rural in-migrant, with its significance varying for the different stages of educational attainment. In absolute terms, whereas the effect of secondary educational attainment on migration decisions for urban in-migrant is higher than that of rural in-migrant, the reverse holds for higher educational attainment during the period 2012/2013.

Social implications

– Based on the mixed effect of education on migration decision as evident from the study, policies to enhance the educational system in Ghana should be complemented with job creations in the entire country. Moreover, special attention should be given to the rural sector in such a way that the jobs to be created in the sector do not require skilled workers. With quality education and job creation, the welfare of individuals living in urban and rural areas will be enhanced.

Originality/value

– In spite of the importance of education in migration decisions, there is scanty literature on the rural-urban dimension. To the best of the author’s knowledge there is no literature in the Ghanaian context which examines the rural and urban perspective of the impact of education on migration with a much recent data. Further, the author consider how the determinants of migration decision have changed over time focusing on rural and urban perspectives.
Exploring connections: aspiration levels, culture and the resource based view
Authors: Chun Douglas
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the linkages between two theories of firm performance, aspiration theory and the resource-based view (RBV), possible ways in which these theories may interact, and how the culture from which the firm originated can be a factor in how the firm may react to Schumpeterian shock issues suggested in RBV of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper takes a theoretical approach.

Findings

– Firms generally look to firms sharing their own cultural backgrounds when selecting similar others. However when the environment is no longer beneficial to firms sharing these goals and objectives, the focal firm may consider firms from other cultural backgrounds when forming aspiration levels.

Research limitations/implications

– Empirical studies would be necessary to verify these finding: do firms show a preference to firms from their own cultural backgrounds when choosing firms to serve as reference groups for goals and objectives? Would Schumpeterian Shocks cause firms to seek other firms outside of their own culture to set new goals and objectives?

Practical implications

– Firms should be aware of their own possible biases when deciding which firms to base its goals and objectives on, and widen the cultural scope of their competitive views to include firms from other cultural backgrounds, diversifying their repertoire of strategies and improving the survivability of the organization.

Originality/value

– The combination of different managerial theories is not common in management literature, and the author was unable to find an article combining the RBV, Aspiration Theory and cultural theories. If management theories are valid, then it is important to understand the relationships between these theories.
The reduction of employee lying behaviour
Authors: Celse Jérémy , Chang Kirk , Max Sylvain , Quinton Sarah
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse employees’ lying behaviour and its findings have important implication for the management and prevention strategies of lying in the workplace. Employee lying has caused both reputational and financial damage to employers, organisations and public authorities. This study adopts a psycho-cognitive perspective to examine the mechanism of lying reduction and the influence envy has on lying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– Incorporating social comparison phenomenon and cognate studies this study suggests that envy may restrain people from lying in the workplace. Specific hypotheses are developed and tested with 271 participants using dice game scenarios.

Findings

– Research findings have found that people are likely to lie if lying brings them benefits. However, the findings also reveal that the envy aroused between two people may act as a psychological barrier to reduce the tendency to lie.

Originality/value

– The research findings have provided an alternative perspective to the current prevailing view of envy as a negative emotion. Envy need not always be negative. Envy can provide an internal drive for people to work harder and enhance themselves but it can also act as a brake mechanism and self-regulator to reduce lying, and thereby has a potentially positive value.
Determinants of brand trust in high inherent risk products: The moderating role of education and working status
Authors: Srivastava Neha , Dash Satya , Mookerjee Amit
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper seeks to empirically examine the distinct antecedents of cognitive and affective brand trust in the context of high inherent risk product of baby care toiletries. In addition, the moderating role of working status and education is investigated for the relationship between brand trust and its antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive literature review was conducted to develop the theoretical framework, which was then empirically validated through a survey conducted on the 507 respondents. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study found that brand credibility, brand innovativeness and family influence are antecedents of cognitive brand trust whereas brand intimacy and family influence are drivers of affective brand trust. Further, the working status is found to moderate the relationship between brand intimacy to affective brand trust and family influence to both cognitive and affective brand trust. The study result does not support the moderating effect of education on the relationship of cognitive brand trust with brand credibility and brand innovativeness.

Practical implications

The study recommends marketing strategy implications for high inherent risk product companies such as baby care toiletries that what essential factors they must keep in mind while promoting their brand and winning trust of customers.

Originality/value

The present study is one among those few empirical investigations that examines the role of antecedents of brand trust in less researched context of high inherent risk products.
Four novel ATP2C1 mutations in Chinese patients with Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Li Hongwen , Chen Lan , Mei Aihua , Chen Luzhu , Xu Yaqin , Hu Wei , Dong Yingying , Zhang Yanhong , Wang Tingmei , Liu Dongxian , Deng Yunhua
Published: April 2016

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is a kind of autosomal dominant dermatosis. The ATP2C1 gene has been identified as the pathogenic gene of HHD since 2000. In this study, direct DNA sequencing was used to identify ATP2C1 gene mutations in four Chinese families and two sporadic cases with HHD. The entire coding and flanking intronic sequences of ATP2C1 were screened for mutations and five heterozygous mutations of the ATP2C1 gene were detected in the four pedigrees and two sporadic cases with HHD. Four of them were novel, including three frame‐shift mutations (c.1330delC, c.888_889insT, c.478_479insA) and one nonsense mutation (c.1720C>T). These data added new variants to the database of ATP2C1 mutations associated with HHD.
Evaluation of Antioxidant or Prooxidant Properties of Selected Amino Acids Using In Vitro Assays and in Oil‐in‐Water Emulsions Under Riboflavin Sensitization
Authors: Ka HyeJung , Yi BoRa , Kim Mi‐Ja , Lee JaeHwan
Published: April 2016

The antioxidant properties of selected amino acids were tested using in vitro assays and oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions under riboflavin (RF) photosensitization. Headspace oxygen content, lipid hydroperoxides, and conjugated dienes were determined for the degree of oxidation. Riboflavin photosensitization was adapted as the oxidation driving force. In vitro assays showed that cysteine had the highest antioxidant properties followed by tryptophan and tyrosine. However, in O/W emulsions under RF photosensitization, tyrosine inhibited lipid oxidation whereas tryptophan acted as a prooxidant. Tryptophan accelerated the rates of oxidation in O/W emulsion without RF. The antioxidant properties of amino acids differed depending on the antioxidant determination methods, oxidation driving forces, and food matrices.
Left‐sided breast cancer loco‐regional radiotherapy with deep inspiration breath‐hold: Does volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy reduce heart dose further compared with tangential intensity‐modulated radiotherapy?
Authors: Pham Trang T , Ward Rachel , Latty Drew , Owen Catherine , Gebski Val , Chojnowski Jacek , Kelly Christopher , Ahern Verity , Tiver Kenneth , Stuart Kirsty , Wang Wei
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Left‐sided breast cancer radiotherapy has been associated with an increase in cardiac mortality. This study investigated the potential heart‐sparing effect of volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT). We compared VMAT to tangential intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (t‐IMRT) in the loco‐regional treatment of left‐sided breast cancer, including internal mammary nodal irradiation, based on deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) and free‐breathing (FB).

Methods

Radiotherapy for 15 patients was re‐planned. Four plans were compared: t‐IMRT‐DIBH; VMAT‐DIBH; t‐IMRT‐FB; VMAT‐FB. Prescribed dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. T‐IMRT plans were generated using tangentially orientated fields. VMAT plans were generated using two partial arcs (average arc 190°).

Results

Mean heart dose (MHD) was 5 ± 2.4 Gy, 5.7 ± 1.4 Gy, 9.7 ± 3.3 Gy and 8.1 ± 2.0 Gy for t‐IMRT‐DIBH, VMAT‐DIBH, IMRT‐FB and VMAT‐FB respectively. The difference in MHD between IMRT‐DIBH and VMAT‐DIBH was not significant (P = 0.14). VMAT‐DIBH significantly spared the volume of heart irradiated to doses of 20 Gy and above (p < 0.05), however, resulted in a significantly higher V5 Gy (P < 0.001), compared to t‐IMRT‐DIBH. VMAT‐DIBH resulted in higher combined lung mean (11 ± 0.8 Gy vs. 8.8 ± 1.1 Gy, P < 0.001) and higher contralateral breast mean dose (5 ± 1 Gy vs. 1.6 ± 1.2 Gy, P < 0.001) compared with t‐IMRT‐DIBH.

Conclusions

On average, there was no significant difference in MHD between VMAT‐DIBH and t‐IMRT‐DIBH. However, VMAT‐DIBH was found to benefit a select group of patients. For patients in whom the MHD was >6.3 Gy with t‐IMRT‐DIBH, the use of VMAT‐DIBH resulted in a benefit in reducing the MHD.
Radiological findings of perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) of the falciform ligament
Authors: Handa Atsuhiko , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kono Tatsuo , Komori Koji , Hirobe Seiichi , Fukuzawa Ryuji
Published: April 2016

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) encompasses a group of mesenchymal tumours composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. A subset of PEComa that typically arises from the falciform ligament and/or ligamentum teres is termed clear cell myomelanocytic tumour of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres. To date, its imaging findings have not been described. Here, we report the first radiological description of a pathologically confirmed tumour. The patient was a 5‐year‐old girl with a palpable abdominal mass. US, CT, MR and FDG‐PET revealed a midline, well‐defined, solid anterior abdominal wall tumour below the rectus abdominis and contiguous with the umbilicus that was hypervascular and FDG avid. Awareness of these imaging findings facilitates the diagnosis of this distinctive tumour.
Spironolactone Attenuates Doxorubicin‐induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Liu Guangzhong , Liu Yongwu , Wang Renjun , Hou Tingting , Chen Chaoyi , Zheng Sijia , Dong Zengxiang
Published: April 2016

Introduction

In this study, we examined whether spironolactone (SP) could inhibit doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity in the rat heart.

Methods

Rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6): (1) the control group; (2) the SP group; (3) the DOX group; and (4) the SP + DOX group. The rats were evaluated for electrocardiography and cardiac function. The cardiac collagen, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and the remodeling‐related proteins were determined.

Results

Rats treated with DOX showed prolongation of QTc and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) (P < 0.05) showed left ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (LVEDD) and left ventricular end‐systolic dimensions (LVESD) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). SP prevented these pathophysiological alterations (P < 0.05). In DOX‐treated group, cardiac fibrosis, apoptotic cell number, and cardiac collagen volume fraction were higher than control group (P < 0.05); these effects were prevented by cotreatment of SP (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of TGF‐β1 and phosphorylated‐Smad3 were increased after DOX treatment (P < 0.05) and significantly reduced by coadministration of SP (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study show that SP may have a protective effect on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Who Herds? Who Doesn't? Estimates of Analysts’ Herding Propensity in Forecasting Earnings
Authors: Huang Rong , Krishnan Murugappa (Murgie) , Shon John , Zhou Ping
Published: April 2016

We develop parametric estimates of the imitation‐driven herding propensity of analysts and their earnings forecasts. By invoking rational expectations, we solve an explicit analyst optimization problem and estimate herding propensity using two measures: First, we estimate analysts’ posterior beliefs using actual earnings plus a realization drawn from a mean‐zero normal distribution. Second, we estimate herding propensity without seeding a random error, and allow for nonorthogonal information signals. In doing so, we avoid using the analyst's prior forecast as the proxy for his posterior beliefs, which is a traditional criticism in the literature. We find that more than 60 percent of analysts herd toward the prevailing consensus, and herding propensity is associated with various economic factors. We also validate our herding propensity measure by confirming its predictive power in explaining the cross‐sectional variation in analysts’ out‐of‐sample herding behavior and forecast accuracy. Finally, we find that forecasts adjusted for analysts’ herding propensity are less biased than the raw forecasts. This adjustment formula can help researchers and investors obtain better proxies for analysts’ unbiased earnings forecasts.
Predictive Inference for Big, Spatial, Non‐Gaussian Data: MODIS Cloud Data and its Change‐of‐Support
Authors: Sengupta Aritra , Cressie Noel , Kahn Brian H. , Frey Richard
Published: April 2016

Remote sensing of the earth with satellites yields datasets that can be massive in size, nonstationary in space, and non‐Gaussian in distribution. To overcome computational challenges, we use the reduced‐rank spatial random effects (SRE) model in a statistical analysis of cloud‐mask data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on board NASA's Terra satellite. Parameterisations of cloud processes are the biggest source of uncertainty and sensitivity in different climate models’ future projections of Earth's climate. An accurate quantification of the spatial distribution of clouds, as well as a rigorously estimated pixel‐scale clear‐sky‐probability process, is needed to establish reliable estimates of cloud‐distributional changes and trends caused by climate change. Here we give a hierarchical spatial‐statistical modelling approach for a very large spatial dataset of 2.75 million pixels, corresponding to a granule of MODIS cloud‐mask data, and we use spatial change‐of‐Support relationships to estimate cloud fraction at coarser resolutions. Our model is non‐Gaussian; it postulates a hidden process for the clear‐sky probability that makes use of the SRE model, EM‐estimation, and optimal (empirical Bayes) spatial prediction of the clear‐sky‐probability process. Measures of prediction uncertainty are also given.
Nigerian parents can harbour harmful views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis that result in child abuse
Authors: Esezobor Christopher Imokhuede , Balogun Mobolanle Rasheedat
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine Nigerian parents' views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis.

Methods

Parents of children aged 5–17 years were individually interviewed in an urban community in Nigeria using a pretested questionnaire. Their responses about the causes and treatment of enuresis were grouped under common themes.

Results

We included 448 respondents in the study: 75.5% were mothers, 44.2% had at least one child with enuresis and only 1.3% had spoken to a doctor about it. Enuresis was thought to be due to playing too much and drinking too much fluid at night by 69.7% and 21.2% of the respondents, respectively. The two most common treatment methods that parents were aware of for enuresis were waking to void (23.7%) and urinating on hot charcoal (20.8%). The most common methods that parents actually employed included waking to void (49.0%), punishing the child (36.9%) and doing nothing (28.8%).

Conclusion

Most of the respondents believed that playing too much and drinking or eating too much were responsible for childhood enuresis. Parents rarely discussed childhood enuresis with their doctors and some of the self‐help measures that were employed may be harmful and could constitute child abuse.
Livelihood diversification with certification‐supported farming: The case of land reform beneficiaries in the Philippines
Authors: Makita Rie
Published: April 2016

The promotion of intensive farming through organic and fair trade certification appears contradictory to the increasing significance of non‐farm income sources in rural Asia as well as in many other parts of the rural South. By observing a sugarcane producer co‐operative comprising land reform beneficiaries in the Philippines, this paper explores the reality of livelihood diversification as practised by member households of the certified co‐operative, focusing on the compatibility of certification‐supported farming with diversified activities. In this case, diversification at the household level progressed both away from farming and into farming. Behind the long‐term use of agricultural certification, there are compelling reasons for continuing both certification‐supported farming and diversified activities, and for employing mechanisms that further the compatibility at all phases between the former and the latter, and maximising income‐generating opportunities. The operation of communal land with agricultural certification may be an effective form of assistance to land reform beneficiaries who share a strong desire to be landowners.
Dams and state security: Damming the 3S rivers as a threat to Cambodian state security
Authors: Sithirith Mak
Published: April 2016

State security is a key concern for countries when dealing with transboundary river governance issues. While there is a considerable amount of literature on transboundary river cooperation in general, there has been little on transboundary cooperation and the damming of shared rivers in terms of their impacts on state security. As a result, this article seeks to answer the following questions in relation to the lower Mekong basin: (i) How is the damming process embedded in transboundary cooperation? (ii) How does this type of cooperation contribute to peace and security in the study area – the 3S river basin? And, (iii) how can transboundary cooperation be improved so as to address state security issues? To answer these questions, this study reviews the relevant literature and uses two case studies, one of the Yali Dam in Vietnam and the second of the Lower Sesan 2 Dam in Cambodia. In doing so, the article examines dam developments in the lower Mekong basin, their environmental and human security impacts, and how they contribute to or threaten state security in Cambodia. It concludes that dams on international rivers induce insecurity among states downstream and that cooperation between riparian states is key to addressing this insecurity.
The introduction of oil palm in Northeast Thailand: A new cash crop for smallholders?
Authors: Somnuek Siriluk , Slingerland Maja M.A. , Grünbühel Clemens M.
Published: April 2016

As part of the Thai Government's objective to increase energy security through biodiesel, oil palm was introduced to Northeast Thailand in 2005. Nong Khai Province was selected as a pilot project because of its suitable environmental conditions. This study assesses the acceptance of policy interventions and socio‐economic conditions by adopters and non‐adopters. We found that total farmland size was significantly higher among oil palm producers than among non‐producers. Nevertheless, the area under oil palm cultivation did not increase in accordance with land size in the way rubber did. Oil palm and non‐oil palm farmers had almost equal amounts of rice area thereby providing household food security. Oil palm did not replace food crops. Farmers investing in oil palm tend to base their livelihood around on‐farm production, whereas non‐adopters tend to diversify with off‐farm income sources. Oil palm was found to be one component of a diversified farming system and an additional income source, albeit not the primary one. In conclusion, oil palm was a crop that had been tried by (wealthier) farmers with sufficient capital, and an aim to further diversify on‐farm household income. Oil palm is certainly not (yet) contributing substantially to household income in Thailand's Northeast.
Synthesis and Antiviral Bioassay of New Diphenyl Ether‐based Compounds
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek S. , AL‐Mahmoudy Amany M. M. , Elagawany Mohamed , Ibrahim Mohamed A. , Panda Siva S.
Published: April 2016

A set of diphenyl ether derivatives bearing different heterocycles were synthesized from 4‐phenoxybenzohydrazide 1 in good yield. Synthesized compounds were screened against a broad panel of viruses in different cell cultures and some of the synthesized compounds showed promising antiviral properties.
Effects of resistance training with blood flow restriction on haemodynamics: a systematic review
Authors: Neto Gabriel R. , Novaes Jefferson S. , Dias Ingrid , Brown Amanda , Vianna Jeferson , Cirilo‐Sousa Maria S.
Published: April 2016

This study systematically reviewed the available scientific evidence on the changes promoted by low‐intensity (LI) resistance training (RT) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and rate‐pressure product (RPP). Searches were performed in databases (PubMed, Web of Science™, Scopus and Google Scholar), for the period from January 1990 to May 2015. The study analysis was conducted through a critical review of contents. Of the 1 112 articles identified, 1 091 were excluded and 21 met the selection criteria, including 16 articles evaluating BP, 19 articles evaluating HR and four articles evaluating RPP. Divergent results were found when comparing the LI protocols with BFR versus LI versus high intensity (HI) on BP, HR and RPP. The evidence shows that the protocols using continuous BFR following a LIRT session apparently raise HR, BP and RPP compared with LI protocols without BFR, although increases significantly in BP seem to exist between the HI protocols when compared to LI protocols. Haemodynamic changes (HR, SBP, DBP, MBP, RPP) promoted by LIRT with BFR do not seem to differ between ages and body segments (upper or lower), although they are apparently affected by the width of the cuff and are higher with continuous BFR. However, these changes are within the normal range, rendering this method safe and feasible for special populations.
Host plant phenology may determine the abundance of an ecosystem engineering herbivore in a tropical savanna
Authors: VELASQUE MARIANA , DEL‐CLARO KLEBER
Published: April 2016

1. Variation in plant phenology allows plants to escape from herbivory. Insect herbivores manipulate their host plants by producing shelters, which they inhabit, and are protected against natural enemies and/or unfavourable environmental conditions. Environmental modifications induced by living organisms are characterised as ecosystem engineering.

2. In the Brazilian savanna, the interaction between the Malpighiaceae shrub, Byrsonima intermedia, and its main herbivore, the caterpillar Cerconota achatina, a shelter‐building organism, was studied.

3. It was focused on whether the phenological development of the host plant affects the caterpillars' infestation, and whether C. achatina acts as an ecosystem engineer by building shelters. All plant variables (number of leaves, flowers, buds, fruits and herbivores) were measured fortnightly. Phenological data were correlated with climatic information. The impact of the caterpillars acting as ecosystem engineers was measured experimentally.

4. Infestation levels of C. achatina covaried with the phenology of their host plant B. intermedia. It suggests that plant phenology might be an important factor in determining the abundances of this ecosystem engineer species.
Expression of RANK‐L and in part of PD‐1 on blasts in patients with acute myeloid leukemia correlates with prognosis
Authors: Schmohl Joerg Uwe , Nuebling Tina , Wild Julia , Kroell Tanja , Kanz Lothar , Salih Helmut Rainer , Schmetzer Helga
Published: April 2016

Background

Co‐stimulatory receptor (COR) and ligand (COL) expression on immune effectors are known to be relevant for immunological interactions and might be of prognostic relevance if expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts as reported for receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family.

Aim and methods

Antigen expression profiling of COR (RANK, PD‐1), COL (RANK‐L, PD‐1L), and HLA‐ABC‐antigens on blasts from 90 AML‐patients at first diagnosis was performed by flow cytometry (SFI‐Level characterization) and findings were correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

RANK expression was higher in immature compared to mature FAB groups (P = 0.08). As a monocytic marker, we identified HLA‐ABC (P = 0.07). Prognostic analysis revealed a higher probability of overall survival in cases with lower RANK‐L expression (<1.6 and ≥1.6, 15.6 vs. 12.2 months, P = 0.008, hazard ratio 0.36, P = 0.008). No significant impact of PD‐1/L expression for patients’(pts) survival was seen but a correlation of PD‐1 with a secondary AML (P = 0.03). Prolonged disease‐free survival however correlated with higher PD‐1 expression (≥1.1 vs. <1.1, 31.4 vs. 12.7 months; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that RANK‐L is a promising marker to forecast pts’ prognosis in AML. Immune checkpoint receptor PD‐1/L as well as RANK and HLA‐ABC did not show an impact on pts’ survival.
Extrastriate visual cortex in idiopathic occipital epilepsies: The contribution of retinotopic areas to spike generation
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Ruggieri Andrea , Avanzini Pietro , Caramaschi Elisa , Filippini Melissa , Bergonzini Patrizia , Monti Giulia , Vignoli Aglaia , Olivotto Sara , Mastrangelo Massimo , Santucci Margherita , Gobbi Giuseppe , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To provide insight into the pathophysiology of idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsies (ICOEs), by mapping the contribution of retinotopic visual areas to the generation and sustainment of epileptic activity.

Methods

Thirteen patients affected byICOEs (mean age = 10.9 years) underwent a video electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) study. A flexible‐relatedfMRIanalysis was applied to estimate the shape of the blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) response in each patient. Second‐level analysis was performed using the interictal EEG discharge (IED)–specific response shape for theICOEgroup. The resultingfMRIt‐maps were warped to the Population‐Average, Landmark‐ and Surface‐based (PALS)‐B12 atlas in Caret. For localization purposes, functional results were plotted and compared against 19 retinotopic areas for each hemisphere. A correlation analysis was performed between the hemodynamic maps and electroclinical variables.

Results

The shape of the group‐averaged hemodynamic response inICOEpatients showed an earlier time‐to‐peak and a more pronounced undershoot than the canonical hemodynamic response function (HRF). The random‐effect analysis showed positive hemodynamic changes in the bilateral temporooccipital network. With regard to the retinotopic subdivision of the visual cortex, the primary visual area was consistently spared. Conversely, an extensive involvement of the occipitotemporal cortex, including the fusiform gyrus, and the occipitoparietal areas was observed. Moreover, a linear relationship was detected between the occipital spike‐density andBOLDincreases at the postcentral gyrus and temporooccipital cortex.

Significance

Our data indicate that both the ventral and dorsal visual pathways are involved in spike generation inICOEs, to extents that vary between patients, and reinforce the concept of benign childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome as a substrate forICOEs. Finally, these results underscore the need for appropriate neuropsychological testing in these children, aimed at revealing selective impairments in functions subserved by both visual pathways.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of equine alveolar macrophages
Authors: Karagianni A.E. , Kapetanovic R. , Summers K.M. , McGorum B.C. , Hume D.A. , Pirie R.S.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the first line of defence against pathogens in the lungs of all mammalian species and thus may constitute appropriate therapeutic target cells in the treatment and prevention of opportunistic airway infections. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of equine macrophage biology is of paramount importance in addressing this issue in relation to the horse.

Objectives

To compare the transcriptome of equine AMs with that of equine peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on equine AM.

Study design

Gene expression study of equine AMs.

Methods

Cells from both bronchoalveolar and peritoneal lavage fluid were isolated from systemically healthy horses that had been submitted to euthanasia. Cells were cryopreserved. RNA was extracted and comparative microarray analyses were performed in AMs and PMs, and in AMs treated and untreated with LPS. Comparisons with published data derived from human AM studies were made, with particular focus on LPS‐induced inflammatory status.

Results

The comparison between AMs and PMs revealed the differential basal expression of 451 genes. Gene expression analysis revealed an alternative (M2) macrophage polarisation profile in AMs and a hybrid macrophage activation profile in PMs, a phenomenon potentially attributable to a degree of induced endotoxin tolerance. The gene expression profile of equine AMs following LPS stimulation revealed significant changes in the expression of 240 genes, including well‐known upregulated inflammatory genes. This LPS‐induced gene expression profile of equine AMs more closely resembles that of human rather than murine macrophages.

Conclusions

This study improves current understanding of equine macrophage biology. These data suggest that the horse may represent a suitable animal model for the study of human macrophage‐associated lung inflammation and data derived from human macrophage studies may have significant relevance to the horse.
Resource subsidies from adfluvial fishes increase stream productivity
Authors: Jones Nicholas E. , Mackereth Robert W.
Published: April 2016

Anadromous fishes are well known to shape the structure and function of recipient ecosystems by introducing nutrients and rich organic matter from the ocean. In contrast, the importance of potamodromous migrations, confined to freshwater, and the subsidies they provide to stream ecosystems has received much less attention.

Our objective was to determine the importance of excretion, eggs, milt, and carcasses as nutrient and energy sources from a large population (82 449 suckers) of migrating longnose (Catostomus catostomus) and common white (Catostomus commersonii) suckers into a small (wetted width c. 10 m) oligotrophic river system. We hypothesise that the adfluvial suckers provide a large material subsidy that increased the productivity of the Cypress River and that this resource subsidy rivals or exceeds those delivered by other native and non‐native fishes (e.g. Pacific salmonids).

In total there was an estimated 5635 kg of eggs, 2025 kg of milt, and 1 kg of carcasses from suckers that spawn in the Cypress River. Relative to other mainly non‐native fishes, suckers provided 92% of the annual egg biomass and 95% of the milt. Suckers, however, only provided <1% (1 kg) of the annual carcass biomass, whereas, pink salmon provided 50% (600 kg). Overall, suckers provided 84% and 78% of the annual subsidies of N and P, or 212 and 14 kg respectively. Ambient NH4 concentrations in the river were consistently below that predicted from excretion equations suggesting that microorganisms may have rapidly taken up much of the released ammonium.

Downstream of the falls, epilithon biomass was over nine times more abundant, benthic invertebrate densities were approximately two times higher, and fish biomass was eight times greater compared to upstream. There were no upstream–downstream differences in substrate organic matter biomass. Fishes downstream of the falls had higher δ13C and δ15N values than biota upstream of the falls consistent with the anticipated effect of lake derived subsidies. Using stable isotopes values and a mixing model, we estimated that sucker eggs comprised 25–58% of the diet of stream fishes during the growing season.

Suckers provided a large subsidy, greater than all other fishes, without mass mortality and significantly enhanced the productivity of the recipient river system. Stable isotopes revealed that subsidies were incorporated into the stream food web. Differences between salmon and sucker subsidies related to the type, magnitude, timing, and the life history of the donor highlight the potential importance of spawning migrations of adfluvial suckers, and other potamodromous fishes, in streams and rivers around the world.
Effects of self‐ligating brackets on oral hygiene and discomfort: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Authors: Yang X , Su N , Shi Z , Xiang Z , He Y , Han X , Bai D
Published: April 2016

Background

Self‐ligating brackets (SLBs) are widely adopted in clinic owing to their claimed superiorities. Here, we collected and analysed all randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing SLBs with conventional brackets (CBs) and thereby investigated whether SLBs can relieve discomfort or promote oral hygiene.

Methods

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to find out RCTs comparing active or passive SLBs with CBs. Two reviewers extracted the data and assessed risks of bias independently. Any disagreement between them was resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Meta‐analysis was conducted on Review Manager 5.3.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs with 575 participants were included, and eight of the trials were synthesized quantitatively. Two trials were assessed as low risk of bias, whereas others as unclear risk of bias. Passive SLBs and CBs are not significantly different in plaque control. SLBs and CBs are not significantly different in discomfort reduction at any of four time points (4 h, 24 h, 3 days and 7 days).

Conclusions

Clinical evidences from existing RCTs suggest that SLBs do not outperform CBs in reliving discomfort or promoting oral health in clinic.
The Digital Journey: Reflected Learnings and Emerging Challenges
Authors: Quinton Sarah , Simkin Lyndon
Published: April 2016

This paper identifies and examines the four stages of marketing's digitalization journey to date and the points of interest along the way. The metaphor of a journey provides a narrative through which to understand the complex changes that are occurring within the digitalization of marketing. The digital journey has no final destination yet, but it is possible to identify an origin and chart its route thus far. In reflecting on this journey, insights emerge, which pose ongoing challenges for businesses and for the marketing discipline. The digitalization of marketing provides new options for routes to markets, communication, brand building, relationship development, trialling pricing, product development, sourcing insights, as well as a platform for innovation. But, only if businesses embark on this journey, and then keep up with the pace once en route. The implications for business stemming from marketing's digital journey are detailed along with avenues for future research, to develop further understanding of digitalization. The theoretical contributions made by this paper include both a novel mapping of the complex trajectory of marketing's digitalization through a visualization and an articulation of the main four gaps in current research and practice knowledge within marketing. The gaps include the need for a strategic view, the issue of technical silos, the changing conceptions of time, and the tension between empowered consumers and their reliance on pre‐filtered information. This paper provides a critical appraisal of the digital journey so far, resulting in a distilled conceptualization and route map, which should help guide future researchers.
On Compressive Brittle Fragmentation
Authors: Hogan James David , Farbaniec Lukasz , Daphalapurkar Nitin , Ramesh K.T.
Published: April 2016

Dynamic brittle fragmentation is typically described using analytical and computational approaches for tensile stress‐states. However, most fragmentation applications (e.g., impact, blast) involve very large initial compressive stresses and deformations. In this study, the compressive fragmentation of brittle materials is investigated experimentally across a range of materials: silicon carbide, boron carbide, spinel, basalt and a stony meteorite. Analysis of our experimental results suggests that there exists two different regimes in the fragment size distributions, based on two brittle fragmentation mechanisms. The first is a mechanism that produces larger fragments and is associated with the structural failure of the sample being tested. This mechanism is influenced by the loading conditions (rate, stress state) and sample geometry. The second fragmentation mechanism produces comparatively smaller fragments and arises from the coalescence of fractures initiating and coalescence between defects in regions of large stresses and contact forces (e.g., between two fractured surfaces from the larger fragments). A framework is developed for comparing experimental compressive fragmentation results with tensile fragmentation theories. The compressive experimental results are shown to be adequately described by the theories using the new framework.
High Fraction of Penta‐Coordinated Aluminum and Gallium in Lanthanum–Aluminum–Gallium Borates
Authors: Turcu Flaviu R. V. , Samoson Ago , Maier Maria , Trandafir Diana L. , Simon Simion
Published: April 2016

This study is focused on structural changes induced by increasing treatment temperature of sol‐gel–derived La2O3∙Al2O3∙Ga2O3∙5B2O3system. The structure of samples heated for 30 min up to 900°C was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) analysis of27Al,11B, and71Ga nuclei. The vitreous structure is preserved inclusively after 800°C treatment, and starting with 850°C the only crystalline phase evidenced inXRDpatterns is of LaAl2.03B4O10.54type, of La(Al,Ga)2.03B4O10.54composition. TheFTIRresults point out the presence ofBO3, AlO4, and AlO6, and starting with 800°C treatment also ofBO4and AlO5structural units, but more detailed information related to boron, aluminum, and gallium environments is obtained from the analysis ofMAS‐NMRdata. These data evidenced in both amorphous xerogels and in crystallized samples a high fraction of penta‐coordinated aluminum and gallium.
Preparation of Fine Grained SiC Layer by Fluidized Bed Chemical Vapor Deposition with Pulsed Propylene
Authors: Liu Rongzheng , Liu Malin , Wang Ziliang , Shao Youlin , Chang Jiaxing , Liu Bing , Wang Yongxin
Published: April 2016

A novel strategy named pulsed propylene method was developed to prepare fine grained SiC layer. The SiC layer was uniformly coated on ceramic microspheres by fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition. Propylene was introduced into the deposition system in pulsed form at proper time intervals. By adjusting the propylene concentration and the pulse interval, the grain size of SiC can be controlled from micrometer scale to nanometer scale and the microstructure of the SiC layer changed from large columnar grains to fine equiaxed grains. The SiC layer with average grain size less than 300 nm was obtained with the pulsed propylene under a volume concentration of 5% at an injection time interval of 2 min. The as‐prepared fine grained SiC layer exhibited higher hardness and higher oxidation resistance than that of columnar grained SiC.
A cross‐sectional study of ‘care left undone’ on nursing shifts in hospitals
Authors: Ball Jane E. , Griffiths Peter , Rafferty Anne Marie , Lindqvist Rikard , Murrells Trevor , Tishelman Carol
Published: April 2016

Aims

To determine factors associated with variation in ‘care left undone’ (also referred to as ‘missed care’) by Registered Nurses (RNs) in acute hospital wards in Sweden.

Background

‘Care left undone’ has been examined as a factor mediating the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes. The context has not previously been explored to determine what other factors are associated with variation in ‘care left undone’ by RNs.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey to explore the association of RN staffing and contextual factors such as time of shift, nursing role and patient acuity/dependency on ‘care left undone’ was examined using multi‐level logistic regression.

Methods

A survey of 10,174 RNs working on general medical and surgical wards in 79 acute care hospitals in Sweden (January–March 2010).

Results

Seventy‐four per cent of nurses reported some care was left undone on their last shift. The time of shift, patient mix, nurses’ role, practice environment and staffing have a significant relationship with care left undone. The odds of care being left undone is halved on shifts where RN care for six patients or fewer compared with shifts where they care for 10 or more.

Conclusion

The previously observed relationship between RN staffing and care left undone is confirmed. Reports of care left undone are influenced by RN roles. Support worker staffing has little effect. Research is needed to identify how these factors relate to one another and whether care left undone is a predictor of adverse patient outcomes.
Understanding breast health awareness in an Arabic culture: qualitative study protocol
Authors: Madkhali Norah Abdullah , Santin Olinda , Noble Helen , Reid Joanne
Published: April 2016

Aim

To explore breast health awareness and the early diagnosis and detection methods of breast cancer from the perspective of women and primary healthcare providers in the Jizan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background

Although there is a high incidence of advanced breast cancer in young women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there is no standardized information about breast self‐examination, or is there a national screening programme involving clinical breast examination and mammography available.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study.

Methods

Data collection will consist of 36 face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews: 12 with general practitioners; 12 with nurses at primary healthcare centres and with 12 women who attend the health centres. This study will be carried out in eight states across the Jizan region (four rural and four urban) to reflect the cultural diversity of Jizan. The data will be analysed using thematic content analysis. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in June 2015.

Discussion

While we understand the enablers and barriers to breast health awareness outside of Saudi culture, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in rural populations such as Jizan, there is a lack of research. This study will add positively to the international knowledge base of this topic. The findings will give evidence and inform policy about women and healthcare providers’ experiences in Jizan, in a society where such topics are taboo.