bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network meta‐analysis of longitudinal data using fractional polynomials
Authors: Jansen J. P. , Vieira M. C. , Cope S.
Published: April 2015

Network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often based on one treatment effect measure per study. However, many studies report data at multiple time points. Furthermore, not all studies measure the outcomes at the same time points. As an alternative to a network meta‐analysis based on a synthesis of the results at one time point, a network meta‐analysis method is presented that allows for the simultaneous analysis of outcomes at multiple time points. The development of outcomes over time of interventions compared in an RCT is modeled with fractional polynomials, and the differences between the parameters of these polynomials within a trial are synthesized across studies with a Bayesian network meta‐analysis. The proposed models are illustrated with an analysis of RCTs evaluating interventions for osteoarthritis of the knee. Fixed and random effects second order fractional polynomials were applied to the case study. Network meta‐analysis with models that represent the treatment effects in terms of several parameters using fractional polynomials can be considered a useful addition to models for network meta‐analysis of repeated measures previously proposed. When RCTs report treatment effects at multiple follow‐up times, these models can be used to synthesize the results even if reporting times differ across the studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Level of Evidence Analysis for the Latest German National Guideline on Treatment of Patients with Severe and Multiple Injuries and ATLS
Authors: Münzberg Matthias , Mutschler Manuel , Paffrath Thomas , Trentzsch Heiko , Wafaisade Arasch , Walcher Felix , Raum Marcus , Flohé Sascha , Wölfl Christoph
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS®) is one of the world’s best‐known training programs for medical providers. Revisions of the ATLS manual have been evidence based for a number of years. In 2011, a level 3 (S3) evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline on the treatment of patients with severe and multiple injuries was published in Germany. The scope of this study was the systematic comparison of the educational content of the ATLS concept and the interdisciplinary “S3 polytrauma guideline.”

Methods

A total of 123 key recommendations of the guideline were compared with the content of the ATLS manual (9th edition). Depending on the level of agreement, the recommendations were classed in the following categories: (1) Agreement. (2) Minor variation. (3) Major variation.

Results

An overall 86 % conformity was found between the key recommendations of the guideline and the ATLS® manual. The ATLS® primary survey (ABCDE) showed an 85 % conformity. The degree of conformity for the individual priorities was as follows: A (Airway) 79 %, B (Breathing) 79 %, C (Circulation) 86 %, D (Disability) 93 %, E (Exposure) 100 %. The ATLS® secondary survey showed a 94 % conformity. The main differences were in the areas of anesthetic induction, fluid administration, and coagulation therapy.

Conclusions

According to our comparison, the educational content and manual of the ATLS are largely compatible with a high level of evidence S3 guideline. However, subsequent editions of both the ATLS® and the S3 guideline should re‐examine and reassess a number of aspects.
Surgical Management of Familial Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Single Institution Study of 94 Cases
Authors: Sung Tae‐Yon , Lee Yu‐mi , Yoon Jong Ho , Chung Ki‐Wook , Hong Suck Joon
Published: April 2015

Background

Familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (familial PTC) is well known to present with aggressiveness; however, the characteristics and the prognostic outcomes of familial papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (familial micro‐PTC) are not well established. The overall aim of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological outcomes of familial micro‐PTC.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2006, 2071 patients underwent thyroid surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The clinicopathological outcomes for familial PTC and sporadic PTC were compared, and familial micro‐PTC data were sub‐analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in multifocality, bilaterality, extent of surgery, and recurrence between familial PTC and sporadic PTC (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of affected family members in the familial PTC group. In patients with familial micro‐PTC, less aggressiveness was noted in multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion, tumor stage at time of initial surgery, central lymph node metastasis, and recurrence than in those with familial PTC tumors >1 cm in diameter (p < 0.05). The multivariate analysis including recurrence showed no significant difference between familial micro‐PTC patients and sporadic micro‐PTC patients.

Conclusion

When familial PTC was compared with sporadic PTC, our results support the recommendation for more invasive familial PTC surgery. However, familial micro‐PTC outcomes differed from familial PTC tumors >1.0 cm in diameter. It was similar to sporadic micro‐PTC, illustrating that familial micro‐PTC is less aggressive and that a less invasive surgical treatment could be considered.
BEST EXPLANATIONISM AND JUSTIFICATION FOR BELIEFS ABOUT THE FUTURE
Authors: Stoutenburg Gregory
Published: April 2015

Earl Conee and Richard Feldman have recently argued that the evidential support relation should be understood in terms of explanatory coherence: roughly, one's evidence supports a proposition if and only if that proposition is part of the best available explanation of the evidence (2008). Their thesis has been criticized through alleged counterexamples, perhaps the most important of which are cases where a subject has a justified belief about the future (Byerly 2013; Byerly and Martin forthcoming). Kevin McCain has defended the thesis against Byerly's counterexample (2013, 2014a). I argue that McCain's defense is inadequate before pointing toward a more promising solution for explanationism. The Byerly–McCain exchange is important because it casts light on the difficult issues of the standards for justification and the nature of epistemic support. Furthermore, McCain's defense of explanationism about epistemic support represents an important recent development of the burgeoning explanationist program in epistemology and philosophy of science.
Reproductive effort and seasonality associated with male-biased parasitism inGracilinanus agilis(Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) infected byEimeriaspp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the Brazilian cerrado
Authors: STRONA A. L. S. , LEVENHAGEM M. , LEINER N. O.
Published: April 2015

The aggregation of parasites among hosts is associated with differential host exposure and susceptibility to parasites, which varies according to host gender, body size, reproductive status and environmental factors. We evaluated the role of these factors on infestation byEimeriaspp. (Eimeriidae) in the agile gracile mouse opossum (Gracilinanus agilis), a semelparous didelphid inhabiting neotropical savannahs.Eimeriaspp. abundance and prevalence amongG. agiliswere associated with the breeding status of individuals and to a lesser extent to climatic season, with both sexes presenting higherEimeriaspp. burdens during late breeding/wet season. On the other hand, male-biased parasitism was restricted to dry/mating season. We suggest that male spatial organization and diet may account for increased parasite burdens within this sex, although future studies should evaluate the role of physiological differences associated with androgen hormones. Finally, a rapid increase inEimeriaspp. loads among females during the late breeding/wet season seems associated with seasonal changes in susceptibility, due to breeding costs related to semelparity, and exposure to infective propagules, while male-die off seems to explain maintenance of higherEimeriaspp. burdens within this sex in the same period.
Forcing a sparse minor
Authors: REED BRUCE , WOOD DAVID R.
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses the following question for a given graphH: What is the minimum numberf(H) such that every graph with average degree at leastf(H) containsHas a minor? Due to connections with Hadwiger's conjecture, this question has been studied in depth whenHis a complete graph. Kostochka and Thomason independently proved that$f(K_t)=ct\sqrt{\ln t}$. More generally, Myers and Thomason determinedf(H) whenHhas a super-linear number of edges. We focus on the case whenHhas a linear number of edges. Our main result, which complements the result of Myers and Thomason, states that ifHhastvertices and average degreedat least some absolute constant, then$f(H)\leq 3.895\sqrt{\ln d}\,t$. Furthermore, motivated by the case whenHhas small average degree, we prove that ifHhastvertices andqedges, thenf(H) ⩽t+ 6.291q(where the coefficient of 1 in thetterm is best possible).
Optical aperture synthesis with electronically connected telescopes
Authors: Dravins Dainis , Lagadec Tiphaine , Nuñez Paul D.
Published: April 2015

Highest resolution imaging in astronomy is achieved by interferometry, connecting telescopes over increasingly longer distances and at successively shorter wavelengths. Here, we present the first diffraction-limited images in visual light, produced by an array of independent optical telescopes, connected electronically only, with no optical links between them. With an array of small telescopes, second-order optical coherence of the sources is measured through intensity interferometry over 180 baselines between pairs of telescopes, and two-dimensional images reconstructed. The technique aims at diffraction-limited optical aperture synthesis over kilometre-long baselines to reach resolutions showing details on stellar surfaces and perhaps even the silhouettes of transiting exoplanets. Intensity interferometry circumvents problems of atmospheric turbulence that constrain ordinary interferometry. Since the electronic signal can be copied, many baselines can be built up between dispersed telescopes, and over long distances. Using arrays of air Cherenkov telescopes, this should enable the optical equivalent of interferometric arrays currently operating at radio wavelengths.
Demonstration of relativistic electron beam focusing by a laser-plasma lens
Authors: Thaury C. , Guillaume E. , Döpp A. , Lehe R. , Lifschitz A. , Ta Phuoc K. , Gautier J. , Goddet J-P , Tafzi A. , Flacco A. , Tissandier F. , Sebban S. , Rousse A. , Malka V.
Published: April 2015

Laser-plasma technology promises a drastic reduction of the size of high-energy electron accelerators. It could make free-electron lasers available to a broad scientific community and push further the limits of electron accelerators for high-energy physics. Furthermore, the unique femtosecond nature of the source makes it a promising tool for the study of ultrafast phenomena. However, applications are hindered by the lack of suitable lens to transport this kind of high-current electron beams mainly due to their divergence. Here we show that this issue can be solved by using a laser-plasma lens in which the field gradients are five order of magnitude larger than in conventional optics. We demonstrate a reduction of the divergence by nearly a factor of three, which should allow for an efficient coupling of the beam with a conventional beam transport line.
Separation and conversion dynamics of nuclear-spin isomers of gaseous methanol
Authors: Sun Zhen-Dong , Ge Meihua , Zheng Yujun
Published: April 2015

All symmetrical molecules with non-zero nuclear spin exist in nature as nuclear-spin isomers (NSIs). However, owing to the lack of experimental information, knowledge is rare about interconversions of NSIs of gaseous molecules with torsional symmetry. Here we report our separation and conversion observations on NSI-torsion-specific transition systems of gaseous methanol from a light-induced drift experiment involving partially spatial separation of the ortho and para isomers. We find that vibrationally excited molecules of the methanol spin isomer have a smaller collision cross-section than their ground-state counterparts. Interconversion of the enriched ortho isomer with the para isomer, which is generally considered improbable, has been quantitatively studied by sensitive detections of the spectral intensities. Rather counterintuitively, this reveals that the interconversion is inhibited with increasing pressure. Our results suggest that the spin conversion mechanism in methanol is via a quantum relaxation process with the quantum Zeno effect induced by molecular collisions.
Gut-spilling in chordates: Evisceration in the tropical ascidian Polycarpa mytiligera
Authors: Shenkar Noa , Gordon Tal
Published: April 2015

The ejection of internal organs, i.e., evisceration, is a well-known phenomenon in sea-cucumbers. We report the ability of a member of the Chordate phyla, the tropical ascidian Polycarpa mytiligera, to eviscerate and regenerate its gut within 12 days and to rebuild its branchial sac within 19 days. Evisceration occurred within 4–43 seconds of gentle mechanical pressure exerted on the tunic in 47% of the tested P. mytiligera. Individuals were able to discard up to 3/4 of their digestive tract via the incurrent siphon by rupture of the branchial sac in this area. Although chemical analysis revealed no significant levels of toxic compounds, the eviscerated guts were unpalatable to the triggerfish and pufferfish on which they were tested, suggesting evisceration as a defense mechanism. Given the close affinity of ascidians to vertebrates, the regeneration pathway of the viscera and branchial sac of ascidians suggests its potential beneficial application in soft tissue regeneration research.
RNAi-based glyconanoparticles trigger apoptotic pathways for in vitro and in vivo enhanced cancer-cell killing
Authors: Conde João , Tian Furong , Hernandez Yulan , Bao Chenchen , Baptista Pedro V. , Cui Daxiang , Stoeger Tobias , de la Fuente Jesus M.
Published: April 2015

Multifunctional siRNA glyconanoparticles trigger apoptotic pathways with the expression of cell death receptors and caspases and simultaneously trigger specific oncogene silencing via activation of the RNA interference pathway.
Tri- and tetra-substituted cyclen based lanthanide(iii) ion complexes as ribonuclease mimics: a study into the effect of log Ka, hydration and hydrophobicity on phosphodiester hydrolysis of the RNA-model 2-hydroxypropyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP)
Authors: Fanning Ann-Marie , Plush Sally. E. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: April 2015

Lanthanide(iii) complexes of ‘pseudo’ dipeptide ligands and 3'-pyridine ligands have been characterised as metallo-ribonuclease mimics.
Effect of ionic interaction on the mechanochromic properties of pyridinium modified tetraphenylethene
Authors: Hu Ting , Yao Bicheng , Chen Xiujuan , Li Weizhang , Song Zhegang , Qin Anjun , Sun Jing Zhi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2015

Introducing ionic interaction into a soft tetraphenylethene-based AIE-molecule furnished the compound with robust mechanochromic effects while exhibiting aggregation-induced emission enhancement properties.
Hydrogen bonding motifs in a hydroxy-bisphosphonate moiety: revisiting the problem of hydrogen bond identification
Authors: Ashouri Mitra , Maghari Ali , Karimi-Jafari M. H.
Published: April 2015

Relative energy of conformers are highly correlated with their sum of local density of potential energy at H-bond critical points.
Role of the reaction of stabilized Criegee intermediates with peroxy radicals in particle formation and growth in air
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wingen Lisa M. , Perraud Véronique , Greaves John , Finlayson-Pitts Barbara J.
Published: April 2015

We investigate the particle formation mechanism from ozonolysis, and find that it is highly dependent on the structure of the alkene.
Dithionite and sulfinate complexes from the reaction of SO2with decamethylsamarocene
Authors: Klementyeva Svetlana V. , Arleth Nicholas , Meyer Karsten , Konchenko Sergey N. , Roesky Peter W.
Published: April 2015

The reaction of [(η5-C5Me5)2Sm(THF)2] with SO2resulted in dithionite, sulfinate and mixed dithionite–sulfinate complexes.
Structural and magnetic properties of GaN/Mn nanopowders prepared by an anaerobic synthesis route
Authors: Drygas Mariusz , Janik Jerzy F. , Bucko Miroslaw M. , Gosk Jacek , Twardowski Andrzej
Published: April 2015

A new precursor system based on (i) ammonolysis of the mixtures of Ga(NMe2)3 and Mn[N(SiMe3)2]2 (Me = CH3, initial Mn-contents from 0.1 to 50 at.%) followed by (ii) pyrolysis under NH3 at 500, 700, and 900 °C afforded paramagnetic GaMnN nanopowders.
Transverse migration of polyelectrolytes in microfluidic channels induced by combined shear and electric fields
Authors: Arca Mert , Butler Jason E. , Ladd Anthony J. C.
Published: April 2015

If a dilute solution of a polyelectrolyte such as DNA is forced through a microcapillary by an electric field, while simultaneously driven by a pressure gradient, then the polymer will migrate in directions transverse to the field lines.
Correction: Three-dimensional multilevel porous thin graphite nanosuperstructures for Ni(OH)2-based energy storage devices
Authors: Ning Jing , Xu Xiaobin , Liu Chao , Fan D. L.
Published: April 2015

Correction for ‘Three-dimensional multilevel porous thin graphite nanosuperstructures for Ni(OH)2-based energy storage devices’ by Jing Ning et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 15768–15773.
l-Glutamic acid release from a series of aluminum-based isoreticular porous coordination polymers
Authors: Nakahama Masashi , Reboul Julien , Yoshida Kenji , Furukawa Shuhei , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2015

The releasing property ofl-glutamic acid from a series of aluminum MOFs was investigated in physiological condition.
Fluorene copolymer bilayers for emission colour tuning in inverted hybrid light emitting diodes
Authors: Faria Jorge C. D. , Campbell Alasdair J. , McLachlan Martyn A.
Published: April 2015

We report a novel solution deposition process for TFB in inverted OLEDs and demonstrate tuneable emission.
Highly temperature insensitive, low threshold-current density (λ = 8.7–8.8 μm) quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Kirch J. D. , Chang C.-C. , Boyle C. , Mawst L. J. , Lindberg D. , Earles T. , Botez D.
Published: April 2015

By stepwise tapering, both the barrier heights and quantum-well depths in the active regions of 8.7–8.8 μm-emitting quantum-cascade-laser (QCL) structures, virtually complete carrier-leakage suppression is achieved. Such step-taper active-region-type QCLs possess, for 3 mm-long devices with high-reflectivity-coated back facets, threshold-current characteristic temperature coefficients, T0, as high as 283 K and slope-efficiency characteristic temperature coefficients, T1, as high as 561 K, over the 20–60 °C heatsink-temperature range. These high T0 and T1 values reflect at least a factor of four reduction in carrier-leakage current compared to conventional 8–9 μm-emitting QCLs. Room temperature, pulsed, threshold-current densities are 1.58 kA/cm2; values comparable to those for 35-period conventional QCLs of similar injector-region doping level. Superlinear behavior of the light-current curves is shown to be the result of the onset of resonant extraction from the lower laser level at a drive level of ∼1.3× threshold. Maximum room-temperature slope efficiencies are 1.23 W/A; that is, slope efficiency per period values of 35 mW/A, which are 37%–40% higher than for same-geometry conventional 8–9 μm-emitting QCLs. Since the waveguide-loss coefficients are very similar, we estimate that the internal differential efficiency is at least 30% higher than in conventional QCLs. Such high internal differential efficiency values reflect the combined effect of nearly complete carrier-leakage suppression and high differential efficiency of the laser transition (∼90%), due to resonant extraction from the lower laser level.
Observation of a hole-size-dependent energy shift of the surface-plasmon resonance in Ni antidot thin films
Authors: Fang H. , Caballero B. , Akinoglu E. M. , Papaioannou E. Th. , García-Martín A. , Cuevas J. C. , Giersig M. , Fumagalli P.
Published: April 2015

A combined experimental and theoretical study of the magneto-optic properties of a series of nickel antidot thin films is presented. The hole diameter varies from 869 down to 636 nm, while the lattice periodicity is fixed at 920 nm. This results in an overall increase of the polar Kerr rotation with decreasing hole diameter due to the increasing surface coverage with nickel. In addition, at photon energies of 2.7 and 3.3 eV, where surface-plasmon excitations are expected, we observe distinct features in the polar Kerr rotation not present in continuous nickel films. The spectral position of the peaks exhibits a red shift with decreasing hole size. This is explained within the context of an effective medium theory by a change in the effective dielectric function of the Ni thin films.
Simultaneous neutron and x-ray imaging of inertial confinement fusion experiments along a single line of sight at Omega
Authors: Danly C. R. , Day T. H. , Fittinghoff D. N. , Herrmann H. , Izumi N. , Kim Y. H. , Martinez J. I. , Merrill F. E. , Schmidt D. W. , Simpson R. A. , Volegov P. L. , Wilde C. H.
Published: April 2015

Neutron and x-ray imaging provide critical information about the geometry and hydrodynamics of inertial confinement fusion implosions. However, existing diagnostics at Omega and the National Ignition Facility (NIF) cannot produce images in both neutrons and x-rays along the same line of sight. This leads to difficulty comparing these images, which capture different parts of the plasma geometry, for the asymmetric implosions seen in present experiments. Further, even when opposing port neutron and x-ray images are available, they use different detectors and cannot provide positive information about the relative positions of the neutron and x-ray sources. A technique has been demonstrated on implosions at Omega that can capture x-ray images along the same line of sight as the neutron images. The technique is described, and data from a set of experiments are presented, along with a discussion of techniques for coregistration of the various images. It is concluded that the technique is viable and could provide valuable information if implemented on NIF in the near future.
Charge transport-accumulation in multilayer structures with Si3N4 and thick(5.5 nm) SiO2
Authors: Novikov Yu. N.
Published: April 2015

Double-injection, transport, and accumulation of charge in metal-thick oxide-nitride-silicon and silicon-tunnel oxide-nitride-thick oxide-silicon structures have been theoretically studied. Calculation results were compared to experimental results. The charge transport in Si3N4 is quantitatively described assuming the multiphonon ionization theory of neutral traps with a capture cross-section less than 10−14 cm2. With traps amphoterism taken into account, the calculation predicts the existence of a layer with their excessive concentration near the SiO2/Si3N4 interface. The model satisfactorily describes the write/erase characteristics in silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon-structures from Bu and White (Solid-State Electron. 45, 113 (2001)).
Absorption lineshapes of molecular aggregates revisited
Authors: Gelzinis Andrius , Abramavicius Darius , Valkunas Leonas
Published: April 2015

Linear absorption is the most basic optical spectroscopy technique that provides information about the electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom of molecular systems. In simulations of absorption lineshapes, often diagonal fluctuations are included using the cumulant expansion, and the off-diagonal fluctuations are accounted for either perturbatively, or phenomenologically. The accuracy of these methods is limited and their range of validity is still questionable. In this work, a systematic study of several such methods is presented by comparing the lineshapes with exact results. It is demonstrated that a non-Markovian theory for off-diagonal fluctuations, termed complex time dependent Redfield theory, gives good agreement with exact lineshapes over a wide parameter range. This theory is also computationally efficient. On the other hand, accounting for the off-diagonal fluctuations using the modified Redfield lifetimes was found to be inaccurate.
Dynamic mechanical properties of a Ti-based metallic glass matrix composite
Authors: Li Jinshan , Cui Jing , Qiao Jichao , Bai Jie , Kou Hongchao , Wang Jun
Published: April 2015

Dynamic mechanical behavior of a Ti50Zr20Nb12Cu5Be13 bulk metallic glass composite was investigated using mechanical spectroscopy in both temperature and frequency domains. Storage modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ are determined by temperature, and three distinct regions corresponding to different states in the bulk metallic glass composite are characterized. Physical parameters, such as atomic mobility and correlation factor χ, are introduced to analyze dynamic mechanical behavior of the bulk metallic glass composite in the framework of quasi-point defects (QPD) model. The experimental results are in good agreement with the prediction of QPD model.
Ferromagnetism of magnetically doped topological insulators in CrxBi2−xTe3 thin films
Authors: Ni Y. , Zhang Z. , Nlebedim I. C. , Hadimani R. L. , Tuttle G. , Jiles D. C.
Published: April 2015

We investigated the effect of magnetic doping on magnetic and transport properties of Bi2Te3 thin films. CrxBi2−xTe3 thin films with x = 0.03, 0.14, and 0.29 were grown epitaxially on mica substrate with low surface roughness (∼0.4 nm). It is found that Cr is an electron acceptor in Bi2Te3 and increases the magnetization of CrxBi2−xTe3. When x = 0.14 and 0.29, ferromagnetism appears in CrxBi2−xTe3 thin films, where anomalous Hall effect and weak localization of magnetoconductance were observed. The Curie temperature, coercivity, and remnant Hall resistance of thin films increase with increasing Cr concentration. The Arrott-Noakes plot demonstrates that the critical mechanism of the ferromagnetism can be described better with 3D-Heisenberg model than with mean field model. Our work may benefit for the practical applications of magnetic topological insulators in spintronics and magnetoelectric devices.
Single High‐Dose Oral Vitamin D3 Therapy (Stoss)
Authors: Shepherd Darren , Day Andrew S. , Leach Steven T. , Lopez Robert , Messenger Rachel , Woodhead Helen J. , Ledder Oren , Lemberg Daniel A.
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of stoss therapy on vitamin D levels during a period of 6 months in children with IBD and vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was undertaken, focusing upon children managed in the IBD clinic at Sydney Children's Hospital between 2006 and 2010. Those with a 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) level <50 nmol/L and those who received stoss therapy were included in this study.

Results:

A total of 76 children received stoss therapy. There was a significant and sustained increase in 25‐OHD levels at all of the time points compared with baseline (40.8 ± 7.5 nmol/L), 1 month (145.6 ± 51.8 nmol/L), 3 months (87.1 ± 28.4 nmol/L), and 6 months 69.2 ± 31.3 nmol/L). There were no significant changes in serum calcium, phosphate, or parathyroid hormone at any time points.

Conclusions:

Stoss therapy safely and effectively achieved and maintained a level of 25‐OHD >50 nmol/L during 6 months in these children with IBD. Further prospective studies are now required to confirm this finding and establish whether this intervention has other benefits.
Assessing Dietary Intake in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Zhang Fang Fang , Roberts Susan B. , Must Aviva , Wong William W. , Gilhooly Cheryl H. , Kelly Michael J. , Parsons Susan K. , Saltzman Edward
Published: April 2015

Cancer diagnosis and treatment may influence dietary intake. The validity of using self‐reported methods to quantify dietary intake has not been evaluated in childhood cancer survivors. We validated total energy intake (EI) reported from Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and repeated 24‐hour diet recalls (24HRs) against total energy expenditure (TEE) measured using the doubly labeled water method in 16 childhood cancer survivors. Dietary underreporting, assessed by (EI−TEE)/TEE × 100%, was 22% for FFQ and 1% for repeated 24HRs. FFQ significantly underestimates dietary intake and should not be used to assess the absolute intake of foods and nutrients in childhood cancer survivors.
Cool, cold or colder? Spatial segregation of prions and blue petrels is explained by differences in preferred sea surface temperatures
Authors: Quillfeldt Petra , Cherel Yves , Delord Karine , Weimerkirch Henri
Published: April 2015

The Southern Ocean provides one of the largest environmental gradients on Earth that lacks geographical barriers, and small but highly mobile petrels living there may offer fine models of evolution of diversity along environmental gradients. Using geolocation devices, we investigated the winter distribution of closely related petrel species breeding sympatrically in the southern Indian Ocean, and applied ecological niche models to compare environmental conditions in the habitat used. We show that thin-billed prions (
Pachyptila belcheri
), Antarctic prions (
Pachyptila desolata
) and blue petrels (
Halobaena caerulea
) from the Kerguelen archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean segregate latitudinally, sea surface temperature being the most important variable separating the distribution of the species. Antarctic prions spent the winter north of the Polar Front in temperate waters, whereas blue petrels were found south of the Polar Front in Antarctic waters. Thin-billed prions preferred intermediate latitudes and temperatures. Stable isotope values of feathers reflected this near complete niche separation across an ecological gradient that spans large scales, and suggest evolutionary isolation by environment. In pelagic seabirds that exploit large areas of ocean, spatial niche partitioning may not only facilitate coexistence among ecologically similar species, but may also have driven their evolution in the absence of geographical barriers.
Twenty amino acids at the C-terminus of PA-X are associated with increased influenza A virus replication and pathogenicity
Authors: Gao Huijie , Sun Honglei , Hu Jiao , Qi Lu , Wang Jinliang , Xiong Xin , Wang Yu , He Qiming , Lin Yang , Kong Weili , Seng Lai-Giea , Pu Juan , Chang Kin-Chow , Liu Xiufan , Liu Jinhua , Sun Yipeng
Published: April 2015

The PA-X protein, arising from ribosomal frameshift during PA translation, was recently discovered in influenza A virus (IAV). The C-terminal domain ‘X’ of PA-X proteins in IAVs can be classified as full-length (61 aa) or truncated (41 aa). In the main, avian influenza viruses express full-length PA-X proteins, whilst 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza viruses harbour truncated PA proteins. The truncated form lacks aa 232–252 of the full-length PA-X protein. The significance of PA-X length in virus function remains unclear. To address this issue, we constructed a set of contemporary influenza viruses (pH1N1, avian H5N1 and H9N2) with full and truncated PA-X by reverse genetics to compare their replication and host pathogenicity. All full-length PA-X viruses in human A549 cells conferred 10- to 100-fold increase in viral replication and 5–8 % increase in apoptosis relative to corresponding truncated PA-X viruses. Full-length PA-X viruses were more virulent and caused more severe inflammatory responses in mice. Furthermore, aa 233–252 at the C terminus of PA-X strongly suppressed co-transfected gene expression by ∼50 %, suggesting that these terminal 20 aa could play a role in enhancing viral replication and contribute to virulence.
Culture in Angola: insights for human resources management
Authors: Silva Maria Rita , Roque Helena Cristina , Caetano António
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the cultural values – how things should be – and the cultural practices – how things are – of Angolan society. The authors expected to find: a gap between practices and values; high levels of power distance, institutional and in-group collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, future and humane orientation; and low to medium levels of performance orientation, gender equality and assertiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 235 employees in Angola responded to a questionnaire using GLOBE’s cultural scales.

Findings

– There is a gap between cultural practices and values. Within Angola, humane and performance orientations are the most valued cultural dimensions. Power distance and in-group collectivism are the most prevailing cultural practices. Compared to other countries, Angola has high levels of humane orientation, institutional collectivism and uncertainty avoidance values and high levels of assertiveness and performance orientation practices.

Practical implications

– Higher than desired levels of assertiveness and power distance, on the one hand, and lower than desired levels of humane orientation and uncertainty avoidance on the other, are key aspects that should be taken into account by HRM in this context.

Originality/value

– These results may have important implications for HRM in Angola. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of Angola’s culture from a business research perspective.
A context-specific model of organizational trust
Authors: McLeary Carvell N. , Cruise Paula A.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Employee trust research has been criticized for restricted theoretical conceptualization, limited contextual application and low replication of measures in organizational studies. The purpose of this paper is to expand the theoretical framework underpinning individual-level organizational trust to include cognitive and socio-affective components in order to examine trust determinants in a unique cultural setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– A national survey of 653 employees from six companies in Jamaica completed the perceived organizational support scale, perceived organizational justice scale, employee trust propensity scale and the organizational trust measure (Rawlins, 2008) after focus groups revealed the role of socio-cultural values in employee trust relationships.

Findings

– Controlling for common methods variance, confirmatory factor analyses revealed that a model of organizational trust that included a combination of cognitive and socio-affective determinants was more valid in the Jamaican culture than a model comprised of cognitive determinants alone. National social values of justice and respect were significant determinants of employee trust. Results also provide validity evidence for the previously non-replicated Rawlins trust scale, thereby, providing future researchers with a measure that can be readily replicated.

Research limitations/implications

– Employee trust levels influenced participation and consequently restricted the sample size and industry profile of the survey. Cross-cultural trust researchers are, therefore, encouraged to design studies with similar subject loss projections.

Originality/value

– Strict focus on the collectivistic/individualistic dimension of culture restricts researchers’ ability to measure trust effectively across a range of settings. The authors, therefore, propose the uncertainty avoidance dimension as a more valid paradigm to understand inter-cultural differences in trust orientations, particularly in restricted trust domains.
Cross-national variations in the scale of informal employment
Authors: Williams Colin C
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate critically the competing explanations for the cross-national variations in the scale of informal employment which variously correlate higher levels of informal employment with economic under-development (“modernization” theory), corruption, higher taxes and state interference (“neo-liberal” theory) and inadequate state intervention to protect workers from poverty (“structuralist” theory).

Design/methodology/approach

– To do this, data on the prevalence of informal employment collected by the International Labour Organisation using a common survey method across 41 less developed economies are analysed and compared using bivariate regressions with World Bank development indicators.

Findings

– Some 34.4 per cent of the non-agricultural workforce is in informal employment across these 41 countries, with the share in informal employment ranging from 83.6 per cent in India to 6.1 per cent in Serbia. Evaluating critically the competing explanations, a call is made for a synthesis of the modernisation and structuralist theoretical perspectives in a new “neo-modernisation” theory that tentatively associates higher levels of informal employment with economic under-development, smaller government and inadequate state intervention to protect workers from poverty.

Research limitations/implications

– Based on 41 cases, a multivariate regression analysis was not possible to determine how important each characteristic is to the final outcome whilst controlling for the other characteristics.

Practical implications

– This paper tentatively displays that wider economic and social policies, such as social protection, are significantly correlated with the level of informal employment.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to use a direct survey to analyse and explain cross-national variations in informal employment in less developed economies.
Identifying work value patterns: cross-national comparison and historical dynamics
Authors: Hauff Sven , Kirchner Stefan
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize different work value patterns empirically. Furthermore, it is analyzed how these patterns are distributed in different countries and how they change in the course of time.

Design/methodology/approach

– Latent class analysis as an advanced clustering procedure was applied. The empirical analysis is based on data from the International Social Survey Program from three time periods (1989, 1997 and 2005), covering five countries (USA, Great Britain, West Germany, Norway and Hungary).

Findings

– The analysis reveals four distinct work value patterns among employees: “moderate demanders”, “high demanders”, “post modern demanders” and “income and security demanders.” The affiliation to these patterns depends on gender, generational membership, education, occupation and nationality. The historical analysis reveals considerable variety in cross-national developments.

Practical implications

– The work value patterns identified have implications for recruitment, employee motivation and international HRM strategies. Management needs to be aware of work value patterns in the workforce in order to avoid mismatches and their negative consequences. If mismatch is unavoidable, the paper highlights the need to proactively manage mismatches between work value patterns and workplace situation.

Originality/value

– The authors argue that different work values are not independent of each other. Instead, they seem to have systematic interrelations and exist in specific patterns. Accordingly different segments within the labor force can be characterized by specific combinations of work values. This is highly relevant because it could help to customize HR instruments and incentives.
Research on surface topography wear of textured work roll in cold rolling
Authors: Xu Dong , Zhang Jie , Li Hongbo , Lu Jinsong , Fan Qingguo , Dong Hailong
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to build a transient wear prediction model of surface topography of textured work roll, and then to investigate the wear performance of different original textured surfaces. The surface topography of steel sheets is one of the most important surface quality indexes, which is inherited from the textured work rolls in cold rolling. Surface topography of work roll is obviously changing in the cold rolling process. However, surface topography is difficult to measure in the industry production process.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a numerical approach to simulate the wear process based on the mixed lubrication model of cold rolling interface developed by Wilson and Sheu (Sheu and Wilson, 1994). It is assumed that wear takes place at locations where the surfaces are in direct contact, and the volume is removed by an abrasive particle which is an abstract concept based on the wear phenomenon of textured work roll. At each simulation cycle, the distribution of the contact pressure is calculated by the lubrication model. The material is removed by an abstract abrasive particle and the surface topography is modified correspondingly. The renewed surface topography is then used for the next cycle.

Findings

– Through comparative analysis, it can be found that the simulation results possess similar statistical characteristic with the measured data. A set of roughness parameters such as the amplitude, spacing and frequency-domain characteristics are introduced to analyze the wear performance of different textured surfaces. Numerical examples show that the surface topography has a significant effect on the wear performance of work roll in cold rolling.

Originality/value

– The proposed model can accurately predict the wear process of the surface topography in the cold rolling process, which provides the foundation for optimization of original surface topography of textured work roll. The model can also be considered as a tool applicable for research on control of the surface topography of steel strip in the cold rolling process.
Strategy maps: the essential link between the balanced scorecard and action
Authors: Lueg Rainer
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show how the use of Strategy Maps substantially improves the implementation success of balanced scorecards (BSC). The BSC is supposed to translate strategy into action. Strategy maps support this by showing cause-and-effect chains. But what does this mean for strategy execution in practice? To achieve better BSC implementations, the author uncovers pitfalls and names the remedies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author summarizes the most important findings from initially over 1,000 studies that have dealt with the BSC from 1992 to 2012.

Findings

– BSC implementations that use a sophisticated Strategy Map appear to be successful. Strategy maps foster a better understanding of the BSC among employees, create greater commitment and less resistance and are superior to the BSC itself in communicating how to achieve strategic goals. Also, strategy maps facilitate managers’ evaluation of the relevant environment. Nevertheless, the common measure bias is a usual pitfall: top managers have a tendency to use their own strategic targets as a yardstick for lower-level employees.

Originality/value

– This paper helps managers understand the most recent developments on strategy maps. In particular, the author highlights that causalities do not exist in organizations in the same way as there are “laws” in physics. Instead, organizations need to customize their BSC to their way of doing business.
Unveiling the myths of M&A integration: challenging general management and consulting practice
Authors: Bauer Florian , Hautz Julia , Matzler Kurt
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to detect and challenge generally accepted management and consulting practice in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&As). M&As have been an important issue in strategic management and corporate development for decades. The integration process of two separate entities has been found to be of importance, and has, accordingly, received a significant amount of attention by research, management and consulting literature. Based on these insights, managers tend to rely on well-established and generally accepted rules developed by practice and consultants that should support a successful integration process and the generation of value. Nonetheless, M&As’ efforts still often fail to create value. So is the common practice of the established drivers and beneficial consequences of the integration of M&As right, or do the experiences of consultants, companies and managers reveal something different?

Design/methodology/approach

– To understand these challenges, the authors spent four years studying M&A projects and subsequent integration processes of more than 400 companies that engaged in M&A efforts. The data derived from four survey-based quantitative studies among more than 430 CEOs, CFOs and other senior managers in the field of M&As and personal interviews that were conducted to get in-depth insights.

Findings

– This extensive research on the efforts and projects of M&As over many years and including many companies reveals that successful integration processes are complex, social and culturally dependent endeavors and that the application of commonly accepted and established principles oversimplifies and disregards the interdependencies.

Originality/value

– The present paper unveils four established principles concerning the successful integration after M&As as tenacious myths and provides more differentiated insights into value-destroying and value-creating mechanisms in M&As.
Does punishment in secure residential youth care work? An overview of the evidence
Authors: de Valk S. , van der Helm G. H. P. , Beld M. , Schaftenaar P. , Kuiper C. , Stams G. J. J. M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Violence is a common problem in secure residential units for young people. Group workers often think that young people have to learn to behave by means of punishment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether this approach is effective in these settings, and, if so, under what circumstances. Furthermore, it aims to provide alternatives to punishment when dealing with violence.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recent evidence on the effectiveness of punishment in secure residential units is reviewed. In addition, methods which are promising in dealing with violence are described.

Findings

– The review shows that punishment is often used to regain control by group workers or, alternatively, is a result of professional helplessness in the face of escalating problems. Only when the living group climate is marked by trust and cooperation can punishment be effective.

Originality/value

– Punishment in secure residential settings can have severe negative consequences. Nevertheless, group workers are tempted to use it as a response to violence in an attempt to gain control.