bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ satisfaction with hostel accommodations in higher education institutions
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Raphiri Marcia M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

There are several types of accommodation available to students of higher education institutions, and it is the responsibility of the institutions to focus on factors that can attract and retain students to their residences. This study aims to investigate satisfaction of higher institutions students with on-campus accommodation with an emphasis on the ethnicity of the students.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling method, questionnaires were administered to students of selected residences in the study area. Mean item score was used to rank identified factors, whereas mean gap and Kruskal–Wallis K-test were adopted to examine the difference in opinion of students from various ethnic groups.

Findings

Overall, major features that make students dissatisfied with university-owned accommodations are enforcement of rule that compels all students to move out with their belongings during each recess, the effectiveness of the lift system, the size of wardrobe and closet, laundry service in the residence, numbers of electrical sockets and window quality. Considering dwelling unit features, neighbourhood, environmental, building quality and services provided by residence management, this study reveals that there is a significant difference in the satisfaction of students of diverse ethnic groups with their accommodation.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to on-campus residences owned by higher education institutions in South Africa. However, the findings of the study can be adopted for off-campus residences, and such owned by private individuals, agencies and other bodies provided are approved by the institutions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will help management of higher education institutions to improve quality of services in their residences for the satisfaction of their students. Developers, contractors and other stakeholders involved in construction of these residences will also find the findings useful in designing and construction of the facilities.
Rethinking the challenges to the pricing of projects in the Ghanaian construction industry
Authors: Kissi Ernest , Ahadzie Divine Kwaku , Adjei-Kumi Theophilus , Badu Edward
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to examine the challenges to the pricing of construction projects in the Ghanaian industry. This remains a persistent problem among construction stakeholders because price is the basis for which offers are made. Project stakeholders are always faced with challenges relating to effective and efficient pricing system making it difficult to achieve value for money.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were collected through a questionnaire survey involving quantity surveyors in the Ghanaian construction industry. Data collected were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis which helped to reduce the factors into six components. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was further carried out to explore whether these six observed variables would form a latent variable called challenges to pricing of construction projects.

Findings

The paper highlighted six underlying challenges which were cost-related, managerial-related, quality-related, variation of works, poor understanding of the terms of contract and time-related. Strong and significant relationships were found between all six of the observed variables. A CFA confirmed that they formed a latent variable the authors called challenges to pricing of construction projects.

Research limitations/implications

The findings clearly can serve as a reference for both developed and developing countries in the quest for finding an antidote to pricing challenges. In addition, use of CFA improves measurement of the constructs and thus enhances understanding of the underlying components of a construct and their individual relationship with pricing. The paper is particularly useful for policy making and industry regulation because it identifies some of the factors that need attention.

Originality/value

This paper presents an exceptional contribution to the construction management literature by concentrating on the factors that challenge effective and efficient pricing system in the construction industry.
Mechanisms of subzero growth in the cryophile Planococcus halocryophilus determined through proteomic analysis
Authors: Raymond‐Bouchard Isabelle , Chourey Karuna , Altshuler Ianina , Iyer Ramsunder , Hettich Robert L. , Whyte Lyle G.
Published: August 2017

The eurypsychrophilic bacterium Planococcus halocryophilus is capable of growth down to −15°C, making it ideal for studying adaptations to subzero growth. To increase our understanding of the mechanisms and pathways important for subzero growth, we performed proteomics on P. halocryophilus grown at 23°C, 23°C with 12% w/v NaCl and −10°C with 12% w/v NaCl. Many proteins with increased abundances at −10°C versus 23°C also increased at 23C‐salt versus 23°C, indicating a closely tied relationship between salt and cold stress adaptation. Processes which displayed the largest changes in protein abundance were peptidoglycan and fatty acid (FA) synthesis, translation processes, methylglyoxal metabolism, DNA repair and recombination, and protein and nucleotide turnover. We identified intriguing targets for further research at −10°C, including PlsX and KASII (FA metabolism), DD‐transpeptidase and MurB (peptidoglycan synthesis), glyoxalase family proteins (reactive electrophile response) and ribosome modifying enzymes (translation turnover). PemK/MazF may have a crucial role in translational reprogramming under cold conditions. At −10°C P. halocryophilus induces stress responses, uses resources efficiently, and carefully controls its growth and metabolism to maximize subzero survival. The present study identifies several mechanisms involved in subzero growth and enhances our understanding of cold adaptation.
How to lose your clinical balance, while holding on to your therapeutic bearings, and other ideas on working therapeutically with a ‘treatment resistant’ client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Boardman Don
Published: August 2017

This article describes a clinical case where an Advanced Brief Strategic Therapy Model (Gibson and Boardman, ; Gibson et al., ; Nardone and Watzlawick, ) was used with a woman presenting with presumed Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In the world of therapy, the process of change can often be hard to predict at the best of times and extremely unpredictable during the worst. It can be difficult for the curious therapist to know how and what to look for as indicators of change when the larger picture may appear to remain unchanged in a client's life. I am curious about those therapy cases which present with great difficulties attached to them and which often drain much of our energy, vim and vigour as psychotherapists with often little apparent return on the investment we make. That is, if we measure that return in terms of reported change by the client, as opposed to privileging therapeutic disposition.

Practitioner points

This article explores how an Advanced Brief Strategic Therapy Model was used with a client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder

I critique the often misunderstood idea of embodied cybernetics as an interpretation of the therapeutic process

Drawing on clinical practice, I describe some of the challenges in working with a client who often dispensed with rationality and employed non‐ordinary logic in her modus operandi
Managerial Career Choices: Evidence from South Australian Local Government
Authors: Jorgensen Bradley S. , Martin John F. , Nursey‐Bray Melissa
Published: August 2017

There are structural and individual factors that contribute to and compound the current and continuing under‐representation of women in leadership and senior management positions. We explore these factors by investigating the beliefs and intentions of male and female senior managers with respect to applying for promotion to executive level in local government organisations in South Australia. Survey data from 148 senior managers indicated that men and women have similar belief structures when it comes to their intentions to apply for promotion in South Australian local government. The imbalance in the proportion of women and men in CEO positions in South Australian local government, we suggest, reflects earlier findings of the inherent bias towards men in the selection process for these positions. Our analysis supports a number of structural and managerial recommendations, which we believe will address this imbalance overtime.
Current Immunoassay Methods for the Rapid Detection of Aflatoxin in Milk and Dairy Products
Authors: Matabaro Emmanuel , Ishimwe Nestor , Uwimbabazi Eric , Lee Byong H.
Published: August 2017

The presence of mycotoxins in foodstuff causes serious health problems to consumers and economically affects the food industry. Among the mycotoxins, aflatoxins are very toxic and highly carcinogenic contaminants which affect the safety of many foods, and therefore endanger human health. Aflatoxin M1(AFM1) found in milk results from the biotransformation of aflatoxin B1. Many efforts have been made to control the source of AFM1from farmers to dairy product companies. However, AFM1escapes ordinary methods of food treatment such as cooking, sterilization, and freezing, hence it appears in milk and dairy products. The presence of high levels of AFM1constitutes an alarming threat as milk and dairy products contain essential nutrients for human health, especially for infants and children. For this reason, there is a pressing need for developing a fast and reliable screening method for detecting trace aflatoxins in food. Several analytical methods based on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy have been used for aflatoxin detection; however, they are expensive, time‐consuming, and require many skills. Recently, immunoassay methods, including enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunosensors, and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), have been preferred for food analysis because of their improved qualities such as high sensitivity, simplicity, and capability of onsite monitoring. This paper reviews the new developments and applications of immunoassays for the rapid detection of AFM1in milk.
High‐Resolution Melting (HRM) of Hypervariable Mitochondrial DNA Regions for Forensic Science
Authors: dos Santos Rocha Alípio , de Amorim Isis Salviano Soares , Simão Tatiana de Almeida , da Fonseca Adenilson de Souza , Garrido Rodrigo Grazinoli , Mencalha Andre Luiz
Published: August 2017

Forensic strategies commonly are proceeding by analysis of short tandem repeats (STRs); however, new additional strategies have been proposed for forensic science. Thus, this article standardized the high‐resolution melting (HRM) of DNA for forensic analyzes. For HRM, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from eight individuals were extracted from mucosa swabs by DNAzol reagent, samples were amplified by PCR and submitted to HRM analysis to identify differences in hypervariable (HV) regions I and II. To confirm HRM, all PCR products were DNA sequencing. The data suggest that is possible discriminate DNA from different samples by HRM curves. Also, uncommon dual‐dissociation was identified in a single PCR product, increasing HRM analyzes by evaluation of melting peaks. Thus, HRM is accurate and useful to screening small differences in HVI and HVII regions from mtDNA and increase the efficiency of laboratory routines based on forensic genetics.
The Accuracy and Applicability of 3D Modeling and Printing Blunt Force Cranial Injuries
Authors: Edwards Julie , Rogers Tracy
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the accuracy of 3D models and 3D prints of cranial blunt force trauma, to evaluate the applicability and limitations of modeling such injuries. Three types of cranial blunt force lesions were documented (hinge, depressed, and comminuted) using three forms of surface scanning (laser, structured light scanner, and photogrammetry) at two different quality settings (standard and high). 3D printed models of the lesions were produced using two different materials (a gypsum‐like composite powder called VisiJet® PXL and an acrylic engineered composite plastic called VisiJet® M3 in crystal colour). The results of these analyzes indicate the prints in this study exhibit some statistically significant differences from the actual bone lesions, but details of the lesions can be reproduced to within 2 mm accuracy.
Composition and Nutrient Value Proposition of Brewers Spent Grain
Authors: Ikram Sana , Huang LianYan , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Jing , Yin Meng
Published: August 2017

Brewer's spent grain (BSG), a major brewing industry byproduct, is generated in large quantities annually. This review summarizes research into the composition and preservation of BSG, different extraction techniques for BSG proteins and phenolic acids, and the bioactivities of these phenolic components. Moreover, this article also highlights BSG integration into foodstuff for human consumption and animal feed supplements. BSG is considered a rich source of fiber, protein, and phenolic compounds. The phenolic acids present in BSG are hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic, p‐coumaric, and caffeic acids), which have many biofunctions, such as antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, and antiinflammatory activities. Previously, attempts have been made to integrate BSG into human food, such as ready‐to‐eat snacks, cookies and bread, to increase fiber and protein contents. The addition of BSG to animal feed leads to increased milk yields, higher fat contents in milk, and is a good source of essential amino acids. Therefore, many studies have concluded that integrating the biofunctional compounds in BSG into human food and animal feed has various health benefits.
Effects of Polysaccharides in Lycium Barbarum Berries from Different Regions of China on Macrophages Function and their Correlation to the Glycosidic Linkages
Authors: Xie Jing , Wu Ding‐Tao , Li Wen‐Zhi , Ning Chu‐Guang , Tang Yu‐Ping , Zhao Jing , Li Shao‐Ping
Published: August 2017

Berries of Lycium barbarum L. are not only used for traditional Chinese medicine, but also for raw materials in many health foods. Polysaccharides are major components of L. barbarum berries, which possess a variety of biological activities. In this study, effects of water‐soluble polysaccharides, in 8 typical batches of L. barbarum berries collected from different producing areas of China, on macrophage function were evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, to better understand the structure–activity relationship of the polysaccharides in L. barbarum berries, the activity of typical polysaccharides and their partial acid and enzymatic hydrolysates were also investigated and compared. The results showed that the effects of polysaccharides of different regions are similar, which should be correlated to their similar chemical properties. However, their promotion effects on macrophage function are different in degree, this might be caused by their different content of active polysaccharides. Moreover, the α‐1,4‐d‐galactosiduronic and α‐1,5‐arabinosidic linkages, especially the former one was discovered to significantly affect the promotion effect on macrophage function induced by the polysaccharides in L. barbarum berries. These results were beneficial to improve the pharmacological activity‐based quality control of polysaccharides in L. barbarum berries and their products.

Practical Application

The results showed that immunomodulation effects of polysaccharides in L. barbarum berries (LBPs) from different regions are similar, but different in degree, this might be caused by their different content of bioactive polysaccharides. Moreover, an enzymatic digestion method was used to investigate the structure–bioactivity relationship of polysaccharides from LBPs. The result indicated that α‐1,4‐d‐galactosiduronic and α‐1,5‐arabinosidic linkages, especially the former one was significantly affect the immunomodulation effects of LBPs. The results were beneficial to the improvement of pharmacological activity‐based quality control of LBPs and future development of related unique functional and health products.
Caffeine May Reduce Perceived Sweet Taste in Humans, Supporting Evidence That Adenosine Receptors Modulate Taste
Authors: Choo Ezen , Picket Benjamin , Dando Robin
Published: August 2017

Multiple recent reports have detailed the presence of adenosine receptors in sweet sensitive taste cells of mice. These receptors are activated by endogenous adenosine in the plasma to enhance sweet signals within the taste bud, before reporting to the primary afferent. As we commonly consume caffeine, a powerful antagonist for such receptors, in our daily lives, an intriguing question we sought to answer was whether the caffeine we habitually consume in coffee can inhibit the perception of sweet taste in humans. 107 panelists were randomly assigned to 2 groups, sampling decaffeinated coffee supplemented with either 200 mg of caffeine, about the level found in a strong cup of coffee, or an equally bitter concentration of quinine. Participants subsequently performed sensory testing, with the session repeated in the alternative condition in a second session on a separate day. Panelists rated both the sweetened coffee itself and subsequent sucrose solutions as less sweet in the caffeine condition, despite the treatment having no effect on bitter, sour, salty, or umami perception. Panelists were also unable to discern whether they had consumed the caffeinated or noncaffeinated coffee, with ratings of alertness increased equally, but no significant improvement in reaction times, highlighting coffee's powerful placebo effect. This work validates earlier observations in rodents in a human population.
Identification of Potent ACE Inhibitory Peptides from Wild Almond Proteins
Authors: Mirzapour Mozhgan , Rezaei Karamatollah , Sentandreu Miguel Angel
Published: August 2017

In this study, the production, fractionation, purification and identification of ACE (angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme) inhibitory peptides from wild almond (Amygdalus scoparia) proteins were investigated. Wild almond proteins were hydrolyzed using 5 different enzymes (pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, alcalase and flavourzyme) and assayed for their ACE inhibitory activities. The degree of ACE inhibiting activity obtained after hydrolysis was found to be in the following order: alcalase > chymotrypsin > trypsin/pepsin > flavourzyme. The hydrolysates obtained from alcalase (IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL) were fractionated by sequential ultrafiltration at 10 and 3 kDa cutoff values and the most active fraction (<3 kDa) was further separated using reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Peptide sequence identifications were carried out on highly potential fractions obtained from RP‐HPLC by means of liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Sequencing of ACE inhibitory peptides present in the fraction 26 of RP‐HPLC resulted in the identification of 3 peptide sequences (VVNE, VVTR, and VVGVD) not reported previously in the literature. Sequence identification of fractions 40 and 42 from RP‐HPLC, which showed the highest ACE inhibitory activities (84.1% and 86.9%, respectively), resulted in the identification of more than 40 potential ACE inhibitory sequences. The results indicate that wild almond protein is a rich source of potential antihypertensive peptides and can be suggested for applications in functional foods and drinks with respect to hindrance and mitigation of hypertension after in vivo assessment.

Practical Application

This study has shown the potential of wild almond proteins as good sources for producing ACE‐inhibitory active peptides. According to this finding, peptides with higher ACE inhibitory activities could be released during the gastrointestinal digestion and contribute to the health‐ promoting activities of this natural protein source.
Fresh‐Squeezed Orange Juice Properties Before and During In Vitro Digestion as Influenced by Orange Variety and Processing Method
Authors: Mennah‐Govela Yamile A. , Bornhorst Gail M.
Published: August 2017

This study aims to analyze the influence of processing and orange variety on initial quality, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content (TPC), and ascorbic acid content of fresh‐squeezed orange juice during in vitro digestion. Fresh‐squeezed orange juice was made from Fukumoto Navel, Lane Late Navel, Olinda Nucellar Valencia, and Campbell Valencia oranges, and was processed thermally and nonthermally. Antioxidant activity (FRAP and ABTS assays), TPC (Folin‐Ciocalteu method), and ascorbic acid were analyzed before and after gastrointestinal digestion. Bioaccessibility was calculated by comparing the measured values after digestion with the initial value for each juice. Orange variety significantly influenced pH, acidity, and total soluble solids (P < 0.0001). Antioxidant activity by FRAP was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in Fukumoto Navel orange juice (16.0 ± 0.4 mM Trolox) than the other juices (range: 9.1 to 10 mM Trolox). TPC was significantly influenced by orange variety (P < 0.0001) and ranged from 521 ± 6 (Campbell Valencia) to 800 ± 11 mg gallic acid/L (Lane Late Navel). Processing method did not influence antioxidant and polyphenol bioaccessibility (P > 0.05). However, antioxidant activity by ABTS and ascorbic acid bioaccessibility were significantly influenced by orange variety (P < 0.0001). These results indicate that fruit variety and nutrient bioaccessibility should be considered to optimize processing and formulation parameters.

Practical Application

Processing method and variety of fruit during beverage manufacturing may influence its nutrient bioaccessibility. We present a detailed examination of the influence of orange variety, harvest time, and processing method on initial quality parameters and antioxidant bioaccessibility. It is recommended that nutritional analysis of beverages take into consideration both the bioaccessibility of nutrients and the initial nutrient content of the beverage. These results can be used for juice processors to take into consideration the harvest season and produce variety to manufacture beverages with higher nutritional quality.
Simultaneous Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes at a Very Low Level Using Simultaneous Enrichment Broth and Multichannel SPR Biosensor
Authors: Zhang Xiaoguang , Tsuji Sachiko , Kitaoka Hayato , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Tamai Mitsuru , Honjoh Ken‐ichi , Miyamoto Takahisa
Published: August 2017

Detection of foodborne pathogens at very low levels is still a challenge. A custom‐built multichannel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor and simultaneous enrichment broth (SEB) were used to develop a simultaneous detection method for 3 important foodborne pathogens, Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157:H7), Salmonella enteritidis, and Listeria monocytogenes, at a very low level. These 3 foodborne pathogens at a very low level (14, 6, and 28 CFU/25 g (mL) for O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes, respectively) were inoculated in SEB and incubated at 37 ˚C for 24 h. Sample prepared from the simultaneous enrichment culture was analyzed using the multichannel SPR biosensor and sensor chip immobilized with polyclonal antibodies specific to each of the target pathogens. O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes in chicken were detected simultaneously at an inoculum dose of 14, 6, and 28 CFU/25 g, respectively. Our method using a custom‐built multichannel SPR biosensor and enrichment in SEB is expected as a rapid and simultaneous detection method for low levels of O157:H7, S. enteritidis, and L. monocytogenes in food.

Practical Application

Our method is expected as a rapid and simultaneous detection method for pathogens at very low levels. It has great potential for safety control of food and microbiological detection applications.
Validation of a One‐Step Method for Extracting Fatty Acids from Salmon, Chicken and Beef Samples
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Richardson Christine E. , Hennebelle Marie , Taha Ameer Y.
Published: August 2017

Fatty acid extraction methods are time‐consuming and expensive because they involve multiple steps and copious amounts of extraction solvents. In an effort to streamline the fatty acid extraction process, this study compared the standard Folch lipid extraction method to a one‐step method involving a column that selectively elutes the lipid phase. The methods were tested on raw beef, salmon, and chicken. Compared to the standard Folch method, the one‐step extraction process generally yielded statistically insignificant differences in chicken and salmon fatty acid concentrations, percent composition and weight percent. Initial testing showed that beef stearic, oleic and total fatty acid concentrations were significantly lower by 9–11% with the one‐step method as compared to the Folch method, but retesting on a different batch of samples showed a significant 4–8% increase in several omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acid concentrations with the one‐step method relative to the Folch. Overall, the findings reflect the utility of a one‐step extraction method for routine and rapid monitoring of fatty acids in chicken and salmon. Inconsistencies in beef concentrations, although minor (within 11%), may be due to matrix effects.

Practical Application

A one‐step fatty acid extraction method has broad applications for rapidly and routinely monitoring fatty acids in the food supply and formulating controlled dietary interventions.
Lifetime cost for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Singapore
Authors: Ang Yee G. , Yap Chun W. , You Alex X.
Published: August 2017

Background

The mean annual direct medical cost of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Singapore has been found to be SGD 2034 using the prevalence‐based approach, but the lifetime direct medical cost of T2DM in Singapore remains largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime direct medical cost attributable to T2DM and provide estimates of potential savings if T2DM can be prevented or delayed.

Methods

The incidence‐based approach was used for the cost‐of‐illness analysis. Yearly medical expenses were obtained from a regional health system database in Singapore to estimate the lifetime medical cost of T2DM patients. Then, the lifetime medical cost of non‐T2DM subjects was predicted using a regression model. From the database, gender‐ and age‐specific annual survival rates of T2DM and non‐T2DM subjects were obtained and survival‐adjusted yearly expenses over the estimated remaining life span were added to obtain lifetime medical costs. The difference between T2DM and non‐T2DM subjects was attributed to excess direct medical costs of T2DM.

Results

The excess lifetime medical expenses for T2DM patients were SGD 132 506, 108 589, 83 326 and 70 110 when the age of T2DM diagnosis was 40, 50, 60, and 65 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Even though T2DM patients have a lower life expectancy, T2DM is associated with substantially higher lifetime medical costs. Delaying the onset of T2DM, especially in the young, may lead to lower lifetime medical expenses. If prevention costs can be kept sufficiently low, effective T2DM prevention efforts would likely lead to a reduction in long‐term medical costs.
Ownership Structure and Firm Performance Improvement: Does it Matter in the Vietnamese Stock Market?
Authors: Hoang Lai Trung , Nguyen Cuong Cao , Hu Baiding
Published: August 2017

This study examines the effects of ownership structure on firm performance of manufacturing companies listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange using the system‐GMM estimator. The empirical results show a cubic relationship between managerial ownership and Tobin's Q, that is, positive, negative and positive, meanwhile block ownership has no impact on firm performance. This implies that internal managerial incentives play a more important role than shareholders' external monitoring in improving corporate governance quality. We also found an inverted U‐shaped relationship between state ownership and Tobin's Q, indicating that partial privatisation possibly is an efficient way to improve firm performance.
Long non‐coding RNA CRALA is associated with poor response to chemotherapy in primary breast cancer
Authors: Li Yudong , Wang Baoxiao , Lai Hongna , Li Shunying , You Qiuting , Fang Yichao , Li Qian , Liu Yujie
Published: August 2017

Background

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and has become the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Chemoresistance has become an important problem in breast cancer clinics. The identification of new mechanisms affecting chemosensitivity is of great clinical value for the treatment of breast cancer.

Methods

The expression levels of chemoresistance‐associated long non‐coding RNA (CRALA), a newly discovered long non‐coding RNA, were measured by quantitative real time‐PCR in 79 pre‐treatment biopsied primary breast cancer samples. Small interfering RNAs were used to knockdown CRALA expression. The effect of CRALA on chemosensitivity was evaluated using cell growth assay.

Results

Non‐responding tumors (poor response to chemotherapy, 32 samples) had fourfold higher CRALA expression than responding tumors (good response to chemotherapy, 47 samples). CRALA is upregulated in chemoresistant breast cancer cell lines compared to their parental lines. Silencing of CRALA in chemoresistant breast cancer cells resensitizes the cells to chemotherapy in vitro. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that higher CRALA expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis in 144 breast cancer patients.

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that CRALA expression may be an important biomarker for predicting the clinical response to chemotherapy and prognosis in breast cancer patients. It is possible to target CRALA to reverse chemoresistance in breast cancer patients.
Financial Statement Quality and Debt Contracting: Evidence from a Survey of Commercial Lenders
Authors: Donelson Dain C. , Jennings Ross , Mcinnis John
Published: August 2017

We survey commercial bank lenders to better understand how they evaluate and react to variation in financial statement quality and how they view recent changes in accounting standards. A unique aspect of this study is that our respondents focus on medium‐size loans to private companies. In fact, more than 90 percent of the survey respondents primarily make credit decisions on loans between $250 thousand and $50 million. This is in contrast to prior archival research, which focuses primarily on very large loans to public firms or very small loans to private firms. We find that lenders in our sample distinguish among financial statements in terms of quality, including conservatism, primarily on the basis of accrual patterns and restatements. While this general result holds throughout our sample, financial statement quality is substantially more important for lenders making larger loans (over $10 million) as compared to very small loans (under $1 million). In addition, bank lenders are much more likely to respond to low‐quality reporting with collateral and guarantee requirements than with an increase in the interest rate charged. This finding is consistent for lenders making both larger and smaller loans. Finally, despite concerns in the academic literature, bank lenders in our sample actually hold a neutral‐to‐positive view of recent changes in accounting standards. In addition, most do not support current efforts to exempt private companies from some accounting standards.
The Consequences of Audit‐Related Earnings Revisions
Authors: Haislip Jacob Z. , Myers Linda A. , Scholz Susan , Seidel Timothy A.
Published: August 2017

In this study, we investigate the consequences that auditors and their clients face when earnings announced in an unaudited earnings release are subsequently revised, presumably as a result of year‐end audit procedures, so that earnings as reported in the 10‐K differ from earnings as previously announced. Specifically, we examine whether the likelihood of an auditor “losing the client” is greater following such revisions, and whether the likelihood of dismissal is influenced by revisions that more negatively impact earnings, that cause the client to miss important earnings benchmarks, by greater local auditor competition, or by auditor characteristics. We also examine audit pricing subsequent to audit‐related earnings revisions for evidence of pricing concessions to retain the client. Finally, we examine whether client executives experience a greater likelihood of turnover following an audit‐related earnings revision. Consistent with expectations, we find that auditor dismissals are more likely following audit‐related earnings revisions. We also find that dismissals are more likely when revisions cause clients to miss important benchmarks and when there is greater local auditor competition. Among nondismissing clients, we find that future audit fees are lower when the effect of the revision on earnings is more negative, consistent with auditors offering price concessions to retain clients when revisions are more displeasing. We also find a greater likelihood of future chief financial officer (CFO) turnover as the effect of the revision worsens. Our findings offer important insights into the consequences that auditors face when balancing their responsibility for high audit quality and client satisfaction, as well as into the consequences that CFOs face when releasing inflated but not fully audited earnings.
Analysis of the Association of Nonsynonymous Polymorphisms in ADH Genes with Hazardous Drinking in HIV‐1‐Positive Individuals
Authors: Wolf Jonas Michel , Simon Daniel , Béria Jorge Umberto , Tietzmann Daniela Cardoso , Stein Airton Tetelbom , Lunge Vagner Ricardo
Published: August 2017

Background

Hazardous drinking (HD) is a serious health problem in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes have been associated with HD in different populations, but there were no data about this in HIV‐1‐positive individuals. This study investigated the association of 4 nonsynonymous SNPs in ADH genes (Arg48His and Arg370Cys in ADH1B gene; Arg272Gln and Ile350Val in ADH1C gene) with HD in people living with HIV‐1.

Methods

This case–control study included 365 HIV‐1‐positive individuals (121 with HD and 244 without HD). Sociodemographic variables were collected with a standardized individual questionnaire. HD (score ≥8) and binge drinking (BD) (drinks on the same occasion ≥5) were detected with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The 4 SNPs were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis. The Bonferroni correction was used (considering the 4 SNPs studied).

Results

There were no significant differences in the frequencies of Arg370Cys, Arg272Gln, and Ile350Val polymorphisms between HD cases and controls. Otherwise, Arg/His genotype (rs1229984) in ADH1B gene showed a protective effect against HD (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.90) and BD (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.95). Nevertheless, these differences were no longer significant after Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest a possible effect of the Arg48His genotype on the protection against HD in HIV‐1‐positive individuals.
The declining price anomaly in sequential auctions of identical commodities with asymmetric bidders: empirical evidence from the Nephrops norvegicus market in France
Authors: Salladarré Frédéric , Guillotreau Patrice , Loisel Patrice , Ollivier Pierrick
Published: August 2017

The declining price anomaly for sequential sales of identical commodities challenges auction theory which predicts constant prices within a day. Among other hypotheses explaining the phenomenon stands the dual value of goods including a risk premium in early transactions. We consider that asymmetric bidder groups (primary processors, fishmongers, supermarket buyers) and seasonal landings may also affect the daily price pattern. On the basis of stylized facts and several panel data models, this hypothesis is tested on a Redundant French fish market of homogenous goods (live Nephrops norvegicus) when the time effects (high and low seasons, weekday effect) affecting the demand and supply conditions are taken into consideration. All models support the evidence of a daily declining pattern, but not to the same extent for all days and seasons, and all categories of buyers. Our results also show an earlier and steeper decline on periods of lower supply (or higher demand), supporting the theoretical hypothesis of risk‐averse behaviors of bidders, especially fishmongers with respect to primary processors and supermarkets.
Visualization and Movement as Configurations of Human–Nonhuman Engagements: Precolonial Geometric Earthwork Landscapes of the Upper Purus, Brazil
Authors: Virtanen Pirjo Kristiina , Saunaluoma Sanna
Published: August 2017

Producing geometric designs and images on materials, such as pottery, basketry, and bead artwork, as well as the human body, is elemental and widespread among Amazonian Indigenous peoples. In this article, we examine the different geometric forms identified in the precolonial geoglyph architecture of southwestern Amazonia in the context of geometric design making and relational ontologies. Our aim is to explore earthwork iconography through the lens of Amerindian visual arts and movement. Combining ethnographic and archaeological data from the Upper Purus, Brazil, the article shows how ancient history and socio‐cosmology are deeply “written” onto the landscape in the form of geometric earthworks carved out of the soil, which materialize interactions between nonhuman and human actors. We underline skills in visualization, imaginative practices, and movement as ways to promote well‐balanced engagements with animated life forms. Here, iconography inserted in the landscape is both a form of writing and also emerges as an agent, affecting people through visual and corporal practices. [geometric designs,earthworks,visualization,movement,Amazonia]
Governing climate change in Hong Kong: Prospects for market mechanisms in the context of emissions trading in China
Authors: Lo Alex Y. , Francesch‐Huidobro Maria
Published: August 2017

Hong Kong continues to struggle over which environmental governance approach is in its best interest while fulfilling its environmental obligations. With regard to climate change, Hong Kong's approach is characterised by a passive form of governance that is highly dependent on China's national policy directions. This is reflected, for example, in Hong Kong having not set its own mitigation targets. Market mechanisms have received little attention in developing a city‐wide climate change strategy. A transformative impulse, China's national emissions trading scheme, may provide momentum to a market‐based approach. However, the necessary conditions for such a market mechanism to be successfully implemented in China remain relatively undeveloped. This raises question about early participation by Hong Kong. Direct benefits are likely to be limited, due to Hong Kong's economic structure and weak demand for emissions reduction. Besides, there are regulatory barriers to enforcing emissions targets and/or recognising emissions allowances and credits from China. We therefore argue that nationwide emissions trading may, at this time, present more challenges than opportunities for Hong Kong to leverage its efforts on climate change mitigation. An alternative is to promote voluntary emissions trading that will require active involvement and leadership by businesses.
Elevating Positivity toward STEM Pathways through Communal Experience: The Key Role of Beliefs that STEM Affords Other‐Oriented Goals
Authors: Steinberg Mia , Diekman Amanda B.
Published: August 2017

The goal congruity framework posits that there are consensual beliefs that science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields are not perceived to afford valued goals such as working with or helping others relative to fields such as law and medicine. In three studies, we examine whether experiences engaging with others in the context of STEM would lead to beliefs that STEM fulfills communal goals, and in turn to heightened interest in those fields. In Study 1, we provide evidence that direct experiences such as collaboration, mentorship, and volunteering in the context of STEM predicted greater beliefs that STEM fields allowed communal opportunities, even when controlling for other facets of experience. In Study 2, we replicate and extend these findings with an experimental design, and found that both short‐term and long‐term communal experience contributed to greater communal affordances and to more positive STEM attitudes. Study 3 demonstrated the effects of communal experience in a naturalistic setting, among a group of high school students. The belief that STEM fields afford communal opportunities robustly predicts positivity toward STEM, and understanding the sources of these beliefs is thus an important question that can inform educational and organizational policy.
Total sleep time and kynurenine metabolism associated with mood symptom severity in bipolar disorder
Authors: Mukherjee Dahlia , Krishnamurthy Venkatesh Bassapa , Millett Caitlin E. , Reider Aubrey , Can Adem , Groer Maureen , Fuchs Dietmar , Postolache Teodor T , Saunders Erika F. H.
Published: August 2017

Objective

Chronic, low‐level inflammation is associated with symptomatic bipolar disorder (BD) and with chronic insomnia. Disrupted sleep is a feature of episodes of both mania and depression. We examined the effect of neopterin, a marker of cellular immune activation, and kynurenine (KYN), an inflammatory byproduct of the serotonin pathway, on the association between total sleep time and depression severity in BD.

Method

Twenty‐one symptomatic BD participants and 28 healthy controls (HC) were recruited and followed during usual clinical care. At baseline and after symptomatic recovery, total sleep time was objectively measured with actigraphy for 1 week and blood plasma was collected to measure the serotonin precursor tryptophan (TRP), KYN, the KYN/TRP ratio, and neopterin levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi‐square, independent t tests and hierarchical linear multiple regression models.

Results

Total sleep time was correlated positively with depressive severity and negatively with manic severity. TRP was significantly reduced in BD participants compared to HC. KYN, TRP, and the KYN/TRP ratio were associated with depressive severity when total sleep time and body mass index (BMI) were included in the model. The KYN/TRP ratio trended towards a negative association with mania symptoms, controlling for BMI and total sleep time, in acutely symptomatic BD participants. Neopterin was not associated with sleep or mood severity. After usual clinical care, BD participants showed significantly decreased clinical symptoms but no significant differences in sleep phenotype or biomarkers.

Conclusion

Inflammation, sleep, and mood are closely intertwined. Future research into the effect of inflammation on sleep in BD may lead to clinical markers of outcome.
Cortical inhibition in symptomatic and remitted mania compared to healthy subjects: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Basavaraju Rakshathi , Sanjay Tarasingh N , Mehta Urvakhsh M , Muralidharan Keshavan , Thirthalli Jagadisha
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐derived cortical reactivity studies provide a unique opportunity to non‐invasively study gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)‐mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in bipolar disorder (BD). Earlier studies were conducted in smaller samples and on patients who were on medications that can potentially confound the results. We aimed to study short‐interval (SICI) and long‐interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) in medication‐naïve/free symptomatic (manic) BD patients (n=39), first episode mania (FEM) patients who had recently (≤6 months) remitted with treatment (remitted FEM; n = 28) and healthy subjects (HSs; n = 45).

Methods

Resting motor threshold (RMT), stimulation intensity to elicit a 1‐mV motor evoked potential (MEP) (SI1 mV), SICI and LICI were measured in three groups using single‐ and paired‐pulse TMS.

Results

Motor thresholds were higher in the manic BD and HS groups compared to the remitted FEM group (P < .001). SICI was lower (P = .026) but LICI was higher (P = .044) in the manic BD and remitted FEM groups compared to the HS group.

Conclusions

Lower motor thresholds in remitted FEM perhaps reflect the effect of treatment, and could be studied as potential prognostic neuromarkers. Inverse findings for SICI (reduced) and LICI (increased) in BD indicate a possible differential involvement of the GABAA and GABAB subreceptor systems. These could be trait markers as they are impaired in both mania and euthymia.
Highway widening and underpass effects on vertebrate road mortality
Authors: Ciocheti Giordano , de Assis Julia Camara , Ribeiro John Wesley , Ribeiro Milton Cezar
Published: August 2017

Road widening (a.k.a. road dualling) and the presence of mitigation structures may have opposing effects on the number of animal‐vehicle collisions. Their influence in tropical areas is poorly quantified, and we know little about how modifications of road structure affect fauna roadkill and mitigation. We evaluated how road widening and proximity to a wildlife underpass affect roadkill of medium and large mammals, using roadkill records from before and after the widening of 150 km of road with new and old wildlife underpasses. Roadkilled species were divided into three groups based on mobility and sensitivity to human disturbance. Four of 16 species exhibited significantly higher roadkill after widening. Roadkill near underpasses was generally higher than by chance, despite our expectation of reduction in roadkills. This result indicates that we must adopt more effective mitigation measures, such as appropriate fencing combined with underpasses.
The confounding effects of logging on tree seedling growth and herbivory in Central Amazon
Authors: Darrigo Maria Rosa , dos Santos Flavio A. M. , Venticinque Eduardo M.
Published: August 2017

Light availability is an important modulator of seedling growth and plant–herbivore dynamics. Logging increases light levels in forests, potentially altering herbivore–plant interactions that drive seedling establishment. We conducted a transplant experiment to evaluate how logging and herbivory affect seedling growth and survival in three shade‐tolerant tree species, at paired canopy gap and understory sites in logged forest and an adjacent unlogged area in central Amazonia (Brazil). Seedlings were either left exposed to naturally occurring insect herbivores or protected from insects by a fine netting structure. We measured the herbivore damage and growth rate of seedlings after 18 mo. In general, logged areas received more light than unlogged sites. Growth and herbivory rates were positively influenced by light, and herbivory was also influenced positively by logging. In gaps, increased growth mitigated foliar damage. Logging resulted in a loss of foliar tissue due to increased herbivory. Herbivory rates were higher in the understory of logged sites than in that of unlogged understory sites, but growth was similar in these areas. Thus, the understory of logged areas provided the least favorable sites for shade‐tolerant tree regeneration, due to higher herbivory rates. The effect of logging on biotic interactions can extend beyond the gaps it creates into untouched understory sites. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a pattern has been observed, highlighting the importance of evaluating the impact of logging on biotic interactions.