bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shared sense-making: how charter school leaders ascribe meaning to accountability
Authors: Gawlik Marytza A.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the ways in which charter school leaders influence the understanding and conception of accountability policy and how that understanding translates into practice. In particular, this paper draws from sense-making theory and research on charter school leaders to identify their pre-existing understandings, their shared interactions, and their interpretations of accountability policy as they relate to professional development and instructional practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses the qualitative case study approach to document the organizational processes of charter schools. Data for the study were collected in two elementary charter schools over the course of 18 months. The constant comparative method was used to analyze the data because this method is compatible with the inductive, concept-building orientation of all qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two charter school leaders and twelve charter school teachers. In-depth interviews with the leaders were also conducted to gain a deeper understanding of sense-making. In addition pertinent staff meetings, professional development sessions, and informal interactions between charter leaders and teachers were observed.

Findings

– While the charter school leaders in this study were inclined to adopt approaches that reinforced their pre-existing understandings, they did so using interpretative frameworks that sought to enact policies they deemed most crucial at the school level. These frameworks included metaphors and modeling, both of which reflected the policy signals received from the institutional environment. The leaders’ use of metaphors and modeling incorporated accountability policy into messages that encouraged constructive instructional practices, including data-driven analysis, project-based learning, and technology use.

Originality/value

– This paper broadens discussions about charter school leaders and accountability in three ways. First, it explores how school leaders interpret and adapt policy signals. Second, it delineates the frameworks used by charter school leaders to identify and make sense of accountability policy. Finally, this paper highlights the ways in which charter school leaders influence the teachers in their school buildings through shared sense-making.
Brand personality and brand equity: evidence from the sportswear industry
Authors: Su Jin , Tong Xiao
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the personalities of sportswear brands and their relationship to brand equity using Aaker’s methodology in the context of sportswear brands.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper used Aaker’s brand personality framework to empirically investigate the personality of sportswear brands and the impact of brand personality on brand equity based on data collected from 420 college students.

Findings

– Results revealed that the personality of sportswear brands can be described in seven dimensions and 53 personality traits: competence, attractiveness, sincerity, innovation, activity, excitement and ruggedness. The study identified that four dimensions among all the seven personality dimensions, namely, competence, attractiveness, Sincerity and innovation, are the positive and significant contributing factors to the creation and enhancement of sportswear brand equity.

Originality/value

– This study makes an important contribution to the understanding of brand personality and brand equity in the context of sportswear brands. It confirmed that consumers do associate particular brand personality dimensions with sportswear brands, and certain dimensions of brand personality have a direct impact on brand equity. The study showed that not all brand personality dimensions have the same influence in increasing the value of a sportswear brand from a consumer perspective, some dimensions being more efficient than others. The findings provide insights as to what dimensions of brand personality would deliver the best result in today’s competitive sportswear market.
Effects of pronoun brand name perspective and positioning on brand attitude
Authors: Kachersky Luke , Carnevale Marina
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relative effectiveness of the second-person pronoun perspective within a brand name (as in “You”Tube) and the first-person pronoun perspective (as in “i”Phone).

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on prior research on self-concept, general pronoun usage and the fit between branding tactics and positioning, it is predicted that “you” will garner more favorable consumer responses when the brand is positioned on social benefits, while “I” will garner more favorable responses when the brand is positioned on personal benefits. These predictions are tested in two experiments with US consumers.

Findings

– When the brand in the experiment was positioned for its social benefits, “you” elicited more favorable brand attitudes than “I”, while the opposite was true when the brand was positioned for its personal benefits. This effect tends to be stronger among those with higher self-esteem.

Practical implications

– Managers can make more informed pronoun brand name selections based on their brand’s intended positioning – if it is social, “you” should be used; if it is personal, “I” should be used.

Originality/value

– The influence of pronouns in brand names is still largely unexplored. This research is the first to examine “you” brand names and also sheds light on how another marketing variable – positioning – impacts consumer preference for pronoun brand names. Finally, this work shows that such effects are more pronounced for those with higher self-esteem.
How are brand names of Chinese companies perceived by Americans?
Authors: Fetscherin Marc , Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Chan Allan , Abbott Rachael
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to conduct an experimental design of Americans’ preferences for the English version of Chinese brand names by drawing from prior research in psychology, linguistics and marketing. The impact of string length and semantic relevance to English on meaningfulness, memorability and likeability of brand names from Chinese companies was assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 × 2 experimental design was used, whereby brand names are categorized by string length (short vs long) and semantic relevance to English (with vs without). Respondents’ perception of the Chinese language in terms of pronounceability, language familiarity and language attitude is used as covariate.

Findings

– Results reveal shorter brand names, and those with semantic relevance to English are perceived as more memorable. It was also found that pronounceability of the brand name does influence brand name preference in terms of their meaningfulness, memorability and likeability.

Research limitations/implications

– This exploratory paper is limited to Americans’ perceptions of the English version of Chinese automobile brand names.

Practical implications

– Chinese companies should therefore carefully consider the brand name characteristics in terms of string length and semantic relevance, as well as their ease of pronunciation when choosing and introducing their brand name in the USA.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper which assesses Western consumers’ perception of brand names from Chinese automobile companies in terms of their brand meaningfulness, brand memorability and brand likeability.
Perceived brand quality as a way to superior customer perceived value crossing by moderating effects
Authors: Vera Jorge
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the relationship between perceived brand quality (PBQ), customer perceived value (CPV) and disposition to pay a higher price (DHP) for a product. Such an assessment also seeks to determine if consumer involvement and brand performance measurements have moderating effects on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from a sample of n = 1,029 purchasers of six different product categories were analysed. The respondents evaluated a product with items based on involvement profile scales. The chosen brands were evaluated using perceived quality, value and brand performance items. Respondents were also asked if a higher price for the chosen product/brand would be paid. Structural modelling was implemented. To corroborate moderating effects, a nested comparison invariance test for structural weights was used.

Findings

– PBQ has a direct effect on CPV but not on DHP. CPV has a mild effect on DHP. Involvement and brand performance moderating effects were confirmed.

Originality/value

– Brand quality is assumed as a strategy to achieve a higher price disposition through customer value in contrast with previous empirical literature that puts the price as a sign of quality. DHP is argued as a measurement to indicate “superior customer perceived value”. This variable would be different from and more difficult to achieve than CPV.
Construal based marketing tactics for high quality versus low price market segments
Authors: Love Edwin , Okada Erica Mina
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to propose differential marketing tactics for high-quality products versus low-price products by building on construal level theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two studies were conducted, one using students and another using data collected from more than 7,000 online auctions.

Findings

– When consumers consider high-quality products, they use more abstract mental models, and when they consider low-price products, they use more concrete mental models. Differentiation based on primary features product is more effective for products that are positioned on quality, while differentiation based on the secondary features is more effective for products that are positioned on price. Also, marketing efforts to attract attention are more effective for products positioned on quality than those positioned on price.

Research limitations/implications

– This research focused on how consumers use different mental models for considering high-quality versus low-price product offerings but did not examine whether a given segment/consumer uses different models in considering high-quality versus low-price alternatives.

Practical implications

– Managers wishing to reinforce a high-quality position should focus on marketing efforts compatible with consumers’ high level construal by enhancing and highlighting the primary features, and drawing consumers’ attention to their product offerings. Managers wishing to reinforce a low-price positioning should focus on marketing efforts that are compatible with consumers’ low level construal by enhancing and highlighting secondary features.

Originality/value

– This research makes an important theoretical link between construal theory and brand positioning.
Elevated serum galectin‐9 levels in patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Nakajima Rina , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Oka Tomonori , Nakao Momoko , Kawaguchi Makiko , Suga Hiraku , Morimura Sohshi , Kai Hiromichi , Asano Yoshihide , Tada Yayoi , Kadono Takafumi , Sato Shinichi , Sugaya Makoto
Published: April 2015

Galectin‐9 is a member of the galectin family that has a wide spectrum of biological functions. Among them, galectin‐9 has been known mainly as a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils. In addition, galectin‐9 alters the T‐cell balance by negatively regulating T‐helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells, resulting in Th2 polarization. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin allergic disease characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, mast cell activation and predominance of Th2 cells. To investigate possible roles of galectin‐9 in AD, we measured serum galectin‐9 levels in AD patients and investigated galectin‐9 expression in lesional skin by immunohistochemistry. Serum galectin‐9 levels in patients with AD were significantly higher than those in healthy controls and correlated with the Eczema Area and Severity Index. Serum galectin‐9 levels were decreased after treatment, accompanied by improvement of skin lesions. Immunohistochemical study revealed that galectin‐9 was expressed on epidermal keratinocytes and mast cells in lesional skin of AD. Our results suggest that elevated galectin‐9 expression is associated with progression of AD and that galectin‐9 could be a therapeutic target in AD.
Developing fencing policies for dryland ecosystems
Authors: Durant Sarah M. , Becker Matthew S. , Creel Scott , Bashir Sultana , Dickman Amy J. , Beudels‐Jamar Roseline C. , Lichtenfeld Laly , Hilborn Ray , Wall Jake , Wittemyer George , Badamjav Lkhagvasuren , Blake Stephen , Boitani Luigi , Breitenmoser Christine , Broekhuis Femke , Christianson David , Cozzi Gabriele , Davenport Tim R. B. , Deutsch James , Devillers Pierre , Dollar Luke , Dolrenry Stephanie , Douglas‐Hamilton Iain , Dröge Egil , FitzHerbert Emily , Foley Charles , Hazzah Leela , Hopcraft J. Grant C. , Ikanda Dennis , Jacobson Andrew , Joubert Dereck , Kelly Marcella J. , Milanzi James , Mitchell Nicholas , M'Soka Jassiel , Msuha Maurus , Mweetwa Thandiwe , Nyahongo Julius , Rosenblatt Elias , Schuette Paul , Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio , Sinclair Anthony R. E. , Stanley Price Mark R. , Zimmermann Alexandra , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: April 2015

In dryland ecosystems, mobility is essential for both wildlife and people to access unpredictable and spatially heterogeneous resources, particularly in the face of climate change. Fences can prevent connectivity vital for this mobility.

There are recent calls for large‐scale barrier fencing interventions to address human–wildlife conflict and illegal resource extraction. Fencing has costs and benefits to people and wildlife. However, the evidence available for facilitating sound decision‐making for fencing initiatives is limited, particularly for drylands.

We identify six research areas that are key to informing evaluations of fencing initiatives: economics, edge permeability, reserve design, connectivity, ecosystem services and communities.

Policy implications. Implementing this research agenda to evaluate fencing interventions in dryland ecosystems will enable better management and policy decisions. The United Nations Conventions on Migratory Species (CMS) and to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) are appropriate international agreements for moving this agenda forward and leading the development of policies and guidelines on fencing in drylands.
Effect of pH on the formation of serum heat‐induced protein aggregates in heated yak milk
Authors: Xu Weiyi , He Shenghua , Ma Ying , Zhang Yixin , Li Qiming , Wang Lifeng , Wang Rongchun
Published: April 2015

Serum heat‐induced protein aggregates at various pH levels were isolated from heated yak milk by size‐exclusion fast protein liquid chromatography. Analysis by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography showed that β‐lactoglobulin and κ‐casein were the two main proteins in these aggregates. The amount of serum heat‐induced protein aggregates increased from pH 6.6 to 7.4, whereas the content of β‐lactoglobulin in aggregates decreased from 61.9% at pH 6.6 to 50.4% at pH 7.2, and then increased to 51.3% at pH 7.4. The content of κ‐casein, αs1‐casein and β‐casein increased from pH 6.6 to pH 7.4. These results show that serum heat‐induced protein aggregates are pH dependent.
The profile of gender equality issue attention in Western Europe
Authors: Annesley Claire , Engeli Isabelle , Gains Francesca
Published: April 2015

This article investigates the factors that drive governments to pay attention to gender equality issues and place them upon executive agendas. In line with studies of the dynamics of issue attention, which demonstrate the importance of investigating variability in the attention policy makers give to issue demands across policy domains, this article argues that policy issues related to gender equality are multidimensional and patterns in executive attention vary across the different types of gender issues. Multidimensionality of gender equality issues reflects different dynamics in agenda‐setting as different issues invoke contrasting constellations of political representation, institutional friction and veto points. To investigate this variation, this article proposes a twofold distinction between class‐based and status‐based gender equality issues and assesses the validity of three sets of explanations for when gender issues succeed in reaching executive agendas: women in politics, party ideology and economic performance. Drawing on governmental attention datasets from the Comparative Agendas Project, a systematic comparative quantitative analysis of the determinants of gender equality issue attention in five Western European countries is conducted. The main findings confirm that the mechanisms through which different types of gender equality issues gain executive attention differ according to the kind of the gender equality demand. Costly class‐based gender equality issues are more likely to receive executive attention when the economy is performing well, when there is a strong presence of Social Democrats and when there is a high proportion of female MPs. In contrast, economic performance, party politics and women's parliamentary presence do not seem to exert any impact on status‐based issues. Instead, critical actors in the government seem to be the strongest driver for attention over this second type of gender equality issue. This study contributes a gendered dimension to the policy agendas scholarship, adding theoretical and empirical depth to the understanding of how non‐core issues secure their place on full governmental agendas. By focusing on how to secure governmental attention for gender equality issues, the article makes a major contribution to understanding the initial genesis of gender equality policies.
Characterization of the roles of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 in prostate cancer development and progression
Authors: Fu Xian , Ren Ligang , Chen Jing , Liao Kaisen , Fu Yu , Qian Xiaoyu , Xiao Jiaquan
Published: April 2015

As negative feedback regulators of cytokine signaling, suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins are induced by interleukins and various peptide hormones and may prevent sustained activation of signaling pathways. In particular, suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOCS‐3) plays pivotal roles in the development and progression of various cancers and exerts pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In recent years, abnormal expression of SOCS‐3 and its multiple functions have been extensively investigated in human carcinomas, particularly in prostate cancer. SOCS‐3 can act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the cellular context. In this review, we focus on the role of SOCS‐3 in prostate cancer development and prognosis, as well as the potential of SOCS‐3 as a therapeutic target and diagnostic marker.
Consistency of written post‐operative patient information for common urological procedures
Authors: Davies Nicholas , Papa Nathan , Ischia Joseph , Bolton Damien , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: April 2015

Background

Following urological procedures, it is common for patients to receive written handouts containing pertinent post‐operative information and advice. This study aims to assess the consistency of procedure‐specific post‐operative advice provided to patients in Australia.

Methods

Post‐operative handouts for common urological procedures were obtained from a selection of Australian hospitals and practising urologists' websites. Handouts were examined for consistency with regard to post‐operative advice and the Flesch–Kincaid grade level was calculated to determine readability.

Results

In total, 209 handouts were reviewed comprising seven urological procedures. The majority of handouts provided information regarding expected symptoms (88%) and when to seek medical attention (70.8%). Overall, 85.2% of handouts provided advice about which activities should and should not be performed. Instructions for return to work (32.1%), driving (45.5%), sex (32.1%) and physical activity (56%) were less universal. Infection, bleeding, pain and swelling were the principal reasons to seek medical attention. Duration of expected symptoms and timing for resuming normal activities were the most common sources of discordance between handouts. The mean Flesch–Kincaid grade level was 9.7 with a range of 6.7 to 13.6. Only 9.6% of patient information handouts had a grade level of 8 or less and no handouts were at or below the suggested grade 6 readability level.

Conclusions

There is a significant degree of variability in written post‐operative advice provided to patients in Australia. Individual surgeons and hospitals should provide specific and tailored advice directly to their own patients, written at a grade level suitable for the majority to understand.
Insurance status and time to completion of surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Solomon Matthew , Cochrane Colin T. , Grieve David A.
Published: April 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the time to re‐operation, following inadequate loco‐regional surgery for breast cancer, between the public and private sectors of the Sunshine Coast region.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of all female patients undergoing guide wire‐localized, breast‐conserving surgery at Nambour General Hospital and in the local private sector from January 2009 until April 2010. The dates of initial consultation, operation, post‐operative consultation and any subsequent reoperation were recorded.

Results

One hundred and seventeen public sector patients and 113 private sector patients were identified during the study period. Thirty‐seven public patients (32%) and 46 private patients (41%) required re‐operation. This difference was not significant (χ2 = 2.06, degrees of freedom (df) = 1, P = 0.15). The mean time and standard error from the initial consultation to the first operation and re‐operation in the public sector was 26 (2.3) and 62 (3.8) days, and in the private sector was 12 (1.2) and 30 (4.4) days, respectively P < 0.001. On average, 70% of public patients and 96% of private patients completed the surgical component of their breast cancer management within the Queensland Health‐recommended time frame of 30 days (χ2 = 26, df = 1, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

While experiencing similar rates of re‐operative surgery in breast cancer management in the public and private sectors, the private sector deals with this issue in a more time efficient manner. An opportunity for intervention by quarantining theatre time is explored to improve the public sector time management.
Type 1 and type 2 autoimmune hepatitis in adults share the same clinical phenotype
Authors: Muratori P. , Lalanne C. , Fabbri A. , Cassani F. , Lenzi M. , Muratori L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is historically classified into type 1 and type 2 on the basis of the autoantibody profile, anti‐nuclear and/or anti‐smooth muscle antibodies being the serological markers of type 1 AIH, whereas anti‐liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1 and/or anti‐liver cytosol antibody type 1 characterise type 2 AIH.

Aim

To evaluate whether such a distinction is justified on the basis of different expression of the disease in adults.

Methods

Twenty‐six adult patients with type 2 AIH and 52 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with type 1 AIH, representative of the entire cohort of adults with type 1 AIH, were compared at onset and during follow‐up.

Results

At diagnosis, median age was 26 years (range 17–53), female sex 86%, acute presentation 43%, severe liver histology 54%, cirrhosis 14%, complete response to treatment 52%, progression of the disease 17%, and median disease duration 72 months (range 12–280). HLA‐DRB1*0301 was present in 26%, HLA‐DRB1*0401 in 23% and HLA‐DRB1*0701 in 25%. Clinical presentation, biochemical parameters, severe liver histology, genetic profile, response rate and progression of the disease were identical between type 1 and type 2 AIH.

Conclusion

There is not enough clinical, biochemical, histological or genetic reason to subdivide adults with autoimmune hepatitis into type 1 and type 2 on the basis of the autoantibody profile, and the term ‘autoimmune hepatitis’ without qualification should be preferred.
The devil in the detail: interpreting livelihood turbulence from a 25‐year panel study from Thailand
Authors: Rigg Jonathan , Salamanca Albert
Published: April 2015

Tracking and explaining patterns and trajectories of social and economic change in the global South is a key challenge for geographers. Panel studies, though rare, offer a particularly rich alternative insight to more usual cross‐sectional studies. Drawing on a 25‐year longitudinal panel study of two villages in rural Thailand, this paper reveals the complexities of the processes underway, the shifting terrains of explanation, and the surprises that are easily overlooked in cross‐sectional studies, particularly when it comes to household life chances and courses. The paper makes a case for the value of such approaches and the insights they can provide.
Performance management in a benchmarking regime: Quebec's municipal management indicators
Authors: Charbonneau Étienne , Bellavance François
Published: April 2015

Abstact

We study the occurrence of performance management in a provincially mandated, yet flexible, municipal performance regime in Quebec. Statistical analyses of the determinants of general, management, budgeting and reporting uses of performance information are performed for 321 municipalities. We combined perception data of uses and internal characteristics with archival data on socioeconomic and political characteristics and performance of municipal services. Our results reveal that the propensity of using performance information is not affected by operating in a small municipality or evolving in a hotly disputed political environment. The strongest predictors of performance management are performance and managerial attitudes facing performance measurement.
Health system performance reporting in Canada: Bridging theory and practice at pan‐Canadian level
Authors: Veillard Jeremy , Tipper Brenda , Allin Sara
Published: April 2015

Public reporting is increasingly used to enhance accountability and transparency and stimulate performance improvement in the public sector. In Canada performance reporting in the health sector is still in development, and involves a large number of actors. This article reports on the results of a recent intervention by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) to develop a platform for pan‐Canadian performance reporting (http://www.yourhealthsystem.cihi.ca). It describes approaches taken to: develop a conceptual framework; engage the public in the definition of performance reporting priorities; and select indicators for public reporting. This article also discusses conceptual, methodological and operational challenges as well as a proposed evaluation strategy.
Moral Psychological Perspectives on Distributive Justice and Societal Inequalities
Authors: Arsenio William F.
Published: April 2015

Concerns are growing about how societal resources are distributed in the United States and other countries. In this article, I argue that social domain theory (SDT), an approach within moral psychology, offers conceptual and methodological tools for addressing developmental changes in how individuals understand and morally evaluate the distribution of national resources. I summarize research indicating that American adults and adolescents underestimate actual levels of wealth inequality, while also sharing a consensus about ideal distribution of wealth that is far more equalitarian than their estimates of existing inequality. Then, I use several core features of SDT to examine age‐related changes in how adolescents begin to integrate moral (e.g., fairness) and nonmoral (e.g., efficiency) considerations when they think about how to distribute wealth and other societal resources. The overall focus of this review is on identifying and beginning to examine the intersection of moral psychology, political philosophy, and economic trends.
Emotion Analysis and Classification: Understanding the Performers' Emotions Using the LMA Entities
Authors: Aristidou Andreas , Charalambous Panayiotis , Chrysanthou Yiorgos
Published: April 2015

The increasing availability of large motion databases, in addition to advancements in motion synthesis, has made motion indexing and classification essential for better motion composition. However, in order to achieve good connectivity in motion graphs, it is important to understand human behaviour; human movement though is complex and difficult to completely describe. In this paper, we investigate the similarities between various emotional states with regards to the arousal and valence of the Russell's circumplex model. We use a variety of features that encode, in addition to the raw geometry, stylistic characteristics of motion based on Laban Movement Analysis (LMA). Motion capture data from acted dance performances were used for training and classification purposes. The experimental results show that the proposed features can partially extract the LMA components, providing a representative space for indexing and classification of dance movements with regards to the emotion. This work contributes to the understanding of human behaviour and actions, providing insights on how people express emotional states using their body, while the proposed features can be used as complement to the standard motion similarity, synthesis and classification methods.
Identifying endpoints to predict the influence of immunosuppression on long‐term kidney graft survival
Authors: Srinivas Titte R. , Oppenheimer Federico
Published: April 2015

Identifying a short‐term endpoint for use in clinical trials that accurately reflects the influence of specific immunosuppressive regimens on long‐term kidney graft survival is challenging. The number, timing, type (T‐cell‐mediated or antibody mediated), and severity of biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) episodes in terms of histological changes and functional impact are highly influential for graft prognosis, and a crude measure of overall acute rejection incidence alone is unlikely to be a robust predictor of graft outcome. A series of studies has shown remarkably consistent results in terms of the cutoff point for one‐yr renal function which predicts poor long‐term graft survival, indicating that a threshold of 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 is likely to be appropriate. Estimated glomerular filtration rate at one yr post‐transplant discriminates effectively among immunosuppressive regimens with regard to graft survival, primarily calcineurin inhibitor reduction strategies. Several other factors that can affect graft survival, such as pathological changes in the graft, may be partly influenced by the immunosuppressive regimen, but the contribution of drug therapy is difficult to define. A combined approach in which both treated BPAR and renal function at one yr are used to assess novel immunosuppressive regimens appears to be promising as the emphasis shifts toward sustaining kidney allograft survival over the long term.
Learning to Be. A Perspective from British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Halbert Judy , Kaser Linda
Published: April 2015

This article describes how learning to be, with a specific focus on social‐emotional competencies, has become part of the educational mindset — and educational policy — in British Columbia, Canada. The development of a set of learning progressions for social responsibility, an emphasis on social emotional learning in the new curriculum framework, the recognition of the importance of the First Peoples Principles of Learning and a disciplined approach to inquiry through school‐to‐school networks are strengthening the focus on learning to be across schools and communities.
Ribosomal RNA methyltransferases contribute to Staphylococcus aureus virulence
Authors: Kyuma Tatsuhiko , Kimura Satoshi , Hanada Yuichi , Suzuki Tsutomu , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Kaito Chikara
Published: April 2015

Post‐transcriptional modifications in rRNA, such as methylation, are observed in functionally important regions of the ribosome. The methyltransferases responsible for these modifications work as housekeeping enzymes to fine‐tune ribosomal function, and the roles of some methyltransferases become more evident under stress conditions. Recently, the 16S rRNA methyltransferases RsmI and RsmH, which are responsible for cytidine dimethylation at the decoding center of the ribosome, were identified in Escherichia coli. The physiological relevance of the rRNA modification, however, remains obscure. We identified rsmI and rsmH as novel virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus using a silkworm infection model. These genes induced 2′‐O‐ and N4‐methylations, respectively, of m4Cm1412 of S. aureus 16S rRNA. Deletion of either rsmI or rsmH in S. aureus attenuated the virulence of S. aureus in silkworms, and led to its sensitivity to oxidative stress. Dual luciferase assay revealed that the double‐knockout strain exhibited decreased translational fidelity under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, administration of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, a free‐radical scavenger, restored the killing ability of the double‐knockout strain against silkworms. These findings suggest that the methyl‐modifications of cytidine at position 1412 in 16S rRNA contribute to S. aureus animal killing by conferring resistance to oxidative stress in host animals.
TM6SF2 Glu167Lys polymorphism is associated with low levels of LDL‐cholesterol and increased liver injury in obese children
Authors: Grandone A. , Cozzolino D. , Marzuillo P. , Cirillo G. , Di Sessa A. , Ruggiero L. , Di Palma M. R. , Perrone L. , Miraglia del Giudice E.
Published: April 2015

Background

The Glu167Lys (E167K) transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) variant has been associated with liver steatosis, high alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and reduced plasma levels of liver‐derived triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate in a group of obese children the association among the 167K allele of TM6SF2 gene and ALT, cholesterol and triglycerides levels, and hepatic steatosis, and to evaluate the potential interaction between this variant and the I148M patatin like phospholipase 3 gene (PNPLA3) polymorphism on liver enzymes.

Methods

We genotyped 1010 obese children for TM6SF2 E167K and PNPLA3 I148M polymorphisms. Anthropometrical and biochemical data were collected. Ultrasound imaging of the liver was performed.

Results

The 167K allele showed an association with steatosis (P < 0.0001), higher ALT levels (P < 0.001) and lower total cholesterol (P < 0.00001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.02) and non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.000001). The subjects homozygous for the PNPLA3 148M allele carrying the rare variant of TM6SF2 showed an odds ratio of 12.2 (confidence interval 3.8–39.6, P = 0.000001) to present hypertransaminasaemia compared with the remaining patients.

Conclusion

Although the TMS6SF2 E167K variant predisposes the obese children to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, there is an association between this variant and lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, the data suggest differential effects of TMS6SF2 E167K variant on liver and heart health.
Effects of individual reminiscence therapy for older women living alone
Authors: Sok S.R.
Published: April 2015

Background

The loss of cognitive function and memory interrupts the independent activities of daily living of older women, and it eventually causes role loss, increased dependence, declining self‐esteem and low quality of life.

Aim

To examine the effects of the individual reminiscence therapy on memory self‐efficacy, memory practice, Mini Mental State Examination and quality of life for older Korean women living alone.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental pre‐test–post‐test control group design was employed. Seventy‐eight older women aged 65 and older who were living alone in Seoul and Gyeong‐gi‐do, Korea, was recruited through convenient sampling. Individual reminiscence therapy was applied for 1 h/week in the experimental group (40 subjects) for 4 weeks. A study questionnaire was designed to measure general characteristics, memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and quality of life.

Results

There were significant differences in the effects of individual reminiscence therapy on memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), and quality of life between experimental and control group.

Conclusion

Individual reminiscence therapy was an effective intervention for improving memory self‐efficacy, memory practice (immediate, delayed), cognitive function and quality of life of older Korean women living alone.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Individual reminiscence therapy can be utilized as a nursing intervention for improving memory, cognition and quality of life of older women in the nursing practice. Health policy needs to give attention to health issues of older women living alone. Individual reminiscence therapy can be utilized as a nursing intervention for improving memory, cognition and the quality of life of older women. Health policy needs to give attention to health issues of older women living alone.
Design and Synthesis of CdWO4:Sb3+ Phosphor Based on sp Energy Level Regularities of Sb3+ Ion
Authors: Wang Lili , Li Huibin , Guo Yunhua , Jiang Haiyan , Wang Qiang , Ren Chunyan , Shi Jinsheng
Published: April 2015

Sb3+‐activated CdWO4 phosphors were designed according to sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ ion in some inorganic compounds. The sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ in dozens of compounds were established with the aid of the dielectric theory of the chemical bond for complex crystals: EA = 6.2187−1.7584he, EB = 7.019−1.957he, EC = 7.259−1.964he. Environmental factor he of Cd site was calculated to be 1.6583 with the refined crystal structure and refractive index of CdWO4:Sb3+. Sb3+‐doped CdWO4 was synthesized through a precipitation method and its structure was refined with the General Structure Analysis System. The transition energy of A band of Sb3+ in CdWO4 can be predicted to be 3.312 eV (374 nm), according to the relationship equation between EA and environmental factor he. By monitoring the 521 nm emission band, the excitation spectrum gives a weak excitation band peaking at 355 nm, which was assigned to the 1S0–3P1 transition of Sb3+ according to our prediction. Thus, Sb3+‐doped CdWO4 phosphor was designed and synthesized successfully based on sp energy levels regularities of Sb3+ ion. This work is a great help to understand the spectroscopy of Sb3+ ion and will be useful for the design and development of Sb3+‐doped phosphors for applications.
Evolution in the Electronic Structure of Polymer‐derived Amorphous Silicon Carbide
Authors: Wang Kewei , Li Xuqin , Ma Baisheng , Zhang Min , Liu Jinling , Wang Yiguang , Zhang Ligong , An Linan
Published: April 2015

The electronic structure of polymer‐derived amorphous silicon carbide pyrolyzed at different temperatures was investigated by combining measurements of their temperature‐dependent conductivity and optical absorption. By comparing the experimental results with theoretical models, the parameters such as conduction band, band‐tail, defect energy, and Fermi energy were determined. The results revealed that band gap and band‐tail width decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Furthermore, it was found that electrons transport followed a band‐tail hopping mechanism, rather than variable range hopping. These results were discussed in accordance with the microstructural evolutions of the material.
Evolution in the Oxidation Valences and Sensitization Effect of Copper Through Modifying Glass Structure and Sn2+/Si Codoping
Authors: Lv Tian‐Shuai , Xu Xu‐Hui , Yu Xue , Qiu Jian‐Bei
Published: April 2015

Currently, coupling noble metal species with rare‐earth cations (REI) in amorphous materials has attracted persistent attention, owing to the significant rise in the emission intensity and nonlinear optical response, which allow various potential applications in photoelectric fields. However, the primary investigations are focused on Au‐ and Ag‐doped systems, and there are few systematic reports concerning the interaction between REI and the different oxidation states of copper so far. Herein, we demonstrated the evolution of copper oxidation valences from Cu2+ to Cu+, and then to Cu0 (Cu NPs), and the corresponding effects on Tb3+ emissions in borate glasses were systematically investigated by modifying glass structure and Sn2+/Si codoping. With increasing the ratio of B2O3 to Li2O, enhancement of reduction efficiency of Cu2+ to Cu+ was observed. Impressively, the ns2‐type Sn2+ emission centers not only generate efficient sensitizers for Tb3+ but also lead to efficient reduction in Cu2+ to Cu+. Based on absorption/transmittance, photoluminescence excitation/emission, and time‐resolved decay spectra, the interplay mechanisms between Tb3+ and the different valences of copper were discussed in detail.
Gd2O2S: Pr Scintillation Ceramics from Powder Synthesized by a Novel Carbothermal Reduction Method
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Yongsheng , Kou Huamin , Liu Shuping , Liu Heng , Shi Yun , Li Jiang , Feng Xiqi , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun
Published: April 2015

Gd2O2S: Pr ceramics were fabricated by spark plasma sintering using the powders synthesized by carbothermal reduction method. The calcination temperature, carbon content, and other preparation conditions of the powders are optimized. The results indicate that the carbon content in the raw mixture has a great influence on the final phases of the phosphor powders. A possible reaction process and mechanism are also proposed. The spectroscopic properties of Gd2O2S: Pr phosphors and ceramics are studied by the photoluminescence (PL) and X‐ray excitation luminescence (XEL) spectra, in which show a green emission at 513 nm was detected as the main emission under the UV and X‐ray excitation.
Individual seabirds show consistent foraging strategies in response to predictable fisheries discards
Authors: Patrick Samantha C. , Bearhop Stuart , Bodey Thomas W. , Grecian W. James , Hamer Keith C. , Lee Janette , Votier Stephen C.
Published: April 2015

Current fishing extraction methods often generate huge quantities of dead or dying biomass that is returned to the sea in the form of discards. This practice produces a readily available clumped resource for many scavengers such as seabirds, but in the face of declining stocks and via policy change, the amount of discards produced is set to decline in the future. To understand how discards have influenced seabird foraging in the past and how birds may respond to future change requires studies examining consistent individual foraging choices. There is increasing evidence that populations may be made up of generalist or specialist foragers and this is key to the population's ability to adapt to change. Here we test for consistent individual foraging behaviour of northern gannets Morus bassanus in relation to fishing vessels and examine consequences of scavenging behaviour in terms of foraging effort and body condition. Using a combination of bird‐borne bio‐logging devices (GPS and Time Depth Recorders) with high resolution GPS data acquired through vessel monitoring systems on fishing boats, we examined the overlap between birds and fisheries. We found that during repeat foraging trips in the same breeding season, gannets regularly foraged at fishing boats but there were also clear among individual differences in the extent of fisheries overlap. Furthermore, we show for the first time that these differences represent consistent strategies – individual differences in scavenging were highly repeatable across multiple trips within a period of several weeks. However, despite this finding, we found no differences in foraging effort or body condition between scavengers and non‐scavengers. Moreover, scavenging strategy did not appear to influence diving behaviour or vary by sex. Scavenging on discards appears to be a strategy employed consistently by a subsection of the population and future work should examine whether these specialisations persist throughout and between years and what causes these individual differences, exploring possible demographic and fitness consequences in light of global changes to fish stocks and fisheries management.
Non‐target effects of insecticides, entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes applied against western corn rootworm larvae in maize
Authors: Babendreier D. , Jeanneret P. , Pilz C. , Toepfer S.
Published: April 2015

Field studies were conducted in southern Hungary over two field seasons to assess potential non‐target effects of entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae), clothianidin‐coated seeds and tefluthrin granules applied into the soil against larvae of the chrysomelid Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, one of the major North American and European maize pests. From field gauze cages set up over groups of maize plants, 1944 specimens of non‐target ground‐dwelling or emerging arthropods from 22 taxa were collected. The most abundant taxa belonged to the Diptera, Araneae and Hemiptera. Multivariate statistics revealed significant effects of soil conditions, year and treatments on non‐target species composition. Soil parameters explained 10.5% of the overall variability in species composition. The application of biological control agents or insecticides for the control of Diabrotica larvae, together only slightly but significantly influenced non‐target species composition, explaining 5.6% of the data variability. When pairwise comparisons were conducted, no significant effects on non‐target compositions were detected for the entomopathogenic nematode, the entomopathogenic fungus, tefluthrin or clothianidin. However, clothianidin treatments tended to reduce densities of the beneficial arthropod taxa Coccinellidae, Hymenoptera, Araneae, and particularly Staphylinidae and Chrysopidae, whilst tefluthrin tended to reduce the Coleopteran families. No such trends were apparent for the two biological control agent treatments. Reasons for the small treatment effects on non‐targets may be the generally poor arthropod diversity in soils of intensive field crops such as maize, as well as the application of all agents into relatively narrow soil areas close to maize plants.
Five practices of efficient factories applied to dental education
Authors: Nalliah Romesh P.
Published: April 2015

Efficient factories, such as dental school clinics (DSC), are trying to improve the quality of their product by reducing inefficiencies, error rates, and wastage. Dental education is an expensive business for the student and the institution. Dental materials and equipment are costly, and students are novice providers who work slowly and inefficiently compared to an experienced dentist; this is not a good business model. The objective of this article was to present and apply five practices of efficient factories that could be applied to the DSC setting. I propose that this will lead to improved educational outcomes and improved patient outcomes in DSC.