bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel computing applied to inductance calculation for flexible inductors
Authors: Jeranče Nikola , Stojanović Goran , Samardžić Nataša , Kesler Daniel
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The motivation for this research work is the need for an efficient software tool for inductance calculation of components in flexible electronics. A software package PROVOD has been developed and it has produced very accurate results but the applied numerical method can lead to a huge amount of calculations. The aim of this research is to apply the parallel computing to this specific computational technique and to investigate the impact of increasing the number of parallel executing threads.

Design/methodology/approach

The largest possible amount of operations is put in parallel using the fact that the inductance between two segments is a sum of independent elements. OpenMP and Microsoft's Concurrency Runtime have been tested as parallel programming techniques.

Findings

Parallel computing with a different number of threads (up to 24) has been tested with OpenMP. A significant increase in computational speed (up to 21 times) has been obtained.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the available number of parallel processors.

Practical implications

Accurate and fast inductance calculation for flexible electronic components is possible to achieve. The impact of parallel processing is proven.

Social implications

The proposed method of calculation acceleration of inductances can be helpful in the design and optimization of new flexible devices in electronics.

Originality/value

Parallel computing is applied to the design of flexible electronic components. It is shown that a large number of parallel processors can be efficiently used in this type of calculation. The obtained results are interesting for people involved in the design of flexible components, and generally, for researchers/engineers dealing with similar electromagnetic problems.
Modeling of jitter in bang‐bang clock and data recovery circuits
Authors: Adrang Habib , Saleh Ghoreishi Seyed
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Bang‐bang clock and data recovery (BBCDR) circuits are hard nonlinear systems due to the nonlinearity introduced by the binary phase detector (BPD). The specification of the CDR frequency response is determined by jitter tolerance and jitter transfer. In this paper, jitter transfer and jitter tolerance of the BBCDR are characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented method is enough to be used for designing the BBCDR loop parameters.

Findings

In this paper, jitter characteristics of the BBCDR are characterized. As a result, a new equation is presented to obtain angular frequency. Also, the jitter tolerance is expressed in closed form as a function of loop parameters. The analysis is verified using behavioral simulations in MATLAB. Simulation results show that good conformance between analytical equations and simulation results.

Originality/value

The proposed approach offers two advantages compared to conventional designing methods. First, this approach does not consider any value restriction to the capacitor. Second, a new condition has been presented to guarantee that the value of jitter peaking is approximately zero.
Exploring green consumers' product demands and consumption processes
Authors: Pedro Pereira Luzio João , Lemke Fred
Published: April 2013

Purpose

There is a research gap in terms of understanding how green consumers perceive green products in a marketplace context. The purpose of this paper is to respond to this omission by exploring the green consumers' product demands and consumption processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with Portuguese green consumers are used to discuss potential key factors (reasons to buy green products, defining green product characteristics, feelings about pricing, perceived product confidence, willingness to compromise, environmental knowledge, consideration of alternatives, product's point of purchase and use and disposal).

Findings

The analysis indicates that green consumers represent an artificial segment and provides further empirical support to the definition of sustainability as a market‐oriented concept. The paper's findings suggest that mainstreaming green products is a more positive alternative than green segmentation.

Research limitations/implications

This research is exploratory in nature and the authors followed established guidelines to ensure objectivity. However, the study's findings are restricted to Portuguese green consumers and a replication in other countries would help to remove any potential country bias.

Practical implications

Sustainable businesses are eager to learn who the green consumer is in order to define this market segment. This may not represent the best strategy, however. Targeting green products to a niche market based only on intangible environmental or ethical values may not only be hindering the progress of sustainability as a market‐oriented concept but also missing the huge opportunity of gaining competitive advantage in the inevitable future marketplace.

Originality/value

Most marketing studies were unsuccessful in segmenting green consumers even “on average”, resulting in elusive and contradictory outcomes. Only very few studies are aimed at exploring the green consumer's behavior using qualitative research approaches. This paper explores the product demands of green consumers, as well as their consumption processes in detail.
Re‐investigating the nature of tangibility/intangibility and its influence on consumer experiences
Authors: Hellén Katarina , Gummerus Johanna
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Service scholars have questioned the usefulness of the concept of tangibility/intangibility as a characteristic of services for two reasons: first, it is ambiguous and does not differentiate between services and goods; and second, because all offerings, despite their characteristics, render service to customers. Consequently, scholars have suggested discarding the concept altogether. The purpose of this paper is to subject the concept to critical evaluation and argue that tangibility/intangibility is useful, because it influences consumers' experiences with offerings. In this paper, the authors argue that it is necessary to re‐conceptualise tangibility/intangibility to overcome the previous critique.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon empirical research from the service marketing and psychology literature in order to advance knowledge on the nature of tangibility/intangibility and its influence on the formation of consumer experiences.

Findings

It is proposed that tangibility/intangibility should be investigated from a consumer perspective, rather than an inherent characteristic in offerings. Also, it is shown that the concept is relevant for understanding consumer experience formation at different stages of the purchase process.

Originality/value

The paper provides propositions on the conceptualization of tangibility/intangibility and its relationship with pre‐, ongoing use and post‐purchase consumer experiences. The authors call for caution in dismissing tangibility/intangibility as a concept in the service marketing literature.
A Maslow's hierarchy of needs analysis of social networking services continuance
Authors: Cao Huanhuan , Jiang Jinhu , Oh Lih‐Bin , Li Hao , Liao Xiuwu , Chen Zhiwu
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs to extend the expectation‐confirmation model of information systems continuance (ECM‐IS) to analyze users' continuance intention of social networking services (SNSs).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted on 202 users of social networking services in China.

Findings

Fulfillment of self‐actualization needs has a significant impact on continuance intention; however, the direct impact of fulfillment of social needs on continuance intention is not significant but fully mediated by satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation is that the participants in the sample are undergraduates. Second, this study has used cross‐sectional survey data to empirically test the model. Third, the survey is conducted in a single country.

Practical implications

The results of this paper provide several marketing implications to better manage SNSs. First, SNS managers should enhance instant communication functions, develop a platform that is convenient for users to express themselves and provide more entertainment functions. Second, SNS managers should focus on users' expectations and experiences about website functions and adjust or update website functions accordingly.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the research on continuance intention of social networking services from the perspective of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to capture motivations of continuance intention. The authors believe their conceptualizations of fulfillment of self‐actualization needs and fulfillment of social needs, as well as their substantial findings, would be useful to researchers and practitioners alike to better study and manage continuance intention of socially‐oriented online services.
Recognizing employees: reification, dignity and promoting care in management
Authors: Islam Gazi
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop the idea of recognition in organizations, arguing that recognition is a fundamental building block of workplace dignity, and a key element of cultural respect in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

As a conceptual paper, the current work approaches discussions of human resource management through the lens of recognition theory, applying ideas of recognition and reification to workplace issues.

Findings

Workplace reification can be observed in diverse areas of human resource management, reflecting a “human capital” view of employees. The paper traces this view in terms of measurement and incentives, as well as individual and group diversity within the workplace.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on care in human resources by briding ideas from management and critical social theory, contributing to the former by couching workplace dignity in terms of social theoretic foundations of recognition, and contributing to the latter by showing how the workplace can form an important site for recognition.
Human resource performance metrics: methods and processes that demonstrate you care
Authors: Boyd Neil , Gessner Brooke
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the present analysis is to show that HR systems are not always designed in ways that consider the well‐being of employees. In particular, performance metric methods seem to be designed with organizational goals in mind while focusing less on what employees need and desire.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and multiple case‐study method was utilized.

Findings

The analysis showed that performance metrics should be revaluated by executives and HR professionals if they seek to develop socially responsible organizational cultures which care about the well‐being of employees.

Originality/value

The paper exposes the fact that performance appraisal techniques can be rooted in methodologies that ignore or deemphasize the value of employee well‐being. The analysis provides a context in which all HR practices can be questioned in relation to meeting the standards of a social justice agenda in the area of corporate social responsibility.
Transcending transmission
Authors: Schoeneborn Dennis , Trittin Hannah
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Extant research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication primarily relies on a transmission model of communication that treats organizations and communication as distinct phenomena. This approach has been criticized for neglecting the formative role of communication in the emergence of organizations. This paper seeks to propose to reconceptualize CSR communication by drawing on the “communication constitutes organizations” (CCO) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that explores the implications of switching from an instrumental to a constitutive notion of communication.

Findings

The study brings forth four main findings: from the CCO view, organizations are constituted by several, partly dissonant, and potentially contradictory communicative practices. From that viewpoint, the potential impact of CSR communication becomes a matter of connectivity of CSR to other practices of organizational communication. Communication practices that concern CSR should not be generally dismissed as mere “greenwashing” – given that some forms of talk can be action. Consequently, there is a need to investigate which specific speech acts create accountability and commitment in the context of CSR. The CCO view shows that CSR communication potentially extends the boundary of the organization through the involvement of third parties. Thus, it is fruitful to study CSR communication as a set of practices that aims at boundary maintenance and extension. Organizations are stabilized by various non‐human entities that “act” on their behalf. Accordingly, CSR communication should also take into account non‐human agency and responsibility.

Originality/value

This paper links the literature on CSR communication to broader debates in organizational communication studies and, in particular, to the CCO perspective. By applying the CCO view, it reconceptualizes CSR communication as a complex process of meaning negotiation.
Ionic contaminations level and cleaning flip chip BGA package via a new cleaning solvent technology
Authors: Boon Kar Yap , Azrina Talik Noor , Sauli Zaliman , Chee Seng Foong , Chou Yong Tan , Retnasamy Vithyacharan
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the effects of ionic contaminations on the die surface of high lead flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) package. Ionic contaminations from the flux residue, formed during the die attachment process, could affect the package long‐term performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, the flux‐cleaning process was implemented and the cleanliness effect was evaluated. Cleaning experiments using a new water‐based solvent were carried out to investigate the flux‐cleaning efficiency. The test packages were then evaluated via ion chromatography (IC).

Findings

Ion chromatograms show that there are high levels of ionic elements detected prior to the cleaning process. After the cleaning process, the contamination levels reduced significantly.

Originality/value

The value of the work here is testing of the new environmental friendly water‐based MPC® cleaning efficiency. The reduction of ionic contamination is thus reported.
Engineering innovative mobile data services
Authors: Al‐Debei Mutaz M. , Al‐Lozi Enas , Fitzgerald Guy
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analytically develop a reference model for engineering (i.e. analysis, design, development, evaluation, delivery, maintenance, modification, and management) powerful value networks capable of creating innovative mobile data services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paradigm followed is that of design‐science research (DSR) which incorporates two main iterative processes: build and evaluate. For building the model (i.e. the design science artifact in this research), the authors followed three iterations: literature review analysis; semi‐structured interviews analyzed through content analysis; and examination of real‐life case studies. But for evaluating the model, the authors utilized the NTT DoCoMo's i‐mode case.

Findings

This paper puts forward a novel model for engineering value networks of mobile innovations. This model is composed of seven design constructs and their relationships. The developed model is argued to provide significant utility for telecoms in helping them to identify and design powerful value networks following a systematic and practical approach.

Research limitations/implications

The data sources is somewhat limited and the sample is somewhat small which may result in lack of sufficient statistical power. Moreover, the analysis may have overlooked some important concepts and theories related to innovations and value networks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current body of knowledge about how telecoms can best analyze and design their value networks in an approach that maximizes the potential of developing innovative mobile data services.
A co‐creation platform for post‐occupancy decision support
Authors: Piroozfar Poorang , Adeyeye Kemi , Rosenkind Micah , Winstanley Graham
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on partial findings of a research project on post‐occupancy design in school projects. It provides a brief review of key factors, and major players in post‐occupancy processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Subsequent to literature review for the research, the primary data was obtained from a steering group (stakeholder forum) comprising of a sample of primary and secondary school representatives, local authorities and building professionals. Following the data collection, visits were arranged to the selected schools, and local councils and semi‐structured interviews with school and council authorities were carried out. At the same time, research meeting and directed studies were held to best explore the applications for devising the toolkit. Simulated and real cases for making decisions in post‐occupancy design were selected to devise a model‐base to test out the applicability of the devised prototype of the toolkit.

Findings

This study provided clarification on the post‐occupancy performance and practicable expectations of major parties in school projects with special reference to the development stage of the proposed toolkit. The qualitative and quantitative data collected, confirmed that a real‐time updateable support system for decisions is required for making the most reasonable decisions where multi‐criteria/multi‐agent decision is inevitable. The principles of co‐creation of knowledge and value, as suggested in manufacture and service industries, were investigated to inform the underlying design platform for the toolkit. The decision support systems for multi‐criteria decision making processes were also established so that the toolkit can take a full account of the achievements in this area.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the complexities involved in the post‐occupancy decision processes in school projects. Also, the pressing need for a system to assist in streamlining the information flow (particularly upwards, from the schools to the LA) and management of knowledge to facilitate design decisions is identified. The decision processes need to be more integrated, collaborative and inclusive. It also acknowledges that decision making in post‐occupancy processes, is an evolving process. The main contribution of this paper however, remains to be how the collaborative processes were streamlined for all the stakeholders to work together and co‐create knowledge and value to devise a platform.
Changing values in the modern public sector: the need for value‐based leadership
Authors: Busch Tor , Wennes Grete
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The past 30 years have been a period marked by extensive modernisation programmes in the public sector. Principles taken from the New Public Management agenda have been adopted, and market solutions have been implemented across a broad range of service areas. These reforms have challenged the existing organisational culture of many public sector institutions. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there has been a detectable change in the dominant values found in professional organisations within the public sector over the past decade, and if so, what challenges the leaders are faced with as a result of these changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data are based on a quantitative survey of leaders in a large Norwegian municipality with a total population of 189 such leaders. Of these, 155 returned the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 82 per cent.

Findings

The results of the study show that two central values connected to the New Public Management agenda have gained increased importance over recent years – namely “meeting the needs of individual users”, and “renewal/innovation”. Of the listed values perceived as having become more important, these were ranked as the top two. At the same time, values traditionally associated with the public ethos continue to enjoy a strong position, whereas purely economic values remain relatively insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

All in all, this study shows that the landscape of values in the public sector is changing, and there are strong indications that traditional values have come under pressure from new values embedded in the on‐going institutional reforms.

Originality/value

The paper shows that in a situation where values are changing, leaders may need to put greater emphasis on value‐based leadership.
Leaders, critical friends, and the education community
Authors: Taylor Rosemarye T. , Storey Valerie A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Professional practice doctorate programs’ purpose is to prepare practitioners in the industry to lead and solve current and future complex problems with the application of research. The authors aim to argue that leadership, critical friends, and engagement of the education community together have the potential to assist in enhancing professional practice doctorate graduates’ outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

From three case studies of redesign and implementations of Ed. D. programs associated with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, the authors discuss how distributed leadership and implementation of contemporary motivational concepts within a university empowers and incentivizes faculty to develop and enhance effectiveness of professional practice doctorates.

Findings

The concept of critical friends, those who are not invested in a specific situation, can provide objective and fresh insight and is applied as a reform strategy. Engaging the industry, that is, the education community, to further in‐context experiences for both faculty and graduate students provides not only venues for research and continual updates in the field, but also access to data, participants, and information needed for both doctoral dissertations in practice, but also faculty research. The authors conclude that the three concepts support enhancement of effectiveness of professional practice doctorate programs and accountability for graduates’ impact in the workplace.

Originality/value

The authors’ analyses of two professional doctorate programs generated three themes as important contributors to the (re)design, implementation, and evaluation of the Ed.D.: leaders, critical friends, and the education community. By considering the roles of leaders, critical friends, and the education, a conceptual model can be developed to support success.
Managing team performance: saying and paying
Authors: Rowland Caroline
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In a turbulent economic climate, characterised by pressures to improve productivity and reduce costs, performance management has a more central role in helping to ensure competitive advantage. A focus on teamwork has become an almost universal feature of performance management in modern organizations. It is essential that messages concerning teamwork and rewards are clear and seen to be fair if they are to bring about commitment to discretionary effort, which is increasingly a key feature in gaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to focus on whether employee perceptions of the fairness of performance management systems have an impact on the effectiveness of team performance and discretionary effort.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the concepts of equity and motivation to explore the outcomes, procedures and implementation of teamwork in contemporary organizations. It draws on a range of theoretical frameworks from both philosophy and social science, examines current practices and experiences and considers future trends. Empirical research includes a ten‐year study of practising managers and also ethnography, questionnaires and interviews in two large manufacturing and service organizations.

Findings

Investigations show that the espoused theory of organizations concerning the need for teamwork is often at odds with their theory in use. This frequently creates both actual and perceived injustice in organizations and a tension between managing performance and encouraging engagement, which is dependent on perceptions of fairness.

Practical implications

The paper shows that organizations are sending out mixed messages that are causing tensions which may affect productivity.

Originality/value

This research opens a debate that seeks to assess the contribution of teamwork to the achievement of an organization's goals and how this may be applied in the practice of performance management.
Evidence‐based HRM: a scholarship perspective with a difference
Authors: Lange Thomas
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the new journal, its inspirations, scope and ambitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews selected strands of the literature on evidence‐based scholarship and discusses some of the observations and remedial recommendations made in the literature to bring research, policy and practice closer together.

Findings

Drawing on these observations and recommendations, the paper highlights the roles our authors and their published works can play when contributing to an evidence‐based HR research agenda. Building on these insights, the paper arrives at the journal's editorial vision and encourages the production of scholarly empirical research articles that have a high impact on the HR field as a whole. Embracing the richness of contributions from multiple disciplines and supporting a thematic diversity in the international HR arena, the paper introduces and explains the core principlesEBHRMstrives to encourage and promote: empirical robustness, analytical rigourandpractical significance.

Originality/value

In the spirit of these arguments, the paper makes the case for taking on the challenge of moving scholarship, policy and practice closer together and introduces the first contributions.
The bonus as hygiene factor: the role of reward systems in the high performance organization
Authors: de Waal André , Jansen Paul
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The ongoing debate about the effects of bonuses on managers’ performance and the role of reward systems in organizations has still not led to a unanimous conclusion among academics and practitioners. Those in favor of bonuses state that applying bonuses and putting emphasis on monetary rewards increases productivity and organizational performance, while those against bonuses claim that use of bonuses and monetary rewards leads to counterproductive results. A key question often overlooked in the discussion is: How important is handing out bonuses for an organization to become and stay successful for a longer period of time? This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the results of research into the characteristics of “high performance organizations” (HPOs) and the role of bonuses and reward systems in creating and maintaining HPOs.

Findings

The research results show that use of bonuses or implementation of certain types of reward systems have neither a positive nor a negative effect on organizational performance. This may be explained by the fact that reward systems are a hygiene factor for an organization. If an organization does not have an appropriate reward system (whether or not including bonuses), it will run into trouble with its employees and have difficulty improving its performance. If it does – a situation which employees expect and consider to be normal – it can start working on becoming an HPO.

Originality/value

The results of this study further the discussion about the role of bonuses.
Evolutionary adaptation in three‐way interactions between plants, microbes and arthropods
Authors: Biere Arjen , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: April 2013

Evolutionary adaptations in interactions between plants, microbes and arthropods are generally studied in interactions that involve only two of these groups, that is, plants and microbes, plants and arthropods or arthropods and microbes.

We review the accumulating evidence from a wide variety of systems, including plant‐ and arthropod‐associated microbes, and symbionts as well as antagonists, that selection and adaptation in seemingly two‐way interactions between plants and microbes, plants and arthropods and arthropods and microbes are often driven by the biotic context of a third partner.

We extend the concept of local adaptation from two‐way interactions to scenarios for three‐way interactions. We show that consumers can locally adapt to specific host phenotypes that are induced by a third species with which they do not directly interact. This emphasizes that indirect interactions have not only ecological but also important evolutionary consequences, and stresses the need to conduct studies of local adaptation in the proper ecological context of the species involved.

Overall, our review underlines the importance of three‐way interactions in the evolution of plant–microbe, plant–arthropod and arthropod–microbe interactions, and we outline some promising directions for future research.
RubisCO‐based CO2 fixation and C1 metabolism in the actinobacterium Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190
Authors: Grostern Ariel , Alvarez‐Cohen Lisa
Published: April 2013

Pseudonocardia is an actinobacterial genus of interest due to its potential biotechnological, medical and environmental remediation applications, as well as for the ecologically relevant symbiotic relationships it forms with attine ants. Some Pseudonocardia spp. can grow autotrophically, but the genetic basis of this capability has not previously been reported. In this study, we examined autotrophy in Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190, which can grow using H2 and CO2, as well as heterotrophically. Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of CB1190 cells grown with H2/bicarbonate implicated the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle in growth‐supporting CO2 fixation, as well as a [NiFe] hydrogenase‐encoding gene cluster in H2 oxidation. The CBB cycle genes are evolutionarily most related to actinobacterial homologues, although synteny has not been maintained. Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase activity was confirmed in H2/bicarbonate‐grown CB1190 cells and was detected in cells grown with the C1 compounds formate, methanol and carbon monoxide. We also demonstrated the upregulation of CBB cycle genes upon exposure of CB1190 to these C1 substrates, and identified genes putatively involved in generating CO2 from the C1 substrates by using RT‐qPCR. Finally, the potential for autotrophic growth of other Pseudonocardia spp. was explored, and the ecological implications of autotrophy in attine ant‐ and plant root‐associated Pseudonocardia discussed.
Elemental composition of natural populations of key microbial groups in Atlantic waters
Authors: Grob Carolina , Ostrowski Martin , Holland Ross J. , Heldal Mikal , Norland Svein , Erichsen Egil S. , Blindauer Claudia , Martin Adrian P. , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Scanlan David J.
Published: April 2013

Intracellular carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of marine phytoplankton and bacterioplankton can vary according to cell requirements or physiological acclimation to growth under nutrient limited conditions. Although such variation in macronutrient content is well known for cultured organisms, there is a dearth of data from natural populations that reside under a range of environmental conditions. Here, we compare C, N and P content of Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus, low nucleic acid (LNA) content bacterioplankton and small plastidic protists inhabiting surface waters of the North and South subtropical gyres and the Equatorial Region of the Atlantic Ocean. While intracellular C:N ratios ranged between 3.5 and 6, i.e. below the Redfield ratio of 6.6, all the C:P and N:P ratios were up to 10 times higher than the corresponding Redfield ratio of 106 and 16, respectively, reaching and in some cases exceeding maximum values reported in the literature. Similar C:P or N:P ratios in areas with different concentrations of inorganic phosphorus suggests that this is not just a response to the prevailing environmental conditions but an indication of the extremely low P content of these oceanic microbes.
Sexual Dimorphism of the Fetal Ilium: A 3D Geometric Morphometric Approach with Multislice Computed Tomography
Authors: Mokrane Fatima‐Zohra , Dedouit Fabrice , Gellée Stéphane , Sans Nicolas , Rousseau Hervé , Rougé Daniel , Telmon Norbert
Published: April 2013

Adult sexual dimorphism is well established. However, data regarding fetuses are sparse with contradictory results. Our study aimed to look for fetal sexual dimorphism. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) examinations and three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were recorded on 93 fetal iliac bones aged between 21 and 40 weeks of amenorrhea (WA). The collection was divided into two age groups, with a cutoff at 30 WA. The 3D geometric morphometric analysis was based on outline analysis. We used elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) because of the difficulty of landmark positioning. Step‐by‐step reconstructions allowed a better comprehension of the fine shape details. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed on the two age groups. Results did not show any difference between male and female shapes, in both age groups. We demonstrate the feasibility of outline analysis for immature shapes, but sexual dimorphism has not been established in our collection.
Acute Bacterial Meningitis with Coincident Methamphetamine Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Heninger Michael , Collins Kim A.
Published: April 2013

Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that can adversely affect the central nervous system and the immune system. Through various mechanisms, methamphetamine is toxic to neurons, endothelial cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and macrophages resulting in systemic damage. Reported is the sudden demise of an otherwise healthy 31‐year‐old woman with a history of stimulant abuse. At autopsy, acute bacterial meningitis was identified. Microbiology cultures grew a single isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Toxicology was positive for amphetamine (0.13 mg/L) and methamphetamine (0.8 mg/L). The cause of death was classified as acute bacterial meningitis with methamphetamine use. Either the acute bacterial meningitis or the methamphetamine toxicity would have been sufficient to result in death; however, the concurrent pathophysiology of the two entities must be understood. A review of the current literature assesses the mechanisms of injury attributed to acute and chronic methamphetamine use, bacterial meningitis, and the synergy between the two.
Bacterial communities associated with Brassica napus L. grown on trace element‐contaminated and non‐contaminated fields: a genotypic and phenotypic comparison
Authors: Croes S. , Weyens N. , Janssen J. , Vercampt H. , Colpaert J.V. , Carleer R. , Vangronsveld J.
Published: April 2013

Cultivable bacterial strains associated with field‐grown Brassica napus L. (soil, rhizosphere and roots) from a trace elements (Cd, Zn and Pb) contaminated field and a non‐contaminated control field were characterized genotypically and phenotypically. Correspondence analysis of the genotypic data revealed a correlation between soil and rhizosphere communities isolated from the same field, indicating that local conditions play a more important role in influencing the composition of (rhizosphere) soil bacterial communities than root exudates. In contrast, endophytic communities of roots showed a correlation between fields, suggesting that plants on the two fields contain similar obligate endophytes derived from a common seed endophytic community and/or can select bacteria from the rhizosphere. The latter seemed not very likely since, despite the presence of several potential endophytic taxa in the rhizosphere, no significant correlation was found between root and rhizosphere communities. The majority of Cd/Zn tolerant strains capable of phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indole‐3‐acetic acid production and showing 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase capacity were found in the rhizosphere and roots of plants growing on the contaminated field.
Response to: a new method for estimating animal abundance with two sources of data in capture–recapture studies
Authors: Bonner Simon
Published: April 2013

Mark–recapture studies that rely on multiple marks to identify individuals pose modeling challenges if the marks for each individual are not always linked. If an individual with unlinked marks is encountered on two occasions and different marks are observed, then it will appear that two different individuals were captured. Failing to account for these missed matches will produce incorrect inference.

Madon et al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2011; 2: 390) proposes a modification of the Jolly‐Seber estimator for such data computed by adjusting the observed counts of individuals first captured, recaptured or not captured but known to be alive on each occasion. The adjustment involves multiplying each of these counts by a constant factor, , intended to correct for double counting of individuals and constrained between 0 and 1. Results of a simulation study provided in Madon et al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2011; 2: 390) show that the proposed estimator is almost unbiased, but its uncertainty is underestimated and the true coverage of confidence intervals is consistently below the nominal value.

I compute separate adjustment factors for each of the counts and show (i) that a constant adjustment is not appropriate and (ii) that the theoretical adjustment factor is sometimes >1. I believe that the use of a single adjustment factor between 0 and 1 is what causes the uncertainty to be underestimated and that complete models of the observation process are required to obtain valid results.
Tracking and fixed ranking of leukocyte telomere length across the adult life course
Authors: Benetos Athanase , Kark Jeremy D. , Susser Ezra , Kimura Masayuki , Sinnreich Ronit , Chen Wei , Steenstrup Troels , Christensen Kaare , Herbig Utz , von Bornemann Hjelmborg Jacob , Srinivasan Sathanur R. , Berenson Gerald S. , Labat Carlos , Aviv Abraham
Published: April 2013

Short leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with atherosclerosis in adults and diminished survival in the elderly. LTL dynamics are defined by LTL at birth, which is highly variable, and its age‐dependent attrition thereafter, which is rapid during the first 20 years of life. We examined whether age‐dependent LTL attrition during adulthood can substantially affect individuals' LTL ranking (e.g., longer or shorter LTL) in relation to their peers. We measured LTL in samples donated 12 years apart on average by 1156 participants in four longitudinal studies. We observed correlations of 0.91–0.96 between baseline and follow‐up LTLs. Ranking individuals by deciles revealed that 94.1% (95% confidence interval of 92.6–95.4%) showed no rank change or a 1 decile change over time. We conclude that in adults, LTL is virtually anchored to a given rank with the passage of time. Accordingly, the links of LTL with atherosclerosis and longevity appear to be established early in life. It is unlikely that lifestyle and its modification during adulthood exert a major impact on LTL ranking.
The Drivers and the Stock Market Assessment of Internal Capital Market: Evidence from Business Groups in Korea
Authors: Joh Sung Wook , Kim Meong Ae
Published: April 2013

Using actual equity transactions between member firms in Korean business groups, we examine the effect of firm characteristics on transaction magnitude and the stock market's response to investment in the internal capital market (ICM). On the acquiring firm's side, financial slack is positively associated but controlling shareholder ownership is negatively associated with transaction magnitude. Profitability (leverage) of the issuing firm is negatively (positively) associated with transaction magnitude. Growth of the firms involved in the transaction does not affect the transaction magnitude or the stock market's response. The stock market responds negatively to diversification and large cash of the acquiring firm. Our findings suggest that idle cash of a firm with high ownership of minority shareholders is the source of funds in ICM, and such funds are directed to poorly performing affiliated firms, which are under the influence of the same controlling shareholder.
Asymmetric Foreign Exchange Exposure, Option Trade, and Foreign Currency‐Denominated Debt: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Bae Sung C. , Kwon Taek Ho
Published: April 2013

We examine the measurement and determinants of asymmetric foreign exchange exposure with a focus on the role of firms' usage of foreign currency‐denominated debt (FCDD). Employing a large sample of Korean firms, we find significant asymmetries in exchange exposure. We also find that firms with dollar‐denominated debt exhibit substantially lower asymmetries in exchange exposure than firms without such debt. Most interestingly, both a firm's export ratio and dollar‐denominated debt ratio are significantly related to its asymmetric exposure but in the opposite direction. In contrast, a firm's option trading has little impact on its asymmetric exchange exposure. Consistent with the FCDD effect hypothesis, these results provide strong evidence that increased asymmetries in exchange exposure resulting from exporting activities can be effectively reduced by the usage of FCDD. Our results offer a broadly applicable implication that firms with high asymmetric exchange exposure can effectively manage their exchange risk from operating activities by selectively using exporting and FCDD financing.
When Payouts Pay Off: Conditional Cash Transfers and Voting Behavior in Brazil 2002–10
Authors: Zucco Cesar
Published: April 2013

This article estimates the electoral effects of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in three presidential elections in Brazil. It analyzes municipal‐level electoral results and survey data and employs matching techniques to reduce causal inference problems typical of observational studies. Results show that CCTs are associated with increased performance by the incumbent party presidential candidate in all three elections but that these effects have been reaped by incumbents from different parties. It also shows that CCTs have had no discernible impacts on party identification and the performance of incumbent parties in legislative elections. Together, these findings suggest that CCTs are significant in the short run, but lack the capacity to induce substantial long‐term voter realignments.
Prognostic value of tissue protein expression levels ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) in Danish ovarian cancer patients. From the ‘MALOVA’ ovarian cancer study
Authors: Heeran Mel C. , Høgdall Claus K. , Kjaer Susanne K. , Christensen Lise , Jensen Allan , Blaakaer Jan , Christensen IB Jarle , Høgdall Estrid V.S.
Published: April 2013

The primary objective of this study was to assess the expression ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) in tumour tissues from 808 patients with epithelial ovarian tumours. The second was to evaluate, whetherMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) tissue expression levels correlate with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of the disease. Using tissue arrays (TA), we analysed theMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression levels in tissues from 202 women with borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) (177 stage I, 5 stage II, 19 stage III, 1 stage IV) and 606 ovarian cancer (OC) patients (177 stage I, 64 stage II, 311 stage III, 54 stage IV). Using a 10% cut‐off level forMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) overexpression, 12% of theBOTs and 51% of theOCswere positive forMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression. The frequency ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression‐positiveOCincreased with increasingFIGOstage (p = 0.003), increasing histological grade (p ≤ 0.0001), and a significantly different distribution ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) positive and negative tumours were found in adenocarcinomaNOS, serous adenocarcinomas, mucinous adenocarcinomas, endometrioid adenocarcinomas, non‐epithelial and clear‐cell carcinomas (p = 0.016). Univariate Kaplan–Meier survival analysis performed on allOCcases showed a significant shorter disease specific survival in patients with positiveMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression in the tumour tissue (p ≤ 0.0001). In a Cox survival analysis including 606FIGOstages I to IVOCcases,FIGOstage (II vs I:HR = 3.00, 95%CI: 1.81–4.99, III–I:HR = 6.41, 95%CI: 3.90–10.50, IV vs I:HR = 12.69, 95%CI: 7.21–22); age at diagnosis pr.10 years (HR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.15–1.40), residual tumour after surgery (HR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.40–2.73) andMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression (HR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.08–1.60) had a significant independent impact on survival. Histological grade (p = 0.14) and histological tumour type (p = 0.35) had no significant independent impact on survival. In conclusion, our results predict that an increased level ofMIB‐1 (Ki‐67) expression in tumour tissue, points to a less favourable outcome forOCpatients.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the role and relationship between Notch‐1 and Oct‐4 expression in urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , El‐Wahed Moshira Mohammed Abd , Kandil Mona Abd‐Elhalim , Samaka Rehab Monir , Elkady Noha
Published: April 2013

Most tumors contain a minor population of cancer stem cells that are responsible for tumor heterogeneity, resistance to therapy and recurrence. Oct‐4 is a transcription factor responsible for self‐renewal of stem cells, whereas the Notch family of receptors and ligands may play a pivotal role in the regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation. This study aimed at an evaluation of Oct‐4 and Notch‐1 expression in both carcinoma and stromal cells of 83 cases of primary bladder carcinoma and to study the relationship between them. Notch‐1 was expressed in carcinoma and stromal cells of all malignant cases, where expression in both cell types was correlated with parameters indicating differentiation, such as low grade (p < 0.05) and less proliferation (p < 0.05). However, Notch‐1 expression in stromal cells was associated with nodal metastasis (p = 0.016) and advanced stage (p = 0.030). 56.6 and 75.9% of carcinoma and stromal cells of malignant cases showed Oct‐4 expression, respectively. Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells or stromal cells was associated with aggressive features of bladder carcinoma, such as poor differentiation (p = 0.001), high proliferation (p < 0.001, 0.030), and liability for recurrence (p = 0.010, p < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between Notch‐1 and Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells (p = 0.002), but stromal expression of Notch‐1 was found to be associated with a nuclear pattern of Oct‐4 expression in carcinoma cells (p = 0.030). Oct‐4 as a stem cell marker is expressed in carcinoma cells and in stromal cells of bladder carcinoma, where they may cooperate in the progression of bladder carcinoma by acquiring aggressive features, such as a liability for recurrence and dissemination. Notch‐1 is also expressed in both carcinoma cells and stromal cells of bladder carcinoma. Although they could share in enhancing differentiation, stromal expression of Notch‐1 may have a bad impact, possibly through up‐regulation of the active nuclear form of Oct‐4 in carcinoma cells.
Neurosyphilis and psychosis
Authors: Wahab Suzaily , Md. Rani Shahrul Azmin , Sharis Othman Syazarina
Published: April 2013

Neurosyphilis may presents with a range of psychiatric symptoms. This report illustrates a case of neurosyphilis in a man who presented with psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. Clinical findings and investigations done in the present case showed positive results for syphilis. Reduction of symptoms was noted after treatment with antibiotic. This case further highlights the importance of having high index of suspicion for neurosyphilis in patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms.