bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional dynamics and organizations affecting the adoption of sustainable development in the United Kingdom and Brazil
Authors: Abreu Mônica Cavalcanti Sá de , Cunha Larissa Teixeira da , Barlow Claire Y.
Published: July 2014

This paper provides an exploratory comparative assessment of the institutional pressures influencing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a developed country, UK, vs. a developing country, Brazil, based on a survey of different actors. Information on sustainability concerns, organizational strategies and mechanisms of pressure was collected through interviews with environmental regulatory agencies, financial institutions, media and non‐governmental organizations. Our results confirm that the more advanced awareness and CSR responsiveness in the UK is a consequence of a predominance of coercive and normative forces on the organizational field. The institutional forces tend to build a Brazilian organizational field that is relational based and risk intensive. The findings lend support to the view that CSR responses are unlikely to be easily transformed into uniform standardized practices across the globe. This paper contributes to a collective understanding of the organizational field and a common template for CSR in the context of developed and developing countries.
Deep‐sourced gas seepage and methane‐derived carbonates in the Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Donda Federica , Forlin Edy , Gordini Emiliano , Panieri Giuliana , Buenz Stefan , Volpi Valentina , Civile Dario , De Santis Laura
Published: July 2014

In the Northern Adriatic Sea, the occurrence of gas seepage and of unique rock outcrops has been widely documented. The genesis of these deposits has recently been ascribed to gas venting, leading to their classification as methane‐derived carbonates. However, the origin of seeping gas was not clearly constrained. Geophysical data collected in 2009 reveal that the gas‐enriched fluid vents are deeply rooted. In fact, the entire Plio‐Quaternary succession is characterized by widespread seismic anomalies represented by wipe‐out zones, and interpreted as gas chimneys. They commonly root at the base of the Pliocene sequence but also within the Palaeogene succession, where they appear to be associated to deep‐seated faults. We suggest that there is a structural control on chimney distribution. Chimneys originate and terminate at different stratigraphic levels; commonly they reach the seafloor, where authigenic carbonate deposits form locally. Gas analyses of some gas bubble streams just above the rock outcrops reveal that gas is composed mainly of methane. Geochemical analyses performed at four selected outcrop sites show that these deposits formed as a consequence of active gas venting. In particular, geochemical analyses indicate carbonate precipitation from microbial oxidation of methane‐rich fluids, although a straightforward correlation with the source depth of gas feeding the authigenic carbonates cannot yet be clearly defined.
Associations Between Early Life Stress and Gene Methylation in Children
Authors: Romens Sarah E. , McDonald Jennifer , Svaren John , Pollak Seth D.
Published: July 2014

Children exposed to extreme stress are at heightened risk for developing mental and physical disorders. However, little is known about mechanisms underlying these associations in humans. An emerging insight is that children's social environments change gene expression, which contributes to biological vulnerabilities for behavioral problems. Epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene, a critical component of stress regulation, were examined in whole blood from 56 children aged 11–14 years. Children exposed to physical maltreatment had greater methylation within exon 1F in the NR3C1 promoter region of the gene compared to nonmaltreated children, including the putative NGFI‐A (nerve growth factor) binding site. These results highlight molecular mechanisms linking childhood stress with biological changes that may lead to mental and physical disorders.
Farm Support Payments and Risk Balancing: Implications for Financial Riskiness of Canadian Farms
Authors: Uzea Nicoleta , Poon Kenneth , Sparling David , Weersink Alfons
Published: July 2014

Risk balancing refers to the balancing of business risk (BR) and financial risk (FR) by firms through their investment and borrowing decisions. Assuming the concept holds, a decrease in income variability (BR) prompts the firm to incur greater debt levels thereby increasing FR. Reducing (BR), which continues to be the central objective of Canadian agricultural policy through programs such as Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program (CAIS)/AgriStability, may lead farmers to take on more FR than they would take otherwise, which, in turn, increases the risk of equity loss. However, it is not known whether Canadian business risk management (BRM) programs offset BR as intended, and whether any potential reduction leads to increased FR (risk balancing) and possibly higher levels of overall risk for individual farm operations. This paper represents the first attempt to shed light on whether Canadian BRM programs fail to reduce farm risk as a result of farmers’ risk balancing behavior using a longitudinal farm‐level data set from Ontario. Results are mixed: (1) BRM payments reduce BR for beef farms but not for field crops farms (though the latter result may be due to the lack of data on Crop Insurance payments); (2) risk balancing holds particularly for the larger farms, and (3) BRM programs overall have no significant effect on the likelihood of increased debt use for either sector, on average; however, participation in CAIS/AgriStability increases the probability that farms take on more debt than they would take otherwise for both sectors. Further analysis is needed to determine whether BRM programs increase the probability of default for farms.
6‐Pyridinium benzo[a]phenazine‐5‐oxide derivatives as visible photosensitisers for polymerisation
Authors: Podemska Karolina , Podsiadły Radosław , Orzeł Agnieszka , Kowalska Aleksandra , Maruszewska Anna , Marcinek Andrzej , Sokolowska Jolanta
Published: July 2014

Several 6‐pyridinium benzo[a]phenazine‐5‐oxide derivatives have been synthesised and characterised by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of these dyes were examined. The dyes were used as reducible sensitisers for selected electron donors (phenylthioacetic acid, phenoxyacetic acid, N‐phenylglycine, and ethyl 4‐N,N‐dimethylaminobenzoate) and as oxidisable sensitisers for electron acceptors (onium and N‐alkoxypyridinium salts). These photoredox pairs were found to be effective visible‐wavelength photoinitiators for the free radical polymerisation of trimethylolpropane triacrylate under visible light. The cationic photopolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide by the studied dyes and the onium salt photoredox pairs was ineffective. The obtained results are discussed on the basis of both free energy change for electron transfer to or from the benzo[a]phenazine dyes and the photochemical properties of the dyes, particularly their photobleaching. The proposed mechanism of dye fading is supported by density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic characterisation of the radical cation of the dye.
Children and adults both see ‘pirates’ in ‘parties’: letter‐position effects for developing readers and skilled adult readers
Authors: Paterson Kevin B. , Read Josephine , McGowan Victoria A. , Jordan Timothy R.
Published: July 2014

Developing readers often make anagrammatical errors (e.g. misreading pirates as parties), suggesting they use letter position flexibly during word recognition. However, while it is widely assumed that the occurrence of these errors decreases with increases in reading skill, empirical evidence to support this distinction is lacking. Accordingly, we compared the performance of developing child readers (aged 8–10 years) against the end‐state performance of skilled adult readers in a timed naming task, employing anagrams used previously in this area of research. Moreover, to explore the use of letter position by developing readers and skilled adult readers more fully, we used anagrams which, to form another word, required letter transpositions over only interior letter positions, or both interior and exterior letter positions. The patterns of effects across these two anagram types for the two groups of readers were very similar. In particular, both groups showed similarly slowed response times (and developing readers increased errors) for anagrams requiring only interior letter transpositions but not for anagrams that required exterior letter transpositions. This similarity in the naming performance of developing readers and skilled adult readers suggests that the end‐state skilled use of letter position is established earlier during reading development than is widely assumed.
Teaching Supply Chain Management Complexities: A SCOR Model Based Classroom Simulation
Authors: Webb G. Scott , Thomas Stephanie P. , Liao‐Troth Sara
Published: July 2014

The SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model Supply Chain Classroom Simulation is an in‐class experiential learning activity that helps students develop a holistic understanding of the processes and challenges of supply chain management. The simulation has broader learning objectives than other supply chain related activities such as the Beer Game. Competing supply chains work to produce and sell two products, each experiencing differential demand. Seasonal demand, time delays, quality defects, and disruptions offer complexities that are part of actual supply chain management. The behavioral dynamics of collaboration between various functional nodes is illustrated through students’ interactions as they try to achieve their role's objectives. Through their decisions and actions, students develop a practical understanding of the processes and complexities of supply chain management. The classroom simulation actively engages students, and has been used successfully in multiple courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels at multiple universities and by a major corporation during a manager training session. Assessments indicate that the simulation is an effective experiential learning activity. While it offers learning outcome flexibility, common debrief themes are SCOR model processes, supply chain relationships, information flow, seasonal demand, quality defects, reverse logistics, and supply chain disruptions.
Assessment of Image Quality in Real Time Three‐Dimensional Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography: An Integrated 2D/3D Approach
Authors: Johri Amer M. , Chitty David W. , Hua Lanqi , Marincheva Gergana , Picard Michael H.
Published: July 2014

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) stress echocardiography is a relatively new technique offering the potential to acquire images of the entire left ventricle from 1 or 2 transducer positions in a time‐efficient manner. Relative to two‐dimensional (2D) imaging, the ability to quickly acquire full volume images during peak stress with 3D echocardiography can eliminate left ventricular (LV) foreshortening while reducing inter‐operator variability. Our objectives were to (1) determine the practicality of a novel integrated 2D/3D stress protocol in incorporating 3D imaging into a standard 2D stress echocardiogram and (2) to determine whether the quality of imaging using the novel 2D/3D protocol was sufficient for interpretation.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients referred for stress echocardiography underwent an integrated 2D/3D image acquisition protocol. LV segments were scored from 0 (absent or no clear endocardial visualization) to 3 (excellent/full visualization of endocardial border) with each modality. 2D segment quality scoring was compared with 3D. An integrated score was compared with either 2D or 3D imaging alone.

Results

Two‐dimensional and 3D imaging were optimal for differing segments and the integrated protocol was superior to either modality alone. 3D imaging was superior in visualizing the anterior and anterolateral region of the base segments, compared to 2D imaging. 3D imaging was less useful for the base, the mid‐inferior, and the inferoseptal segments, thus emphasizing the need to retain 2D imaging in stress echocardiography at this time.

Conclusion

The integrated 2D/3D protocol approach to stress echocardiography is technically feasible and maximizes image quality of dobutamine stress echocardiography, improving patient assessment.
Two‐Dimensional Strain and Strain Rate Imaging of the Left Atrium and Left Ventricle in Adult Patients with Atrial Septal Defects before and after the Later Stage of Percutaneous Device Closure
Authors: Cakal Sinem , Eroglu Elif , Baydar Onur , Cakal Beytullah , Yazicioglu Mehmet Vefik , Bulut Mustafa , Dundar Cihan , Tigen Kursat , Ozkan Birol , Acar Goksel , Avci Anil , Esen Ali Metin
Published: July 2014

Aim

Atrial septal defect (ASD) causes chronic volume overload of the right heart. The potential adverse effects of this long‐standing volume overload to left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) and their response to ASD closure has been poorly studied.

Methods

We studied 20 ASD patients before the procedure, at the 24‐hour and 1 month following the percutaneous closure. Twenty age‐matched controls served as the control group. The analysis for atrial deformation was performed on the lateral wall, mid segment of the LA from apical four‐chamber view. Peak longitudinal strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during LA reservoir, passive emptying, atrial contraction phases and LV global longitudinal systolic S and SR were measured.

Results

Peak S and SR at LA reservoir, conduit and late contraction phases in ASD patients were similar to controls. All of these parameters increased immediately after the closure of the defect. Similarly, SLV and SRLV in ASD patients were not significantly different from the controls and significantly increased after the closure. But LA S, SR and LV S, SR results decreased in 1 month after the closure. SLV in ASD patients was significantly correlated with echocardiographic findings and the invasively measured defect size.

Conclusion

LA and LV S and SR are not significantly affected in ASD patients. However, correction of the long‐standing volume overload by percutaneous closure causes an early increase in LA and LV longitudinal deformation that correlates with the magnitude of the atrial septal defect. But this increase decreased in 1 month after closure.
SQUEALER DEALERS: THE MARKET FOR INFORMATION IN FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING PROSECUTIONS
Authors: Nutting Andrew W.
Published: July 2014

Federal data on drug trafficking sentences are used to determine factors that affect market quantities of providing information against other defendants (i.e., defendant probabilities of receiving testimony‐related sentence reductions) and market prices of information (i.e., the sizes of such sentence reductions). Women and better‐educated defendants experience high demand (higher quantities and prices) for information. Blacks, Hispanics, and non‐U.S. citizens experience low demand. Defendants expecting longer sentences have higher supply of information. Conditional on expected sentence, crack dealers, high‐level dealers, and dealers with long criminal histories experience low demand, while low‐level dealers experience high demand. Women of all races experience high demand for information. (JEL K14, J15, J16)
The clinical utility of botulinum toxin injections targeted at the motor endplate zone in cervical dystonia
Authors: Delnooz C. C. S. , Veugen L. C. , Pasman J. W. , Lapatki B. G. , van Dijk J. P. , van de Warrenburg B. P. C.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Cervical dystonia (CD) patients usually receive repeated botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections. The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of motor endplate zone (MEZ) detection of relevant cervical muscles in CD patients receiving chronic BoNT treatment and to compare the treatment effect of half‐dosed, endplate‐targeted injections to standard BoNT injections.

Methods

In study 1, high‐density surface electromyography (HD‐sEMG) was recorded from the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius capitis (SC) muscles in 18 CD patients with ongoing BoNT treatment, by which the location of the MEZ was determined. In study 2, nine additional patients with rotational‐type CD participated in a treatment effect study where they received either half of their regular BoNT dose through endplate‐targeted injections or their normal BoNT dose through standard injections (crossover design). Dystonia severity was recorded before and 4 weeks after each treatment session (Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale severity subscore).

Results

In the SCM muscle the MEZ was located at the lower border of the superior third part of the muscle, and in the SC muscle at half muscle length. Endplate‐targeted, half‐dosed BoNT injection resulted in a similar treatment effect to injecting the full dose in the standard technique.

Conclusions

Half‐dosed, endplate‐targeted BoNT injections lead to a similar treatment effect to the standard BoNT injection protocol. MEZ detection confronts the clinician with some technical challenges, such as the ability of accurate and technically optimal placement of the electrode grid and correct interpretation of the HD‐sEMG signal.
Improved mapping of interictal epileptiform discharges with EEG‐fMRI and voxel‐wise functional connectivity analysis
Authors: Liu Junjie V. , Kobylarz Erik J. , Darcey Terrance M. , Lu Zhengang , Wu Yu‐Chien , Meng Ming , Jobst Barbara C.
Published: July 2014

Objective

We describe a novel method to spatially map interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) through voxel‐wise functional connectivity analysis of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) portion of simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG)–fMRI data. This method measures the local synchronicity of fMRI signals associated with IED and, in contrast to conventional methods, does not require modeling of neural activities or hemodynamic response.

Methods

Simultaneous EEG‐fMRI was performed on six patients with focal epilepsy. IED events were detected from the EEG data. The fMRI data was subdivided into time segments of 20 s in length, and then reorganized into one set of concatenated time series containing the IED events and many sets without IEDs. Local degree centrality (LDC), a metric of functional connectivity, was computed for each brain voxel to summarize its signal correlations to brain voxels within 14 mm of physical distance. This computation was repeated for each set of concatenated time series, yielding one whole‐brain LDC map for time with the IED events and many maps for time without IED. A statistical score was computed for each voxel to detect the voxels with significant LDC value differences associated with IEDs. The fMRI data were also processed separately by conventional methods for comparison.

Results

In all six patients, regions with significant LDC increase during IEDs were concordant in location to both simultaneous EEG and the epileptogenic focus determined from separate clinical studies. In contrast, results from the conventional methods were concordant in only three patients.

Significance

We show that for focal epilepsy, voxel‐wise functional connectivity analysis of EEG‐fMRI data may improve IED localization and EEG concordance compared to the conventional analysis. This new analytic method may improve the robustness of interictal EEG‐fMRI as a technique for mapping the epileptogenic focus, and helps study the local synchronization aspect of the epileptic network.
Knowledge‐related challenges and solutions in GSD
Authors: Parviainen Päivi , Tihinen Maarit
Published: July 2014

A number knowledge‐related challenges may complicate the work in global software development (GSD) projects. In practice, even a small amount of missing knowledge may cause an activity to fail to create and transfer information which is critical to later functions, causing these later functions to fail. Thus, knowledge engineering holds a central role in order to succeed with globally distributed product development. Furthermore, examining the challenges faced in GSD from a cognitive perspective will help to find solutions that take into account the knowledge needs of different stakeholders in GSD and thus help to establish conditions for successful GSD projects. In this paper, we will discuss these challenges and solutions based on an extensive literature study and practical experience gained in several international projects over the last decade. Altogether, over 50 case studies were analysed. We analysed the challenges identified in the cases from a cognitive perspective for bridging and avoiding the knowledge gaps and, based on this analysis, we will present example solutions to address the challenges during the GSD projects. We will conclude that through understanding both the nature of GSD and the KE challenges in depth, it will be possible for organizations to make their distributed operations successful.
The Riskiness of Public Sector Performance Measurement: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Cuganesan Suresh , Guthrie James , Vranic Vedran
Published: July 2014

Public sector performance measurement (PM) practices can be risky. It is imperative that research engages with the riskiness of PM and how this might be reduced. To help move towards a less risky state of public sector PM, where benefits outweigh negative potential, this paper reviews studies on PM risk to ascertain what existing research indicates about (a) the risks of PM (b) the conditions in which the risks of PM are more likely to manifest, and (c) the approaches that mitigate the risks of PM. Based on this, the paper outlines a way forward for public sector PM research. Overall the paper makes a number of contributions. First, it brings together a disparate and fragmented field in reviewing studies examining the risks of PM. Second, the paper reframes the research question that public sector PM risk research and public sector PM studies more broadly should engage in. Third, specific suggestions are offered in terms of how future research might proceed in a coordinated manner, examining and informing practice where PM is part of an integrated and enabling control system for strategising and managing in the public sector, and where citizen‐centric PM is utilised as part of multiple evaluation modes to more effectively support accountability to external constituents.
What Lies Beneath? The Role of Informal and Hidden Networks in the Management of Crises
Authors: Fischbacher‐Smith Denis , Fischbacher‐Smith Moira
Published: July 2014

Crisis management research traditionally focuses on the role of formal communication networks in the escalation and management of organisational crises. Here, we consider instead informal and unobservable networks. The paper explores how hidden informal exchanges can impact upon organisational decision‐making and performance, particularly around inter‐agency working, as knowledge distributedacrossorganisations and sharedbetweenorganisations is often shared through informal means and not captured effectively through the formal decision‐making processes. Early warnings and weak signals about potential risks and crises are therefore often missed. We consider the implications of these dynamics in terms of crisis avoidance and crisis management.
Met1‐linked ubiquitination in immune signalling
Authors: Fiil Berthe K. , Gyrd‐Hansen Mads
Published: July 2014

N‐terminal methionine‐linked ubiquitin (Met1‐Ub), or linear ubiquitin, has emerged as a central post‐translational modification in innate immune signalling. The molecular machinery that assembles, senses and, more recently, disassembles Met1‐Ub has been identified, and technical advances have enabled the identification of physiological substrates for Met1‐Ub in response to activation of innate immune receptors. These discoveries have significantly advanced our understanding of how nondegradative ubiquitin modifications control proinflammatory responses mediated by nuclear factor‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases. In this review, we discuss the current data on Met1‐Ub function and regulation, and point to some of the questions that still remain unanswered.
Epigenetic regulation of adult stem cell function
Authors: Rinaldi Lorenzo , Benitah Salvador Aznar
Published: July 2014

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that specify cell lineages throughout development, and that maintain tissue homeostasis during adulthood, is paramount towards our understanding of why we age or develop pathologies such as cancer. Epigenetic mechanisms ensure that genetically identical cells acquire different fates during embryonic development and are therefore essential for the proper progression of development. How they do so is still a matter of intense investigation, but there is sufficient evidence indicating that they act in a concerted manner with inductive signals and tissue‐specific transcription factors to promote and stabilize fate changes along the three germ layers during development. In consequence, it is generally hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms are also required for the continuous maintenance of cell fate during adulthood. However, in vivo models in which different epigenetic factors have been depleted in different tissues do not show overt changes in cell lineage, thus not strongly supporting this view. Instead, the function of some of these factors appears to be primarily associated with tissue functionality, and a strong causal relationship has been established between their misregulation and a diseased state. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of the role of epigenetic factors in adult stem cell function and tissue homeostasis.
Egg fertilisation in a freshwater mussel: effects of distance, flow and male density
Authors: Mosley Tyler L. , Haag Wendell R. , Stoeckel James A.
Published: July 2014

Small or sparse populations can experience Allee effects if egg fertilisation is reduced because of a shortage of sperm.

Freshwater mussels are spermcasters that often occur as sparse, patchy populations. Previous studies suggested that sperm shortage limits these populations unless facultative hermaphroditism and self‐fertilisation occur at low density. We conducted experiments in ponds to examine fertilisation in the mussel, Lampsilis straminea, in response to flow, presence of and distance from males, male density, and the presence of upstream females that could compete for sperm with downstream females.

Self‐fertilisation in the absence of males did not occur in either experiment. Female fertilisation success was uniformly high in most treatments and was not related to flow or distance from males (1–25 m). Fertilisation success was significantly lower at low male density (0.02 m−2, compared with 0.16 m−2) but remained relatively high even in most low male density treatments. The proportion of females that became gravid was higher in the presence of upstream females, but fecundity was significantly lower when upstream females were present; these conflicting results made it difficult to assess the role of competition among females for sperm.

Overall, high fertilisation success occurred at densities three orders of magnitude lower than previously proposed thresholds for mussels. Sperm dispersal and acquisition and egg fertilisation appear to be complex processes associated with adaptations for spermcasting. These adaptations are likely to facilitate persistence at low population density and buffer mussels from reproductive Allee effects.
Loss of GluN2A‐containing NMDA receptors impairs extra‐dimensional set‐shifting
Authors: Marquardt K. , Saha M. , Mishina M. , Young J. W. , Brigman J. L.
Published: July 2014

Glutamate neurotransmission via the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is thought to mediate the synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory formation. There is increasing evidence that deficits in NMDAR function are involved in the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction seen in neuropsychiatric disorders and addiction. NMDAR subunits confer different physiological properties to the receptor, interact with distinct intracellular postsynaptic scaffolding and signaling molecules, and are differentially expressed during development. Despite these known differences, the relative contribution of individual subunit composition to synaptic plasticity and learning is not fully elucidated. We have previously shown that constitutive deletion of GluN2A subunit in the mouse impairs discrimination and re‐learning phase of reversal when exemplars are complex picture stimuli, but spares acquisition and extinction of non‐discriminative visually cued instrumental response. To investigate the role of GluN2A containing NMDARs in executive control, we tested GluN2A knockout (GluN2AKO), heterozygous (GluN2AHET) and wild‐type (WT) littermates on an attentional set‐shifting task using species‐specific stimulus dimensions. To further explore the nature of deficits in this model, mice were tested on a visual discrimination reversal paradigm using simplified rotational stimuli. GluN2AKO were not impaired on discrimination or reversal problems when tactile or olfactory stimuli were used, or when visual stimuli were sufficiently easy to discriminate. GluN2AKO showed a specific and significant impairment in ventromedial prefrontal cortex‐mediated set‐shifting. Together these results support a role for GluN2A containing NMDAR in modulating executive control that can be masked by overlapping deficits in attentional processes during high task demands.
Vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change moderated by habitat intactness
Authors: Eigenbrod Felix , Gonzalez Patrick , Dash Jadunandan , Steyl Ilse
Published: July 2014

The combined effects of climate change and habitat loss represent a major threat to species and ecosystems around the world. Here, we analyse the vulnerability of ecosystems to climate change based on current levels of habitat intactness and vulnerability to biome shifts, using multiple measures of habitat intactness at two spatial scales. We show that the global extent of refugia depends highly on the definition of habitat intactness and spatial scale of the analysis of intactness. Globally, 28% of terrestrial vegetated area can be considered refugia if all natural vegetated land cover is considered. This, however, drops to 17% if only areas that are at least 50% wilderness at a scale of 48 × 48 km are considered and to 10% if only areas that are at least 50% wilderness at a scale of 4.8 × 4.8 km are considered. Our results suggest that, in regions where relatively large, intact wilderness areas remain (e.g. Africa, Australia, boreal regions, South America), conservation of the remaining large‐scale refugia is the priority. In human‐dominated landscapes, (e.g. most of Europe, much of North America and Southeast Asia), focusing on finer scale refugia is a priority because large‐scale wilderness refugia simply no longer exist. Action to conserve such refugia is particularly urgent since only 1 to 2% of global terrestrial vegetated area is classified as refugia and at least 50% covered by the global protected area network.
A Hybridized GA with LP‐LP Model for the Management of Confined Groundwater
Authors: Khadem M. , Afshar M.H.
Published: July 2014

A novel hybrid methodology is introduced in this paper for the optimal solution of the groundwater management problem. The problem to be addressed is the optimal determination and operation of a predefined number of wells out of a priori known set of potential wells with fixed locations to minimize the pumping cost of utilizing a two‐dimensional (2D) confined aquifer under steady‐state flow condition. The solution to this problem should satisfy a downstream demand, a lower/upper bound on the pumping rates, and a lower/upper bound on the water level drawdown in the wells. The problem is solved by hybridizing a genetic algorithm (GA) which suggests the candidate configurations for the operational wells and a hybrid linear programming (LP‐LP) approach with the duty of finding the optimal operation policy of the candidate wells defined by their pumping rates. Two different codings, namely binary and integer codings, are used for the GA and their performances are compared. The ability of the proposed hybrid method is tested against two benchmark problems: (1) finding the optimal configuration and pumping rates of a predefined number of wells out of potential wells and (2) finding the optimal number, configuration and pumping rates of the operating wells out of potential wells and the results are presented and compared with the available ones showing superior efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nonlinear Flow Process: A New Package to Compute Nonlinear Flow in MODFLOW
Authors: Mayaud Cyril , Walker Patrica , Hergarten Stefan , Birk Steffen
Published: July 2014

A new MODFLOW package (Nonlinear Flow Process; NLFP) simulating nonlinear flow following the Forchheimer equation was developed and implemented in MODLFOW‐2005. The method is based on an iterative modification of the conductance calculated and used by MODFLOW to obtain an effective Forchheimer conductance. The package is compatible with the different layer types, boundary conditions, and solvers as well as the wetting capability of MODFLOW. The correct implementation is demonstrated using four different benchmark scenarios for which analytical solutions are available. A scenario considering transient flow in a more realistic setting and a larger model domain with a higher number of cells demonstrates that NLFP performs well under more complex conditions, although it converges moderately slower than the standard MODFLOW depending on the nonlinearity of flow. Thus, this new tool opens a field of opportunities to groundwater flow simulation with MODFLOW, especially for core sample simulation or vuggy karstified aquifers as well as for nonlinear flow in the vicinity of pumping wells.
The perspectives of Aboriginal patients and their health care providers on improving the quality of hemodialysis services: A qualitative study
Authors: Rix Elizabeth F. , Barclay Lesley , Stirling Janelle , Tong Allison , Wilson Shawn
Published: July 2014

Chronic kidney disease has a higher prevalence in Indigenous populations globally. The incidence of end‐stage kidney disease in Australian Aboriginal people is eight times higher than non‐Aboriginal Australians. Providing services to rural and remote Aboriginal people with chronic disease is challenging because of access and cultural differences. This study aims to describe and analyze the perspectives of Aboriginal patients' and health care providers' experience of renal services, to inform service improvement for rural Aboriginal hemodialysis patients. We conducted a thematic analysis of interviews with Aboriginal patients (n = 18) receiving hemodialysis in rural Australia and health care providers involved in their care (n = 29). An overarching theme of avoiding the “costly” crisis encompassed four subthemes: (1) Engaging patients earlier (prevent late diagnosis, slow disease progression); (2) flexible family‐focused care (early engagement of family, flexibility to facilitate family and cultural obligations); (3) managing fear of mainstream services (originating in family dialysis experiences and previous racism when engaging with government organizations); (4) service provision shaped by culture (increased home dialysis, Aboriginal support and Aboriginal‐led cultural education). Patients and health care providers believe service redesign is required to meet the needs of Aboriginal hemodialysis patients. Participants identified early screening and improving the relationship of Aboriginal people with health systems would reduce crisis entry to hemodialysis. These strategies alongside improving the cultural competence of staff would reduce patients' fear of mainstream services, decrease the current emotional and family costs of care, and increase efficiency of health expenditure on a challenging and increasingly unsustainable treatment system.
Earlier financial literacy and later financial behaviour of college students
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Ahn Sun Young , Serido Joyce , Shim Soyeon
Published: July 2014

This study examined the association of earlier financial literacy and later financial behaviour of college students. Financial literacy was measured by both subjective and objective knowledge and financial behaviours were categorized into risky paying and borrowing behaviours. Based on data collected at two time points from a panel of college students at a major state university in the USA, the results showed that the association between earlier knowledge and later financial behaviours differed by the specific type of knowledge (subjective vs. objective), with stronger effect of subjective knowledge, compared with objective knowledge on both composite and individual measures of risky borrowing and paying behaviours. We found that only subjective knowledge was correlated with a reduction in both composite behaviours. Both subjective and objective knowledge, however, reduced some specific risky paying and borrowing behaviours. Finally, we found consistent differences for two of the control variables: higher GPA (Grade Point Average) was associated with fewer risky paying behaviours; and gender (male vs. female) was associated with more of both types of risky behaviours.
Inflammatory conditions distinctively alter immunological functions of Langerhans‐like cells and dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Said André , Bock Stephanie , Müller Gerrit , Weindl Günther
Published: July 2014

The specific function of human skin‐resident dendritic cell (DC) subsets in the regulation of immunity or tolerance is still a matter of debate. Langerhans cells (LC) induce anti‐viral immune responses but, conversely to dermal DC, maintain tolerance to bacteria. However, the definite function of epidermal LC and cutaneous DC appears even more complex under inflammatory conditions. Here we investigated the immune responses of human immature monocyte‐derived DC (MoDC) and LC‐like cells (MoLC) upon stimulation with different Toll‐like receptor ligands in the presence or absence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). In MoDC, bacterial antigens selectively up‐regulated CD83 and CD86 expression and induced the release of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines and led to a higher CCR7‐dependent migratory capacity compared with a low responsiveness of MoLC. Importantly, MoLC activation with lipopolysaccharide under inflammatory conditions strongly enhanced a phenotypically mature state, increased IL‐12p70, IL‐23 and IL‐6 production and Th1 cytokine secretion by CD4+ T cells. Treatment with poly(I:C) specifically up‐regulated surface expression of co‐stimulatory molecules and increased release of IL‐12p70 in MoLC and co‐stimulation with TNF‐α and IL‐1β further elevated Th1 and Th17 cytokine production. Poly(I:C)‐induced up‐regulation of type I interferon mRNA levels in MoLC and MoDC was Toll‐like receptor 3‐dependent but not, or only weakly, modulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Our results indicate that inflammatory conditions greatly facilitate recognition of bacteria by MoLC. Furthermore, we suggest a critical involvement of both subsets in innate defence against viruses, whereas inflammatory skin environments additionally favour MoLC as potent inducers of Th1 and Th17 cytokines.
Chinese community‐dwelling elders' needs: promoting ageing in place
Authors: Cao M.J. , Guo X.L. , Yu H. , Chen L.Y. , McDonald T.A.
Published: July 2014

Background

‘Ageing in place’ is widely promoted as a response to global ageing and increased demand for services, but little evidence is available about what older people think they need in terms of services and supports to remain at home.

Aim

To investigate older people's needs when ageing in place in order to provide evidence to inform policies and strategies promoting the option of ageing in place.

Methods

A total of 568 elderly persons in Hangzhou, China, were surveyed in 2009–2011 using a modified questionnaire validated in the USA and China.

Results

Overall, 88.9% of older adults were satisfied with the community in which they live; 97.2% were satisfied with life quality. Health problems and healthcare access difficulty increased with age. House repairs and housework were the most troubling. Respondents identified high need for social and health promotion services and this varied across age groups.

Limitations

Cultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaire could have been influenced by differences in socioeconomic and cultural factors. The sample excluded older adults with disabilities, bed‐ridden and/or unable to communicate thus limiting the scope of relevance.

Conclusion

A majority of older adult respondents ageing at home lived a relatively healthy life; however, they required more comprehensive health insurance to cover costs of long‐term health problems and access to home care support.

Implications for nursing and health policy

The needs of community‐dwelling older Chinese people in the Xiacheng District are not being fully met and much remains be done to increase community and regional capacity before ageing in place can be promoted as a policy strategy. More generally, nursing and health policies geared to enhance the self‐sufficiency of older people residing in their communities must draw upon evidence of assessed needs and client perspectives of their requirements before services can be designed and delivered.
Hazardous drinking and HIV‐risk‐related behavior among male clients of female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Goodman‐Meza David , Pitpitan Eileen V. , Semple Shirley J. , Wagner Karla D. , Chavarin Claudia V. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Patterson Thomas L.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk for HIV. Whereas the HIV risks of alcohol use are well understood, less is known about hazardous alcohol use among male clients of FSWs, particularly in Mexico. We sought to identify risk factors for hazardous alcohol use and test associations between hazardous alcohol use and HIV risk behavior among male clients in Tijuana.

Method

Male clients of FSWs in Tijuana (n = 400) completed a quantitative interview in 2008. The AUDIT was used to characterize hazardous alcohol use. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent associations of demographic and HIV risk variables with hazardous alcohol use (vs. non‐hazardous).

Results

Forty percent of our sample met criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Variables independently associated with hazardous drinking were reporting any sexually transmitted infection (STI), having sex with a FSW while under the influence of alcohol, being younger than 36 years of age, living in Tijuana, and ever having been jailed. Hazardous drinkers were less likely ever to have been deported or to have shared injection drugs.

Discussion and Conclusions

Hazardous alcohol use is associated with HIV risk, including engaging in sex with FSWs while intoxicated and having an STI among male clients of FSWs in Tijuana.

Scientific Significance

We systematically described patterns and correlates of hazardous alcohol use among male clients of FSWs in Tijuana, Mexico. The results suggest that HIV/STI risk reduction interventions must target hazardous alcohol users, and be tailored to address alcohol use. (Am J Addict 2014;23:502–509)
Dynamic Response in Ba1−xSrxTiO3 and Anomalous Behavior at the Phase Boundary Composition
Authors: Iqbal Asad M. , Hassnain Jaffari Ghulam , Hasanain Syed K.
Published: July 2014

The dynamic response of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, x = 0.6–0.9) is presented over a temperature range spanning various structural phase transitions and for compositions that extend from the ferroelectric (FE) phase to the FE‐Antiferrodistortive (AFD) phase boundary. We find that while the in‐phase part of the dielectric response is insensitive to applied frequencies over the range 400–500 kHz for all compositions, strong dispersive effects are observed in general for the out of phase part, for almost all compositions. The dielectric peaks corresponding to the lower temperature structural transitions (e.g. tetragonal to orthorhombic T–O etc.) exhibit frequency dependence, while the higher temperature cubic to tetragonal (C–T) transition does not show dispersive effects. The only exception to this is for the Ba0.1Sr0.9TiO3 composition, lying at the boundary of the FE and AFD phases. Detailed frequency dependence studies of this composition (x = 0.9) show that the (C–T) transition exhibits an abrupt change in the dispersive features for high frequencies f > 10 kHz. These features include the constancy of peak temperature, large drop in the magnitude of the losses and a noticeable broadening of the associated loss peak. The anomalous features in the behavior of x = 0.9 composition are attributed to slow relaxation processes in the AFD phase at the boundary separating the FE and AFD phases.
Structural Evolution and Properties of 0.3Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.38Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.32PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramics with Different Sintering Times
Authors: Ji Wei , Tan Chee Kiang Ivan , Yao Kui , Al‐Mamun Abdullah , Bhatia Charanjit S. , Wong Ten It
Published: July 2014

The structural evolution and properties of 0.3Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.38Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.32PbTiO3 (0.3PIN‐0.38PMN‐0.32PT) ferroelectric ceramics with different sintering times have been investigated. The content of the tetragonal phase is increased in samples sintered for more than 6 h, despite that the composition falls in the rhombohedral region of the previously established phase diagram. The results show that the metastable tetragonal phase at room temperature is induced and stabilized by the tensile residual stresses. Excessively long sintering time generally leads to grain coarsening, loss of lead, and deterioration of properties, while the increasing amount of the tetragonal phase, and the large residual tensile stress appear to improve the dielectric and electromechanical properties. This study offers new insights into the sintering of Pb‐based ferroelectric ceramics with complex compositions.
The Manipulation and Alignment of Silicon Carbide Whiskers for Gallium Nitride Epitaxial Growth
Authors: Shen Huaxiang , Li Bo , Yu Luke Hao‐Ling , Kitai Adrian
Published: July 2014

As a substrate candidate for low‐cost III‐nitride thin film growth, 3C–SiC whiskers are employed and manipulated in this work. The alignment of the whiskers is achieved on a patterned 3M Vikuiti™ Brightness Enhancement Film surface. The degree of whisker alignment using this approach is higher than the whiskers lined up by extrusion methods according to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The aligned whiskers are transferred from the 3M film and embedded into an alumina matrix by tape casting. A self‐regulating sintering technique for SiC whiskers is used to protect the whiskers from being oxidized in air during sintering at 1600°C. The aligned whiskers are rigidly embedded in the alumina matrix as shown in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry energy mapping images. GaN thin films grown by a low‐cost sputtering process on Alumina/SiC as well as Si and SiC as reference materials are characterized by XRD and SEM.