bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative genetic and epigenetic analysis uncovers regulatory mechanisms of autoimmune disease
Authors: Shooshtari Parisa , Huang Hailieng , Cotsapas Chris
Published: May 2016

Genome-wide association studies in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases (AID) have uncovered hundreds of loci mediating risk1,2. These associations are preferentially located in non-coding DNA regions3,4and in particular to tissue-specific Dnase I hypersensitivity sites (DHS)5,6. Whilst these analyses clearly demonstrate the overall enrichment of disease risk alleles on gene regulatory regions, they are not designed to identify individual regulatory regions mediating risk or the genes under their control, and thus uncover the specific molecular events driving disease risk. To do so we have departed from standard practice by identifying regulatory regions which replicate across samples, and connect them to the genes they control through robust re-analysis of public data. We find substantial evidence of regulatory potential in 132/301 (44%) risk loci across nine autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and are able to prioritize a single gene in 104/132 (79%) of these. Thus, we are able to generate testable mechanistic hypotheses of the molecular changes that drive disease risk.
Crystal structure of {(E)-2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenolato-κ2N,O}bis[2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl-κ2C1,N]iridium(III) dichloromethane monosolvate
Authors: Goo Moo-Sung , Park Ki-Min , Kim Hee-Joon
Published: May 2016

In the title compound, [Ir(C11H8N)2(C13H10NO)]·CH2Cl2, the IrIIIion is six-coordinated by twoC,N-bidentate 2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenyl ligands and oneN,O-bidentate 2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenolate anion, giving rise to a distorted octahedral environment. TheC,N-bidentate ligands, in which the C and N atoms are statistically disordered over two sites and therefore both pairs of C and N atoms aretransandcisrelative to each other, are almost perpendicular to each other [the dihedral angle between the least-square planes is 87.00 (4)°]. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, as well as intermolecular C—H...π interactions and π–π interactions, contribute to the stabilization of the molecular and crystal structure.
The flashing of fireflies
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the characteristics of enduring audience engagement through social media.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to examine recent examples of successful social media practices to identify common characteristics.

Findings

The most common characteristics of successful social media engagement include continuous beta, co-ownership, room for error and convenor-ship.

Originality/value

The author’s analogy of successful social media to the biophysical phenomenon of entrainment is an original insight into social engagement.
Achieving more with less: Henkel’s Factor 3 strategy
Authors: Patterson Van , Knott Joe , Melnick Rob
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an inside view and analysis of corporate eco-efficiency/sustainability strategy resulting in recommendations for the consumer goods industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is framed by a literature review and case studies of corporate sustainability strategies. Original research was conducted via in-depth, face-to-face interviews (26) of Henkel senior management familiar with the company’s “Factor 3” strategy.

Findings

This research identifies certain challenges to corporate sustainability strategy including consumer use of products and how best to measure ecological and social footprints. It shows that many managers find the Factor 3 strategy to be clear and understandable but with challenging goals and metrics; managers and executives are optimistic about success and feel Factor 3 gives Henkel a competitive edge. This paper uncovers areas of in the strategy that need improvement including consumer education, industry partnering, accountability and supply chain strategy, and also finds that the Factor 3 affects employees on a personal level, changing behavior and evoking positive responses.

Originality/value

While there is considerable literature on corporate eco-efficiency sustainability strategies, there has not been sufficient critical third-party analysis of how these strategies are progressing, the challenges they face and what their trajectory is. Because strategies like Henkel’s Factor 3 represent an increasingly popular corporate vision and set of articulated goals, researchers and practitioners need a deeper understanding of how large, global companies are tackling sustainability and how successful these strategies have been.
Leaping innovation barriers to small business longevity
Authors: Taneja Sonia , Pryor Mildred Golden , Hayek Mario
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the challenges faced by small businesses and to explain the importance of using strategic innovation to achieve long-term sustainability and viability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study of small business innovation includes reviewing the types and determinants of innovation as well as strategies to overcome innovation barriers. In addition, the authors developed a model that portrays elements needed for strategic innovation that supports the long-term viability of small businesses.

Findings

Small businesses serve as the economic foundation for many nations because they stimulate innovation, provide jobs, foster competitiveness and support overall economic growth. Small businesses can rapidly adapt to change, adopt new strategies and provide flexibility that supports strategic innovation. As a result, strategic innovation is a key driver of sustainable competitive advantage for small businesses.

Practical implications

Small business leaders need to integrate strategic innovation with their strategic planning to remain competitive. The strategic innovation model presented in this paper can assist them in understanding elements needed for successful strategic innovation and long-term viability.

Social implications

Globally, small businesses exert a strong influence on economic growth and create opportunities, employment and technological development. This paper will assist small business leaders as they strive to use strategic innovation to strengthen their competitive capabilities.

Originality/value

The unique strategic innovation model that the authors developed can help small businesses to achieve long-term sustainability and viability in the competitive marketplace.
From thinking green to buying green: consumer motivation makes the difference
Authors: Royne Marla B. , Thieme Jeff , Levy Marian , Oakley Jared , Alderson Laura
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need for appropriate green marketing communication strategies to close the gap between consumers’ strong environmental concerns and weak engagement in sustainable behaviors. In doing so, our overarching goal is to provide new direction for creating targeted marketing communication strategies that will more effectively motivate consumer purchasing of green products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a survey approach to collect data and regression analysis to test our hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that demographic variables (gender, ethnicity and age) as well as concern for waste, concern for health and concern for environmental technology influence five different categories of sustainable behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that future studies should consider multiple dimensions of environmental concern because each dimension has a different impact on sustainable behaviors.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to the continued development of a green consumer profile and highlight the need for marketers to carefully select appropriate dimensions of environmental concern to emphasize in their communication strategies. Results also reinforce the need to consider demographics in targeted communications.

Originality/value

This study considers the impact of different dimensions of environmental concern and demographic variables on different types of sustainable behaviors.
Assessing the role of GPs in Nordic health care systems
Authors: Quaye Randolph K.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper examines the changing role of general practitioners (GPs) in Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. It aims to explore the “gate keeping” role of GPs in the face of current changes in the health care delivery systems in these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from existing literature, interviews with GPs, hospital specialists and representatives of Danish regions and Norwegian Medical Association.

Findings

The paper contends that in all these changes, the position of the GPs in the medical division of labor has been strengthened, and patients now have increased and broadened access to choice.

Research limitations/implications

Health care cost and high cancer mortality rates have forced Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark to rethink their health care systems. Several attempts have been made to reduce health care cost through market reform and by strenghtening the position of GPs. The evidence suggests that in Norway and Denmark, right incentives are in place to achieve this goal. Sweden is not far behind. The paper has limitations of a small sample size and an exclusive focus on GPs.

Practical implications

Anecdotal evidence suggests that physicians are becoming extremely unhappy. Understanding the changing status of primary care physicians will yield valuable information for assessing the effectiveness of Nordic health care delivery systems.

Social implications

This study has wider implications of how GPs see their role as potential gatekeepers in the Nordic health care systems. The role of GPs is changing as a result of recent health care reforms.

Originality/value

This paper contends that in Norway and Denmark, right incentives are in place to strengthen the position of GPs.
Entrepreneurial social capital, cognitive orientation and new venture innovation
Authors: Xu Yang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the entrepreneur’s social capital and cognitive orientation in new venture innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The specific research questions are what impact the entrepreneur’s social capital has on his or her cognitive orientation in new product development; and to what extent and how social capital is dependent on the entrepreneur’s cognitive orientation in the new venture innovation performance. Data were collected in a survey conducted in multiple waves on a sample of approximately 1,400 new ventures in the USA. Social capital is measured by the position generator method. Cognitive orientation is measured by the causal mapping method. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that the entrepreneur’s strong social ties with the scientific community and technology-orientated cognition drive research collaborations and ultimately contribute to new venture innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Possible limitations are the low survey response rate, the spread of industries involved and respondents being the sole data source. Future research could use multiple data sources, increase the response rate by using other methods such as interviews and focus on a single industry or a set of related industries.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can guide entrepreneurs to manage their social relationships actively. Entrepreneurs should proactively build strong ties with the scientific community at the start-up stage to improve their firms’ innovation performance. In the domain of public policy, initiatives such as encouragement of cooperation between universities and entrepreneurs may help to create new venture innovations and stimulate the regional economy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research on innovation and entrepreneurship by exploring the interrelationships among entrepreneurs’ social capital, cognitive orientation and new venture innovation. It found that entrepreneurs’ social capital at the start-up stage influences the characteristics of their cognitive orientation in new product development and ultimately new venture innovation. It also revealed how entrepreneurs think about new product success through cognitive mapping techniques.
Reframing the influence of national culture with theory-based multi-resolution simulation models
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: May 2016

Purpose

For several decades, national culture has been described as having major influence over international business outcomes. Yet national culture has been framed often by vague terms and simplistic scales. The purpose of this paper is to explain why and how the influence of national culture should be reframed.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of literature concerned with causation in the behaviour of individuals and groups: anthropology, cognition, psychology, cross-cultural psychology, cultural psychology and cultural geography.

Findings

Within every nationality, and across international business, there is dynamic complexity of thought and action among individuals and groups. This derives from differences of genders, age, cultures, personality types and past experiences; the highly complex interactions between them; their commingling with common traits; and the varying influence of contextual factors. This dynamic complexity cannot be addressed by managers through use of vague simplistic conceptualizations of national culture.

Practical implications

As an alternative to vague simplistic conceptualizations, scientific theories, such as resource-based theory, knowledge-based view, contagion theories and social cognition theory, can be referred to in the formulation of multi-resolution simulation models. These models can enable managers to analyze dynamic complex international business scenarios, in terms of situation-specific variables.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is that it provides a detailed explanation of why vague simplistic conceptualizations of national culture are of limited usefulness to managers of international business. The value of this paper is that it describes a practical alternative: theory-based multi-resolution simulation models.
Effect of expiratory muscle strength training on swallowing‐related muscle strength in community‐dwelling elderly individuals: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Ji‐Su , Oh Dong‐Hwan , Chang Moon‐Young
Published: May 2016

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effect of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on swallowing‐related muscle strength in community‐dwelling elderly individuals.

Background

Expiratory muscle strength training is an intervention for patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. This training is associated with respiration, coughing, speech and swallowing, and its effectiveness has been proven in previous studies. However, the effects of EMST on elderly individuals and evidence are still lacking.

Materials and methods

This study included 24 community‐dwelling senior citizens aged ≥65 years (12 men and 12 women). The experimental group trained at the 70% threshold value of the maximum expiratory pressure using an EMST device 5 days per week for 4 weeks and comprised five sets of five breaths through the device for 25 breaths per day. The placebo group trained with a resistance‐free sham device. Post‐intervention, muscle strength of the bilateral buccinator and the orbicularis oris muscles (OOM) was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Surface electromyography was used to measure activation of the suprahyoid muscles (SM).

Results

After intervention, the strength of the buccinator and the OOM in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement. There was also statistically significant activation of the SM. In the placebo group, the strength of the orbicularis oris muscle alone improved. No statistically significant differences between groups were found for the strength of the buccinator and the OOM and the activation of the SM.

Conclusion

EMST had a positive effect on swallowing‐related muscle strength in elderly participants.
A Comparative Study Examining Academic Cohorts with Transnational Migratory Intentions Towards Canada and Australia
Authors: Hopkins John
Published: May 2016

This research examines the issue of transnational academic mobility of academic staff, those choosing to migrate to higher education institutions in different countries as part of their career development, and performs a comparative study between the characteristics of academics examining Australia as a possible migratory destination with those considering Canada. A combination of Google Analytics and two online questionnaires, running in parallel for a period of 12 months, were employed in capturing a range of rich primary quantitative and qualitative research data. Quantitative web analytics data is analysed to locate the geographic origins of migratory interest, with qualitative survey data providing further insight into the academics' background, qualifications, disciplines and reasons for wanting to migrate. When combined, this mixed‐method approach is able to utilise the merged data to develop a detailed profile of academics with migratory intentions towards Australia and Canada, enabling comparisons between the two cohorts to be made.
Production of Lactulose from Lactose in Subcritical Aqueous Ethanol
Authors: Soisangwan Nontanut , Gao Da‐Ming , Kobayashi Takashi , Khuwijitjaru Pramote , Adachi Shuji
Published: May 2016

Production of lactulose from lactose was performed in subcritical aqueous ethanol. The effects of ethanol concentration (0–60% (w/w)) and temperature (160–220C) on the isomerization of lactose were studied. The maximum yield of lactulose (34%) was obtained from the treatment of lactose in 60% (w/w) aqueous ethanol at 200C. The isomerization and hydrolytic reactions of lactose were promoted and suppressed, respectively, by increasing ethanol concentration. The use of higher concentrations of ethanol was restricted due to the low solubility of lactose. Additionally, different feed concentrations (0.5–2.5% w/w) were studied. The maximum lactulose productivity of 63 kg/(h m3‐reactor) was obtained from the treatment employing a 2.5% (w/w) feed concentration, indicating that subcritical aqueous ethanol is promising for the production of lactulose.

Practical Applications

Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide comprising galactose and fructose. It has been broadly used as prebiotic food additives and drugs against constipation, hepatic encephalopathy and anti‐endotoxin effects. Industrial production of lactulose is currently performed by alkaline isomerization of lactose which has several drawbacks such as high level of by‐products and high cost of downstream processing. Subcritical aqueous ethanol is a novel technique for lactulose production. It can be used to overcome the disadvantages of chemical methods. The simplicity, high productivity, cost‐effectiveness and environmental benignity make this technique applicable to large‐scale lactulose production.
Clinical evaluation of salivary carbohydrate antigen 125 and leptin in controls and parotid tumours
Authors: Zhang K‐Y , Liu C‐Y , Hua L , Wang S‐L , Li J
Published: May 2016

Objectives

We determined the correlation between saliva and serum for CA125 and leptin, and evaluated their clinical screening potential for parotid tumours.

Subjects and Methods

Serum, acid‐stimulated bilateral parotid saliva and chewing‐stimulated whole saliva were collected and measured the levels of CA125 and leptin with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for healthy controls and patients with unilateral parotid tumour. Intra‐ and intergroup comparisons were made among them. Correlations and receiver operating curve analyses were also conducted.

Results

There was no correlation between salivary and serum CA125 (r = −0.157–0.265, P > 0.05), while significant correlation was found for leptin (r = 0.219–0.761, P < 0.05). Leptin levels in tumour parotid saliva and CA125 levels in whole saliva were elevated significantly (P < 0.001) and showed screening potential for parotid tumours. Salivary and serum leptin levels were significantly higher in women than in men (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Salivary CA125 might originate primarily from salivary gland and tumour rather than from blood, while salivary leptin might originate from both blood and salivary gland. Multiple sources might contribute to the significantly elevated CA125 in whole saliva. Whole saliva CA125 and parotid saliva leptin reflected the occurrence of parotid tumours, while serum CA125 and leptin did not. Salivary CA125 and leptin could not distinguish malignant parotid tumours. When detecting leptin level, the influence of subjects’ sex must be considered.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*03 variant, C*03:303, by sequence‐based typing in a Dai Chinese individual
Authors: Su P. C. , Wang J. , Ji X. , Ma H. L. , Liu Z.
Published: May 2016

HLA‐C*03:303 has one nonsynonymous nucleotide change from HLA‐C*03:04:01:01 in codon 194, exon 4 (GTC>GCC).
The Effect of Specimen Preparation on Post‐Excision and Post‐Fixation Dimensions, Translation, and Distortion of Canine Cadaver Skin‐Muscle‐Fascia Specimens
Authors: Risselada Marije , Mathews Kyle G , Griffith Emily
Published: May 2016

Objective

To assess the effect of various tissue apposition techniques on specimens after formalin fixation, and to assess canine cadaveric composite skin‐muscle‐fascia specimen changes after excision without and with addition of a tumor model.

Study Design

Canine cadaveric study; unbalanced paired design.

Animals: Fresh canine cadavers (n = 30)

Methods

Experiment 1: Paired 7 cm diameter, circular skin‐muscle‐fascia specimens were harvested bilaterally from three sites (thorax, abdomen, and thigh) on 10 cadavers. For each pair, the skin‐to‐fascia was sutured with a circumferential continuous pattern in one specimen and left unsutured in the other during excision. Specimen length and width were measured post‐excision and post‐fixation. Specimen rotation, translation, and distortion was measured post‐fixation. Experiment 2: A subcutaneous tumor model was implanted at 2 sites (neck, thorax) on 20 cadavers and specimens were then excised with 2 cm lateral margins and a deep fascial plane. Three suturing techniques of the skin‐to‐fascia at both sites were performed during excision: unsutured versus circumferential continuous suture (10 pairs) or circumferential versus 4 interrupted quadrant sutures (10 pairs). Lateral margins were compared post‐excision and post‐fixation.

Results

Experiment 1: There was significant reduction in the length and width of the fascia and skin post‐excision, but no further reduction after fixation. The circumferential suture decreased rotation and translation of the tissue layers but did not significantly affect specimen shrinkage or distortion compared with the unsutured specimen. Experiment 2: All 4 lateral margins decreased significantly post‐excision and post‐fixation compared with the planned pre‐excision margins. No difference was found between any of the 4 lateral margins for any skin‐to‐fascia suture technique.

Conclusion

Canine skin‐muscle‐fascia specimens significantly decrease in size from gross pre‐excision dimensions after removal. Suturing the specimen during surgery before excision will significantly improve alignment of tissue planes without creating distortion of the sample, but may alter the length, width, and lateral margins of the specimen.
Macrophages: A review of their role in wound healing and their therapeutic use
Authors: Snyder Robert J. , Lantis John , Kirsner Robert S. , Shah Vivek , Molyneaux Michael , Carter Marissa J.
Published: May 2016

Macrophages are mononuclear phagocytes established during embryogenesis and derived from the yolk sac or the fetal liver but also recruited from the blood and bone marrow under proliferative inflammatory conditions (such as tissue repair). Most importantly, they take on distinct phenotypes and functions crucial to healing upon localization in the wound. The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings in regard to the cellular mechanisms of macrophages and chronic wounds. Advances in the potential use of macrophage therapy have arisen based, in part, on the fact that early recruitment of macrophages is critical to wound healing. Higher quality evidence is needed to support the use of macrophage therapy for chronic wound types, as is a better understanding of the signaling related to macrophage polarization, activation of macrophages, and their effect of mechanisms of repair. An evaluation of the currently available research on mechanism of action may lead to a better understanding of the signaling processes of the many macrophage phenotypes, as well as their roles and outcomes in wound healing, which could then guide the development and eventual widespread use of macrophage therapies.
Mind the gap: Post earthquake community wellbeing?
Authors: Cooper-Cabell Nicky
Published: May 2016

Following the September 2010 and February 2011 Canterbury earthquakes the Stronger Canterbury Strategic Planning Framework was developed by the National Psychosocial Response Subgroup with support from the Psychosocial Recovery Advisory Group under the auspices of the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the National Health Emergency Plan (Ministry of Health, 2007, p.18). The Framework’s purpose was to provide an overarching context for the Christchurch Psychosocial Response Subgroup as well as applicable Community Wellbeing subgroups to assist in planning the psychosocial recovery in response to the Canterbury earthquakes. Within the document two essential components to the psychosocial recovery for Canterbury are identified: individual recovery and wellbeing, and the building of community resilience while supporting psychosocial wellbeing. Implicit in the document is the notion that provided the right supports are in place, recovery will occur. This article argues the current pervasive neo-liberal perspective has hampered the ability of those supports to be fully realised. To begin, the strategic planning aims of addressing individual psychosocial wellbeing and community resilience will be defined in this review. Secondly, examples illustrating how the pervading neo-liberal perspective has contributed to the failure of the policy to assist community recovery will be discussed. Examples referring to the notions of rights, equality, social justice and the Treaty of Waitangi will be provided. To conclude, the slow pace of the recovery for Cantabrians has had, and continues to have, multiple implications for the social work community. It is over two years on from the first earthquake, and much of the population are still struggling to gain equilibrium. Social workers in Canterbury have been working tirelessly to improve outcomes for clients. It is suggested it is time social work as a national body advocates for the stakeholders to pay more attention to the original intent of the framework.
Social worker registration: A decade of development, debate and delivery
Authors: Gilray Barbara
Published: May 2016

The Social Workers Registration Act was enacted into Aotearoa New Zealand law in April 2003 and provides the framework for the registration of social workers. In general the Act prescribes entitlement to and criteria for registration; competence and fitness to practise social work; and discipline and complaints procedures. A decade later, this discussion will explore the current situation and future challenges facing social worker registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Power of One: Why auto-ethnography, solo service-user voice and reflective case study analysis are useful strategies for researching family-centred social work practice
Authors: Gibbs Anita
Published: May 2016

Family-centred social work practitioners often reflect upon and talk about their everyday work with families, but they rarely write about it, other than in case notes or for formal reports. If social work practitioners were to adopt a range of easy-to-use research strategies that focus on either one service-user, or one family case, or one practitioner experience, then they may be empowered to write and publish more about their work. This may then lead to a series of practitioner pieces aimed at improving knowledge and methods in family-centred social work practice. This article explores three ‘One Voice strategies’: those of auto-ethnography, solo service-user voice and reflective case study analysis, and their usefulness to researching family-centred social work practice. It argues that using such strategies are valid in everyday social work and that practitioners can make a difference to our knowledge of effectiveness in practice by telling us about just one story – the power of one!
The social integration of Māori prisoners
Authors: Workman Kim
Published: May 2016

Kei ngā rangatira, e ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā maramara kohinga o te ao, tēnei ka mihi! Tēnā Koutou, tēnā tātou katoa!The preparation of this paper, was stimulated by memory of an incident that happened within our hapū in the 1950s. The Secretary/Treasurer of a local marae (let’s call him Anzac) was discovered to have defaulted with the entire building fund, a not inconsiderable sum. He had been having dreams about which horses were going to win the following Saturday, and persuaded himself that this was an easy way to increase the fund. After about six months, he realised that they were not horses, but nightmares. The horses were still running, but the building fund was no more. In repentance, he handed himself over to the Police, and served three months in Mt Crawford Prison.It was what happened next that was interesting. On his return home, the local marae committee held a pōwhiri (a welcome home) ceremony, celebrated with a hākari (feast), and immediately reinstated him as Secretary/Treasurer of the Committee. The local pākehā were astounded, and in some cases, outraged. We were referred to as ‘those stupid Māori’. In response to the generosity and grace of his whānau and hapu, the ex-offender gave up his job, worked his guts out fundraising and had the building fund restored to its original level within a year.
Māori identity development outside of tribal environments
Authors: Paringatai Karyn
Published: May 2016

Ethnic identity is formulated through participation and adherence to a shared belief system, knowledge of ancestry, geographical location and associated historical information. The arrival of Europeans in New Zealand and the subsequent changes that ensued, disrupted Māori epistemological systems. Sustained, prolonged and regular contact with other ethnicities influenced the importance of Māori language and culture to Māori people. This article begins by looking at factors that influence identity development before looking specifically at ethnic identity. It will then discuss these factors in relation to the development of a Māori identity. By drawing on research conducted with first-generation urban Māori born in Southland it will conclude by looking at some of the effects of growing up away from tribal areas on the development of their Māori identity.
A matter of degrees: The role of education in the professionalisation journey of social work in New Zealand
Authors: Beddoe Liz
Published: May 2016

Social work in Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ) is a contested profession on a journey of professionalisation in an era where contradictory forces impact on its position and strength. Social work education reflects these tensions, being influenced by economic and political forces. The delineation of a benchmark qualification for entry is a core feature of professional status and so the inception of professionalregistration has impacted on social work education in ANZ as it has elsewhere. The aim of this paper is to explore dimensions of the history of social work education in ANZ, the impact of the Social Workers Registration Act (2003) (SWRA) and to examine some current constraints and consider the challenges professional education faces in the next 50 years. It is argued that social work education has been, is and will remain a site of struggle.
Data and methods to estimate fetal dose from fluoroscopically guided prophylactic hypogastric artery balloon occlusion
Authors: Solomou G. , Perisinakis K. , Tsetis D. , Stratakis J. , Damilakis J.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To provide data for estimation of fetal radiation dose (DF) from prophylactic hypogastric artery balloon occlusion (HABO) procedures.

Methods:

The Monte‐Carlo‐N‐particle (MCNP) transport code and mathematical phantoms representing a pregnant patient at the ninth month of gestation were employed. PA, RAO 20° and LAO 20° fluoroscopy projections of left and right internal iliac arteries were simulated. Projection‐specific normalized fetal dose (NFD) data were produced for various beam qualities. The effects of projection angle, x‐ray field location relative to the fetus, field size, maternal body size, and fetal size on NFD were investigated. Presented NFD values were compared to corresponding values derived using a physical anthropomorphic phantom simulating pregnancy at the third trimester and thermoluminescence dosimeters.

Results:

NFD did not considerably vary when projection angle was altered by ±5°, whereas it was found to markedly depend on tube voltage, filtration, x‐ray field location and size, and maternal body size. Differences in NFD < 7.5% were observed for naturally expected variations in fetal size. A difference of less than 13.5% was observed between NFD values estimated by MCNP and direct measurements.

Conclusions:

Data and methods provided allow for reliable estimation of radiation burden to the fetus from HABO.
Cities are the Future
Authors: Wigginton Nicholas S. , Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink Julia , Wible Brad , Malakoff David
Published: May 2016

Rapid urbanization is overtaxing the planet, but it may not have to
Vancouver's Green Dream
Authors: Weiss Kenneth R.
Published: May 2016

The city wants to dramatically shrink its environmental footprint, but obstacles loom.
Hidden linkages between urbanization and food systems
Authors: Seto Karen C. , Ramankutty Navin
Published: May 2016

Global societies are becoming increasingly urban. This shift toward urban living is changing our relationship with food, including how we shop and what we buy, as well as ideas about sanitation and freshness. Achieving food security in an era of rapid urbanization will require considerably more understanding about how urban and food systems are intertwined. Here we discuss some potential understudied linkages that are ripe for further examination.
Formin' filaments at a faster CLIP
Authors: Rottner Klemens
Published: May 2016

A microtubule-tracking protein amplifies actin assembly
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Isolate Spoligotype SIT745/EAI1-MYS
Authors: Suraiya S. , Semail N. , Ismail M. F. , Abdullah J. M.
Published: May 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is known to cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. This organism showed special phylogeographical specificity. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. tuberculosis
clinical isolate spoligotype SIT745/EAI1-MYS, which was isolated from a Malaysian tuberculosis patient.
First Genome Sequence of Leptospira interrogans Serovar Pomona, Isolated from a Bovine Abortion
Authors: Varni Vanina , Koval Ariel , Nagel Ariel , Ruybal Paula , Caimi Karina , Amadio Ariel F.
Published: May 2016

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis and a re-emergent disease of global distribution with major relevance in veterinary production. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
Leptospira interrogans
serovar Pomona strain AKRFB, isolated from a bovine abortion during a leptospirosis outbreak in Argentina.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain ET76, Isolated from Rice Rhizosphere in Northwestern Morocco
Authors: Aarab Saida , Arakrak Abdelhay , Ollero Francisco Javier , Megías Manuel , Gomes Douglas Fabiano , Ribeiro Renan Augusto , Hungria Mariangela
Published: May 2016

Pseudomonas fluorescens
ET76 was isolated from rice rhizosphere in northwestern Morocco. Its draft genome was estimated to be 6,681,652 bp with 5,789 coding sequences (CDSs). Genes encoding for type I to VI secretion systems, PvdQ, proteases, siderophores, hydrogen cyanide synthase, ACC-deaminase, among others, highlight its potential use in biological control of plant pathogens.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Marine Bacterium, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes Strain S1, with High Mercury Resistance and Bioaccumulation Capacity
Authors: Liu Bing , Bian Chao , Huang Huiwei , Yin Zhiwei , Shi Qiong , Deng Xu
Published: May 2016

Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes
S1, a marine bacterium, exhibited strong resistance to a high concentration of Hg
2+
and remarkable Hg
2+
bioaccumulation capacity. Here, we report the 6.9-Mb genome sequence of
P. pseudoalcaligenes
S1, which may help clarify its phylogenetic status and provide further understanding of the mechanisms of mercury bioremediation in a marine environment.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Acidophilic Iron-Oxidizing
Firmicutes
Species, “
Acidibacillus ferrooxidans
” (SLC66
T
)
Authors: Ñancucheo Ivan , Oliveira Renato , Dall'Agnol Hivana , Johnson D. Barrie , Grail Barry , Holanda Roseanne , Nunes Gisele Lopes , Cuadros-Orellana Sara , Oliveira Guilherme
Published: May 2016

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the type strain of “
Acidibacillus ferrooxidans
,” a mesophilic, heterotrophic, and acidophilic bacterium that was isolated from mine spoilage subjected to accelerated weathering in humidity cell tests carried out by the former U.S. Bureau of Mines in Salt Lake City, UT.
Complete Genome Sequence of Murine Pneumotropic Virus (
Polyomaviridae
) Clone pKV(37-1)
Authors: Libbey Jane E. , Fujinami Robert S.
Published: May 2016

The murine pneumotropic virus genome encoded by the pKV(37-1) clone was sequenced to completion. The regulatory region harbored a mutation not previously reported. The protein coding regions (large and small T antigens, viral proteins 1 to 3) showed multiple regions of high amino acid identity to the human, simian, and bovine polyomaviruses.
EZRA MISHAN’S COST OF ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE ENTROPY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CAPITAL
Authors: THAMPAPILLAI DODO J.
Published: May 2016

Ezra Mishan’s (1967) famous articulation of the costs of economic growth included amongst others the rearrangement and loss of nature. This paper builds on this theme by recourse to two important concepts in science, namely the assimilative capacity of nature and the entropy of law of thermodynamics. These concepts enable the formulation of an alternative conceptual framework for the explanation of national income (Y) in terms of factor-utilization. In this framework, environmental capital (KN) is an explicit factor besides manufactured capital (KM) and labor (L). A simple methodology that permits the estimation of the volume of KN utilized is used towards demonstrating that economic growth is an entropic process. Empirical illustration of KN utilization as point-estimates is made for Australia and South Korea.
Interference effect on resonance studies in searches of heavy particles
Authors: Bian Ligong , Liu Da , Shu Jing , Zhang Yongchao
Published: May 2016

The interference between resonance signal and continuum background can be either constructive or destructive, depending on the relative sign of couplings between the signal and background amplitudes. Different interference schemes lead to asymmetric distortions of the resonance line shape, which could be distinguished in experiments, when the internal resonance width is larger than the detector resolution. Interpreting the ATLAS diboson excesses by means of a toy [Formula: see text] model as an illustrative example (though it is disfavored by the 13 TeV data), we find that the signs of resonance couplings can only be revealed in the line shape measurements up to a high confidence level at a high luminosity, which could bring us further information on the underlying theory beyond resonance searches at future lepton and hadron colliders.
GW approximation study of late transition metal oxides: Spectral function clusters around Fermi energy as the mechanism behind smearing in momentum density
Authors: Khidzir S. M. , Ibrahim K. N. , Wan Abdullah W. A. T.
Published: May 2016

Momentum density studies are the key tool in Fermiology in which electronic structure calculations have proven to be the integral underlying methodology. Agreements between experimental techniques such as Compton scattering experiments and conventional density functional calculations for late transition metal oxides (TMOs) prove elusive. In this work, we report improved momentum densities of late TMOs using the GW approximation (GWA) which appears to smear the momentum density creating occupancy above the Fermi break. The smearing is found to be largest for NiO and we will show that it is due to more spectra surrounding the NiO Fermi energy compared to the spectra around the Fermi energies of FeO and CoO. This highlights the importance of the positioning of the Fermi energy and the role played by the self-energy term to broaden the spectra and we elaborate on this point by comparing the GWA momentum densities to their LDA counterparts and conclude that the larger difference at the intermediate level shows that the self-energy has its largest effect in this region. We finally analyzed the quasiparticle renormalization factor and conclude that an increase of electrons in the [Formula: see text]-orbital from FeO to NiO plays a vital role in changing the magnitude of electron correlation via the self-energy.
Health Knowledge Workers: Strategies for Literacy Development
Authors: Rehman Sajjad ur , Chaudhry Abdus Sattar
Published: May 2016

Health information systems (HISs) provide automated solutions for the clinical, informational, and managerial life of a hospital. These systems are optimally used when the knowledge workers are adequately equipped with the needed competencies. Three Kuwaiti hospitals have been engaged in adopting and using the same HIS. Jahra Public Hospital, one of the three, has been making progress in the use of HIS. It was hypothesised that capabilities and preparedness of knowledge workers are correlated with their extent of use of the HIS. Data were gathered from 124 healthcare knowledge workers using stratified random sampling. It was found that skills and abilities of these knowledge professionals are strongly correlated with their use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and HIS. Almost all the professionals used HIS, yet there was a wide variation in the use of HIS modules and applications. We also examined whether personal attributes of knowledge workers made any difference in their ICT and HIS skills and use. Results however revealed no such association. These professionals attached a great deal of importance with formal training, but urged that these knowledge workers had enhanced and involved role.
Nonlinear Force Feedback Enhancement for Cooperative Robotic Neurosurgery Enforces Virtual Boundaries on Cortex Surface
Authors: Beretta Elisa , Ferrigno Giancarlo , De Momi Elena
Published: May 2016

Surgeons can benefit from the cooperation with a robotic assistant during the repetitive execution of precise targeting tasks on soft tissues, such as brain cortex stimulation procedures in open-skull neurosurgery. Position-based force-to-motion control schemes may not be satisfactory solution to provide the manipulator with the high compliance desirable during guidance along wide trajectories. A new torque controller with nonlinear force feedback enhancement (FFE) is presented to provide augmented haptic perception to the operator from instrument-tissue interaction. Simulation tests were performed to evaluate the system stability according to different nonlinear force modulation functions (power, sigmoidal and arc tangent). The FFE controller with power modulation was experimentally validated with a pool of nonexpert users using brain-mimicking gelatin phantoms (8–16% concentration). Besides providing hand tremor rejection for a stable holding of the tool, the FFE controller was proven to allow for a safer tissue contact with respect to both robotic assistance without force feedback and freehand executions (50% and 75% reduction of the indentation depth, respectively). Future work will address the evaluation of the safety features of the FFE controller with expert surgeons on a realistic brain phantom, also accounting for unpredictable tissue motions as during seizures due to cortex stimulation.
Modeling and Experimental Study of Micro Enzymatic Biofuel Cells
Authors: Song Yin , Wang Chunlei
Published: May 2016

Miniaturized enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs) converting biological energy into electrical energy by using enzyme-modified electrodes are considered as a candidate to power implantable medical devices and portable electronics. In this study, modeling of the EBFC system has been conducted using finite element analysis. The design rule has been developed in the steady state and the effect of orientation of EBFC chip in blood artery has been studied. In the experimental part, 3D carbon micropillar arrays have been fabricated and different functionalization techniques on the glassy carbon surface have also been demonstrated. Moreover, high surface area nanomaterials graphene has been integrated to improve the performance of EBFCs. The amperometric response for graphene based bioelectrodes exhibited excellent electrochemical performance and the resulting EBFC generated a maximum power density of 136.3 μWcm-2 at 0.59 V, which is about 7 times of the bare carbon based EBFC.
Modeling and Characterization of Tissue/Electrode Interface in Capacitive µECoG Glassy Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Goshi Noah , Vomero Maria , Dryg Ian , Seidman Scott , Kassegne Sam
Published: May 2016

Understanding the chronic immune response of brain tissues to implanted neural electrodes is important from both a patient safety and long-term functionality standpoint. One emerging area of interest is examining the effects of the chronic immune response on the long-term functionality of cortical surface stimulating micro-electrodes. In this study, we use a simulation model to examine the parameters that influence the long-term success of cortical surface stimulating electrodes. Two computational models were developed and solved using finite element analysis; the first investigated the externally-induced electric field distribution in the brain tissues during stimulation and the effect of scar tissue formation on the stimulation thresholds. The second evaluated the potential changes in the pH around the electrode during stimulation. The models were based on in vivo experiments that have previously been conducted using chronically implanted glassy carbon based µECoG arrays.
3D Carbon-Electrode Dielectrophoresis for Enrichment of a Small Cell Population from a Large Sample Volume
Authors: Islam Monsur , Natu Rucha , Larraga-Martinez Maria Fernanda , Dávila Guillermo Contreras , Martinez-Duarte Rodrigo
Published: May 2016

Isolation and enrichment of cells from a diluted sample is necessary for different clinical applications. Here we have demonstrated the use of 3D carbon electrode dielectrophoresis (DEP) to process a diluted yeast sample featuring concentration as low as 102 cells/ml. The yeast cells in the sample were first trapped on carbon electrodes by implementing positive DEP force and then released and concentrated in a small volume of clean buffer. The maximum limit of the cell trapping for our device was found to be around 4000 cells. Using 10 µl/min, an enrichment of 154.2 ± 23.7 folds was achieved, where sample of 102 cells/ml concentration was enriched up to 4 X 104 cells/ml. Upon increasing the flow rate up to 30 µl/min, the enrichment dropped down to 18.4 ± 4 folds due to the increase of drag force, though the enriched concentration around 104 cells/ml was still achieved.