bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge spillovers from inward foreign direct investment in the banking industry
Authors: Kim Chong-Hoe , Park Byung Il
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to pinpoint key conduits promoting knowledge spillovers through inward foreign direct investment in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained by a survey. The survey data were collected from managers of five major local banks in Korea. The survey was conducted during May 10-June 30, 2015 with a total of 581 self-administered responses finally collected at the end (response rate: 60.5 percent).

Findings

Based on the survey data collected from the survey, the results indicate that knowledge spillovers from foreign to local banks occur in the Korean context. Demonstration effect, worker mobility and absorptive capacity of local banks are found to be effective conduits for knowledge spillovers. In addition, the authors have also found that competitive pressure negatively influences worker mobility leading to knowledge spillovers while two other elements (i.e. demonstration effect and absorptive capacity) positively mediate the relationship between competitive pressure and knowledge spillovers.

Practical implications

It is essential for the managers of multinational banks vigorously consider placing a strong emphasis on security of internal information and management of own personnel as the knowledge outflow through the demonstration effect and worker mobility is critical. For the managers of local banks, the discoveries suggest that active investment in human resources to maximize knowledge spillovers through the demonstration effect and through absorptive capacity is heightened by building an internal knowledge base.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant literature in the field of international business in two key ways. First, it examines the knowledge spillovers in the banking sector, a regulated industry, in Korea where empirical research is sparse. This paper’s second contribution is the finding of the key conduits of knowledge spillover phenomena by predicting and identifying the elements which affect the magnitude of knowledge flows from foreign to local banks.
Does the relationship between person–organization fit and work attitudes differ for blue-collar and white-collar employees?
Authors: Saraç Mehlika , Meydan Bilçin , Efil Ismail
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Most employee attitudes and behaviors are determined by both personal and situational characteristics. Studies on person–organization fit (POF), which is defined as the congruence between individual and organizational values, also support this assumption. Employees who perceive high POF have high positive work attitudes and low intention to leave. However, this study assumes that the relationship between perceived POF and work attitudes may be different with respect to employees’ status and aims to investigate how perceived POF may differ in consequences among blue-collar and white-collar employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple group analysis of structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to test the moderation effect of employee status on the relationship between perceived POF and work attitudes.

Findings

Results indicated that the relationship between perceived POF and organizational commitment, job satisfaction, organizational identification and intention to leave differ with respect to individual’s status (blue-collar–white collar). As the status of the individuals increases, the relationship between POF and work attitudes (organizational commitment, job satisfaction and organization identification) becomes weaker.

Originality/value

Rather than just focusing results of POF, this study focuses on moderating variables that differentiate the relationship between POF and outcomes by considering individual differences caused by different motivation and abilities.
Bullying and incivility in higher education workplaces
Authors: Hodgins Margaret , Mannix McNamara Patricia
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of workplace ill-treatment of administrative and technical staff in the higher education sector, with a particular focus on organisational response.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interpretative phenomenological research design was employed. Using non-random, purposive sampling strategies nine self-selecting participants from three of the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland were interviewed in person. Data were analysed thematically employing the Pietkiewicz and Smith’s (2012) four-stage data analysis model.

Findings

Thematic analysis yielded four main themes: micro-political nature of bullying, cynicism about the informal response, the formal procedures exacerbate the problem and significant and adverse health impact. Participant narratives engender the lived experience for the reader.

Research limitations/implications

As participants were self-selecting respondent bias is acknowledged.

Practical implications

The findings of this study add to the accumulating evidence that organisations are failing to address workplace bullying.

Social implications

In failing to protect employees, the adverse health difficulties experienced by targets of bullying are further exacerbated.

Originality/value

While the literature yields much in terms of types of behaviours and impact, and argues for anti bullying policies and procedures in the workplace, what is evident is the selective organisational use of policy and procedures and inherent biases in place which expose a reluctance to effectively protect dignity and respect in the workplace.
Who are the baby boomers of the 1960s?
Authors: Young Aideen , Tinker Anthea
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The 8.3 million babies who were born during the 1960s in the UK are 48-57 years old. With growing concern about population ageing, and the oldest of this large cohort on the brink of later life, it is timely to provide an overview of selected characteristics of this cohort in order to help predict likely needs and choices for services and products in later life. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis (non-systematic) of the academic and grey literature plus data from various sources including the Office for National Statistics was used to construct a picture of the 1960s baby boomer.

Findings

Characteristics with the potential to signify lifestyle changes among this, compared with previous, cohorts of older people include: a higher probability of living alone in old age due to high rates of childlessness and divorce; a possibly larger proportion of their lives spent with one or more chronic conditions, although the prevalence of disability affecting activities of daily living is lower than for previous cohorts; high levels of home ownership; increased rates of employment at older ages; but reduced wealth compared with previous cohorts.

Originality/value

The term baby boomer is generally used to denote people born in the undifferentiated surge of births that occurred in the USA between 1946 and 1964. In the UK, post Second World War spike in births was followed by a separate, broad surge in births across the 1960s but there has been very little analysis specifically of the 1960s cohort in this country. This paper addresses that gap, by bringing together the available evidence and data on this specific cohort in the UK.
Contrasting habitat and landscape effects on the fitness of a long‐lived grassland plant under forest encroachment: Do they provide evidence for extinction debt?
Authors: Bagaria Guillem , Rodà Ferran , Clotet Maria , Míguez Silvia , Pino Joan
Published: August 2017

Habitat loss, fragmentation and transformation threaten the persistence of many species world‐wide. Population and individual fitness are often compromised in small, degraded and isolated habitats, but extinction can be a slow process and extinction debts are common.

Long‐lived species are prone to persist as remnant populations in low‐quality habitats for a long time, but the population‐ and individual‐level mechanisms of extinction debt remain poorly explored so far.

We here investigate the mechanisms involved in the long‐term persistence of the common grassland specialist, long‐lived, clonal plantAphyllanthes monspeliensisL. (Asparagaceae) after forest encroachment into semi‐natural Mediterranean calcareous grasslands in Catalonia (NEIberian Peninsula). For this purpose, we assess vegetative (above‐ground and below‐ground) and reproductive plant performance indicators and their habitat and landscape (current and historical) drivers.

We confirm the existence of an extinction debt for this species, since current plant frequency is related to historical but not current connectivity, and we also find a positive effect of historical connectivity on seed set. In addition, current tree cover negatively affects individual size and above‐ground/below‐ground biomass ratio, and biotic soil acidification leads to a reduction in the flowering probability of individuals and stems.

However, we also find that current connectivity negatively affects flowering and that tree cover enhances seed set. The forestation process, thus, also exerts a positive effect on some fitness traits, probably by providing a moister environment.

Synthesis. Habitat loss and deterioration result in a decreased vegetative performance ofAphyllanthes monspeliensis, a grassland specialist, but show contrasting effects on its reproductive performance. This suggests that the species would perform better in open forests than grasslands in a context of climate change. However, further forest encroachment would increase light competition and soil acidification, threatening its persistence and promoting the payment of the extinction debt if no conservation measures are taken, like opening gaps in forests and enhancing grassland connectivity.
Development of medical termination of pregnancy: a review
Authors: Ho PC
Published: August 2017

The synthesis of mifepristone, an antiprogestin blocking the action of progesterone at the receptor level, started a new era of medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP). The initial results of MTOP with mifepristone alone were disappointing; however, mifepristone can sensitise the myometrium to the action of prostaglandins. Clinical trials have shown that the sequential administration of mifepristone followed 1–2 days later by a prostaglandin analogue is a safe, effective, and acceptable method for MTOP. This article will review the events and challenges leading to the development of the current evidence‐based and yet off‐label regimen for first‐trimester MTOP.

Tweetable abstract

This article reviews the events and challenges in the development of medical termination of pregnancy.
Dodging the bullet: How crises trigger technocrat‐led governments
Authors: WRATIL CHRISTOPHER , PASTORELLA GIULIA
Published: August 2017

Governments led by nonpartisan, ‘technocratic’ prime ministers are a rare phenomenon in parliamentary democracies, but have become more frequent since the late 1980s. This article focuses on the factors that lead to the formation of such cabinets. It posits that parliamentary parties with the chance to win the prime ministerial post will only relinquish it during political and economic crises that drastically increase the electoral costs of ruling and limit policy returns from governing. Statistical analyses of 469 government formations in 29 European democracies between 1977 and 2013 suggest that political scandals and economic recessions are major drivers of the occurrence of technocratic prime ministers. Meanwhile, neither presidential powers nor party system fragmentation and polarisation have any independent effect. The findings suggest that parties strategically choose technocrat‐led governments to shift blame and re‐establish their credibility and that of their policies in the face of crises that de‐legitimise their rule.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Receipt of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination among Long‐Stay Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Travers Jasmine L. , Dick Andrew W. , Stone Patricia W.
Published: August 2017

Objective/Study Question

To examine racial/ethnic differences in influenza and pneumococcal vaccination receipt and nonreceipt among nursing home (NH) residents post implementation of federal vaccination policy.

Data Sources/Study Setting/Study Design/Data Collection/Extraction Methods

An analysis of a merged national cross‐sectional dataset containing resident assessment, facility, and community data for years 2010–2013 was conducted. Logistic regressions omitting and including facility fixed effects were used to examine the influence of race and ethnicity (black, Hispanic, white) and black concentration on vaccination status across and within NHs.

Principle Findings

Vaccination receipt of 107,874 residents in 742 NHs was examined. Blacks were less likely than whites to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations (OR = 0.75; OR = 0.81, respectively, p‐values <.001). The likelihood of not being offered the influenza vaccination was greater for blacks (OR=1.25, p = .004) and the likelihood of not being offered the pneumococcal vaccination was greater for Hispanics (OR = 1.65, p = .04) compared to whites. Fixed effects showed that within the same NH, Hispanics were more likely to receive both vaccinations compared to whites (OR=1.22, p = .004 (influenza); OR=1.34, p < .001 (pneumococcal)). Facilities highly concentrated with blacks accounted for large proportions of differences seen in vaccination receipt.

Conclusions

Racial/ethnic differences remain despite policy changes. Focused strategies aimed at NH personnel and racially segregated NHs are critical to improving vaccination delivery and eliminating disparities in care.
Estimating Costs of Care Attributable to Cancer: Does the Choice of Comparison Group Matter?
Authors: Chen Aileen B. , Li Ling , Cronin Angel M. , Brooks Gabriel A. , Kavanagh Brian D. , Schrag Deborah
Published: August 2017

Objective

To compare alternative strategies for specifying cancer‐free control cohorts for estimating cancer‐attributable costs of care.

Data Source, Study Design, Data Extraction

Secondary data analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data linked to Medicare claims among patients diagnosed with colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancers, 2007–2011. We estimated cancer‐attributable costs using three alternative reference cohorts: (1) noncancer Medicare patients individually matched by demographic characteristics, (2) noncancer patients individually matched on demographic factors and comorbidity score, (3) cancer patients as their own control, using prediagnosis costs.

Principal Findings

Among 44,266 colorectal, 61,584 lung, 55,921 breast, and 67,733 prostate patients, mean total Medicare spending in the first year of diagnosis was $59,496, $54,261, $31,895, and $26,305, respectively. Estimates of cancer‐attributable costs ranged from 79 percent to 82 percent of spending for colorectal, 76 percent–79 percent for lung, 65 percent–74 percent for breast, and 60 percent–75 percent for prostate cancers, depending on the reference cohort used. For all cancers, estimates were higher when patients were used as their own control, compared to demographic and comorbidity‐matched controls.

Conclusions

Choice of reference group can have a substantial impact on proportion of total costs attributed to cancer and should be clearly defined in analyses of the costs of cancer care.
Multilevel Comparisons of Hospital Discharge among Older Adults with a Fall‐Related Hospitalization
Authors: Towne Samuel D. , Fair Kayla , Smith Matthew Lee , Dowdy Diane M. , Ahn SangNam , Nwaiwu Obioma , Ory Marcia G.
Published: August 2017

Objective

We examined multilevel factors associated with hospital discharge status among older adults suffering a fall‐related hospitalization.

Data Sources

The 2011–2013 (n = 131,978) Texas Inpatient Hospital Discharge Public‐Use File was used.

Study Design/Methods

Multilevel logistic regression analyses estimated the likelihood of being discharged to institutional settings versus home.

Principal Findings

Factors associated with a greater likelihood of being discharged to institutional settings versus home/self‐care included being female, white, older, having greater risk of mortality, receiving care in a non‐teaching hospital, having Medicare (versus Private) coverage, and being admitted from a non‐health care facility (versus clinical referral).

Conclusions

Understanding risk factors for costly discharges to institutional settings enables targeted fall‐prevention interventions with identification of at‐risk groups and allows for identifying policy‐related factors associated with discharge status.
Utilizing Mushrooms to Reduce Overall Sodium in Taco Filling Using Physical and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Wong Kristin M. , Decker Eric A. , Autio Wesley R. , Toong Ken , DiStefano Garett , Kinchla Amanda J.
Published: August 2017

This project investigated the use of integrating mushrooms into beef taco filling as a means to reduce overall sodium for food service applications. Initial product development used physical characterization analysis (moisture, yield, color, and texture) to determine initial threshold of mushroom inclusion with minimal differences against an all‐meat control. Increasing mushroom inclusion increased moisture and yield before draining but decreased yield after draining, lightness, redness, and texture. Results showed that inclusion under 50% by weight minimized physical attribute deviation from an all‐meat control. Additional physical analysis investigated a variety of other factors (mushroom type, blanching, and particle size) to determine if other attributing mushroom characteristics would yield statistical similarity to the all‐meat control. Results showed that a formulation containing up to 45% mushrooms can be integrated into beef fillings using un‐blanched, white button mushrooms with small grind (1 to 5 mm), which maximized mushroom usage while minimizing differences from the all‐meat control. Additional sodium analysis showed that varying salt level in formulations did not affect physical characteristics and mushroom inclusion could not significantly reduce overall sodium level. Optimized mushroom samples were then fielded in a hedonic sensory study to untrained consumers to evaluate product liking attributes (overall liking, aroma, color, flavor, juiciness, saltiness, and texture). Samples with overall liking scores that closely matched the control were then fielded in a paired‐preference test to determine acceptance. Consumers preferred a 45% mushroom with reduced sodium taco filling compared to its full sodium counterpart in a food service fielded paired‐preference sensory test.

Practical Application

Although diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, American consumers continue to eat detrimental diets high in fat and sodium. Products need to be made that decrease fat and sodium intake while still delivering acceptable taste. Mushroom substitution into meat‐based products can be a strategy to develop products that can decrease fat and sodium consumption while increasing vegetable intake without compromising the quality and taste consumers demand. This research shows how consumers can accept meat‐based products containing mushrooms with potential for direct food service application.
Adherence to infliximab therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients in a real‐life setting
Authors: Martelli Laura , Lopez Anthony , Strobel Sophie , Danese Silvio , Roblin Xavier , Baumann Cédric , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: August 2017

OBJECTIVE

To assess adherence to infliximab (IFX) therapy in inflammatory bowel disease patients, to investigate reasons for non‐adherence and to identify predictors for non‐adherence.

METHODS

This observational study was conducted in two French referral university hospitals between 1 September and 31 October, 2011. Patients were systematically asked if they had already delayed or missed an IFX perfusion since the beginning of the treatment and about the reasons for their non‐adherence.

RESULTS

Of the 162 included patients (121 Crohn's disease [CD], 41 ulcerative colitis), 87 (53.7%) reported a delay of at least one IFX injection and 14 (8.6%) missed at least one IFX perfusion since the beginning of the treatment. The overall non‐adherence rate was 54.3%. Pooling all misses, the main reasons for non‐adherence were pregnancy (33.3%), intentional non‐adherence (20%) and forgetfulness (13.3%). Pooling all delays, the main reasons for non‐adherence were professional constraints (46.9%), infections (17.3%) and travels (14.3%). Perineal disease was associated with IFX delays (P = 0.0007, odds ratio 4.0), whereas active CD/UC was associated with IFX misses (P = 0.0258, OR = 5.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall non‐adherence rate for IFX use was 54.3%. Professional constraints and intentional non‐adherence were the leading causes of non‐adherence. Perineal disease and active CD were negatively related to adherence.
Potential roles of neutrophils in regulating intestinal mucosal inflammation of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhou Guang Xi , Liu Zhan Ju
Published: August 2017

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), comprising of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by chronically relapsing mucosal inflammation. Neutrophils, as the effector cells of acute inflammation, have long been reported to play a role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and pathogenesis of IBD. At the early stage of mucosal inflammation in patients with IBD, neutrophils flood into intestinal mucosa, phagocytose pathogenic microbes, and promote mucosal healing and resolution of inflammation. However, large numbers of neutrophils infiltrating in the inflamed mucosa and accumulating in the epithelia cause damage of mucosal architecture, compromised epithelial barrier and production of inflammatory mediators. In this review we discuss the critical roles of neutrophils in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses in intestinal mucosa, and, importantly, clarify the potential roles of neutrophils related to their production of inflammatory mediators, transenthothelial and transepithelial migration into intestinal mucosa, and the underlying mechanisms in regulating mucosal inflammation of IBD. Moreover, we also describe a new subset of neutrophils (i.e., CD177+ neutrophils) and illustrate its protective role in modulating intestinal mucosal immune responses in IBD.
Designing and Implementing a Network for Sensing Water Quality and Hydrology across Mountain to Urban Transitions
Authors: Jones Amber Spackman , Aanderud Zachary T. , Horsburgh Jeffery S. , Eiriksson David P. , Dastrup Dylan , Cox Christopher , Jones Scott B. , Bowling David R. , Carlisle Jonathan , Carling Gregory T. , Baker Michelle A.
Published: August 2017

Water resources are increasingly impacted by growing human populations, land use, and climate changes, and complex interactions among biophysical processes. In an effort to better understand these factors in semiarid northern Utah, United States, we created a real‐time observatory consisting of sensors deployed at aquatic and terrestrial stations to monitor water quality, water inputs, and outputs along mountain to urban gradients. The Gradients Along Mountain to Urban Transitions (GAMUT) monitoring network spans three watersheds with similar climates and streams fed by mountain winter‐derived precipitation, but that differ in urbanization level, land use, and biophysical characteristics. The aquatic monitoring stations in theGAMUTnetwork include sensors to measure chemical (dissolved oxygen, specific conductance,pH, nitrate, and dissolved organic matter), physical (stage, temperature, and turbidity), and biological components (chlorophyll‐aand phycocyanin). We present the logistics of designing, implementing, and maintaining the network; quality assurance and control of numerous, large datasets; and data acquisition, dissemination, and visualization. Data fromGAMUTreveal spatial differences in water quality due to urbanization and built infrastructure; capture rapid temporal changes in water quality due to anthropogenic activity; and identify changes in biological structure, each of which are demonstrated via case study datasets.
Comparison of patient‐reported acute urinary and sexual toxicity scores in a 6‐ versus 2‐fraction course of high‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy monotherapy
Authors: Ragab Omar , Banerjee Robyn , Park Sang‐June , Patel Shyamal , Zhang Mingle , Wang Jason , Velez Maria , Demanes David Jeffrey , Kamrava Mitchell
Published: August 2017

Introduction

To identify differences in acute urinary and sexual toxicity between a 6‐fraction and 2‐fraction high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy monotherapy regimen and correlate dosimetric constraints to short‐term toxicity.

Methods

A single institution retrospective study of 116 men with prostate cancer treated with HDR monotherapy from 2010 to 2015 was conducted. Eighty‐one men had 7.25 Gy × 6‐fractions and 35 men had 13.5 Gy × 2‐fractions. Patients had two CT‐planned implants spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Patient baseline characteristics, International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores were collected pre‐treatment and 3, 6 and 12 months post‐implantation. Mixed effect modelling was undertaken to compare baseline, 1–6 month and 7–12 month scores between groups. Poisson regression analysis was performed to correlate dosimetric constraints with acute toxicity.

Results

There was no difference between baseline and post‐implantation IPSS scores between 6‐fraction and 2‐fraction groups. SHIM scores for men treated with 6‐fractions had a steeper decline at 1–6 months, but resolved at 7–12 months. Pre‐treatment alpha‐blocker use correlated with worse short‐term acute urinary toxicity. Worsened SHIM score correlated with increasing age, diabetes mellitus and androgen‐deprivation therapy. In a dosimetric analysis of outcomes, prostate V150 dose and bladder wall (D01.cc, D1cc, D2cc) dose correlated with increased IPSS score.

Conclusion

No increased acute genitourinary or sexual dysfunction has been observed in men when transitioning from 6‐fraction to 2‐fraction HDR monotherapy. A dosimetric correlation was found between the V150 and bladder wall doses for acute urinary toxicity. Future research should continue to standardize and validate dose constraints for prostate HDR monotherapy patients.
Wedge‐Shaped Pop‐Up Structure in the Eslami Peninsula, Lake Urmia, Northwestern Iran
Authors: ALIZADEH Akram , JANGJOO Fayezeh
Published: August 2017

Ancient subduction zones are characterized by metamorphic and orogenic belts. The Zagros Orogenic Belt comprises almost all sections of an ancient subduction zone along which Neo‐Tethyan oceanic crust was subducted beneath central Iran. The Eslami Peninsula, as a part of the Zagros Orogenic Belt in Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran, is situated between the Lake Urmia fore‐arc basin and the Sahand Magmatic Arc. This region contains Eocene leucite dikes, trachyte, tephrite, phenolite, basanite and syenite. Volcanic features related to the Sahand are located in the eastern part of the Eslami Peninsula. In view of its relative age and composition, the Eslami Peninsula proposed as an outer arc of the Sahand Magmatic Arc that formed within the post‐collisional setting of the central Iranian and Arabian plates. After subduction and contact of the two plates, a symmetric pop‐up structure has been created by thrusting in the Zagros belt as a result of the collision processes. The injesction of dikes in the Eslami Peninsula is also a result of the continent_continent collision.
The Crystal Structure of Lisiguangite
Authors: YU Zuxiang , WANG Hanggen
Published: August 2017

The crystal structure of lisiguangite, CuPtBiS3, from Yanshan mountains, Chengde Prefecture, Hebei Province, China has been determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to orthorhombic space group P212121with a = 7.7372(15) Å, b = 12.844(3) Å, c = 4.9062(10) Å, V = 487.57(17) Å3, Z = 4. The final full‐matric least‐square refinement on F2converged with R1 = 0.0495 and wR2 = 0.0992 for 704 observed reflections [I≥2σ(I)]. Lisiguangite is the isomorph of known CuNiSbS3and CuNiBiS3. Pt2+and Bi3+have the distorted octahedral coordination enviroments composed of two metal and four S and Cu+2has a distorted tetrahedral coordination environment with four S atoms. Each S atom is surrounded by four metals to give a tetrahedral environment. The crystal structure is a complex 3 dimensional network.
Genesis of Dolomite from Ma55–Ma510 Sub‐members of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the Jingxi Area in the Ordos Basin
Authors: LIU Jingdong , JIANG Youlu , LIU Xinshe , YANG Zhiwei , HOU Xiangdong , ZHU Rongwei , WEN Caixia , WANG Feiyan
Published: August 2017

We clarified three stages of dolomitization and secondary changes by studying the petrology and geochemistry characteristics of dolomite from the Ma55–Ma510 sub‐members of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation in the Jingxi area in the Ordos Basin: (1) Syngenetic microbial dolomitization is characterized by formation of dolomite with a mainly micrite structure and horse tooth‐shape dolomite cements. (2) Seepage reflux dolomitization during the penecontemporaneous period superposed adjustment functions such as recrystallization and stabilization in the middle‐deep burial stage, forming dolomites mainly consisting of micro crystal and powder crystal structure. (3) Powder dolomite, fine dolomite, and medium‐coarse crystalline dolomite formed in pores and fractures in the middle‐deep burial stage. The secondary concussive transgression‐regression under a regressive background is an important condition for the occurrence of many stages of dolomitization in the study area. The basin was an occlusive epicontinental sea environment in the Ma5 member of the Ordovician Majiagou Formation sedimentary period. In the sediments, sulfate content was high, which is conducive to the preservation of microbial activity and microbial dolomitization. Micritic dolomite formed by microbial dolomitization provides good migration pathways for seepage reflux dolomitization. Affected by evaporation seawater with increased Mg/Ca ratio, seepage reflux dolomitization was widely developed and formed large‐scale dolomite, and underwater uplifts and slopes are favorable areas for dolomite. In the middle‐deep burial stage, dolomitizing fluid in the stratum recrystallized or stabilized the previous dolomite and formed a small amount of euhedral dolomite in the pores and fractures.
Diagnostic utility of HLA‐B*5801 screening in severe allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Kuang‐Hui , Yu Cheng‐Yen , Fang Yao‐Fan
Published: August 2017

Background

Despite many studies suggesting an association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*5801 and allopurinol‐induced toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens‐Johnsons syndrome (SJS), the evidence of association in different populations and the degree of association remain uncertain.

Methods

The primary analysis was based on population‐control studies. Data were pooled by means of a random‐effects model, and sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios (LR+), negative likelihood ratios (LR−), diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), and areas under summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves (AUC) were calculated.

Results

In nine population‐control studies, HLA‐B*5801 was measured in 162 patients with allopurinol‐induced TEN/SJS and 7372 patients without allopurinol‐induced TEN/SJS. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR−, DOR and AUC were 0.78 (95% CI = 0.71–0.85), 0.96 (95% CI = 0.96–0.97), 14.23 (95% CI = 7.89–25.63), 0.29 (95% CI = 0.16–0.54), 83.5 (95% CI = 50.7–137.4), and 0.97 (95% CI = 0.95–0.99), respectively. Subgroup analyses of the DORs for Chinese, Japanese, and Caucasian populations yielded similar findings for Chinese (196.1; 95% CI = 57.3–672.0), Japanese (78.8; 95% CI = 30.4–203.9), and Caucasian (58.4; 95% CI = 16.9–201.5) populations. Overall, HLA‐B*5801 was associated with allopurinol‐induced TEN/SJS in European and Japanese populations, but only had a 50–60% sensitivity (pooled sensitivity 56%), compared to the 80–100% sensitivity (pooled sensitivity 97%) observed in Korean, Thai, Sardinia Italian and Han Chinese populations.

Conclusions

The present study reveals that allopurinol is the leading cause of TEN/SJS in many countries. In contrast to carbamazepine, which is ethnic/population specific, the HLA‐B*5801 for detecting allopurinol‐induced TEN/SJS is universal. Screening of HLA‐B*5801 may help patients to prevent the occurrence of allopurinol‐induced TEN/SJS, especially in populations with a higher (≥ 5%) risk allele frequency.
Resourcing International Organizations: Resource Diversification, Organizational Differentiation, and Administrative Governance
Authors: Goetz Klaus H. , Patz Ronny
Published: August 2017

This article introduces, summarizes and contextualizes the key questions and findings of a special issue of Global Policy on the resourcing of international organizations (IOs). The article sets out trends in the financial resources available to IOs; discusses their organizational consequences; and highlights analytical implications for the study of IOs. We discuss resource diversification associated with growing complexity of the origins and types of funding available to IOs; the importance of non‐state actors in IO funding; and contestation over the classification of resources. Resource diversification encourages organizational differentiation, manifested in major shifts in resource‐related actor constellations and their impact on the autonomy of IOs; adjustments to budgeting procedures; and functional differentiation within IOs and the emergence of new types of IOs that are partly driven by resourcing. These observations invite an analytical perspective in the study of IOs that pays systematic attention to the administrative governance dimension of IOs; the entrepreneurial character of many IOs; and organizational fields as a focus of analysis. Read together, the 11 contributions to the special issue underline that paying attention to their resourcing can advance our understanding of IOs.
Audit Partner Tenure and Internal Control Reporting Quality: U.S. Evidence from the Not‐For‐Profit Sector
Authors: Fitzgerald Brian C. , Omer Thomas C. , Thompson Anne M.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the effects of audit partner tenure and audit partner changes on internal control reporting quality for large U.S. not‐for‐profit (NFP) organizations. Regulators contend that audit partners lose their objectivity over successive audits, reducing audit quality. A large body of research has examined this issue, primarily in non‐U.S. jurisdictions, with mixed results. We examine the associations between audit partner tenure and audit partner changes and the incidence of reported internal control deficiencies (ICDs), the quality of internal control reports (following PCAOB audit quality indicators), and the severity of reported ICDs. We find negative associations between audit partner tenure and the incidence of reported ICDs, the quality of internal control reports, and the severity of reported ICDs. Together, these findings indicate that internal control reporting quality deteriorates with audit partner tenure. However, we find no association between audit partner changes and internal control reporting, which is consistent with partners lacking client specific knowledge in their first year with a client. Finally, we find no association between either audit partner tenure or changes and the likelihood of remediation. Our findings contribute large‐sample U.S. evidence on the association between audit partner tenure and internal control reporting quality and provide useful information to government regulators, NFP boards charged with the oversight of the external auditor and internal controls, and NFP stakeholders.
Executive Bonus Target Ratcheting: Evidence from the New Executive Compensation Disclosure Rules
Authors: Kim Sunyoung , Shin Jae Yong
Published: August 2017

This study investigates whether firms revise executive bonus compensation targets based on past performance. Studies in this area suffer from a lack of detailed information related to executive performance targets. Using mandatory disclosures of executive compensation information under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's new disclosure rules, this study provides the first large‐sample evidence of bonus target ratcheting. There are three major findings: (i) executive bonus targets ratchet and they ratchet asymmetrically; (ii) the degree of target ratcheting and ratcheting asymmetry vary with executive equity incentives and investment opportunities; and (iii) performance relative to bonus target is serially correlated.
Hyperphosphatemia induces senescence in human endothelial cells by increasing endothelin‐1 production
Authors: Olmos Gemma , Martínez‐Miguel Patricia , Alcalde‐Estevez Elena , Medrano Diana , Sosa Patricia , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio , Naves‐Diaz Manuel , Rodríguez‐Puyol Diego , Ruiz‐Torres María Piedad , López‐Ongil Susana
Published: August 2017

Hyperphosphatemia is related to some pathologies, affecting vascular cell behavior. This work analyzes whether high concentration of extracellular phosphate induces endothelial senescence through up‐regulation of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), exploring the mechanisms involved. The phosphate donor β‐glycerophosphate (BGP) in human endothelial cells increased ET‐1 production, endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1) protein, and mRNA expression, which depend on the AP‐1 activation through ROS production. In parallel, BGP also induced endothelial senescence by increasing p16 expression and the senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐ß‐GAL) activity. ET‐1 itself was able to induce endothelial senescence, increasing p16 expression and SA‐ß‐GAL activity. In addition, senescence induced by BGP was blocked when different ET‐1 system antagonists were used. BGP increased ROS production at short times, and the presence of antioxidants prevented the effect of BGP on AP1 activation, ECE‐1 expression, and endothelial senescence. These findings were confirmed in vivo with two animal models in which phosphate serum levels were increased: seven/eight nephrectomized rats as chronic kidney disease models fed on a high phosphate diet and aged mice. Both models showed hyperphosphatemia, higher levels of ET‐1, and up‐regulation in aortic ECE‐1, suggesting a direct relationship between hyperphosphatemia and ET‐1. Present results point to a new and relevant role of hyperphosphatemia on the regulation of ET‐1 system and senescence induction at endothelial level, both in endothelial cells and aorta from two animal models. The mechanism involved showed a higher ROS production, which probably activates AP‐1 transcription factor and, as a result, ECE‐1 expression, increasing ET‐1 synthesis, which in consequence induces endothelial senescence.
Crystalline phases involved in the hydration of calcium silicate‐based cements: Semi‐quantitative Rietveld X‐ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Grazziotin‐Soares Renata , Nekoofar Mohammad H. , Davies Thomas , Hübler Roberto , Meraji Naghmeh , Dummer Paul M.H.
Published: August 2017

Chemical comparisons of powder and hydrated forms of calcium silicate cements (CSCs) and calculation of alterations in tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) are essential for understanding their hydration processes. This study aimed to evaluate and compare these changes in ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and CEM cement. Powder and hydrated forms of tooth coloured ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and CEM cement were subjected to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis with Rietveld refinement to semi‐quantitatively identify and quantify the main phases involved in their hydration process. Data were reported descriptively. Reduction in Ca3SiO5 and formation of Ca(OH)2 were seen after the hydration of ProRoot MTA and Biodentine; however, in the case of CEM cement, no reduction of Ca3SiO5 and no formation of Ca(OH)2 were detected. The highest percentages of amorphous phases were seen in Biodentine samples. Ettringite was detected in the hydrated forms of ProRoot MTA and CEM cement but not in Biodentine.
Evaluation of a Role for NPY and NPY2R in the Pathogenesis of Obesity by Mutation and Copy Number Variation Analysis in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Aerts Evi , Geets Ellen , Sorber Laure , Beckers Sigri , Verrijken An , Massa Guy , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Verhulst Stijn L , Van Gaal Luc F , Van Hul Wim
Published: August 2017

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its G protein–coupled NPY Y2 Receptor (NPY2R) are highly expressed in orexigenic NPY/Agouti‐related peptide neurons within the arcuate nucleus, a major integrator of appetite control in the hypothalamus. As NPY and NPY2R are interesting candidate genes for obesity, we hypothesized that a genetic variation in these genes might be implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity.

In the first part of this study, we performed a mutation analysis of the coding region of NPY and NPY2R with high‐resolution melting curve analysis. For the highly conserved NPY gene, an extended population of 436 obese children and adolescents was screened, while for NPY2R, a smaller subset of 306 patients was used. A control population of 300 healthy individuals was screened for NPY2R to determine the general prevalence of the variants found among patients. Direct sequencing was performed for samples with melting patterns deviating from wild‐type.

In the second part of this study, Multiplex Amplicon Quantification (MAQ) analysis was performed in 308 obese children and adolescents to detect copy number variation (CNV) in the NPY2R region.

Mutation analysis of the NPY gene led to the identification of one common missense variant (L7P; MAF 0.04), while the screening of the NPY2R gene resulted in the identification of one rare missense variant F87I in the patient population.

In our CNV analysis, we could not identify copy number variation in the NPY2R region among obese children and adolescents.

In summary, this study clearly indicates that genetic variation in NPY and NPY2R is at low frequency and thus does not make a major contribution to the obese phenotype in the general population.
Strain‐specific probiotic (microbial cell preparation) and omega‐3 fatty acid in modulating quality of life and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Golkhalkhali Babak , Rajandram Retnagowri , Paliany Audra Shaleena , Ho Gwo Fuang , Wan Ishak Wan Zamaniah , Johari Che Shafini , Chin Kin Fah
Published: August 2017

Aim

Colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy usually have elevated levels of inflammatory markers and experience numerous side effects from chemotherapy thereby leading to poor quality of life. Omega‐3 fatty acid and microbial cell preparation (MCP) have been known to provide significant benefits in patients on chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation of omega‐3 fatty acid and MCP in quality of life, chemotherapy side effects and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy.

Methods

A double‐blind randomized study was carried out with 140 colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy. Subjects were separated into two groups to receive either placebo or MCP [30 billion colony‐forming unit (CFUs) per sachet] at a dose of two sachets daily for 4 weeks, and omega‐3 fatty acid at a dose of 2 g daily for 8 weeks. Outcomes measured were quality of life, side effects of chemotherapy and levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein.

Results

The supplementation with MCP and omega‐3 fatty acid improved the overall quality of life and alleviated certain side effects of chemotherapy. The supplementation with MCP and omega‐3 fatty acid also managed to reduce the level of IL‐6 (P = 0.002). There was a significant rise in the placebo group's serum TNF‐α (P = 0.048) and IL‐6 (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The combined supplementation with MCP and omega‐3 fatty acid may improve quality of life, reduce certain inflammatory biomarkers and relieve certain side effects of chemotherapy in colorectal patients on chemotherapy.
Accuracy of postpartum haemorrhage data in the 2011 Victorian Perinatal Data Collection: Results of a validation study
Authors: Flood Margaret , Pollock Wendy , McDonald Susan J. , Davey Mary‐Ann
Published: August 2017

Background

The postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rate in Victoria in 2009 for women having their first birth, based on information reported to the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection (VPDC), was 23.6% (primiparas). Prior to 2009 PPH was collected via a tick box item on the perinatal form. Estimated blood loss (EBL) volume is now collected and it is from this item the PPH rate is calculated. Periodic assessment of data accuracy is essential to inform clinicians and others who rely on these data of their quality and limitations.

Aims

This paper describes the results of a state‐wide validation study of the accuracy of EBL volume and EBL‐related data items reported to VPDC.

Materials and methods

PPH data from a random sample of 1% of births in Victoria in 2011 were extracted from source medical records and compared with information submitted to the VPDC. Accuracy was determined, together with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for dichotomous items.

Results

Accuracy of reporting for EBL ≥ 500 mL was 97.2% and for EBL ≥ 1500 mL was 99.7%. Sensitivity for EBL ≥ 500 mL was 89.0% (CI 83.1‐93.0) and for EBL ≥ 1500 mL was 71.4% (CI 35.9–91.8). Blood product transfusion, peripartum hysterectomy and procedures to control bleeding were all accurately reported in >99% of cases.

Conclusions

Most PPH‐related data items in the 2011 VPDC may be considered reliable. Our results suggest EBL ≥ 1500 mL is likely to be under‐reported. Changes to policies and practices of recording blood loss could further increase accuracy of reporting.
Pathogenicity of memory Th2 cells is linked to stage of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Iinuma T. , Okamoto Y. , Morimoto Y. , Arai T. , Sakurai T. , Yonekura S. , Sakurai D. , Hirahara K. , Nakayama T.
Published: August 2017

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) consists of three developmental stages that are based on the presence/absence of antigen‐specific IgE and symptoms. The pathogenic Th2 (Tpath2) cells constitute a population of Th2 cells with additional potentially pathogenic characteristics. We examined the relationship between Tpath2 cells and the stages of allergic rhinitis by focusing on ST2, which is an IL‐33 receptor.

Methods

Patients with Japanese cedar pollen‐induced AR (JCP‐AR) and healthy volunteers were divided into “nonsensitized,” “asymptomatic sensitized (AS),” and “JCP‐AR” groups. We analyzed the ST2 expression and the Th2 function of cultured CD4+ T cells. Next, we observed the progress of patients in the AS stage around the time of seasonal pollen dispersal, with the characteristics of Th2 cells.

Results

The ST2 expression of T cells was only upregulated in the AR group. The production of IL‐4 and IL‐13 was found in CD4+ T cells obtained from AS by stimulation with JCP, but reactivity to IL‐33 was not observed. Although IL‐33 did not induce the elevation of IL‐4 production in the JCP‐AR group, IL‐33 substantially increased the production of IL‐5 and IL‐13 in comparison with antigen stimulation alone. In newly afflicted patients, the increased expression of ST2 and elevated reactivity to IL‐33 was observed, even before the pollen dispersal season.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the pathogenicity of memory Th2 cells is linked to sensitization and the stage of allergic rhinitis. Therefore, Tpath2 cells may provide useful insights into the mechanism of the onset and progression of allergic rhinitis.