bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seventeenth-century
experimenta
, magisterial formulae and the ‘animal
alkahest
’: new documents found in Royal Society archives
Authors: Alfonso-Goldfarb Ana Maria , Ferraz Márcia Helena Mendes , Rattansi Piyo M.
Published: June 2015

In this paper we present three newly rediscovered documents from the Royal Society archives that, together with the four described in our previous publications, constitute a set on a cognate theme. The documents were written by, or addressed to, members of the early Royal Society, and their subject is several magisterial formulae, including J. B. van Helmont's
alkahest
and
Ludus
. In addition to the interest in those formulae as medicines for various grave illnesses, our analysis showed that some seventeenth-century scholars sought to explain operations of the animal body by invoking similar but natural substances, while attempting to assimilate the latest anatomical discoveries into a novel framework. The complete set of documents sheds some new light on the interests of seventeenth-century networks of scholars concerned with
experimenta
.
Thirty-year recovery of mollusc communities after nuclear experimentations on Fangataufa atoll (Tuamotu, French Polynesia)
Authors: Legendre Pierre , Salvat Bernard
Published: June 2015

A 30-year study of temporal changes in gastropod community structure on the reefs of a Pacific Ocean atoll (Fangataufa, Tuamotu Archipelago) subjected to atmospheric nuclear tests during the 1960s offered the opportunity for an otherwise impossible field experiment that could help ecologists understand mollusc primary succession. Reef molluscs were partly or entirely wiped out by the heat of the nuclear tests and the reefs were recolonized by ocean larvae. On all reefs, community composition before the tests was very different from what it evolved to afterwards. A new method of analysis was developed to study the temporal variation in community composition before versus after the tests (temporal beta diversity). Analyses showed that community compositions diverged through time among the reefs. Only some species can survive the harsh conditions of supralittoral zones, so the same species recolonized them; environmental filtering controlled the development of the new communities. In the reef flat and edge zones, differences in community composition seem to be the result of neutral stochastic colonization by larvae coming from the open ocean. All reefs developed a community composition quite different from that before the nuclear tests.
Evidence for aggressive mimicry in an adult brood parasitic bird, and generalized defences in its host
Authors: Feeney W. E. , Troscianko J. , Langmore N. E. , Spottiswoode C. N.
Published: June 2015

Mimicry of a harmless model (aggressive mimicry) is used by egg, chick and fledgling brood parasites that resemble the host's own eggs, chicks and fledglings. However, aggressive mimicry may also evolve in adult brood parasites, to avoid attack from hosts and/or manipulate their perception of parasitism risk. We tested the hypothesis that female cuckoo finches (Anomalospiza imberbis) are aggressive mimics of femaleEuplectesweavers, such as the harmless, abundant and sympatric southern red bishop (Euplectes orix). We show that female cuckoo finch plumage colour and pattern more closely resembled those ofEuplectesweavers (putative models) thanViduafinches (closest relatives); that their tawny-flanked prinia (Prinia subflava) hosts were equally aggressive towards female cuckoo finches and southern red bishops, and more aggressive to both than to their male counterparts; and that prinias were equally likely to reject an egg after seeing a female cuckoo finch or bishop, and more likely to do so than after seeing a male bishop near their nest. This is, to our knowledge, the first quantitative evidence for aggressive mimicry in an adult bird, and suggests that host–parasite coevolution can select for aggressive mimicry by avian brood parasites, and counter-defences by hosts, at all stages of the reproductive cycle.
On the apparent rarity of epithelial cancers in captive chimpanzees
Authors: Varki Nissi M. , Varki Ajit
Published: June 2015

Malignant neoplasms arising from epithelial cells are called carcinomas. Such cancers are diagnosed in about one in three humans in ‘developed’ countries, with the most common sites affected being lung, breast, prostate, colon, ovary and pancreas. By contrast, carcinomas are said to be rare in captive chimpanzees, which share more than 99% protein sequence homology with humans (and possibly in other related ‘great apes’—bonobos, gorillas and orangutans). Simple ascertainment bias is an unlikely explanation, as these nonhuman hominids are recipients of excellent veterinary care in research facilities and zoos, and are typically subjected to necropsies when they die. In keeping with this notion, benign tumours and cancers that are less common in humans are well documented in this population. In this brief overview, we discuss other possible explanations for the reported rarity of carcinomas in our closest evolutionary cousins, including inadequacy of numbers surveyed, differences in life expectancy, diet, genetic susceptibility, immune responses or their microbiomes, and other potential environmental factors. We conclude that while relative carcinoma risk is a likely difference between humans and chimpanzees (and possibly other ‘great apes’), a more systematic survey of available data is required for validation of this claim.
Comparative oncology: what dogs and other species can teach us about humans with cancer
Authors: Schiffman Joshua D. , Breen Matthew
Published: June 2015

Over 1.66 million humans (approx. 500/100 000 population rate) and over 4.2 million dogs (approx. 5300/100 000 population rate) are diagnosed with cancer annually in the USA. The interdisciplinary field of comparative oncology offers a unique and strong opportunity to learn more about universal cancer risk and development through epidemiology, genetic and genomic investigations. Working across species, researchers from human and veterinary medicine can combine scientific findings to understand more quickly the origins of cancer and translate these findings to novel therapies to benefit both human and animals. This review begins with the genetic origins of canines and their advantage in cancer research. We next focus on recent findings in comparative oncology related to inherited, or genetic, risk for tumour development. We then detail the somatic, or genomic, changes within tumours and the similarities between species. The shared cancers between humans and dogs that we discuss include sarcoma (osteosarcoma, soft tissue sarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma), haematological malignancies (lymphoma, leukaemia), bladder cancer, intracranial neoplasms (meningioma, glioma) and melanoma. Tumour risk in other animal species is also briefly discussed. As the field of genomics advances, we predict that comparative oncology will continue to benefit both humans and the animals that live among us.
Peto's paradox and the hallmarks of cancer: constructing an evolutionary framework for understanding the incidence of cancer
Authors: Nunney L. , Muir B.
Published: June 2015

An evolutionary perspective can help unify disparate observations and make testable predictions. We consider an evolutionary model in relation to two mechanistic frameworks of cancer biology: multistage carcinogenesis and the hallmarks of cancer. The multistage model predicts that cancer risk increases with body size and longevity; however, this is not observed across species (Peto's paradox), but the paradox is resolved by invoking the evolution of additional genetic mechanisms to suppress cancer in large, long-lived species. It is when cancer cells overcome these defence mechanisms that they exhibit the hallmarks of cancer, driving the ongoing evolution of these defences, which in turn is expected to create the differences observed in the genetics of cancer across species and tissues. To illustrate the utility of an evolutionary model we examined some recently published data linking stem-cell divisions and cancer incidence across a range of tissues and show why the original analysis was faulty, and demonstrate that the data are consistent with a multistage model varying from three to seven mutational hits across different tissues. Finally, we demonstrate how an evolutionary model can both define patterns of inherited (familial) cancer and explain the prevalence of cancer in post-reproductive years, including the dominance of epithelial cancers.
Average nucleotide identity of genome sequences supports the description of Rhizobium lentis sp. nov., Rhizobium bangladeshense sp. nov. and Rhizobium binae sp. nov. from lentil (Lens culinaris) nodules
Authors: Rashid M. Harun-or , Young J. Peter W. , Everall Isobel , Clercx Pia , Willems Anne , Santhosh Braun Markus , Wink Michael
Published: June 2015

Rhizobial strains isolated from effective root nodules of field-grown lentil (Lens culinaris) from different parts of Bangladesh were previously analysed using sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, three housekeeping genes (recA, atpD and glnII) and three nodulation genes (nodA, nodC and nodD), DNA fingerprinting and phenotypic characterization. Analysis of housekeeping gene sequences and DNA fingerprints indicated that the strains belonged to three novel clades in the genus Rhizobium. In present study, a representative strain from each clade was further characterized by determination of cellular fatty acid compositions, carbon substrate utilization patterns and DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses from whole-genome sequences. DNA–DNA hybridization showed 50–62 % relatedness to their closest relatives (the type strains of Rhizobium etli and Rhizobium phaseoli) and 50–60 % relatedness to each other. These results were further supported by ANI values, based on genome sequencing, which were 87–92 % with their close relatives and 88–89 % with each other. On the basis of these results, three novel species, Rhizobium lentis sp. nov. (type strain BLR27T = LMG 28441T = DSM 29286T), Rhizobium bangladeshense sp. nov. (type strain BLR175T = LMG 28442T = DSM 29287T) and Rhizobium binae sp. nov. (type strain BLR195T = LMG 28443T = DSM 29288T), are proposed. These species share common nodulation genes (nodA, nodC and nodD) that are similar to those of the symbiovar viciae.
A gene for social immunity in the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloides?
Authors: Palmer William J. , Duarte Ana , Schrader Matthew , Day Jonathan P , Kilner Rebecca , Jiggins Francis M.
Published: June 2015

Some group-living species exhibit social immunity, where the immune system of one individual can protect others in the group from infection. In burying beetles this is part of parental care. Larvae feed on vertebrate carcasses which their parents smear with exudates that inhibit microbial growth. We have sequenced the transcriptome of the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloidesand identified six genes that encode lysozymes – a type of antimicrobial enzyme that has previously been implicated in social immunity in burying beetles. When females start breeding and producing antimicrobial anal exudates, we found that the expression of one of these genes was increased by ∼1000 times to become one of the most abundant transcripts in the transcriptome. We conclude that we have likely identified a gene for social immunity, and that it was recruited during evolution from a previous function in personal immunity.
Crystal structure of 2-cyano-N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)acetamide
Authors: Subhadramma Shivanna , Siddaraju Budanur Papaiah , Naveen Chandra , Saravanan Janardhanan , Gayathri Dasararaju
Published: June 2015

In the title compound, C8H8N2O2, the acetamide unit is inclined to the furan ring by 76.7 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, generatingC(4) chains along [100]. The carbonyl O atom is a bifurcated acceptor and anR12(6) ring is formed.
Crystal structure of obscurine: a natural product isolated from the stem bark ofB. obscura
Authors: Lenta Bruno N. , Chouna Rodolphe J. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Sewald Norbert
Published: June 2015

The title compound, C24H31NO3{systematic name: (E)-3-[(1R*,2S*,4aS*,8aR*)-2-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-1,2,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-1-yl]-N-isobutylacrylamide}, is a natural product isolated from the stem bark ofB. obscura. It is composed of an octahydronaphthalene ring system substituted with an essentially planar benzodioxole ring system [r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 Å] and an extended isobutylacrylamide group. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [100]. The chains are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, involving inversion-related benzodioxole ring systems, forming ribbons lying parallel to (010). There are also C—H...π interactions present within the ribbons.
Comfort versus discomfort in interracial/interethnic interactions
Authors: Bernstein Ruth Sessler , Salipante Paul
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Responding to findings of psychological discomfort impeding interracial/interethnic attitude and skill development, the purpose of this paper is to investigate group-level factors as possible antecedents to individuals’ comfort in interracial/interethnic interactions. Among individuals experiencing diversity during a key developmental stage in life, college students, the study inquires whether group practices that foster a sense of belonging and inclusion among all members differentiate comfortable from uncomfortable interracial/interethnic interactions. As part of the analysis, the construct interracial/interethnic comfort is developed and tested as a measure of interactions that are experienced with ease and confidence.

Design/methodology/approach

– Scale development methods and structural equation modeling were used to analyze survey data from 360 members of a voluntary service organization at 50 US colleges.

Findings

– The structural equation analyses indicate that the group practices – shared superordinate purpose, a welcoming climate for diverse members, and practices for structuring interactions among all group members – have significant and important effects on interracial/interethnic comfort, which was found to be a reliable construct. The relationship between each of the group practices and individuals’ interracial/interethnic comfort was either totally or partially mediated by the individuals’ sense of belonging, a strong form of inclusion.

Practical implications

– The results indicate group practices that possess the capacity to contribute to students’ interracial/interethnic attitude and skill development by creating solidarity and comfort in their interactions with diverse others. Institutions can make efforts to further individuals’ cultural development by stimulating the use of these practices in campus groups.

Originality/value

– This study identifies concepts for understanding and addressing the known, problematic phenomenon of psychological discomfort in settings of diversity. These constructs offer new directions for research on diversity climate by focussing on relational practices at the group level that can move diversity beyond numerical representation to strong inclusion and close relationships.
What factors influence Vietnamese students’ choice of university?
Authors: Dao Mai Thi Ngoc , Thorpe Anthony
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the factors that influence Vietnamese students’ choice of university in a little researched context where the effects of globalization and education reform are changing higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative survey was completed by 1,124 current or recently completed university students in Vietnam. Marketing approaches are drawn upon to inform the exploration and understanding of student choice and decision making.

Findings

– The factor analysed data showed the nine key factors influencing student decisions, in order of significance, as facilities and services, programme, price, offline information, opinions, online information, ways of communication, programme additions, and advertising. There are significant correlations in the Vietnamese context between the factors of price and facilities, and services and programme, and differences between genders and types of students in choosing a university.

Research limitations/implications

– Whilst this paper is a starting point, more research is needed in the Vietnamese context with deeper levels of analysis including the differences between types of universities and fields/disciplines, in addition to wider sampling.

Practical implications

– A greater understanding of the Vietnamese context helps to inform marketing practices in a country experiencing increasing competition in higher education.

Social implications

– Findings from studies in other contexts many not be directly transferrable to Vietnamese universities suggesting the need for a contextual understanding of these factors and a suitably nuanced marketing response.

Originality/value

– This paper identifies the need for cultural understanding of little researched contexts and calls for further research which does not assume all cultures and contexts will have the same underlying Vietnamese model of university choice.
A competency-based model of the human resource development management of ustadz at salaf boarding school
Authors: Uhbiyati Nur
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the criteria of qualified ustadz and how the salaf boarding school leader (kyai) manages the ustadz in order for them to become qualified ustadz.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a qualitative research approach. Data were collected by in-depth interview techniques with kyai and mentor as primary source of data, while participants and alumni as secondary ones. The correctness of data from kyai and mentor then were cross-checked against data from participants and alumni.

Findings

– This paper gives the following findings: the qualified ustadz is ustadz who has competencies of personal religious, professional religious, social religious, and life skills; while efforts undertaken by kyai are planning, organizing, implementation and evaluation.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the Islamic educational institution in development management model for ustadz that has some stages, namely: need analysis, planning design, implementation and development evaluation. The proposed model can be used as a reference for leader of traditional Islamic education around the world in order to improve the quality of ustadz.
The impact of credit supply on sales growth: Swedish evidence
Authors: Yazdanfar Darush , Öhman Peter
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of credit supply on sales growth among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– The three-stage least square (3SLS) method was used to analyse a cross-sectional panel data set covering 13,548 Swedish SMEs across four industry sectors from 2009 to 2012.

Findings

– The study provides empirical evidence that trade credit in terms of accounts receivable significantly and positively affects sales growth, indicating that SMEs investing more in accounts receivable are more likely to achieve growth. Furthermore, lagged sales growth and firm size are positively, while firm age is negatively, related to growth.

Practical implications

– Managers can increase firm growth by efficiently managing the supply of credit to their customers, especially liquidity-constrained firms, thereby increasing sales growth.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ best knowledge, this is one of the first empirical studies of the impact of credit supply in terms of accounts receivable on sales growth. The study applies the 3SLS method to a comprehensive cross-sectoral sample.
The mediating role of the extensiveness of strategic planning on the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance
Authors: Fadol Yasir , Barhem Belal , Elbanna Said
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the mediating role of the extensiveness of strategic planning on the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses empirical data gathered from 102 usable replies from private and also public hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Findings

– The findings indicate the existence of a positive relationship between slack resources and organizational performance and show that the extensiveness of strategic planning plays a mediating role in this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors highlight the exploratory nature of the study considering its unusual setting, namely, the UAE’s health care sector.

Practical implications

– Several implications of the findings for managerial and policy practices in the UAE health care sector are discussed.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the existing literature on management, health care, and developing countries by examining the role of the extensiveness of strategic planning in mediating the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance in the health care industry of a developing country.
Leadership in a changing world: developing managers through a teaching and learning programme
Authors: Holten Ann-Louise , Bøllingtoft Anne , Wilms Inge
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a model for the development of effective leadership teaching and learning. The model takes central factors into account, which have previously been identified as obstacles to the successful development of leadership qualifications. The paper presents the theoretical background for the model and makes suggestions for its implementation in a teaching and learning programme. The model integrates overall elements related to human biology and transfer of learning into a holistic learning process, which more specifically emphasizes the transformational leadership elements of envisioning, translating, communicating and sustaining credibility during change.

Design/methodology/approach

– The teaching and learning programme is based on a comprehensive leadership learning model, which integrates different levels of knowledge, learning processes and learning formats.

Findings

– In the area of leadership development, the paper presents its teaching and learning programme as a way for managers to obtain leadership meta-skills, which can be applied and individually adapted to the changing demands and conditions of modern work life.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a valuable step towards increasing leadership performance through efficient teaching and learning.
Oregano essential oil: effect on sensory acceptability
Authors: Cattelan Marília Gonçalves , Castilhos Maurício Bonatto Machado de , Niz da Silva Débora Cristina  Moraes , Conti-Silva Ana Carolina , Hoffmann Fernando Leite
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aimed to evaluate sensory acceptability of salad dressing formulated with different quantities of oregano essential oil (OEO) and salt as a starting point for the use of the spice as a natural preservative in food.

Design/methodology/approach

– Sensory assessment of salad dressing with OEO was evaluated in relation to the following attributes: appearance, aroma, consistence, flavour and overall acceptability. Five formulations were developed with variation in the levels of OEO and sodium chloride through a 22 factorial design with a central point. A nine-point hedonic scale was used, besides purchase intent by a structured five-point scale.

Findings

– There was no significant difference in the acceptance of the samples. Cluster analysis showed that formulation with intermediate quantities of salt and OEO was preferred by the consumers. OEO salad dressings with low salt content, regardless of OEO amount, presented higher intention to purchase.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to an increasing interest in the use of natural preservatives to replace chemical additives, this study provided a starting point for further investigations concerning sensory acceptability of OEO in food.

Practical implications

– Finding the balance between pleasant flavour and significant reduction of the use of salt in foods for dietary reasons is a complex challenge. Furthermore, studies need to be performed concerning interaction between amounts of essential oils and salt.

Originality/value

– This study provides insights that suggest a promising usage of OEO in food.
Antioxidant potential and quality characteristics of functional mutton patties incorporated with cabbage powder
Authors: Malav Om Prakash , Sharma B. D. , Kumar R. R. , Talukder Suman , Ahmed S. R. , A. Irshad
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of cabbage powder as a source of natural antioxidants and dietary fibre for the development of functional mutton patties. Antioxidants are the first line of defence against the oxidative damage to body’s macromolecules resulting in pathogenesis of various diseases including cancers and cardiovascular diseases. The supply of antioxidants from vegetative sources along with different meat products may serve as an excellent alternative for the synthetic antioxidants which may have harmful effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cabbage powder was prepared and evaluated for antioxidant potential and total dietary fibre content. Cabbage powder was incorporated at three different levels in mutton patties formulation; optimum level was selected on the basis of sensory analysis. The developed product was evaluated for detailed profile and storage stability under aerobic and vacuum packaging.

Findings

– Cabbage powder may serve as a good source of natural antioxidant and dietary fibre for the development of functional mutton patties. On the basis of sensory scores, optimum incorporation level of cabbage powder was adjudged as 6 per cent. The functional mutton patties had very good storage life under refrigeration.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research may stress on identifying the specific compounds with antioxidant effect and their metabolism inside the body.

Practical implications

– This paper may popularize the cabbage powder as a source of natural antioxidant and dietary fibre in different food products.

Originality/value

– Development of functional mutton patties incorporated with cabbage powder having oxidative stability, good nutritive, sensory, textural, and colour properties.
Sensory features and physical-chemical characterization of Brazilian honey bread with passion fruit peel flour
Authors: Conti-Silva Ana Carolina , Roncari Renata Ferreira
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to substitute wheat flour by passion fruit peel flour in Brazilian honey bread (pão de mel), with evaluation of the breads’ sensory features, chemical composition and physical properties.

Design/methodology/approach

– Honey breads with wheat flour (standard) and with replacement of this ingredient by 10 to 50 per cent passion fruit peel flour were produced. Two sensory tests were applied, to identify how different formulations with passion fruit peel flour were when compared to the standard formulation, and also the acceptability of the products. The selected honey breads, through sensory results, were evaluated regarding to chemical composition and physical properties.

Findings

– Formulations with 10 and 20 per cent substitution were the least different to formulations with only wheat flour, and were as acceptable as the wheat flour sample. Physical and chemical characteristics of breads with 10 and 20 per cent passion fruit peel flour were similar; however, honey bread with 20 per cent passion fruit peel flour had higher fibre content, ash quantity and hardness value; a lower specific volume; and a different colour from the wheat flour sample.

Practical implications

– This study offers an opportunity to food industries through utilization of an agro-industrial by-product on the formulation of a Brazilian traditional product.

Originality/value

– This study presents the feasibility of using an agro-industrial by-product to Brazilian honey bread, enhancing the nutritive value of this product and reducing the impact of passion fruit peel flour on the environment.
Predictive modelling of habitat selection by marine predators with respect to the abundance and depth distribution of pelagic prey
Authors: Boyd Charlotte , Castillo Ramiro , Hunt George L. , Punt André E. , VanBlaricom Glenn R. , Weimerskirch Henri , Bertrand Sophie
Published: June 2015

Understanding the ecological processes that underpin species distribution patterns is a fundamental goal in spatial ecology. However, developing predictive models of habitat use is challenging for species that forage in marine environments, as both predators and prey are often highly mobile and difficult to monitor. Consequently, few studies have developed resource selection functions for marine predators based directly on the abundance and distribution of their prey.

We analysed contemporaneous data on the diving locations of two seabird species, the shallow‐diving Peruvian Booby (Sula variegata) and deeper diving Guanay Cormorant (Phalacrocorax bougainvilliorum), and the abundance and depth distribution of their main prey, Peruvian anchoveta (Engraulis ringens). Based on this unique data set, we developed resource selection functions to test the hypothesis that the probability of seabird diving behaviour at a given location is a function of the relative abundance of prey in the upper water column.

For both species, we show that the probability of diving behaviour is mostly explained by the distribution of prey at shallow depths. While the probability of diving behaviour increases sharply with prey abundance at relatively low levels of abundance, support for including abundance in addition to the depth distribution of prey is weak, suggesting that prey abundance was not a major factor determining the location of diving behaviour during the study period.

The study thus highlights the importance of the depth distribution of prey for two species of seabird with different diving capabilities. The results complement previous research that points towards the importance of oceanographic processes that enhance the accessibility of prey to seabirds. The implications are that locations where prey is predictably found at accessible depths may be more important for surface foragers, such as seabirds, than locations where prey is predictably abundant.

Analysis of the relative importance of abundance and accessibility is essential for the design and evaluation of effective management responses to reduced prey availability for seabirds and other top predators in marine systems.
Relationship between Online Retailers’ Reputation and Product Returns
Authors: Walsh Gianfranco , Albrecht Arne K. , Kunz Werner , Hofacker Charles F.
Published: June 2015

Customer product returns are key cost drivers that eat into online retailers’ profits. However, management research has neglected to examine ways of reducing return rates without causing a concomitant decrease in sales. Drawing from signalling and dissonance theories, we investigate the relationship between online retailers’ reputation and product return rates. Two experiments designed to produce causal conclusions show that reputation reduces return rates (Studies 1 and 2) and that return motivation is a boundary condition for that relationship (Study 2). A field study based on an online consumer panel demonstrates the robustness of the negative impact of online retailer reputation on product returns in a setting that emphasizes external validity (Study 3), in comparison with Studies 1 and 2, which maximize internal validity. Study 3 also examines managerially important contingencies of the causal relationship by considering three variables: purchase frequency; retailer type; and customer gender. Overall findings indicate that an online retailer's reputation is a powerful means of reducing product return rates. The findings also show that the strength of the relationship between reputation and product returns is influenced by return motivation and the three variables investigated in the field study.
Steroids therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tan Nian Di , Xiao Ying Lian , Chen Min Hu
Published: June 2015

Objective

We designed this systematic review and meta‐analysis aiming to clarify the advantage of steroid therapy compared with non‐steroid therapy for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing steroid and non‐steroid therapy, and retrospective and prospective trials on steroid therapy for EoE. RevMan 5.2 was used for the analysis. Weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated and pooled using meta‐analysis methods.

Results

Six RCTs including 193 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria for meta‐analysis, and another two RCTs, three prospective and five retrospective trials were included in systematic review. Meta‐analysis showed that topical steroids significantly decreased the mean and peak esophageal eosinophils (EOS) count compared to non‐steroid therapy (MDmean = −23.41, 95% CImean −42.08–−4.73, P = 0.01 and MDpeak = −51.27, 95% CIpeak −78.62–−23.92, P = 0.0002). There were 14 trials showing the efficacy of steroids on decreasing the EOS count, 10 showing the amelioration of symptoms, and five showing endoscopic improvement. Only mild adverse events were reported for topical steroids.

Conclusions

Steroids are effective on decreasing the EOS count in EoE patients. Its value in ameliorating symptoms and endoscopic changes remains undetermined due to the lack of comparable criteria.
IMa2p – parallel MCMC and inference of ancient demography under the Isolation with migration (IM) model
Authors: Sethuraman Arun , Hey Jody
Published: June 2015

IMa2 and related programs are used to study the divergence of closely related species and of populations within species. These methods are based on the sampling of genealogies using MCMC, and they can proceed quite slowly for larger data sets. We describe a parallel implementation, called IMa2p, that provides a nearly linear increase in genealogy sampling rate with the number of processors in use. IMa2p is written in OpenMPI and C++, and scales well for demographic analyses of a large number of loci and populations, which are difficult to study using the serial version of the program.
Extraordinary solute‐stress tolerance contributes to the environmental tenacity of mycobacteria
Authors: Santos Ricardo , de Carvalho Carla C. C. R. , Stevenson Andrew , Grant Irene R. , Hallsworth John E.
Published: June 2015

Mycobacteria are associated with a number of well‐characterized diseases, yet we know little about their stress biology in natural ecosystems. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of strains from Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and Glacier National Park (GNP; USA), the majority of those identified were Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum, Mycobacterium avium (YNP) or Mycobacterium gordonae (GNP). Generally, their windows for growth spanned a temperature range of > 60°C; selected isolates grew at super‐saturated concentrations of hydrophobic stressors and at levels of osmotic stress and chaotropic activity (up to 13.4 kJ kg−1) similar to, or exceeding, those for the xerophilic fungus Aspergillus wentii and solvent‐tolerant bacterium Pseudomonas putida. For example, mycobacteria grew down to 0.800 water activity indicating that they are, with the sole exception of halophiles, more xerotolerant than other bacteria (or any Archaea). Furthermore, the fatty‐acid composition of Mycobacterium cells grown over a range of salt concentrations changed less than that of other bacteria, indicating a high level of resilience, regardless of the stress load. Cells of M. parascrofulaceum, M. smegmatis and M. avium resisted the acute, potentially lethal challenges from extremes of pH (< 1; > 13), and saturated MgCl2 solutions (5 M; 212 kJ kg−1 chaotropicity). Collectively, these findings challenge the paradigm that bacteria have solute tolerances inferior to those of eukaryotes.
Bystander attitudes toward parents? The perceived meaning of filial piety among Koreans in Australia, New Zealand and Korea
Authors: Park Hong‐Jae , Kim Chang Gi
Published: June 2015

Aim

The objective of this paper was to explore how present‐day filial piety is understood among Koreans in geographically different settings.

Methods

Data were collected from qualitative interviews with 61 Korean participants in Australia, New Zealand and Korea and then thematically analysed and evaluated.

Results

The findings from this study show that filial piety for Koreans consists of family care and support, along with respect for parents. The norm of filial piety is regarded as an important aspect of intergenerational family relationships in current Korean culture, while its practice is perceived as increasingly eroded within a context of major socio‐cultural and economic changes, including migration.

Conclusion

The results show that the tension between the social and economic aspects of filial piety often creates a ‘bystander’ attitude toward parents and provides fertile ground for the seeds of family conflict.
Abnormal motor cortex excitability during linguistic tasks in adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Suppa A. , Marsili L. , Giovannelli F. , Di Stasio F. , Rocchi L. , Upadhyay N. , Ruoppolo G. , Cincotta M. , Berardelli A.
Published: June 2015

In healthy subjects (HS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied during ‘linguistic’ tasks discloses excitability changes in the dominant hemisphere primary motor cortex (M1). We investigated ‘linguistic’ task‐related cortical excitability modulation in patients with adductor‐type spasmodic dysphonia (ASD), a speech‐related focal dystonia. We studied 10 ASD patients and 10 HS. Speech examination included voice cepstral analysis. We investigated the dominant/non‐dominant M1 excitability at baseline, during ‘linguistic’ (reading aloud/silent reading/producing simple phonation) and ‘non‐linguistic’ tasks (looking at non‐letter strings/producing oral movements). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the contralateral hand muscles. We measured the cortical silent period (CSP) length and tested MEPs in HS and patients performing the ‘linguistic’ tasks with different voice intensities. We also examined MEPs in HS and ASD during hand‐related ‘action‐verb’ observation. Patients were studied under and not‐under botulinum neurotoxin‐type A (BoNT‐A). In HS, TMS over the dominant M1 elicited larger MEPs during ‘reading aloud’ than during the other ‘linguistic’/‘non‐linguistic’ tasks. Conversely, in ASD, TMS over the dominant M1 elicited increased‐amplitude MEPs during ‘reading aloud’ and ‘syllabic phonation’ tasks. CSP length was shorter in ASD than in HS and remained unchanged in both groups performing ‘linguistic’/‘non‐linguistic’ tasks. In HS and ASD, ‘linguistic’ task‐related excitability changes were present regardless of the different voice intensities. During hand‐related ‘action‐verb’ observation, MEPs decreased in HS, whereas in ASD they increased. In ASD, BoNT‐A improved speech, as demonstrated by cepstral analysis and restored the TMS abnormalities. ASD reflects dominant hemisphere excitability changes related to ‘linguistic’ tasks; BoNT‐A returns these excitability changes to normal.
Individual left‐hand and right‐hand intra‐digit representations in human primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Schweisfurth Meike A. , Frahm Jens , Schweizer Renate
Published: June 2015

Individual intra‐digit somatotopy of all phalanges of the middle and little finger of the right and left hand was studied by functional magnetic resonance imaging in 12 healthy subjects. Phalanges were tactilely stimulated and activation in BA 3b of the human primary somatosensory cortex could be observed for each individual phalanx. Activation peaks were further analysed using the Direction/Order (DiOr) method, which identifies somatotopy, if a significantly high number of subjects exhibit ordered distal‐to‐proximal phalanx representions along a similar direction. Based on DiOr, ordered and similar‐direction‐aligned intra‐digit maps across subjects were found at the left hand for the little and middle finger and at the right hand for the little finger. In these digits the proximal phalanges were represented more medially along the course of the central sulcus than the distal phalanges. This is contrasted by the intra‐digit maps for the middle finger of the right hand, which showed larger inter‐subject variations of phalanx alignments without a similar within‐digit representation across subjects. As all subjects were right‐handed and as the middle finger of the dominant hand probably plays a more individual role in everyday tactile performance than the little finger of the right hand and all left‐hand digits, the observed variation might reflect a functional somatotopy based on individual use of that particular digit at the dominant hand.
Focal adhesion kinase activation is required for TNF‐α‐induced production of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and proinflammatory cytokines in cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Ya‐jing , Guo Liu‐yun , Wang Guo‐fang , Lu Ke , Yue Er‐li
Published: June 2015

Since focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was proposed as a mediator of the inflammatory response, we have investigated the role of this molecule in the release of inflammatory cytokines by cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs), cells that are thought to be important in the patient's response to periodontal infection. Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and its effects on interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 release were measured by ELISA. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) protein was analysed by western blotting. The levels of IL6, IL8, and MMP2 mRNA were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Tumor necrosis factor alpha dose‐dependently induced the phosphorylation of FAK, whereas small interfering FAK (siFAK) inhibited TNF‐α‐induced FAK phosphorylation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha also stimulated the production of IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Knockdown of FAK significantly suppressed TNF‐α‐induced expression of IL6 and IL8 mRNA and release of IL‐6 and IL‐8 protein in HPDLFs. Similarly, MMP‐2 down‐regulation was significantly prevented by siFAK. Our results strongly suggest that knockdown of FAK can decrease the production of TNF‐α‐induced IL‐6, IL‐8, and MMP‐2 in HPDLFs. These effects may help in understanding the mechanisms that control expression of inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Quantile regression improves models of lake eutrophication with implications for ecosystem‐specific management
Authors: Xu Yaoyang , Schroth Andrew W. , Isles Peter D. F. , Rizzo Donna M.
Published: June 2015

Although commonly used by those tasked with lake management, the statistical approach of data averaging (DA) followed by ordinary least‐squares regression (OLSR) to generate nutrient limitation models is outdated and may impede the understanding and successful management of lake eutrophication.

Using a 21‐year data set from Lake Champlain as a case study, the traditional DA‐OLSR‐coupled approach was re‐evaluated and improved to quantify the cause–effect relationships between chlorophyll (Chl) and total nitrogen (TN) or total phosphorus (TP).

We confirmed that the commonly used DA‐OLSR approach results in misleading cause–effect nutrient limitation inferences by illustrating how the process of DA reduces the range of data distribution considered and masks meaningful temporal variation observed within a given period.

Our model comparisons demonstrate that using quantile regression (QR) to fit the upper boundary of the response distribution (99th quantile model) is more robust than the OLSR analysis for generating eutrophication models and developing nutrient management targets, as this method reduces the effects of unmeasured factors that plague the OLSR‐derived model. Because our approach is statistically in line with the ecological ‘law of the minimum’, it is particularly powerful for inferring resource limitation with broad potential utility to the ecological research community.

By integrating percentile selection (PS) with QR‐derived model output, we developed a PS‐QR‐coupled approach to quantify the relative importance of TN and TP reductions in a eutrophic system. Utilising this approach, we determined that the reduction in TP to meet a specific Chl target should be the first priority to mitigate eutrophication in Lake Champlain. The structure of this statistically robust and straightforward approach for developing nutrient reduction targets can be easily adopted as an individual lake‐specific tool for the research and management of other lakes and reservoirs with similar water quality data sets.

Moreover, the PS‐QR‐coupled approach developed here is also of theoretical importance to understanding and modelling the interacting effects of multiple limiting factors on ecological processes (e.g. eutrophication) with broad application to aquatic research.
Projections of the availability and cost of residues from agriculture and forestry
Authors: Daioglou Vassilis , Stehfest Elke , Wicke Birka , Faaij Andre , van Vuuren Detlef P.
Published: June 2015

By‐products of agricultural and forestry processes, known as residues, may act as a primary source of renewable energy. Studies assessing the availability of this resource offer little insight on the drivers and constraints of the available potential as well as the associated costs and how these may vary across scenarios. This study projects long‐term global supply curves of the available potential using consistent scenarios of agriculture and forestry production, livestock production and fuel use from the spatially explicit integrated assessment model IMAGE. In the projections, residue production is related to agricultural and forestry production and intensification, and the limiting effect of ecological and alternative uses of residues are accounted for. Depending on the scenario, theoretical potential is projected to increase from approximately 120 EJ yr−1 today to 140–170 EJ yr−1 by 2100, coming mostly from agricultural production. To maintain ecological functions approximately 40% is required to remain in the field, and a further 20–30% is diverted towards alternative uses. Of the remaining potential (approximately 50 EJ yr−1 in 2100), more than 90% is available at costs <10$2005 GJ−1. Crop yield improvements increase residue productivity, albeit at a lower rate. The consequent decrease in agricultural land results in a lower requirement of residues for erosion control. The theoretical potential is most sensitive to baseline projections of agriculture and forestry demand; however, this does not necessarily affect the available potential which is relatively constant across scenarios. The most important limiting factors are the alternative uses. Asia and North America account for two‐thirds of the available potential due to the production of crops with high residue yields and socioeconomic conditions which limit alternative uses.