bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designer antigens for elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV
Authors: Kok Tuckweng , Gaeguta Adriana , Finnie John , Gorry Paul R , Churchill Melissa , Li Peng
Published: September 2014

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are a consistent protective immune correlate in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients as well as in passive immunotherapy studies. The inability to elicit bNAbs is the core reason underlining the repeated failures in traditional HIV vaccine research. Rare monoclonal bNAbs against HIV, however, have been produced. The significance of producing and studying more monoclonal bNAbs against HIV is underlined by its capability of defining critical epitopes for antigen designs aimed at the development of a serum‐neutralizing HIV vaccine. In this regard, traditional antigen preparations have failed. There is a need to clearly advocate the concept, and systematic study, of more sophisticated ‘designer antigens’ (DAGs), which carry epitopes that can lead to the elicitation of bNAbs. Using an extremely efficient cell‐to‐cell HIV infection model for the preparation of HIV prefusion intermediates, we have investigated a novel and systematic approach to produce (not screen for) potential bNAbs against HIV. We have established the concept and the experimental system for producing formaldehyde‐fixed HIV DAGs that carry temperature‐arrested prefusion intermediates. These prefusion intermediates are structures on the cell surface after viral attachment and receptor engagement but before fully functional viral entry. Using defined HIV prefusion DAGs, we have produced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to novel epitopes on HIV prefusion intermediates. These mAbs do not react with the static/native surface HIV or cellular antigens, but react with the DAGs. This is a paradigm shift from the current mainstream approach of screening elite patients’ bNAbs.
Erratum: Coupling model for an extended-range plasmonic optical transformer scanning probe
Authors: Polyakov Aleksandr , Melli Mauro , Cantarella Giuseppe , Schwartzberg Adam , Weber-Bargioni Alexander , Schuck P James , Cabrini Stefano
Published: September 2014

Correction to: Light: Science & Applications (2014) 3, e195; doi:10.1038/lsa.2014.76; published online 1 August 2014 Since the publication of this paper, it has been noted that one author was missing from the list of authors. The correct list of authors is shown above. The online article has been corrected also.
Global profiling of co- and post-translationally N-myristoylated proteomes in human cells
Authors: Thinon Emmanuelle , Serwa Remigiusz A. , Broncel Malgorzata , Brannigan James A. , Brassat Ute , Wright Megan H. , Heal William P. , Wilkinson Anthony J. , Mann David J. , Tate Edward W.
Published: September 2014

Protein N-myristoylation is a ubiquitous co- and post-translational modification that has been implicated in the development and progression of a range of human diseases. Here, we report the global N-myristoylated proteome in human cells determined using quantitative chemical proteomics combined with potent and specific human N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) inhibition. Global quantification of N-myristoylation during normal growth or apoptosis allowed the identification of >100 N-myristoylated proteins, >95% of which are identified for the first time at endogenous levels. Furthermore, quantitative dose response for inhibition of N-myristoylation is determined for >70 substrates simultaneously across the proteome. Small-molecule inhibition through a conserved substrate-binding pocket is also demonstrated by solving the crystal structures of inhibitor-bound NMT1 and NMT2. The presented data substantially expand the known repertoire of co- and post-translational N-myristoylation in addition to validating tools for the pharmacological inhibition of NMT in living cells.
Fragmentation pathways analysis for the gas phase dissociation of protonated carnosine-oxaliplatin complexes
Authors: Ritacco Ida , Moustafa Eslam M. , Sicilia Emilia , Russo Nino , Shoeib Tamer
Published: September 2014

Collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments on the protonated carnosine-oxaliplatin complex were shown to yield nine different fragment ions. Density functional calculations were employed to probe the fragmentation mechanisms that account for all experimental data.
Rapid determination of 26 elements in iron meteorites using matrix removal and membrane desolvating quadrupole ICP-MS
Authors: Duan Xiaoxia , Regelous Marcel
Published: September 2014

Rapid and accurate determination of 26 elements in iron meteorites by Q-ICPMS.
Ultraviolet radiation combined with microwave-assisted wet digestion of Antarctic seaweeds for further determination of toxic elements by ICP-MS
Authors: Mesko Marcia F. , Picoloto Rochele S. , Ferreira Lizângela R. , Costa Vanize C. , Pereira Claudio M. P. , Colepicolo Pio , Muller Edson I. , Flores Erico M. M.
Published: September 2014

UV combined with microwave-assisted digestion of seaweed for the determination of As, Cd and Pb by ICP-MS.
Evaluation of efficiencies of radiolysis, photocatalysis and ozonolysis of modified simulated textile dye waste-water
Authors: Guin Jhimli Paul , Bhardwaj Y. K. , Naik D. B. , Varshney Lalit
Published: September 2014

The efficiencies of the several advanced oxidation processes were investigated for treatment of modified simulated textile dye waste water containing Reactive Red 120 in terms of the oxygen-equivalent chemical oxidation capacity and cost of inputs.
Imprinting of metal receptors into multilayer polyelectrolyte films: fabrication and applications in marine antifouling
Authors: Puniredd Sreenivasa Reddy , Jańczewski Dominik , Go Dewi Pitrasari , Zhu Xiaoying , Guo Shifeng , Ming Teo Serena Lay , Chen Lee Serina Siew , Vancso G. Julius
Published: September 2014

Polymeric films constructed using layer-by-layer fabrication were employed as a platform for metal ion immobilization and applied as a marine antifouling coating.
Oxygen evolution on well-characterized mass-selected Ru and RuO2nanoparticles
Authors: Paoli Elisa A. , Masini Federico , Frydendal Rasmus , Deiana Davide , Schlaup Christian , Malizia Mauro , Hansen Thomas W. , Horch Sebastian , Stephens Ifan E. L. , Chorkendorff Ib
Published: September 2014

Well-defined mass-selected Ru and RuO2nanoparticles exhibit an order of magnitude improvement in the oxygen evolution activity, relative to the state-of-the-art, with a maximum at around 3–5 nm.
Speech Intelligibility in Deaf Children After Long-Term Cochlear Implant Use
Authors: Montag Jessica L. , AuBuchon Angela M. , Pisoni David B. , Kronenberger William G.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This study investigated long-term speech intelligibility outcomes in 63 prelingually deaf children, adolescents, and young adults who received cochlear implants (CIs) before age 7 (M= 2;11 [years;months], range = 0;8–6;3) and used their implants for at least 7 years (M= 12;1, range = 7;0–22;5).

Method

Speech intelligibility was assessed using playback methods with naïve, normal-hearing listeners.

Results

Mean intelligibility scores were lower than scores obtained from an age- and nonverbal IQ–matched, normal-hearing control sample, although the majority of CI users scored within the range of the control sample. Our sample allowed us to investigate the contribution of several demographic and cognitive factors to speech intelligibility. CI users who used their implant for longer periods of time exhibited poorer speech intelligibility scores. Crucially, results from a hierarchical regression model suggested that this difference was due to more conservative candidacy criteria in CI users with more years of use. No other demographic variables accounted for significant variance in speech intelligibility scores beyond age of implantation and amount of spoken language experience (assessed by communication mode and family income measures).

Conclusion

Many factors that have been found to contribute to individual differences in language outcomes in normal-hearing children also contribute to long-term CI users' ability to produce intelligible speech.
Development of a particle injection system for impurity transport study in KSTAR
Authors: Lee H. Y. , Hong Suk-Ho , Hong Joohwan , Lee Seung Hun , Jang Siwon , Jang Juhyeok , Jeon Taemin , Park Jae Sun , Choe Wonho
Published: September 2014

A solid particle injection system is developed for KSTAR. The system has a compact size, compatibility with a strong magnetic field and high vacuum environment, and the capability to inject a small amount of solid particles with a narrow injection angle. The target flight-distance of 10 cm has been achieved with a particle loss rate of less than 10%. Solid impurity particles such as tungsten and carbon will be injected by this system at the midplane in KSTAR. The impurity transport feature will be studied with a soft X-ray array, a vacuum ultra-violet diagnostic, and Stand Alone Non-Corona code.
An improved filter-u least mean square vibration control algorithm for aircraft framework
Authors: Huang Quanzhen , Luo Jun , Gao Zhiyuan , Zhu Xiaojin , Li Hengyu
Published: September 2014

Active vibration control of aerospace vehicle structures is very a hot spot and in which filter-u least mean square (FULMS) algorithm is one of the key methods. But for practical reasons and technical limitations, vibration reference signal extraction is always a difficult problem for FULMS algorithm. To solve the vibration reference signal extraction problem, an improved FULMS vibration control algorithm is proposed in this paper. Reference signal is constructed based on the controller structure and the data in the algorithm process, using a vibration response residual signal extracted directly from the vibration structure. To test the proposed algorithm, an aircraft frame model is built and an experimental platform is constructed. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is more practical with a good vibration suppression performance.
Solution-processed amorphous silicon surface passivation layers
Authors: Mews Mathias , Mader Christoph , Traut Stephan , Sontheimer Tobias , Wunnicke Odo , Korte Lars , Rech Bernd
Published: September 2014

Amorphous silicon thin films, fabricated by thermal conversion of neopentasilane, were used to passivate crystalline silicon surfaces. The conversion is investigated using X-ray and constant-final-state-yield photoelectron spectroscopy, and minority charge carrier lifetime spectroscopy. Liquid processed amorphous silicon exhibits high Urbach energies from 90 to 120 meV and 200 meV lower optical band gaps than material prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Applying a hydrogen plasma treatment, a minority charge carrier lifetime of 1.37 ms at an injection level of 1015/cm3 enabling an implied open circuit voltage of 724 mV was achieved, demonstrating excellent silicon surface passivation.
Using multiple methods to assess detection probabilities of riparian-zone anurans: implications for monitoring
Authors: Guzy Jacquelyn C. , Price Steven J. , Dorcas Michael E.
Published: September 2014

Context Both manual call surveys (MCS) and visual encounter surveys (VES) are popular methods used to monitor anuran populations. Recent statistical developments, specifically the development of occupancy models that permit the use of data from various survey methods to assess method-specific detection probabilities, provide a rigorous framework for evaluating the effectiveness of field methods. Aim To compare species-specific detection probabilities generated by MCS and VES and to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods throughout the activity season of several riparian-zone anuran species. Methods During 2010 and 2011, we sampled 21 sites along the Broad and Pacolet Rivers, in South Carolina, USA, using MCS and VES. Anuran species were surveyed across three seasons (fall, spring and summer) each year. Key results For six species, MCS resulted in a higher mean probability of detection, whereas VES resulted in a higher mean probability of detection for four species. In addition, survey date was an important influence on detection probability of most anurans when using MCS, but largely unimportant when employing VES. Conclusions Our findings indicated that VES are as effective as MCS for detecting some species of anurans, and for others, VES represent a more effective method. Furthermore, when using VES outside the breeding window, some anurans can be reliably detected, and in some cases, detected more easily than by using MCS. Implications We suggest that VES is a complimentary technique to MCS and a potentially important tool for population monitoring of anurans. VES can provide more flexibility for anuran researchers, as robust estimates of detection and occupancy can be obtained outside a narrow breeding window.
Introduction.
Authors: Dukes J. S. , Ziska L. H.
Published: September 2014

This book, divided into four parts, aims to provide a means for understanding the consequences of invasive species (such as weeds) and climate change, not in isolation but in a synergistic context. The first part of the book outlines the dimensions of the problem. The second part of the book highlights the global synergy between climate change and invasive species with 'case studies' from around the world. The third part deals with the issue of managing new invasive threats in a changing climate. Part IV addresses the issue of what can be done when invasive species do show up on your doorstep.
Non-native species in Antarctic terrestrial environments: the impacts of climate change and human activity.
Authors: Hughes K. A. , Convey P.
Published: September 2014

Antarctic terrestrial biodiversity is simple compared to other regions of the Earth, with many higher taxonomic groups not represented, due to the continent's isolation, the severe climatic conditions and the relative scarcity of suitable habitats. So far, Antarctic biodiversity has been little affected by nonnative species introductions, due to (i) the late arrival of humans on the continent (c.1820), (ii) the overall low intensity of human activity and (iii) the concentration of most of that activity around a limited number of research stations and tourist sites, such as exist on the Antarctic Peninsula. However, human activity is increasing, and Antarctica is increasingly vulnerable to the human-mediated importation of non-native species and the redistribution of indigenous Antarctic species. While the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming regions on the planet, the Antarctic continent has, so far, experienced relatively little climatic change, but this is expected to change over the next century. Consequently, terrestrial communities are increasingly vulnerable, as climate change increases the risk of non-native species establishment and dispersal. This chapter describes non-native species in Antarctica that have already become established. Also described are the eradications that have been attempted and the practicality of minimizing microbial introductions. Finally, the chapter discusses recent policy developments relating to nonnative species and suggests that more needs to be done by the Antarctic Treaty Parties to implement biosecurity practices and eradicate existing non-native colonists, before fragile Antarctic communities are changed irreversibly.
Synergies between climate change and species invasions: evidence from marine systems.
Authors: Sorte C. J. B.
Published: September 2014

The hypothesis that climate change will facilitate species invasions has recently received increasing focus in studies of marine systems. Over the past decade, approaches to testing this hypothesis have shifted from time-series observations of concomitant increases in both processes to experimental tests that are beginning to reveal the mechanisms underlying the synergies between these two aspects of global change. The results of many studies conform to expectations that under climate change, invasive species' abundances, ranges and per capita effects - collectively indicative of invader impacts - will increase. However, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of responses to non-thermal factors (such as changes in ocean pH, dissolved oxygen and storm events) and how species-specific idiosyncrasies will manifest in changes at the community level. Continued exploration of the synergies between climate change and species invasions will help us to anticipate potential indirect effects (mediated through the responses of interacting invaders) on native species, which may themselves also be directly affected by climate change.
Climate, CO2 and invasive weed management.
Authors: Ziska L. H.
Published: September 2014

Given the economic and environmental harm caused by invasive weeds, one of the fundamental objectives of weed biologists is to manage invasive populations in order to minimize their impact following introduction. At present, in most developed countries, chemical application remains the principal means of management regarding spread and impact. Yet, it is becoming increasingly clear that there are a number of direct and indirect effects between climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels [CO2] that are likely to alter herbicide efficacy. For those data that suggest a reduction in effectiveness, primarily with rising CO2 levels, there are several (as yet untested) possible physiological and/or physical mechanisms. At present, it appears that a single ubiquitous explanation for reduced efficacy in the context of climate change is unlikely. A number of alternative non-chemical weed control methods are available, and a combination of available management methods under the rubric of integrated pest management may provide a robust strategy to minimize climate change/[CO2] impacts on weed management. Overall, looking forward, it is highly likely that current chemical control practices will need to change to cope with emerging challenges related to increasing herbicide resistance and extreme variation in climate parameters (e.g. drought). It is also clear that research to adapt herbicide management to these challenges deserves more time and attention than it has received to date.
Book reviews
Authors: McIlroy Thad
Published: September 2014

Print Culture, From Steam Press to Ebook Frances Robertson London and New York, Routledge, 2013, 168pp. ISBN 978‐0‐415‐57416‐7 (hbk) £70.00/$125.00; 978‐0‐415‐57417‐4 (pbk) £21.99/$39.95; 978‐0‐203‐14420‐6 (ebk) £21.99/$39.95
Sodium Thiosulfate Attenuates Acute Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Sakaguchi Masahiro , Marutani Eizo , Shin Hae-sook , Chen Wei , Hanaoka Kenjiro , Xian Ming , Ichinose Fumito
Published: September 2014

Background:

Acute lung injury is characterized by neutrophilic inflammation and increased lung permeability. Thiosulfate is a stable metabolite of hydrogen sulfide, a gaseous mediator that exerts antiinflammatory effects. Although sodium thiosulfate (STS) has been used as an antidote, the effect of STS on acute lung injury is unknown. The authors assessed the effects of STS on mice lung and vascular endothelial cells subjected to acute inflammation.

Methods:

Lung injury was assessed in mice challenged with intratracheal lipopolysaccharide or subjected to cecal ligation and puncture with or without STS. Effects of STS on endothelial permeability and the production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species were examined in cultured endothelial cells incubated with lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-α. Levels of sulfide and sulfane sulfur were measured using novel fluorescence probes.

Results:

STS inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced production of cytokines (interleukin-6 [pg/ml]; 313 ± 164, lipopolysaccharide; 79 ± 27, lipopolysaccharide + STS [n = 10]), lung permeability, histologic lung injury, and nuclear factor-κB activation in the lung. STS also prevented up-regulation of interleukin-6 in the mouse lung subjected to cecal ligation and puncture. In endothelial cells, STS increased intracellular levels of sulfide and sulfane sulfur and inhibited lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-α–induced production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species. The beneficial effects of STS were associated with attenuation of the lipopolysaccharide-induced nuclear factor-κB activation through the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6 ubiquitination.

Conclusions:

STS exerts robust antiinflammatory effects in mice lung and vascular endothelium. The results suggest a therapeutic potential of STS in acute lung injury.
Applying Geospatial Semantic Array Programming for a Reproducible Set of Bioclimatic Indices in Europe
Authors: Caudullo Giovanni
Published: September 2014

Bioclimate-driven regression analysis is a widely used approach for modelling ecological niches and zonation. Although the bioclimatic complexity of the European continent is high, a particular combination of 12 climatic and topographic covariates was recently found able to reliably reproduce the ecological zoning of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for forest resources assessment at pan-European scale, generating the first fuzzy similarity map of FAO ecozones in Europe. The reproducible procedure followed to derive this collection of bioclimatic indices is now presented. It required an integration of data-transformation modules (D-TM) using geospatial tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and array-based mathematical implementation such as semantic array programming (SemAP). Base variables, intermediate and final covariates are described and semantically defined by providing the workflow of D-TMs and the mathematical formulation following the SemAP notation. Source layers to derive base variables were extracted by exclusively relying on global-scale public open geodata in order for the same set of bioclimatic covariates to be reproducible in any region worldwide. In particular, two freely available datasets were exploited for temperature and precipitation (WorldClim) and elevation (Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data). The working extent covers the European continent to the Urals with a resolution of 30 arc-second. The proposed set of bioclimatic covariates will be made available as open data in the European Forest Data Centre (EFDAC). The forthcoming complete set of D-TM codelets will enable the 12 covariates to be easily reproduced and expanded through free software.
Widespread intron retention in mammals functionally tunes transcriptomes
Authors: Braunschweig Ulrich , Barbosa-Morais Nuno L. , Pan Qun , Nachman Emil N. , Alipanahi Babak , Gonatopoulos-Pournatzis Thomas , Frey Brendan , Irimia Manuel , Blencowe Benjamin J.
Published: September 2014

Alternative splicing (AS) of precursor RNAs is responsible for greatly expanding the regulatory and functional capacity of eukaryotic genomes. Of the different classes of AS, intron retention (IR) is the least well understood. In plants and unicellular eukaryotes, IR is the most common form of AS, whereas in animals, it is thought to represent the least prevalent form. Using high-coverage poly(A)+ RNA-seq data, we observe that IR is surprisingly frequent in mammals, affecting transcripts from as many as three-quarters of multiexonic genes. A highly correlated set of cis features comprising an “IR code” reliably discriminates retained from constitutively spliced introns. We show that IR acts widely to reduce the levels of transcripts that are less or not required for the physiology of the cell or tissue type in which they are detected. This “transcriptome tuning” function of IR acts through both nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and nuclear sequestration and turnover of IR transcripts. We further show that IR is linked to a cross-talk mechanism involving localized stalling of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and reduced availability of spliceosomal components. Collectively, the results implicate a global checkpoint-type mechanism whereby reduced recruitment of splicing components coupled to Pol II pausing underlies widespread IR-mediated suppression of inappropriately expressed transcripts.
Work-family interface, job satisfaction and turnover intention
Authors: Katja Mihelič Katarina
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of work-family and family-work conflict and enrichment in predicting job satisfaction and its subsequent relation with turnover intentions in a transition country.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study examined the role of work-family and family-work conflict and enrichment in predicting job satisfaction and its subsequent relation with turnover intentions in a transition country.

Findings

– While work-family enrichment was significantly and positively related to job satisfaction, family-work enrichment was not. A similar pattern was observed for conflict, whereby only work-family conflict exhibited a positive relation to job satisfaction. Moreover, job satisfaction partially mediated the relationships between work-family interface and turnover intentions. The results revealed indirect effects of work-family enrichment and work-family conflict on turnover intentions.

Originality/value

– This study is unique because it tested the relationships among the negative and positive sides of the work-family interface and job attitudes in a transition country in CEE, an underrepresented cultural context in the work-family literature. Furthermore, it tested the direct and indirect effects of work-family interface on turnover intentions. In addition, it provided evidence of the significance of same-domain effects and insignificance of cross-domain effects.
Best practices to ensure the maximum ROI in learning and development
Authors: Little Bob
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline a practical approach to best practice in corporate learning and development (L&D) – within the context of measuring the return on investment (ROI) of any piece of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– Report of a webinar, augmented with other research and observations.

Findings

– Employee development is at the top of CEO priority lists – at least in the USA. While there are a number of ways by which a learner can acquire the knowledge and skills to develop her/himself, there are four approaches to learning and development (L&D) activity particularly worth investigating from an ROI perspective. In terms of learning, size matters. Learning stands a better chance of being assimilated and applied if it is miniaturised – and adheres to five “best practice” strategies.

Practical implications

– Organisations can increase the effectiveness of their L&D activities – along with their return on investment (ROI) in learning if they follow five “best practice” strategies. These should be: Aligned to organisational objectives, Self-paced and learner-focused, Designed to embed learning into workflow, granular, bite-sized, chunked learning, Delivered via a multi-media approach – using a blend of video, graphics, audio, text and which is made available to the learner via a choice of delivery media to suit the learner's learning preferences, tastes and needs as well as the available delivery technology.

Originality/value

– As above. The paper also outlines some of the key issues in seeking to measure the ROI of learning objectively.
A practical model for e-commerce adoption in Iran
Authors: Hajli Nick , Sims Julian , Shanmugam Mohana
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Developing countries are still challenged by infrastructural and cultural issues related to the adoption of e-commerce although with the emergence of social commerce, a new stream has been introduced. Iran is a developing country, in which the adoption of e-commerce by small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is challenged by such barriers; it is now applying models for the adoption of new technologies by SMEs. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research attempts to develop a model, based on existing models of e-commerce, which can be applied in Iranian conditions. The study uses data gathered by a survey, together with existing models in this area, in order to propose a new model, which has been empirically tested.

Findings

– The results of this research demonstrate that e-commerce barriers in Iran are related to a lack of awareness of the benefits of e-commerce adoption, as well as organisational issues related to its application. The paper also discusses the results and implications of this research, which can be applied to other developing countries. The paper also gives a better picture of Iranian market. Finally the paper discusses possible future directions of this research, as well as its limitations.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the theoretical basis of IS and e-commerce adoption studies by proposing and testing a pre-adoption model for e-commerce. The adoption of e-commerce in SMEs in Iran has not been substantially investigated. This is despite the fact that SMEs play an important role in all economies. The results demonstrate a significant relationship between organisational readiness and the adoption of e-commerce. It also shows that there is a positive relationship between awareness of e-commerce and its adoption.
RFID integrated systems in libraries: extending TAM model for empirically examining the use
Authors: Kapoor Kawal , Dwivedi Yogesh , C. Piercy Niall , Lal Banita , Weerakkody Vishanth
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The available literature suggest that the research on radio frequency identification (RFID)-related issues is largely concentrated on technical, organizational and implementation aspects, and comparatively lesser attention has been invested in understanding the use aspect of such library management systems. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding into the factors that influence the use of RFID systems in the library context by empirically testing the relevant constructs from the extended technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire-based survey approach was employed for collecting the relevant data from 197 respondents. The respondents were the active users of a RFID-based library system.

Findings

– Findings from this study suggested that perceived usefulness and system quality positively influence the user attitude, and user attitude and system quality significantly influence the use of the RFID services. The paper concludes with outlining the salient points, limitations, and future research directions.

Originality/value

– The paper evaluates the role of a set of innovation attributes on the acceptance of RFID integrated systems in libraries. Owing to the scant literature availability in empirical investigations on adoption of RFID systems in libraries, the findings from this paper add value to the existing literature in this field, and also to the literature on the TAM model, with the empirical findings being of use to the aspirant libraries looking toward integrating RFID enabled systems.
Price promotions and their effect upon reference prices
Authors: Lowe Ben , Chan Fong Yee Fanny , Yeow Pamela
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to resolve inconsistencies in the literature about how one-time price promotions affect reference prices. Specifically, this study suggests that the measure of reference price used within a study (e.g. expected price or fair price) can affect the outcomes of that study.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research uses three separate experiments, replicating and extending existing work, to simulate purchasing decisions for products in the context of a price promotion. Experiments allow careful control of the confounds presumed to cause the inconsistencies between studies.

Findings

– Study 1 shows that measurement of different reference prices within the same experiment leads to carryover effects, which inflate the correlation between measures. Expected price and fair price appear to be conceptually and empirically distinct and should be measured separately to reduce design artifacts. Study 2 shows that one-time price promotions affect fair price, but not expected price, and Study 3 shows expected price and fair price converge after multiple promotions.

Research limitations/implications

– Independent measurement of reference price concepts allows robust claims about their distinctiveness. These findings have implications for how reference price should be measured in survey research and for pricing and promotional strategy.

Originality/value

– This research contributes by showing how the measure of reference price used affects the outcomes of price promotion studies. It does this through the replication and extension of past research. Replication allows greater confidence in the findings of past research, and testing the same findings under different conditions allows for the boundaries of existing research to be delimited and generalizations to be made.
Linking user experience and consumer-based brand equity: the moderating role of consumer expertise and lifestyle
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Dash Satya Bhushan , Cyr Dianne
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The study aims to explore the buildup of consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) from positive derived experiences. Rewarding experiences with products make a user feel good about their decision to buy and use them. Those feelings get accrued as strong consumer–brand relationship, measured comprehensively by CBBE in marketing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is conducted in two phases – exploratory and validation. The exploratory phase involved conceiving a theoretical framework from in-depth literature review. The framework is then validated through a survey-based empirical phase. Smartphones form the context of the work.

Findings

– The three consumption values used in the study are usability, social value and pleasure in use. Brand equity has been conceptualized and measured as brand association, perceived value, brand trust and brand loyalty. The moderating role of user expertise, as well as lifestyle, was also tested on pleasure derived. Most of the hypothesized relationships between different constructs of experience and brand equity were found significant. Significant evidence for hierarchical formation of brand equity was also established.

Research limitations/implications

– Lack of evidence of moderation of lifestyle may be ascribed to the validity of the scale used to measure it in the current context and needs to be updated. The study contributes by conceiving experience as a multidimensional framework based on Holbrook’s typology, besides validating its relationship to CBBE. Hierarchical formation of brand equity is also a novel contribution.

Practical implications

– This study provides an indicative guide to marketers with design cues that can provide relevant consumption values in the quest for a positive brand impression. It also provides directions for segmenting the smartphone market based on user expertise for better branding.

Originality/value

– The study is innovative by relating experience, conceptualized with Holbrook’s framework and CBBE – something yet to be seen in the literature.
Perceived fit and deal framing: the moderating effect of perceived fit on sales promotions in line and brand extensions
Authors: Shen Feng
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine how perceived fit between a line/brand extension and its parent brand moderates the evaluation of two economically identical promotions, i.e. buy one get one free (BOGOF) and 50 per cent off. A travel-sized painkiller is the product in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2 (perceived fit: high or low) × 2 (promotion type: BOGOF or 50 per cent off) between-subjects design is used in this study. Participants, who are college students, are randomly assigned to the four experimental conditions.

Findings

– The results indicate that parent brand attitude is more closely associated with line-extension attitude than with brand-extension attitude, line extension leads to lower perceived performance risk and higher stockpiling tendency than brand extension and BOGOF is preferred over 50 per cent off for line extension but 50 per cent off is preferred over BOGOF for brand extension.

Research limitations/implications

– For a low-price, non-conspicuous and stock-up product category such as painkillers, marketers should consider using BOGOF to promote a line extension and 50 per cent off to promote a brand extension. It is important to explore in future research as to how the findings can be applied to other product categories, other promotion types, other packages and non-student consumers.

Originality/value

– This study is the first that examines how perceived fit of a line/brand extension moderates the evaluation of economically identical promotions. It integrates the literature of line/brand extension, perceived performance risk and prospect theory to advance the research on sales promotions for new products.
Post‐Dilution Hemodiafiltration With a Heparin‐Grafted Polyacrylonitrile Membrane
Authors: Frascà Giovanni M , Sagripanti Sibilla , D'Arezzo Mario , Oliva Simonetta , Francioso Angelo , Mosconi Giovanni , Zambianchi Loretta , Sopranzi Franco , Boggi Rolando , Fattori Laura , Rigotti Angelo , Maldini Laura , Gattiani Andrea , Del Rosso Goffredo , Federico Antonio , Da Lio Lidia , Ferrante Luigi
Published: September 2014

The aim of this multicenter, prospective study was to explore the possibility of carrying out routine sessions of post‐dilution hemodiafiltration with a polyacrylonitrile membrane grafted with heparin (HeprAN) and reduced anticoagulation. Forty‐four patients from eight centers were included in the study and treated by means of post‐dilution on‐line hemodiafiltration with automatic control of TMP, according to three different modalities tested consecutively: phase 1, polyethersulfone filter primed with heparinized saline and anticoagulated with continuous infusion of unfractionated heparin 1000/h; phase 2, HeprAN membrane filter primed with saline without heparin. Anticoagulation: a 1000‐unit bolus of unfractionated heparin at the start of session followed by a second one at the end of the second dialysis hour; phase 3, same filter and priming procedure as in phase 2; anticoagulation with nadroparin calcium at the beginning of treatment. Partial or massive clotting of the dialyzer occurred in less than 1% of sessions in phase 1; 10% and 7% in phase 2; and 1% and 2% in phase 3. Clotting limited to the drip chambers was observed in 13%, 34% and 12%, respectively. The study of coagulation parameters showed a better profile when low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was used in association with HeprAN membrane, while the generation of TAT complexes did not differ from that observed with the standard anticoagulation modality used in phase 1. Our results suggest that the HeprAN membrane can be used safely in routine post‐dilution hemodiafiltration with reduced doses of LMWH.
Tertiary‐level management of overweight and obese children and adolescents: Does intensive dietetic intervention have a positive impact on weight control?
Authors: Chisholm Kerryn , Alexander Shirley , Barzi Federica
Published: September 2014

Aim

Tertiary clinical management of paediatric obesity is complex and the best treatment model of care is unknown. We aimed to ascertain if a prescriptive nutritional intervention in a tertiary dietetic clinic resulted in a reduction in body mass index (BMI) z‐score.

Methods

Data (age, gender, anthropometry, clinic visits (number, timing) ) were collected on all patients between June 2005–September 2009 and intention to treat analyses were carried out by using linear mixed models.

Results

For attendees, significant reductions in BMI z‐scores occurred in boys after the third clinic appointment (P = 0.04) and in girls after the fifth appointment (P = 0.046). Final mean BMI z‐score reduction was 0.28 ± 0.09 for boys and 0.24 ± 0.12 for girls. A significant reduction in waist to height ratio (WHER) for girls (from mean 0.62 ± 0.06 to 0.54 ± 0.04) was achieved by the fifth visit (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prescriptive nutritional intervention in a tertiary dietetic clinical setting resulted in a significant reduction in BMI z‐scores in both boys and girls evident by the third and fifth clinical appointments (contacts), respectively. No correlation was found between intensity of appointments in terms of length of time between clinic visits, age or initial BMI of the patient and reduction in BMI z‐score. These findings reinforce that multiple appointments are required to produce a beneficial effect.
Traffic‐related air pollution and lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Gongbo , Wan Xia , Yang Gonghuan , Zou Xiaonong
Published: September 2014

Background

We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between traffic‐related air pollution and lung cancer in order to provide evidence for control of traffic‐related air pollution.

Methods

Several databases were searched for relevant studies up to December 2013. The quality of articles obtained was evaluated by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. Statistical analysis, including pooling effective sizes and confidential intervals, was performed.

Results

A total of 1106 records were obtained through the database and 36 studies were included in our analysis. Among the studies included, 14 evaluated the association between ambient exposure to traffic‐related air pollution and lung cancer and 22 studies involved occupational exposure to air pollution among professional drivers. Twenty‐two studies were marked A level regarding quality, 13 were B level, and one was C level. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (meta‐odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99–1.13), nitrogen oxide (meta‐OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), sulfur dioxide (meta‐OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05), and fine particulate matter (meta‐OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00–1.22) were positively associated with a risk of lung cancer. Occupational exposure to air pollution among professional drivers significantly increased the incidence (meta‐OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.19–1.36) and mortality of lung cancer (meta‐OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.26).

Conclusion

Exposure to traffic‐related air pollution significantly increased the risk of lung cancer.
Selection of proper candidates with resected pathological stage IIIA‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer for postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Hui Zhouguang , Dai Honghai , Liang Jun , Lv Jima , Zhou Zongmei , Feng Qinfu , Xiao Zefen , Chen Dongfu , Zhang Hongxing , Yin Weibo , Wang Luhua
Published: September 2014

Background

To establish a prediction model in selecting fit patients with resected pIIIA‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for postoperative radiotherapy (PORT), and evaluate the model in clinical practice.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2005, 221 patients with resected pIIIA‐N2 NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed. The effect of PORT on overall survival (OS) of patients with different clinicopathological factors was evaluated and the results were used to establish a prediction model to select patients fit for PORT.

Results

Compared with the control, PORT significantly improved the OS of patients with a smoking index ≤400 (P = 0.033), cN2 (P = 0.003), pT3 (P = 0.014), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (P = 0.013), or ≥4 positive nodes (P = 0.025). Patients were divided from zero to all five factors into low, middle, and high PORT index (PORT‐I) groups (scored 0–1, 2, and 3–5, respectively). PORT did not improve OS (3‐year, P = 0.531), disease free survival (DFS) (P = 0.358), or loco‐regional recurrence free survival (LRFS) (P = 0.412) in the low PORT‐I group. PORT significantly improved OS (P = 0.033), and tended to improve DFS (P = 0.064), but not LRFS (P = 0.287) in the middle PORT‐I group. PORT could significantly improve OS (P = 0.000), DFS (P = 0.000), and LRFS (P = 0.006) in the high PORT‐I group.

Conclusion

The prediction model is valuable in selecting patients with resected pIIIA‐N2 NSCLC fit for PORT. PORT is strongly recommended for patients with three or more of the five factors of smoking index ≤400, cN2, pT3, SCC, and ≥4 positive nodes.
Clinical Indicators of Impaired Gas Exchange in Cardiac Postoperative Patients
Authors: Sousa Vanessa Emille Carvalho , Pascoal Lívia Maia , de Matos Talita Ferreira Oliveira , do Nascimento Ranielly Vidal , Chaves Daniel Bruno Resende , Guedes Nirla Gomes , de Oliveira Lopes Marcos Venícios
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To analyze the accuracy of the defining characteristics of impaired gas exchange (IGE).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study carried out in 93 cardiac postoperative adult patients. The 19 NANDA‐I defining characteristics related to IGE were evaluated.

Findings

Ten defining characteristics were found in the sample. The best accuracy values, including specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and likelihood ratios, inter alia, were found to decreased carbon dioxide, abnormal arterial blood gases, abnormal arterial pH, and abnormal breathing.

Conclusion

Some clinical indicators predict the presence/absence of IGE more accurately than others.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Knowledge of the accuracy of defining characteristics allows an early identification of particular nursing diagnoses, which can prevent complications.
Tracing Driftwood in Archaeological Contexts: Experimental Data and Anthracological Studies at the Orejas De Burro 1 Site (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Fermé L. Caruso , Avilés E. Iriarte , Borrero L. A.
Published: September 2014

The characterization of sedimentary particles and minerals present in the charcoal and woody archaeological remains contributes to determining the different sedimentary, archaeological and taphonomic processes that affected them. In order to prove this assumption, woody remains at the Orejas de Burro 1 archaeological site (Argentina) were studied, and a pilot programme was undertaken to study the chemical composition of the wood and the causes of its variation. Wood samples from the same plant species found at the site, Nothofagus pumilio and Berberis sp., were collected from different forest, coastal marine and lake areas in Patagonia, charred, analysed and compared to archaeological samples. Modern reference charcoal samples show mainly the elements, C, O and probably Ca and K, involved in the organic plant tissues, whereas the presence of additional chemical elements (Al, Si, Fe, Na, Mg, K, Cl and Ca) and/or minerals in modern and archaeological charcoal and wood samples suggests that they have been in contact with seawater, pointing to the use of driftwood and the occurrence of different taphonomic processes. The results obtained allow us to propose that in the past driftwood was collected as firewood along the coast of the Strait of Magellan, and to highlight the potential of the geochemical and mineralogical studies in archaeobotanical materials.
Weaponizing Principles: Clinical Ethics Consultations & the Plight of the Morally Vulnerable
Authors: Fiester Autumn M.
Published: September 2014

Internationally, there is an on‐going dialogue about how to professionalize ethics consultation services (ECSs). Despite these efforts, one aspect of ECS‐competence that has received scant attention is the liability of failing to adequately capture all of the relevant moral considerations in an ethics conflict. This failure carries a high price for the least powerful stakeholders in the dispute. When an ECS does not possess a sophisticated dexterity at translating what stakeholders say in a conflict into ethical concepts or principles, it runs the risk of naming one side's claims as morally legitimate and decrying the other's as merely self‐serving. The result of this failure is that one side in a dispute is granted significantly more moral weight and authority than the other. The remedy to this problem is that ECSs learn how to expand the diagnostic moral lens they employ in clinical ethics conflicts.