bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The historical evolution of employee engagement and self-efficacy constructs
Authors: Dagher Grace K. , Chapa Olga , Junaid Nora
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to highlight the historical roots of employee engagement and empirically examine the influence of self-efficacy on the three dimensions of employee engagement (vigor, dedication and absorption).

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 426 male and female respondents in the service industry from Lebanon was surveyed using a multi-scale measure composed of 25 items. Regression analysis was used to test the data for the hypothesized relationships between the variables.

Findings

– History of management continues to be the backbone of the so-called modern concepts. Although the term employee engagement was not used in scientific management or in the human relations movement, the characteristics were incorporated in these early schools. The three factors of employee engagement explained 78 per cent of the total variance of employee engagement construct and were significantly influenced by self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

– The first limitation of this study is the self-reported data, and the second limitation is the source from one industry (service), although different organizations were incorporated. Caution is advised against generalizations of the findings.

Practical implications

– The results of this study provide insights for both researchers and managers to better understand the relationship between three dimensions of employee engagement and self-efficacy from a non-Western context. The belief in one’s own capabilities helps promote employee engagement.

Social implications

– Lebanon offers an interesting context; it is considered as the only Arab country that provides an interaction between the Western and Middle Eastern countries.

Originality/value

– This study aimed to trace the historical roots of employee engagement to the early management schools. Moreover, studies similar to the present investigation exist; however, this is the first time that a non-Western Arab sample was used to examine the influence of self-efficacy on the three dimensions of employee engagement.
Activist manager
Authors: Bruce Kyle
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify and fill a gap in the knowledge of the contribution of Henry S. Dennison toward management and organization studies and problematize the assumptions underlying the mainstream understanding of scientific management and human relations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Primary sources are in the guise of archival papers, as well as published journal articles, books and book chapters; secondary sources in the guise of material about Dennison, as well as interviews with family and friends.

Findings

– The paper concludes that Dennison made an original and enduring contribution to management theory including, but not isolated to, personnel management, organizational behavior and corporate governance that influenced key thinkers of his times.

Practical implications

– Dennison was a practicing manager – in fact, he was the president of (what was) his family company which operates today as Avery Dennison – but he still found the time and energy for active public service and to peripatetically articulate his management “praxis”. The paper reveals that much of Dennison’s thoughts and deeds have much relevance today. Among other issues, in his concern with reducing labor turnover and unemployment, in devising and implementing effective personnel management and in his pioneering work on human motivation, group dynamics, goal congruence, worker empowerment and executive compensation, issues of profound importance to business leaders today can be found.

Originality/value

– To date, only piecemeal attempts have been made to chronicle Dennison’s contributions to management and organization theory, but these have been scattered across the social sciences. There has been neither any systematic, consolidated synthesis of his contributions to management and organization studies nor of his impact on the thinking of key thinkers of his times.
An evaluation of transfusion of TQM-TPM implementation initiative in an Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Singh Kanwarpreet , Ahuja Inderpreet Singh
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to include investigations of current status of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) implementation initiatives as well as benefits attained through synergetic TQM-TPM implementation in the manufacturing organization to assess roadmap followed by Indian manufacturing entrepreneur toward affecting manufacturing performance enhancements.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study has been carried out in the large scale manufacturing organization in the country that have implemented or are in the process of implementing TPM alone and TQM-TPM both. The study emphasizes upon comparing of business performance enhancements accrued through these quality improvement approaches.

Findings

– The study revealed that Transfusion of TQM-TPM initiatives can significantly contribute toward the better improvement of manufacturing performance in the organization, rather than TPM alone initiatives, also leading toward realization of core competencies for meeting global challenges.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is conducted to develop an understanding of contributions of TQM and TPM initiatives in Indian manufacturing industry. The present study endeavors to investigate the effect of an aggressive TQM-TPM implementation plan for strategically meeting global challenges and competition.

Originality/value

– The study highlights the contributions made by holistic TQM-TPM implementation in an Indian manufacturing enterprise.
Impact of Switching From Darbepoetin Alfa to Epoetin Beta Pegol on Iron Utilization and Blood Pressure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Washida Naoki , Inoue Shuji , Kasai Takahiro , Shinozuka Keisuke , Hosoya Koji , Morimoto Kohkichi , Wakino Shu , Hayashi Koichi , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

New erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents with a longer half‐life have been developed for the treatment of anemia in patients with end‐stage renal disease. This study evaluated the efficacy of darbepoetin alfa (DA) and long‐acting epoetin beta pegol (continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, CERA) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Twenty‐nine patients who had undergone PD for at least 6 months and were iron replacement‐naïve and negative for inflammatory parameters were enrolled. Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and blood pressure were evaluated before and after switching from DA to CERA. Percent transferrin saturation (TSAT), serum ferritin levels and blood pressure were also assessed. Twenty‐eight patients were subject to the analysis, excluding one patient with a decrease in Hgb by ≥10%. Switching from DA to CERA did not alter Hgb levels. The doses of DA and CERA after 12 month treatment of each agent were 118.48 ± 79.63 and 89.88 ± 47.50 μg/4 weeks, respectively (conversion ratio, 1:0.76). The CERA dose administered during the final 6 months was abated, compared with that given during the initial 6 months (P = 0.035). The frequency of CERA injection over a 12‐month period was less than that of DA (10.0 ± 3.0 vs. 16.4 ± 5.0, P < 0.01). The conversion from DA to CERA did not alter TSAT, but decreased serum ferritin levels (from 202.69 ± 132.57 to 150.15 ± 110.07 ng/mL, P = 0.012) and systolic blood pressure (from 133.8 ± 17.3 to 129.5 ± 11.3 mm Hg, P = 0.024). In PD patients, lower doses and less frequent injection of CERA are sufficient to maintain Hgb at levels similar to those achieved by DA therapy, with improved iron utilization and reduced blood pressure.
Comparison of Indirect Nursing Interventions Performed by Korean and U.S. Nurses Using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) System
Authors: Lee Eunjoo , Park Hyejin
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to identify frequency and time spent performing indirect nursing interventions by Korean nurses, and to compare the time spent on indirect nursing interventions with estimates of time spent by U.S. nurses.

Methods

Data were collected from 721 registered nurses working in eight hospitals in Korea. U.S. data were obtained from the fifth edition of the Nursing Interventions Classification published in 2008.

Results

Korean nurses took more time with 4 interventions, and U.S. nurses took more time with 13.

Conclusions

In general, Korean nurses spent less time performing indirect interventions than did U.S. nurses.

Implication

Information from this study will help nurse administrators in their decision‐making processes regarding managing units and staffing.
Net share issues and the cross‐section of equity returns under a dividend imputation tax system
Authors: Melia Adrian , Docherty Paul , Easton Steve
Published: May 2015

Despite considerable empirical evidence reporting a negative relationship between net share issuance and subsequent returns, it remains unresolved whether this anomaly is explained by risk or investor irrationality. This study examines the net share issuance anomaly using seasoned equity offerings before and after the introduction of an imputation tax system. We report robust evidence of a negative relationship between net share issuance and returns post‐imputation, but no relationship pre‐imputation. Our results provide evidence to support the international pervasiveness of the net share issuance anomaly, but more importantly suggest that this anomaly may be explained by risk.
Earnings benchmark hierarchy
Authors: Carvajal Mariela , Coulton Jeffrey J. , Jackson Andrew B.
Published: May 2015

We examine the hierarchy of earnings benchmarks in Australia. Our results demonstrate a disconnect between the actions managers appear to take and the market reaction to firms exceeding or just missing earnings benchmarks. The actions of managers appear consistent with them acting in a manner to avoid making losses and earnings decreases. On the other hand, the market reacts in a manner where the analysts’ earnings forecast is at the top of the earnings benchmark hierarchy. However, for firms without analyst coverage, the reporting of positive earnings is the predominant earnings benchmark.
Impact of the global financial crisis on Islamic and conventional stocks and bonds
Authors: Akhtar Shumi , Jahromi Maria
Published: May 2015

This study explores the impact of the global financial crisis (GFC) on Islamic and conventional stock and bond indices in 11 Islamic and eight non‐Islamic countries. We find that there are benefits of Islamic stocks during the GFC, particularly during the early stage of the crisis because Islamic institutions are prohibited from holding sub‐prime mortgage securities and derivatives. The strongest benefits of Islamic stocks are in the UK and USA. We conclude that there are benefits of risk reduction and stability for Islamic stocks during a financial crisis, although not necessarily during a global recession.
Tailored to the extremes: Quantile regression for index‐based insurance contract design
Authors: Conradt Sarah , Finger Robert , Bokusheva Raushan
Published: May 2015

A new approach for weather index‐based insurance design based on Quantile Regression (QR) to condition the yield‐index dependency is developed and compared to standard regression technique. Three conceptual different risk measures, i.e., Expected Utility, Expected Shortfall and a Spectral Risk Measure, are used to evaluate the risk reducing properties of these contracts. Our findings show that QR is much more powerful in establishing the yield‐index dependency and lead for all risk measures to a higher risk reduction than the standard technique ordinary least squares (OLS). Thus, QR leads to a more efficient contract design, which is beneficial for both, the insurer (smaller remaining risk) and the insured (higher demand and willingness to pay). Our empirical application is based on a 31 years long time series of wheat yield data from Northern Kazakhstan.
‘You never leave work when you live on a cattle property’: Special problems for rural property owners who have to relocate for specialist treatment
Authors: McGrath Pam
Published: May 2015

Objective

This paper contributes to the literature on relocation for specialist care by providing findings on specific issues impacting on rural farmers and property owners who have to travel to the metropolitan area for specialist care for a haematological malignancy.

Design and setting

This paper uses descriptive qualitative research based on 45 interviews with patients with haematology in Queensland. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed.

Results

In addition to issues of distance, farmers and rural property owners who have to relocate for specialist care must deal with problems associated with the lack of opportunity to take absence from the property because of the inescapable pressure of daily farm and property responsibilities and the high cost of, or lack of opportunity to, outsource daily maintenance. Further concerns include the cost of relocation in the context of continuing drought, serious problems sustaining the travel and time away required, and the lack of choice for some but to deal with treatment alone.

Conclusion

In recent years there has been considerable progress with regard to overcoming the distance barrier for rural and remote patients with cancer through innovative clinical models using technology and telemedicine. However, there has been limited uptake of such models for patients with haematology. The present findings indicate that from the perspective of rural farmers and property owners there are important reasons why the use of innovative strategies should be fostered and expanded.
Novel scoring system and algorithm for classifying chronic rhinosinusitis: the JESREC Study
Authors: Tokunaga T. , Sakashita M. , Haruna T. , Asaka D. , Takeno S. , Ikeda H. , Nakayama T. , Seki N. , Ito S. , Murata J. , Sakuma Y. , Yoshida N. , Terada T. , Morikura I. , Sakaida H. , Kondo K. , Teraguchi K. , Okano M. , Otori N. , Yoshikawa M. , Hirakawa K. , Haruna S. , Himi T. , Ikeda K. , Ishitoya J. , Iino Y. , Kawata R. , Kawauchi H. , Kobayashi M. , Yamasoba T. , Miwa T. , Urashima M. , Tamari M. , Noguchi E. , Ninomiya T. , Imoto Y. , Morikawa T. , Tomita K. , Takabayashi T. , Fujieda S.
Published: May 2015

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be classified into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays more intense eosinophilic infiltration and the presence of Th2 cytokines. Mucosal eosinophilia is associated with more severe symptoms and often requires multiple surgeries because of recurrence; however, even in eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), clinical course is variable. In this study, we wanted to set objective clinical criteria for the diagnosis of refractory CRS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted by 15 institutions participating in the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC). We evaluated patients with CRS treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and risk of recurrence was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Multiple logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to create the diagnostic criterion for ECRS.

Results

We analyzed 1716 patients treated with ESS. To diagnose ECRS, the JESREC scoring system assessed unilateral or bilateral disease, the presence of nasal polyps, blood eosinophilia, and dominant shadow of ethmoid sinuses in computed tomography (CT) scans. The cutoff value of the score was 11 points (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 66%). Blood eosinophilia (>5%), ethmoid sinus disease detected by CT scan, bronchial asthma, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs intolerance were associated significantly with recurrence.

Conclusion

We subdivided CRSwNP in non‐ECRS, mild, moderate, and severe ECRS according to our algorithm. This classification was significantly correlated with prognosis. It is notable that this algorithm may give useful information to clinicians in the refractoriness of CRS before ESS or biopsy.
Acute and chronic pseudo‐obstruction: a current update
Authors: Bernardi Maria‐Pia , Warrier Satish , Lynch A. Craig , Heriot Alexander G.
Published: May 2015

Acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction (ACPO) and chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction (CIPO) are distinct clinical entities in which patients present similarly with symptoms of a mechanical obstruction without an occlusive lesion. Unfortunately, they also share the issues related to a delay in diagnosis, including inappropriate management and poor outcomes. Advancements have been made in our understanding of the aetiologies of both conditions. Several predisposing factors linked to critical illness have been implicated in ACPO. CIPO is a functional motility disorder, historically misdiagnosed, with unnecessary surgery being performed in many patients with dire consequences. This review discusses the pathophysiology, clinical and diagnostic features, and treatment of each. For ACPO, a safer pharmacological approach to treatment is presented in a modified up‐to‐date algorithm. The importance of CIPO as a differential diagnosis when seeing patients with recurrent admissions for abdominal pain and distention is also discussed, as well as specific indications for surgery. While surgery is often a last resort, the role of the surgeon in the management of both ACPO and CIPO cannot be undervalued. By characterizing each condition in a common review, the knowledge gleaned aims to optimize outcomes for these frequently complex patients.
Archaeological Quantification of Pottery: The Rims Count Adjusted using the Modulus of Rupture (MR)
Authors: Mateo Corredor D. , Molina Vidal J.
Published: May 2015

Archaeological quantification is a recurrent issue in research about pottery, its typologies and its distribution. We accept the validity of other methods of quantification—sherd count, minimum number of individuals (MNI) or sherd weight—but the methodology that we have proposed for quantification of assemblages of archaeological contexts is the rims count, which has to be transformed into coefficients of reference through a correction using the modulus of rupture (MR). Such correctors are obtained through measuring the percentage of preserved rim of a significant number of sherds of each type and establishing the average of that percentage. This quantification method is easily applicable to all pottery types and it is also statistically reliable. Besides, it can be used in any study in which the gross number of rims is published. Finally, in the case of ceramic transport containers, a second correction can be applied by multiplying the corrected coefficient (number of rims × MR) by its average capacity (AC), another corrector that will allow us to gather statistics according to the litres of transported product. We believe that the rims count (the easiest part to classify) is a fast, relatively easy and very reliable method that needs to be corrected using the MR.
Causes and Contexts of Domestic Violence: Tales of Help‐Seeking Married Women in Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Das Tulshi Kumar , Alam Md. Fakhrul , Bhattacharyya Rituparna , Pervin Amina
Published: May 2015

Domestic violence (DV) against married women is widely prevalent across Bangladesh and this merits nuanced attention. Multifarious factors are believed to perpetuate DV in different socioeconomic contexts within the country. This study aimed to understand the causes and contexts of DV in the Sylhet region (a distinct sub‐culture that carries Sylheti identity). This was a qualitative study based on the experiences of 42 victims of DV who sought help from two social welfare organizations, namely ‘Women Support Program (WSP)’ and ‘Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)’, both located in Sylhet. Using in‐depth interviews, we tried to interact with the victims to retrieve the causes and contexts of DV in Sylhet. Findings revealed that a number of factors led to DV. These causal and contextual factors for DV were dowry practice, illiteracy, cultural approval of wife beating, women's silence, polygyny, socioeconomic dependency of the wife, conflicts related to extra‐ and premarital affairs, poverty, stigmatization, and drug addiction of the husband. The study concluded that all these factors could be brought under the umbrella of age‐old patriarchal cultural values that continue to create the contexts where DV takes place unabated.
MT95‐4, a fully humanized antibody raised against aminopeptidase N, reduces tumor progression in a mouse model
Authors: Akita Shin , Hattori Noboru , Masuda Takeshi , Horimasu Yasushi , Nakashima Taku , Iwamoto Hiroshi , Fujitaka Kazunori , Miyake Masayuki , Kohno Nobuoki
Published: May 2015

Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) is involved in tumor cell invasion and tumor angiogenesis and is considered a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of cancer. To develop a novel monoclonal antibody‐based cancer therapy targeting APN/CD13, we established a fully humanized anti‐APN/CD13 monoclonal antibody, MT95‐4. In vitro, MT95‐4 inhibited APN/CD13 enzymatic activity on the tumor cell surface and blocked tumor cell invasion. B16 mouse melanoma cells stably expressing human APN/CD13 were also established and were inoculated s.c. or injected i.v. into nude mice. We found that expression of human APN/CD13 in murine melanoma cells increased the size of subcutaneous tumors, extent of lung metastasis and degree of angiogenesis in the subcutaneous tumors; these tumor‐promoting and angiogenesis‐promoting characteristics were reduced by the i.p. administration of MT95‐4. To further verify the specificity of MT95‐4 for neutralization of APN/CD13 activity, MT95‐4 was administered into NOD/SCID mice inoculated s.c. with H1299 or PC14 cells, which exhibit high expression of APN/CD13, or with A549 cells, which exhibit weak expression of APN/CD13. MT95‐4 reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in mice bearing H1299‐derived and PC14‐derived tumors, but not in mice bearing A549‐derived tumors. These results suggested that the antitumor and anti‐angiogenic effects of MT95‐4 were dependent on APN/CD13 expression in tumor cells. Given that MT95‐4 is the first fully humanized monoclonal antibody against APN/CD13, MT95‐4 should be recognized as a promising candidate for monoclonal antibody therapy against tumors expressing APN/CD13.
Straight to flexible sigmoidoscopy: rationalization of 2‐week wait referrals in suspected colorectal cancer
Authors: Couch D. G. , Murphy J. H. , Boyle K. M. , Hemingway D. M.
Published: May 2015

Aim

The 2‐week wait pathway was designed to decrease the time from presentation to primary care of patients with ‘red flag’ symptoms of suspected cancer for review by a specialist for the diagnosis or exclusion of cancer. In our tertiary referral centre we have found that 968 colonoscopies per year are required to satisfy the demand for the 2‐week wait, leading to limited colonoscopy availability for other services. We sought to determine the yield of colorectal cancer found at colonoscopy referred via the 2‐week wait and referenced to the original red flag symptoms. This was in order to select the most efficacious alternative primary investigation based upon presenting symptoms.

Method

Electronic records were retrospectively analysed. All patients who went through the 2‐week wait for suspicion of colorectal cancer in 2013 and were found to have colorectal cancer on colonoscopy were included. Patients not undergoing colonoscopy as the first investigation were excluded. The splenic flexure was deemed to be within the range of a flexible sigmoidoscope.

Results

In all, 2950 referrals were made. 968 colonoscopies were performed as the primary investigation of which 35 were found to have colorectal cancer. No patients referred with rectal bleeding and another symptom had a tumour more proximal to the range of flexible sigmoidoscopy. 80% of tumours proximal to the splenic flexure were suitable for CT diagnosis alone.

Conclusion

Our data support the use of flexible sigmoidoscopy alone as an initial investigation for patients presenting with rectal bleeding with or without additional colorectal symptoms. Patients with anaemia (without bleeding) or change in bowel habit (without bleeding) may be investigated with CT colonography alone; colonoscopy may then be used selectively prior to surgery.
Cross‐Linguistic Differences in Processing Double‐Embedded Relative Clauses: Working‐Memory Constraints or Language Statistics?
Authors: Frank Stefan L. , Trompenaars Thijs , Vasishth Shravan
Published: May 2015

An English double‐embedded relative clause from which the middle verb is omitted can often be processed more easily than its grammatical counterpart, a phenomenon known as the grammaticality illusion. This effect has been found to be reversed in German, suggesting that the illusion is language specific rather than a consequence of universal working memory constraints. We present results from three self‐paced reading experiments which show that Dutch native speakers also do not show the grammaticality illusion in Dutch, whereas both German and Dutch native speakers do show the illusion when reading English sentences. These findings provide evidence against working memory constraints as an explanation for the observed effect in English. We propose an alternative account based on the statistical patterns of the languages involved. In support of this alternative, a single recurrent neural network model that is trained on both Dutch and English sentences is shown to predict the cross‐linguistic difference in the grammaticality effect.
Enhanced fitness and renal function in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nylen E. S. , Gandhi S. M. , Kheirbek R. , Kokkinos P.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To investigate the renal effects of fitness in people with diabetes with mild renal dysfunction.

Methods

The effect of a 12‐week exercise programme on estimated GFR in 128 people with diabetes was evaluated.

Results

All cardiometabolic variables improved after 12 weeks of supervised exercise. Although there was a modest 3.9% increase in estimated GFR from baseline in the 128 people who completed the study, those with baseline chronic kidney disease stages 2 and 3 were found to have significant (6 and 12%, respectively; p < 0.01) improvements in post‐exercise estimated GFR. Moreover, 42% of the people with chronic kidney disease stage 3 improved to chronic kidney disease stage 2 after the intervention.

Conclusion

Short‐term exercise improves renal function in those with more moderate baseline chronic kidney disease. Thus, renal function appears to be responsive to enhanced physical fitness. Being a strong and modifiable risk factor, enhanced fitness should be considered a non‐pharmacological adjunct in the management of diabetic kidney disease.
Does Agricultural Growth Cause Manufacturing Growth?
Authors: Shifa Abdulaziz B.
Published: May 2015

The role of agricultural development for industrialization is central to several theories of economic development and policy. However, empirically assessing the impact of agricultural growth on manufacturing growth is challenging because of endogeneity concerns. To address the identification challenge, I use random weather variations to instrument agricultural growth. The instrumental variable estimations show that agricultural growth has a significant positive impact on manufacturing growth. I discuss the empirical implications for efficiency of the manufacturing sector and the role of agriculture in Africa's industrialization.
Review of current concepts of revascularization/revitalization
Authors: Bezgin Tuğba , Sönmez Hayriye
Published: May 2015

This review focuses on the current concepts on revascularization/revitalization therapy. Revascularization/revitalization procedures performed under current protocols have reportedly achieved successful clinical and radiographical outcomes for immature permanent teeth with non‐vital pulps; however, randomized prospective studies are needed to develop evidence‐based methodologies for regenerative endodontic treatment.
Intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure during apnoea testing for the diagnosis of brain death – an observational study
Authors: Roth C. , Deinsberger W. , Kleffmann J. , Ferbert A.
Published: May 2015

Background and purpose

Some authors have suggested a rise of intracranial pressure (ICP) during apnoea testing and the possibility of harm to patients. Data, however, have yet to be obtained.

Methods

Between October 2012 and May 2014 an observational study was performed on patients who received ICP measurements and who underwent brain death diagnosis. ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were recorded continuously from 15 min before the start of brain death diagnosis (baseline), during clinical examination including apnoea testing, until 15 min after this procedure.

Results

A total of 16 clinical examinations for brain death including apnoea testing were performed on 13 patients. All patients had primary brain lesions. Mean ICP and mean CPP during the examination were 95 ± 27.7 mmHg and 13.5 ± 20.7 mmHg, respectively. ICP and MAP showed a strong and statistically significant correlation, with Pearson's correlation coefficients of more than +0.6 or less than –0.6 in 13 of the 15 examinations.

Conclusion

Mean ICP even before brain death determination is increased excessively. Changes of ICP during apnoea show a clear correlation to the changes of MAP. Furthermore, CPP during the condition of brain death may not equal zero but may be positive thereby indicating some minor net influx of blood into the brain in some patients.
Computed tomography and scintigraphy for evaluation of dental disease in the horse
Authors: Barakzai S. Z. , Barnett T. P.
Published: May 2015

Computed tomography (CT) uses x‐ray beams and reconstructive computer technology to create tomographic slices (sections) of the area being imaged. Computed tomography has higher contrast resolution than conventional radiography allowing for more accurate differentiation of soft tissues and fluids. This form of 3Dimaging removes problems caused by superimposition of multiple anatomical structures, which is a major impediment when viewing radiographs of the equine head. Once the images are acquired, multi‐planar and 3Dreconstructions can be performed to view different teeth or associated structures in an optimal way. Anatomical and pathological changes in the dental tissues, periodontal tissues, alveolar bone and adjacent sinuses can then be assessed. Scintigraphy with 99mtechnetium methyl‐diphosphate (methylene‐diphosphonate) can detect changes in bone that precede radiographic changes, and this makes it a very useful imaging modality for diagnosis of early periapical infection of the equine cheek teeth. Additionally, it is invaluable for imaging suspected infections of supernumerary or dysplastic teeth where the results of radiography or evenCTmay be equivocal. Periapical infections of the cheek teeth typically result in focal and intense increased radionuclide uptake located over the apical region of the affected tooth.
High‐density genetic map of Miscanthus sinensis reveals inheritance of zebra stripe
Authors: Liu Siyao , Clark Lindsay V. , Swaminathan Kankshita , Gifford Justin M. , Juvik John A. , Sacks Erik J.
Published: May 2015

Miscanthus is a perennial C4 grass that has recently become an important bioenergy crop. The efficiency of breeding improved Miscanthus biomass cultivars could be greatly increased by marker‐assisted selection. Thus, a high‐density genetic map is critical to Miscanthus improvement. In this study, a mapping population of 261 F1 progeny was developed from a cross between two diploid M. sinensis cultivars, ‘Strictus’ and ‘Kaskade’. High‐density genetic maps for the two parents were produced with 3044 newly developed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing, and 138 previously mapped GoldenGate SNPs. The female parent (‘Strictus’) map spanned 1599 cM, with 1989 SNPs on 19 linkage groups, and an average intermarker spacing of 0.8 cM. The length of the male parent (‘Kaskade’) map was 1612 cM, with 1821 SNPs, and an average intermarker spacing of 0.9 cM. The utility of the map was confirmed by locating quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the zebra‐striped trait, which was segregating in this population. Three QTL for zebra‐striped presence/absence (zb1, zb2 on LG 7, and zb3 on LG 10) and three for zebra‐striped intensity (zbi1, zbi2, zbi3 on LGs 7, 10, 3) were identified. Each allele that caused striping was recessive. Incomplete penetrance was observed for each zb QTL, but penetrance was greatest when two or more zb QTL were homozygous for the causative alleles. Similarly, the intensity of striping was greatest when two or more zbi QTL were homozygous for alleles that conferred the trait. Comparative mapping indicated putative correspondence between zb3 and/or zbi2 on LG 10 to previously sequenced genes conferring zebra stripe in maize and rice. These results demonstrate that the new map is useful for identifying marker–trait associations. The mapped markers will become a valuable community resource, facilitating comparisons among studies and the breeding of Miscanthus.
Examining the Global Machine Tool Industry: Transitions or Continuity?
Authors: Kalafsky Ronald V.
Published: May 2015

Examining and comparing a country's machine tool industry often can be used to gauge its quality, productivity, and innovation in manufacturing as a whole. It can also indicate wider trends in global manufacturing. This paper, accordingly, examines changes in the global machine tool industry since 1990 in terms of several metrics, including production, industrial concentration, exports, and lastly, firm‐level leadership patterns. A broad framework entailing evolutionary economic geography, specifically, path dependence, and global production networks, informs this research. Several noteworthy patterns emerge from the data, including the sustained dominance of a select number of national machine tool industries; several former manufacturing powers in decline; and the emergence of a few national machine tool producers, notably China. The article concludes with a discussion of these changes, possible implications for manufacturing at large, and avenues for future research.
Natural history and outcomes in drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Yeong Tian T. , Lim Kok H. J. , Goubet Stephanie , Parnell Nick , Verma Sumita
Published: May 2015

Aim

Drug‐induced autoimmune hepatitis (DIAIH) remains poorly characterized. Our aim was to assess natural history and outcomes in DIAIH.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Results

Eighty‐two patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) were identified, 11 (13.4%) with DIAIH, implicated drugs being nitrofurantoin (n = 4), statins (n = 4), herbal remedies (n = 2) and diclofenac (n = 1). Female sex, acute onset, elevated serum globulins/immunoglobulin G, fibrosis stage (Ishak), cirrhosis at onset, moderate–severe portal inflammation, interface and lobular hepatitis, remission, relapse and poor outcome were similar in those with DIAIH and AIH (P > 0.05). The former were however more likely to be aged 60 years or more and take longer to relapse on immunosuppression discontinuation (P = <0.05). On Kaplan–Meier analysis, probability of poor outcome was similar in those with DIAIH and AIH (log–rank test, 0.339). On comparing those with (n = 4) and without nitrofurantoin (n = 7) DIAIH, the former were older, had longer duration of drug use prior to DIAIH diagnosis, higher fibrosis stage and were less likely to relapse upon immunosuppression discontinuation.

Conclusion

Approximately 15% of patients with AIH have DIAIH with similar outcomes, although the latter are older with a propensity for late relapse, mandating long‐term follow up.
Characterizing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen spray
Authors: Lu P. J. , Cheng W. L. , Huang S. C. , Chen Y. P. , Chou H. K. , Cheng H. F.
Published: May 2015

Synopsis

Objective

Numerous commercial products contain titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs); however, many of these are not labelled as containing NPs. This study sought to develop an effective means of characterizing TiO2 and ZnO NPs in sunscreen sprays, including the size, shape and composition of the particles as well as their aggregation/agglomeration characteristics.

Methods

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with a window‐type microchip K‐kit/copper grid and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the oxide NPs.

Results

TME pre‐treatment was performed using two approaches: using a conventional copper grid (requiring dilution) and using a K‐kit (not requiring dilution). The use of K‐kit in conjunction with XRD makes it possible to obtain direct measurements from samples that have not undergone pre‐treatment, which could otherwise alter the nature of the samples, such as the degree of agglomeration. XRD was used to obtain information related to particle size and crystal structure. A strong correlation was observed between XRD and TEM measurements.

Conclusion

The proposed measurement methods were shown to be highly effective in the characterization of oxide NPs in sunscreen sprays, providing consistent information related to NPs and their interactions in the formulations.
A new protocol for evaluating the efficacy of some dispensing systems of a packaging in the microbial protection of water‐based preservative‐free cosmetic products
Authors: Devlieghere F. , De Loy‐Hendrickx A. , Rademaker M. , Pipelers P. , Crozier A. , De Baets B. , Joly L. , Keromen S.
Published: May 2015

Synopsis

Objective

A new protocol is described for assessing the efficacy of the dispenser of some packaging systems (PSs) of preservative‐free cosmetic products in protecting both their contained formula and their delivered doses.

Methods

Practically, aiming at mimicking contacts with a non‐sterile skin or fingers, the dispensing system is put into contact with a pre‐contaminated fabric by a standardized colonization of P. aeruginosa.

Results

When applied to three different types of packaging, results show clear differences in both criteria between these conditioning articles, that is variable efficacies in protecting the contained product and the delivered doses, knowing that the first aspect is of paramount importance.

Conclusion

The proposed protocol is proved being able to discriminate between different PSs and provides information on strong and weak features of certain types dispensing technologies prone to efficiently decrease either the dose contamination or to prevent contamination in reaching the contained product. Therefore, the proposed protocol can contribute to an objective selection of a PS for protecting a cosmetic care product with a low content of preservative or preservative free.
Mechanical Behavior and Applications of Plasma Arc Welded Ceramics
Authors: King Derek S. , Hilmas Greg , Fahrenholtz William
Published: May 2015

Zirconium diboride and zirconium carbide‐based ceramics were joined by plasma arc welding to demonstrate the versatility of this technique. A parent material composition consisting of ZrB2 with 20 vol% ZrC was hot pressed to near full density, sectioned to produce specimens for welding, and welded together to produce billets for mechanical property studies. The four‐point flexure strength of the parent material was ~660 MPa, while the strength of the welded specimens ranged from ~140 to ~250 MPa. Microstructural analysis revealed that decreased strength in the welded specimens was caused by volume flaws, microcracking of large ZrB2 grains (up to 1 mm in length), and residual tensile stresses that developed at the surface of weld pools during cooling. The versatility of plasma arc welding was demonstrated by joining of ZrC‐based ceramics and fabricating three ZrB2–ZrC components for potential applications, including a high‐temperature electrical contact, an ultra‐high‐temperature thermocouple, and a wedge that was a notional wing leading edge. These three applications demonstrated the ability to join ceramics to a refractory metal, fabricate a chemically inert high‐temperature thermocouple, and produce complex shapes for aerospace applications.
The effect of materialism and proximity of clothing to self on the ratio of feeling younger: implications for the consumption experiences of older people in Turkey
Authors: Dogan Volkan
Published: May 2015

This article examines the effect of materialism and proximity of clothing to self (PCS) on the older adult's ratio of feeling younger (RFY). Face‐to‐face surveys were conducted with 172 Turkish men and women, aged 65 and over. The findings reveal that materialism and PCS has negative relations, materialism has positive effect on the RFY, PCS has negative effects on the RFY. The results are discussed in relation to the consumption experiences of older people, actual self‐image vs. desired self‐image and alienation of older people to their clothing. In addition, the psychometric performance of the PCS scale on older people living in Turkey along with discussion of the limitations of these data, this article addresses the implications of older consumer experiences for actual and desired self‐image.
A clinical approach to diagnose patients with localized telangiectasia
Authors: Gupta Ruchi , Gautam Ram Krishan , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Chauhan Amrita
Published: May 2015

Telangiectasia, or dilated blood vessels, may represent a benign condition or a marker of a much more serious internal or cutaneous malignancy (e.g. mycosis fungoides). They can be generalized or localized in distribution. ‘Localized telangiectasia? can be macular or papular. Macular ones can be further divided into two major categories: primary and secondary. They can occur on their own (primary), after skin injury (e.g. sun damage, post‐radiation therapy, after prolonged topical steroid application), or may arise due to an underlying condition (secondary). While telangiectases can spring from a multitude of possible causes, the location of the lesions, in combination with a careful history and exmination, often helps in elucidating the correct diagnosis. A patient with localized telangiectasia as a manifestation of malignancy may be difficult to diagnose, however the diagnosis is one of exclusion, and a thorough evaluation should be performed before diagnosing this condition. This article reviews possible conditions to consider in these patients and suggests an approach to their evaluation.
Quality of life, social support and cognitive impairment in heart failure patients without diagnosed dementia
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Sullivan Anne , Burke Rhonda , Hales Susan , Sharpe Precilla , Tofler Geoffrey
Published: May 2015

Improving health‐related quality of life (HRQL) is an important goal for heart failure (HF) patients, and understanding the factors that influence HRQL is essential to this process. We investigated the influence of social support and cognitive impairment on HRQL in community dwelling HF patients (n = 104) without diagnosed dementia. Patients were aged mean 80.93 years (SD 11.01) and were classified as New York Heart Association Class 1/II (45%) or III/IV (53%). Age, social support and cognition had important independent effects. Younger people had the most negative effects of HF in all areas of HRQL: emotional (B = −0.32), physical (B = −0.44) and overall (B = −1). Well‐supported patients (general social support) had the least negative effect from HF on HRQL: emotional domain (B = −4.62) and overall (B = −11.72). Patients with normal cognition had more negative impact of HF on HRQL: physical domain (B = 5.51) and overall HRQL (B = 10.42). A clearer understanding of the relationships between age, social support and cognition and the effect on the impact of HF on HRQL is needed before interventions can be appropriately developed.
Ultrastructure of the rotifer integument: peculiarities of Sinantherina socialis (Monogononta: Gnesiotrocha)
Authors: Hochberg Rick , Hochberg Adele , Chan Courtney
Published: May 2015

The rotifer integument is a well‐described syncytium that contains an apical intracytoplasmic lamina (ICL) that functions for both skeletal support and muscle insertion. To date, there is limited information on the structure of the integument in species of Gnesiotrocha, a diverse subclade of Monogononta that consists of solitary, colonial, sessile, and planktonic species. In this study, we examined the ultrastructure of the integument in the colonial rotifer Sinantherina socialis to determine how it corresponds to that of other monogononts. The integument of S. socialis was broadly similar to that of other rotifers, consisting of a thickened glycocalyx, multilaminate ICL, and syncytial epidermis. However, it was different in several regards. The ICL consisted of three distinct layers from apical to basal: layer 1 consisted of at least two electron‐dense laminae; layer 2 was a thickened matrix of amorphous, electron‐dense material or was fibrous; and layer 3 was an electron‐dense lamina of varying thickness that covered the underlying syncytium. Significantly, layers 1 and 2 formed a ridge‐and‐groove like system of finger‐like projections across the trunk surface that has not been observed in other rotifers. A voluminous syncytial cytoplasm (up to 3 μm thick) was present beneath the ICL and was mostly electron lucent and with few organelles. Bundles of potential microtubules were scattered throughout the syncytium. We hypothesize that the voluminous cytoplasm with microtubules serves as skeletal support for the rotifer's sessile lifestyle, while the external ridges may function as a texture‐based deterrent to predators, or serves to trap secretions from the species' defensive glands. Basally, the epidermis was highly folded and bordered by a thin basal lamina that separated the plasmalemma from the blastocoel. Membrane‐bound vesicles were present throughout the integument's cytoplasm and are hypothesized to function in the secretion of extracellular matrix and in the maintenance of the ICL.
Experimental Investigation of Electric Contact Resistance in Spark Plasma Sintering Tooling Setup
Authors: Wei Xialu , Giuntini Diletta , Maximenko Andrey L. , Haines Christopher D. , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: May 2015

An experimental investigation on electric contact resistance in the tooling utilized in spark plasma sintering (SPS) is conducted. Two different SPS regimes are operated without the presence of processed powder to obtain the punch–punch (horizontal) and punch–die (vertical) contact resistance assessments separately. The processing temperature and applied pressure are considered to be the main factors that affect the contact resistance. These effects are analyzed by performing experiments at a maximum temperature of 1600°C with constant heating rate of 100°C/min. The applied pressure is ranging from 20 to 60 MPa and a 1 min holding time‐step is used to ensure stable measurements. It is shown that the contact resistance goes down as the temperature ramps up. An increase in the pressure leads to a decrease in the contact resistance. The mechanisms that cause these variations in the contact resistance are discussed. The dependence of assessed contact resistance of the utilized SPS system on the processing temperature and applied pressure is analytically described based on the regression analysis of the collected experimental data. A finite‐element simulation based on the obtained experimental results evidences that the electric contact resistance dominates the temperature evolution. The obtained results are of significant importance for modeling and optimization of SPS processes.