bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges faced by second language doctoral student writers in Hong Kong and their writing strategies
Authors: Hyland Fiona
Published: January 2017

Writing at the doctoral level presents many challenges for second language writers. This paper reports on a longitudinal study investigating English as a second language (ESL) doctoral students’ writing problems and the strategies they developed to meet these challenges. Eight students were interviewed four times over a two-year period during their doctoral program and a questionnaire was sent to over 150 postgraduate students to investigate their major writing challenges and their self-initiated strategies. The findings suggested that students’ writing challenges were in two main areas: difficulties with expressing complex ideas in a second language; and difficulties with developing confidence and a convincing academic voice. This paper focuses on the strategies students developed to deal with their writing challenges and uses one case to show how these evolved over a two-year period. Strategies used consistently and successfully included using expert writing such as academic articles as writing ‘models’ and the use of peer support networks that provided advice and feedback on the students’ writing and also offered opportunities for academic collaboration. The study adds to our growing knowledge of the resources and support available to doctoral writers, highlighting the use of social and academic networking and the role played by textual resources such as articles and theses as textual mentors.
How to Do Philosophy with Words
Authors: Navarro Jesús
Published: January 2017

Nowadays philosophy is characterized by such heterogeneous intellectual practices that its very unity and coherence seem endangered. What is especially disconcerting is that most authors manage to largely ignore the very existence of methodological positions radically different from their own. Fortunately, there have been exceptions, and the present volume focuses on one of them: the failed debate that took place between John Searle and Jacques Derrida.
This book thoroughly analyses that exchange, contextualizing it within the respective philosophical traditions of the two thinkers, with the general aim of turning their dispute into what it was not: a respectful, sensible and fruitful controversy. This episode is thus taken as an opportunity to reflect on the peculiar nature of philosophy as an intellectual practice, and to discuss some of its main themes: language as an instrument for communication, the intentionality of consciousness, and difference as a constitutive element of every text.
Constructing the “self” and the “other” in Bush’s political discourse before and after the Iraq war (2002–2008)
Authors: Abid Raith Zeher , Manan Shakila Abdul
Published: January 2017

The article investigates the construction of the “self” and the “other” in George W. Bush’s political discourse before and after the Iraq war. Van Dijk’s ideological square theory is used to examine the group polarization of Us versus Them dichotomy. Halliday’s systemic functional grammar is utilised to analyse the speeches and to designate the strategies that Bush utilises to differentiate between the protagonist (America) and the antagonist (Iraq). Furthermore, the diachrony in Bush’s discourse regarding Iraq’s WMDs and Saddam Hussein is also examined. The results of the study indicated that before the invasion, Iraq was an active entity in upgrading its WMDs’ program and supporting terrorism. However, after the invasion, Iraq is now perceived as a beacon of hope in the Middle East, thus, justifying America’s illegitimate act of invading Iraq.
Microstructural stability of long-term aged wrought Ni–Fe-based superalloys
Authors: Zhao Xinbao , Dang Yingying , Yin Hongfei , Yuan Yong , Lu Jintao , Yang Zhen , Yan Jingbo , Gu Yuefeng
Published: January 2017

The influence of long-term thermal exposure on the microstructure and microhardness of a new Ni–Fe-based superalloy, for advanced ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plants, was studied. Spherical γ′ particles were coarsened with the increase of aging time, while the volume fraction of γ′ was decreased. The amount of M23C6 carbides was increased with aging time at 750°C, and the coarsening rate of the width of M23C6 was consistent with that of the LSW model. The microhardness of the alloy was maintained following 935 h of aging time and then was slightly decreased. It was found that the transition from the strongly coupled dislocations model to the Orowan model was dependent on the size and volume fraction of γ′.
Improvement of fatigue endurance of welded S355 J2 structural steel by severe shot peening
Authors: Lago Ján , Guagliano Mario , Bokůvka Otakar , Trško Libor , Řidký Ondřej , Nový František , Závodská Denisa
Published: January 2017

This work deals with the fatigue resistance of welded joints manufactured from EN S355 J2 structural steel and the possibility of improving fatigue characteristics by the severe shot peening (SSP) surface treatment. Fatigue testing was carried out by the rotating bending test on specimens manufactured from the base material (BM), welded material and welded material treated by SSP. Results have shown big scatter in obtained results from as-welded material and overall reduction of fatigue endurance when compared to the BM. SSP applied on the welded joints has reduced the scatter of experimental data and increased the fatigue strength. Obtained results of fatigue tests are compared, discussed and supported by correlation with results of additional experiments, e.g. metallographic analyses, microhardness tests, residual stresses measurements and surface roughness measurement.
Soy peptide ingestion augments the synthesis and metabolism of noradrenaline in the mouse brain
Authors: Imai Haruka , Moriyasu Kazuki , Nakahata Akane , Maebuchi Motohiro , Ichinose Takashi , Furuya Shigeki
Published: January 2017

To examine whether edible peptide intake affects neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain, we evaluated the effect of peptides derived from soy proteins or fish collagen on free amino acids and monoamines in the mouse brain. Ingestion of soy peptides led to markedly higher levels of tyrosine, a catecholamine precursor, in the serum, and cerebral cortex compared to those following ingestion of vehicle alone or collagen peptides. Soy peptide ingestion also effectively increased 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol and normetanephrine, the principal metabolites of noradrenaline, in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and brainstem, whereas collagen peptides did not exert such effects. Further, soy peptide ingestion led to a significant increase in noradrenaline itself in the brainstem, where noradrenergic neurons are present. Noradrenergic turnover was also markedly stimulated in these regions after soy peptide ingestion. These in vivo observations suggest that soy peptide ingestion can maintain and promote the synthesis and metabolism of noradrenaline in the brain.
Explaining the texture properties of whey protein isolate/starch co-gels from fracture structures
Authors: Fu Wei , Nakamura Takashi
Published: January 2017

The effects of tapioca starch (TS) and potato starch (PS) on texture properties of whey protein isolate (WPI)/starch co-gels were investigated for fracture structures. We focused on two types of WPI network structures. In a fine-stranded structure at pH 6.8, the WPI/TS co-gel fractured similarly to the WPI single gel. The WPI/PS co-gel was broken at a lower strain and lower stress. In a random aggregation at pH 5.8, the WPI/TS co-gel reached a yielding point at a lower strain, whereas the WPI/PS co-gel fractured at a higher strain and higher stress. In the fracture structures, it was revealed that breaks occurred in different places in these cases, which could explain the different texture properties of samples. This study tries to explain the texture properties of WPI/starch co-gels from fracture structures and provides a reference to predict texture properties of the WPI/starch food system.
Merlin controls the repair capacity of Schwann cells after injury by regulating Hippo/YAP activity
Authors: Mindos Thomas , Dun Xin-peng , North Katherine , Doddrell Robin D.S. , Schulz Alexander , Edwards Philip , Russell James , Gray Bethany , Roberts Sheridan L. , Shivane Aditya , Mortimer Georgina , Pirie Melissa , Zhang Nailing , Pan Duojia , Morrison Helen , Parkinson David B.
Published: January 2017

Loss of the Merlin tumor suppressor and activation of the Hippo signaling pathway play major roles in the control of cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. We have identified completely novel roles for Merlin and the Hippo pathway effector Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the control of Schwann cell (SC) plasticity and peripheral nerve repair after injury. Injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) causes a dramatic shift in SC molecular phenotype and the generation of repair-competent SCs, which direct functional repair. We find that loss of Merlin in these cells causes a catastrophic failure of axonal regeneration and remyelination in the PNS. This effect is mediated by activation of YAP expression in Merlin-null SCs, and loss of YAP restores axonal regrowth and functional repair. This work identifies new mechanisms that control the regenerative potential of SCs and gives new insight into understanding the correct control of functional nerve repair in the PNS.
Soil Conservation Management Systems Under Uncertainty
Authors: Setia Parveen P. , Johnson Gary V.
Published: January 2017

Success of a soil conservation program depends on the number of acres on which recommended practices are implemented. If risk considerations are introduced in formulating plans to control soil loss, whether individuals will implement the desired management system(s) to achieve conservation objectives established for the region is an unclear factor. This paper illustrates how expected utility maximization and safety‐first decision criteria influence the selection of a soil conservation management system under uncertainty.
Farm Family Resources and the Adoption of No‐Plow Tillage in Southwestern Wisconsin
Authors: Belknap John , Saupe William E.
Published: January 2017

A probit model identifies variables related to the probability that a farm operator used a conservation tillage practice. Data from a 1983 survey of 529 randomly selected Wisconsin farmers were used to determine maximum likelihood estimates. Voluntary no‐plow adopters were significantly different from traditional moldboard tillers in these respects: they were more likely to be risk takers; more aware of the effect of erosion damage on property values and yields; operated larger farms in areas that had less precipitation and a warmer climate; and were more often owners than renters. Several other variables, cited elsewhere in the literature, did not appear to be significant but are also reported.
Risk, Diversification, and Vegetables as an Alternative Crop for Midwestern Agriculture
Authors: Weimar Mark R. , Hallam Arne
Published: January 2017

A quasi‐spatial substitution model is developed to investigate the opportunities for Iowa to substitute local vegetable production for that of current distant suppliers. This quasi‐spatial equilibrium approach determines not only if crops can be grown profitably at current prices, but whether they would remain profitable after equilibrium price adjustments. Thirteen fresh vegetable crops are studied as alternatives to current row crops such as corn and soybeans. The results indicate that although more than half of these crops could be grown profitably within the state of Iowa, they would replace only about 3,900 acres of current corn and soybean acreage.
Dynamics of IRES-mediated translation
Authors: Johnson Alex G. , Grosely Rosslyn , Petrov Alexey N. , Puglisi Joseph D.
Published: January 2017

Viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) are unique RNA elements, which use stable and dynamic RNA structures to recruit ribosomes and drive protein synthesis. IRESs overcome the high complexity of the canonical eukaryotic translation initiation pathway, often functioning with a limited set of eukaryotic initiation factors. The simplest types of IRESs are typified by the cricket paralysis virus intergenic region (CrPV IGR) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) IRESs, both of which independently form high-affinity complexes with the small (40S) ribosomal subunit and bypass the molecular processes of cap-binding and scanning. Owing to their simplicity and ribosomal affinity, the CrPV and HCV IRES have been important models for structural and functional studies of the eukaryotic ribosome during initiation, serving as excellent targets for recent technological breakthroughs in cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and single-molecule analysis. High-resolution structural models of ribosome : IRES complexes, coupled with dynamics studies, have clarified decades of biochemical research and provided an outline of the conformational and compositional trajectory of the ribosome during initiation. Here we review recent progress in the study of HCV- and CrPV-type IRESs, highlighting important structural and dynamics insights and the synergy between cryo-EM and single-molecule studies.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Perspectives on the ribosome’.
Ribosome dynamics during decoding
Authors: Rodnina Marina V. , Fischer Niels , Maracci Cristina , Stark Holger
Published: January 2017

Elongation factors Tu (EF-Tu) and SelB are translational GTPases that deliver aminoacyl-tRNAs (aa-tRNAs) to the ribosome. In each canonical round of translation elongation, aa-tRNAs, assisted by EF-Tu, decode mRNA codons and insert the respective amino acid into the growing peptide chain. Stop codons usually lead to translation termination; however, in special cases UGA codons are recoded to selenocysteine (Sec) with the help of SelB. Recruitment of EF-Tu and SelB together with their respective aa-tRNAs to the ribosome is a multistep process. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the role of ribosome dynamics in aa-tRNA selection. We describe the path to correct codon recognition by canonical elongator aa-tRNA and Sec-tRNASecand discuss the local and global rearrangements of the ribosome in response to correct and incorrect aa-tRNAs. We present the mechanisms of GTPase activation and GTP hydrolysis of EF-Tu and SelB and summarize what is known about the accommodation of aa-tRNA on the ribosome after its release from the elongation factor. We show how ribosome dynamics ensures high selectivity for the cognate aa-tRNA and suggest that conformational fluctuations, induced fit and kinetic discrimination play major roles in maintaining the speed and fidelity of translation.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Perspectives on the ribosome’.
A non-catalytic role of RecBCD in Homology Directed Gap Repair and Translesion Synthesis
Authors: Laureti Luisa , Lee Lara , Philippin Gaëlle , Pagès Vincent
Published: January 2017

The RecBCD complex is a key factor in DNA metabolism. This protein complex harbors a processive nuclease and two helicases activities that give it the ability to process duplex DNA ends. These enzymatic activities make RecBCD a major player in double strand break repair, conjugational recombination and degradation of linear DNA. In this work, we unravel a new role of the RecBCD complex in the processing of DNA single-strand gaps that are generated at DNA replication-blocking lesions. We show that independently of its nuclease or helicase activities, the entire RecBCD complex is required for recombinational repair of the gap and efficient translesion synthesis. Since none of the catalytic functions of RecBCD are required for those processes, we surmise that the complex acts as a structural element that stabilizes the blocked replication fork, allowing efficient DNA damage tolerance.
A tandem simulation framework for predicting mapping quality
Authors: Langmead Ben
Published: January 2017

Read alignment is the first step in most sequencing data analyses. Because a read’s point of origin can be ambiguous, aligners report a mapping quality: the probability the reported alignment is incorrect. Despite its importance, there is no established and general method for calculating mapping quality. We describe a framework for predicting mapping qualities that works by simulating a set of tandem reads, similar to the input reads in important ways, but for which the true point of origin is known. We implement this in an accurate and low-overhead tool called Qtip, which is compatible with popular aligners.
Gender-specific brain activation during visual art perception
Authors: de Gelder Beatrice , Watson Rebecca , Zhana Minye , Diano Matteo , Tamietto Marco , Vaessena Maarten J.
Published: January 2017

The human body is the most common object of pictorial representation in western art. The goal of this study was to probe its evolutionary basis of visual art perception by investigating neural markers of gender-specific brain activity triggered by paintings of male and female images. Our results show significant activity in brain areas other than those recently associated with visual arts perception. Novel findings concern participant-general as well as gender specific brain activity. Although our participants were fully aware that they were viewing artworks, the inferior parietal lobule - known for its role in the perception of emotional body images - and the somatosensory cortex – which is related to touch - were selectively active for female body paintings in all participants. The most interesting finding as regards gender was that the sight of female bodies activates the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex in males, an area known to subserve autonomic arousal. In contrast, in females the sight of the male body activated reward and control related parts of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. This supports the notion that basic evolutionary processes operate when we view body images, also when they are paintings far removed from daily experience.
Wide-Scale Comparative Analysis of Longevity Genes and Genetic Interventions
Authors: Yanai Hagai , Budovsky Arie , Barzilay Thomer , Tacutu Robi , Fraifeld Vadim E.
Published: January 2017

Hundreds of genes have been identified as being involved in the control of lifespan in the four common model organisms (yeast, worm, fruit fly and mouse). A major challenge is to determine if longevity-associated genes (LAGs) are model-specific or may play a universal role as longevity regulators across diverse taxa. A wide-scale comparative analysis of the 1,805 known LAGs across 205 species revealed that (i) LAG orthologs are substantially over-represented, from bacteria to mammals, especially noted for essential LAGs; (ii) the effects on lifespan, when manipulating orthologous LAGs in different model organisms, were mostly concordant, despite of a high evolutionary distance between them; (iii) the most conserved LAGs were enriched in translational processes, energy metabolism, development, and DNA repair. The least conserved LAGs were enriched in autophagy (Fungi), G-proteins (Nematodes), and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions (Chordata). The results also suggest that antagonistic pleiotropy is a conserved principle of aging.
Fiber tractography using machine learning
Authors: Neher Peter F. , Côté Marc-Alexandre , Houde Jean-Christophe , Descoteaux Maxime , Maier-Hein Klaus H.
Published: January 2017

We present a fiber tractography approach based on a random forest classification and voting process, guiding each step of the streamline progression by directly processing raw diffusion-weighted signal intensities. For comparison to the state-of-the-art, i.e. tractography pipelines that rely on mathematical modeling, we performed a quantitative and qualitative evaluation with multiple phantom andin vivoexperiments, including a comparison to the 96 submissions of the ISMRM tractography challenge 2015. The results demonstrate the vast potential of machine learning for fiber tractography.
Toxoplasma gondiiAP2IX-4 regulates gene expression during bradyzoite development
Authors: Huang Sherri , Holmes Michael J. , Radke Joshua B. , Hong Dong-Pyo , Liu Ting-Kai , White Michael W. , Sullivan William J.
Published: January 2017

Toxoplasma gondiiis a protozoan parasite of great importance to human and animal health. In the host, this obligate intracellular parasite persists as a tissue cyst form that is invisible to the immune response and unaffected by current therapies. The tissue cysts facilitate transmission through predation and give rise to chronic cycles of toxoplasmosis in immune compromised patients. Transcriptional changes accompany conversion of the rapidly replicating tachyzoites into the encysted bradyzoites, yet the mechanisms underlying these alterations in gene expression are not well-defined. Here we show that AP2IX-4 is a nuclear protein exclusively expressed in tachyzoites and bradyzoites undergoing division. Knockout of AP2IX-4 had no discernible effect on tachyzoite replication, but resulted in a reduced frequency of tissue cyst formation following alkaline stress induction – a defect that is reversible by complementation. AP2IX-4 has a complex role in regulating bradyzoite gene expression, as many bradyzoite mRNAs dramatically increased beyond normal stress-induction in AP2IX-4 knockout parasites exposed to alkaline media. The loss of AP2IX-4 also resulted in a modest virulence defect and reduced cyst burden in chronically infected mice, which was also reversed by complementation. These findings illustrate that the transcriptional mechanisms responsible for tissue cyst development operate across the intermediate life cycle from the dividing tachyzoite to the dormant bradyzoite.
Consistent local dynamics in the brain across sessions are revealed by whole brain modeling of resting state activity
Authors: Kehoe Patricio Donnelly , Saenger Victor M. , Lisofsky Nina , Kühn Simone , Kringelbach Morten L. , Schwarzbach Jens , Deco Gustavo
Published: January 2017

Resting state fMRI has been the primary tool for studying the functional organization of the human brain. However, even at so-called “rest”, ongoing brain activity and its underlying physiological organization is highly dynamic and yet most of the information generated so far comes from group analysis. Here we developed an imaging-based technique capable of portraying information of local dynamics at a single-subject level reliably by using a whole-brain model that estimates a local bifurcation parameter, which reflects if a brain region presents stable, asynchronous or transitory oscillations. Using 50 longitudinal resting state sessions of one single subject and single resting state sessions from a group of 50 participants we demonstrated that individual global and local brain dynamics can be estimated consistently with respect to a reference group using only a scanning time of 15 to 20 minutes. We also showed that brain hubs are closer to a transition point between synchronous and asynchronous oscillatory dynamics and that dynamics in frontal areas have larger variations compared to other regions. Finally, we analyzed the variability and error of these dynamics and found high symmetry between hemispheres, which interestingly was reduced by adding more sessions. The framework presented here can be used to study functional brain dynamics on an individual level, opening new avenues for possible clinical applications.

Bullet points

Local brain dynamics are consistent across scans.

Four scans of five minutes each are enough to get highly reliable and consistent results.

Hub areas are in a transition point between a synchronous and asynchronous regime.

Variability and error of local dynamics presented high symmetry between hemispheres.
Investigations of mutual thermal coupling between SiC Schottky diodes situated in the common case
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Bisewski Damian , Zarębski Janusz , Kisiel Ryszard , Myśliwiec Marcin
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of measurements and calculations illustrating mutual thermal coupling between power Schottky diodes made of silicon carbide situated in the common case.

Design/methodology/approach

The idea of measurements of mutual transient thermal impedances of the investigated device is described.

Findings

The results of measurements of mutual transient thermal impedances between the considered diodes are shown. The experimentally verified results of calculations of the internal temperature waveforms of the considered diodes obtained with mutual thermal coupling taken into account are presented and discussed. The influence of mutual thermal coupling and a self-heating phenomenon on the internal temperature of the considered diodes is pointed out.

Research limitations/implications

The presented methods of measurements and calculations can be used for constructing the investigated diodes made of other semiconductor materials.

Originality/value

The presented results prove that mutual thermal coupling between diodes mounted in the common case must be taken into account to calculate correctly the waveforms of the device internal temperature.
Investigation of nano-inks’ behaviour on flexible and rigid substrates under various conditions
Authors: Lukacs Peter , Pietrikova Alena , Ballokova Beata , Jakubeczyova Dagmar , Kovac Ondrej
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to find the optimal deposition conditions for achieving the homogenous structure of the silver layers onto three types of polymeric substrates as well as on the rigid substrates. For this reason, the detailed investigation of the silver-based layers deposited at different technological conditions by microscopic methods is presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The special test pattern has been designed and deposited at different substrate temperatures by using two types of generally available silver-based nano-inks. Cross-sections and 3D profiles of the deposited silver layers have been profoundly analysed by using the optical profiler Sensofar S Neox on the generally used polymeric (PI, PET and PEN) and rigid substrates (951 and 9K7 LTCC, glass and alumina).

Findings

The results prove the strong correlation between the substrate temperature during the deposition process and the final shape of the created structure which has the a direct impact on the layers’ homogeneity. The results also prove the theory of the coffee ring effect creation in the inkjet printing technology.

Originality/value

The main benefit of this paper lies in the possibility of the homogeneity achievement of the deposited silver-based layers on the several polymeric and rigid substrates by managing the temperature during the deposition. The paper also offers the comparative study of nano-inks’ behaviour on several polymeric and rigid substrates.
Mentoring for pre-service teachers and the use of inquiry-oriented feedback
Authors: McGraw Amanda , Davis Robert
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of feedback offered by school mentors in three primary and secondary rural schools during pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) professional placements. In the context of discussions about the need for more integrated theory/practice connections for PSTs which are “mutually reinforced by all programme components” (Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group, 2014, p. ix), it aims to examine whether certain contextual features of school environments have an impact on the nature of feedback offered to PSTs.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews, this paper explores the relationship between certain contextual features of school environments and their impact on the effectiveness of mentor feedback practices.

Findings

It is suggested that teacher mentors are more likely to offer inquiry-oriented feedback informed by well-developed personal theories and values if they teach in schools where feedback processes are promoted as a central part of teachers’ ongoing professional learning. Professional learning experiences, which include classroom observations, peer feedback and a focus on using feedback to enhance students’ learning, extend and deepen teachers’ understandings and beliefs about feedback as well as their repertoire of strategies. Consequently, they are more informed and better able to work with PSTs using inquiry-oriented approaches.

Originality/value

Through an examination of teacher narratives, this paper presents two frameworks for considering the nature of feedback offered to PSTs by their teacher mentors: inquiry-oriented and instructional-oriented feedback. It argues that teacher mentors are better equipped to use inquiry-oriented feedback approaches and build growth-fostering relationships if they are engaged in ongoing professional learning experiences in their schools based on classroom observations and non-judgemental peer feedback.
Mentors’ behavioral profiles and college adjustment in young adults participating in an academic mentoring program
Authors: Brodeur Pascale , Larose Simon , Tarabulsy George M. , Feng Bei
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore associations between different mentor behavioral profiles and mentees’ perceptions of the quality of mentoring relationship, the usefulness of the mentoring, and their college adjustment during the first year of college.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quasi-experimental design and involved the participation of 253 student mentees and 246 students from a control group. Cluster analysis on the responses of mentees on the mentor behavior scale was used to identify behavioral profiles of academic mentors.

Findings

Four distinct behavioral profiles were identified: optimal (high scores on mentor structure, involvement, autonomy support, and competence support); sufficient (moderate on all scales); controlling (low on autonomy support but high on other scales); and inadequate (low on all scales). Compared to mentees exposed to sufficient and inadequate profiles, mentees exposed to the optimal profile perceived the mentoring relationship and its usefulness as more positive. Furthermore, they reported better social adjustment in college compared to a control group, whereas mentees exposed to the inadequate profile reported poorer adjustment. Interestingly, mentees exposed to the controlling profile found the mentoring relationship useful.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides new empirical bases for the behavioral profiles of mentors that best meet mentees’ academic adjustment challenges. Limitations of the study include the absence of the mentors’ perceptions in the creation of behavioral profiles and the fact that the profiles were analyzed based on a single program.

Originality/value

Behavioral profiles of academic mentors were examined through the lens of a strong theoretical model that emphasizes the important role of structure, involvement, autonomy support, and competence support in the academic adjustment of mentees.
Red tape and transformational leadership: an organizational echelons perspective
Authors: Campbell Jesse W.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Using the concept red tape, the purpose of this paper is to understand how job context, and especially hierarchical position, shapes the effects of transformational leadership on employee rule perception.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of South Korean central government employees across a range of organizations and hierarchical positions is used to capture perception of rule dysfunction and leadership. Hierarchical linear modeling is used to test the hypotheses generated from a review of relevant literature.

Findings

The analysis suggests that perceived transformational leadership behaviors are associated with weakened perception of rule dysfunction. However, this relationship is relevant only for employees at higher echelons of the organization, which in turn suggests that the rule perception of frontline employees is determined by other factors.

Research limitations/implications

The principle limitation of this study is its use of cross-sectional data, which precludes the demonstration of causal influence between the dependent and independent variables.

Originality/value

This study makes several contributions to the literature. Most importantly, while it has been found that characteristics at the organization level influence the effects of transformational leadership, the present study extends this theory to individual job context by incorporating hierarchical level into the analysis.
Complementarity merger as a driver of change and growth in higher education
Authors: Boling J. Ruben , Mayo Donna Taylor , Helms Marilyn M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Mergers in higher education seem to be more common as academic institutions work to control costs and avoid program duplications in challenging economic times and adopt the more common cost saving measures often espoused from business mergers. The purpose of this paper is to highlight successes from a complementarity-based merger of two institutions in the University System of Georgia (USG) and present results over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study methodology was employed to explain why a particular merger resulted in greater growth compared to other system-wide academic mergers. This research focuses on a single merger of two institutions in Georgia, one of seven such mergers in the USG institutions to date, involving Gainesville State College and North Georgia College and State University to become the University of North Georgia. Observations are made and complimented by secondary data to rank growth among the seven USG consolidations.

Findings

The case findings highlight the success from the complementarity of these institutions. While the two were unique institutions, the success of the merger was linked to the underlying complementarity issues.

Originality/value

Using the strategic issues inherent in mergers from the business literature, the merger of the two institutions is profiled and discussion and recommendations are provided along with areas for future research.
Minimizing counterproductive work behaviors
Authors: Huang Rui-Ting , Sun Hsi-Sheng , Hsiao Chia-Hua , Wang Ching-Wen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is not only to investigate the impact of self-determined motivation on counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), but also to examine the moderating role of perceived job insecurity in CWB.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized Partial Least Squares analysis to examine the data. In total, 292 private bank employees that experienced bank mergers and acquisitions before were invited to participate in this study.

Findings

The study findings have indicated that perceived autonomy will be positively linked to perceived competence and relatedness, and perceived competence and relatedness will be negatively associated with organizational and interpersonal CWB. Moreover, it has been found that perceived job insecurity could play a key role in moderating the link between self-determined motivation and CWB.

Originality/value

Although several researchers have highly focused on the critical roles of self-determined motivation and perceived job insecurity in organizational competitiveness, little is known about whether perceived job insecurity could play a key role in moderating the relationship between self-determined motivation and CWBs.
Lipids as paleomarkers to constrain the marine nitrogen cycle
Authors: Rush Darci , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S.
Published: January 2017

Global climate is, in part, regulated by the effect of microbial processes on biogeochemical cycling. The nitrogen cycle, in particular, is driven by microorganisms responsible for the fixation and loss of nitrogen, and the reduction‐oxidation transformations of bio‐available nitrogen. Within marine systems, nitrogen availability is often the limiting factor in the growth of autotrophic organisms, intrinsically linking the nitrogen and carbon cycles. In order to elucidate the state of these cycles in the past, and help envisage present and future variability, it is essential to understand the specific microbial processes responsible for transforming bio‐available nitrogen species. As most microorganisms are soft‐bodied and seldom leave behind physical fossils in the sedimentary record, recalcitrant lipid biomarkers are used to unravel microbial processes in the geological past. This review emphasises the recent advances in marine nitrogen cycle lipid biomarkers, underlines the missing links still needed to fully elucidate past shifts in this biogeochemically‐important cycle, and provides examples of biomarker applications in the geological past.
Ecotype diversification of an abundant Roseobacter lineage
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhang Yao , Hollibaugh James T. , Luo Haiwei
Published: January 2017

The Roseobacter DC5‐80‐3 cluster (also known as the RCA clade) is among the most abundant bacterial lineages in temperate and polar oceans. Previous studies revealed two phylotypes within this cluster that are distinctly distributed in the Antarctic and other ocean provinces. Here, we report a nearly complete genome co‐assembly of three closely related single cells co‐occurring in the Antarctic, and compare it to the available genomes of the other phylotype from ocean regions where iron is more accessible but phosphorus and nitrogen are less. The Antarctic phylotype exclusively contains an operon structure consisting of a dicitrate transporter fecBCDE and an upstream regulator likely for iron uptake, whereas the other phylotype consistently carry a high‐affinity phosphate pst transporter and the phoB‐phoR regulatory system, a high‐affinity ammonium amtB transporter, urea and taurine utilization systems. Moreover, the Antarctic phylotype uses proteorhodopsin to acquire light, whereas the other uses bacteriochlorophyll‐a and the sulfur‐oxidizing sox cluster for energy acquisition. This is potentially an iron‐saving strategy for the Antarctic phylotype because only the latter two pathways have iron‐requiring cytochromes. Therefore, the two DC5‐80‐3 phylotypes, while diverging by only 1.1% in their 16S rRNA genes, have evolved systematic differences in metabolism to support their distinct ecologies.
Telemedical Care and Monitoring for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Has a Positive Effect on Survival
Authors: Herold Robert , van den Berg Neeltje , Dörr Marcus , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2017

Background

Telemedical care and monitoring programs for patients with chronic heart failure have shown beneficial effects on survival in several small studies. The utility in routine care remains unclear.

Methods

We evaluated a large‐sized telemedicine program in a routine care setting, enrolling in total 2,622 patients (54.7 percent male, mean age: 73.7 years) with chronic heart failure. We used reimbursement data from a large statutory health insurance and approached a matched control analysis. In a complex propensity score matching procedure, 3,719 suitable controls (54.2 percent male, mean age: 74.5 years) were matched to 1,943 intervention patients (54.1 percent male, mean age: 74.4 years). The primary endpoint of our analysis was survival after 1 year.

Results

Analyses revealed a higher survival probability among subjects of the intervention group compared to controls group after 1 year (adjusted OR: 1.47, CI 95 percent: 1.21–1.80, p < .001) and 2 years (adjusted OR: 1.51, CI 95 percent: 1.28–1.77, p < .001), respectively.

Conclusions

The probabilities to survive after 1 and 2 years were significantly increased in the intervention group. Our findings confirm previous results of controlled trials and importantly indicate that patients with chronic heart failure may benefit from telemonitoring programs in routine care.
Effect of Chitosan Physical Form on Its Antibacterial Activity Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Ardila Nury , Daigle France , Heuzey Marie‐Claude , Ajji Abdellah
Published: January 2017

The antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) nanospheres, in comparison with other physical forms, was investigated against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus, which are 2 foodborne harmful pathogens. Results showed that the antibacterial efficacy of CS nanospheres: (1) was superior to that displayed by CS in powder and solution form; (2) was higher against S. aureus than against Salmonella Typhimurium; and (3) was dependent on the temperature and pH of the medium depending on the strain. For S. Typhimurium, a higher activity was displayed at 37 °C, in which 99.9% of the population was eradicated independently of the pH, followed by 20 °C and 7 °C, in which acidic pH conditions favored a higher susceptibility of bacteria to the effect of CS. On the contrary, S. aureus was less susceptible to the pH and temperature conditions of the medium, and no statistical difference in the antibacterial effect was observed for pH 5.8 and 8.0 at 20 °C and 37 °C. However, at 7 °C a slightly higher activity was displayed at pH 5.8 than at 8.0.
Identifying the Source of Incumbency Advantage through a Constitutional Reform
Authors: Lopes da Fonseca Mariana
Published: January 2017

This study provides one of the first causal estimates of both the personal and partisan incumbency advantages. Using data on six local elections taking place during the last 20 years in 278 municipalities in Portugal, it relies on a reform introducing mayoral term limits as a natural experiment that creates exogenous variation on the incumbency status of officeholders while holding the incumbency status of the party constant. A new methodology combining two quasi‐experimental methods, the regression discontinuity and the difference‐in‐discontinuities designs, allows for a credible estimation of the independent personal and partisan returns to incumbency. Results causally identify the personal effect as the driver of the incumbency advantage.
Mortality and cardiovascular diseases risk in patients with Barrett's oesophagus: a population‐based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Erichsen R. , Horvath‐Puho E. , Lund J. L. , Dellon E. S. , Shaheen N. J. , Pedersen L. , Davey Smith G. , Sørensen H. T.
Published: January 2017

Background

Patients with Barrett's oesophagus may be at increased risk of mortality overall, and cardiovascular disease has been suggested as the main underlying cause of death.

Aim

To examine cause‐specific mortality and risk of cardiovascular events among patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Methods

Utilising existing Danish data sources (1997–2011), we identified all patients with histologically verified Barrett's oesophagus (n = 13 435) and 123 526 members of the general population matched by age, sex and individual comorbidities. We calculated cause‐specific mortality rates and incidence rates of cardiovascular diseases. We then compared rates between patients with Barrett's oesophagus and the general population comparison cohort, using stratified Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

Patients with Barrett's oesophagus had a 71% increased risk of overall mortality. The cause‐specific mortality rate per 1000 person‐years for patients with Barrett's oesophagus was 8.5 for cardiovascular diseases, 14.7 for non‐oesophageal cancers, and 5.4 for oesophageal cancer. Compared to the general population cohort, corresponding hazard ratios were 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.38), 1.77 (95% CI: 1.65–1.90), and 19.4 (95% CI: 16.1–23.4), respectively. The incidence rates of cardiovascular diseases per 1000 person‐years for Barrett's oesophagus patients and for persons from the general population cohort, respectively, varied from 0.4 and 0.2 for subarachnoid bleeding (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% CI: 0.87–1.39) to 8.1 and 5.9 for congestive heart failure (hazard ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.21–1.46).

Conclusion

Prophylactic measures targeted at cardiovascular diseases and non‐oesophageal cancers potentially could be more important than measures against oesophageal cancer, for improving prognosis among patients with Barrett's oesophagus.
Anatomical patterns of recurrence following biochemical relapse after post‐prostatectomy salvage radiation therapy: a multi‐institutional study
Authors: Jackson William C. , Desai Neil B. , Abugharib Ahmed E. , Tumati Vasu , Dess Robert T. , Lee Jae Y. , Zhao Shuang G. , Soliman Moaaz , Folkert Michael , Laine Aaron , Hannan Raquibul , Zumsteg Zachary S. , Sandler Howard , Hamstra Daniel A. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Miller David C. , Kozminski Mike A. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Hearn Jason W. , Palapattu Ganesh , Tomlins Scott A. , Mehra Rohit , Morgan Todd M. , Feng Felix Y. , Spratt Daniel E.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

To characterise the frequency and detailed anatomical sites of failure for patients receiving post‐radical prostatectomy (RP) salvage radiation therapy (SRT).

Patients and Methods

A multi‐institutional retrospective study was performed on 574 men who underwent SRT between 1986 and 2013. Anatomical recurrence patterns were classified as lymphotrophic (lymph nodes only), osteotrophic (bone only), or multifocal if both were present. Isolated first failure sites were defined as sites of initial clinically detected recurrence that remained isolated for at least 3 months.

Results

The median follow‐up after SRT was 6.8 years. The 8‐year rates of local, regional, and distant failure for patients undergoing SRT were 2%, 6%, and 21%, respectively. Of the 22% men (128 of 574) who developed a clinically detectable recurrence, 17%, 50%, and 31% were lymphotrophic, osteotrophic, and multifocal, respectively. The trophic nature of metastases was prognostic for distant metastases‐free survival (DMFS) and prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS); the 10‐year rates of DMFS were 18%, 5%, and 7% (P < 0.01), and PCSS were 78%, 68%, and 56% (P < 0.01), for lymphotrophic, osteotrophic, and multifocal failure patterns, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that trophism for metastatic site has significant prognostic impact on PCSS in men treated with SRT. Radiographic local failure is an uncommon event after SRT when compared to historical data of patients treated with surgery monotherapy. However, distant failure remains a challenge in this patient population and warrants further therapeutic investigation.
Unraveling molecular pathways shared by Kabuki and Kabuki‐like syndromes
Authors: Lintas C. , Persico A.M.
Published: January 2017

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by a typical facial gestalt, variable degrees of intellectual disability, organ malformations, postnatal growth retardation and skeletal abnormalities. So far,
KMT2D
or
KDM6A
mutation has been identified as the main cause of KS, accounting for 56%‐75% and 3%‐8% of cases, respectively. Patients without mutations in 1 of the 2 causative KS genes are often referred to as affected by Kabuki‐like syndrome. Overall, they represent approximately 30% of KS cases, pointing toward substantial genetic heterogeneity for this condition. Here, we review all currently available literature describing KS‐like phenotypes (or phenocopies) associated with genetic variants located in loci different from
KMT2D
and
KDM6A
. We also report on a new KS phenocopy harboring a 5 Mb de novo deletion in chr10p11.22‐11.21. An enrichment analysis aimed at identifying functional Gene Ontology classes shared by the 2 known KS causative genes and by new candidate genes currently associated with KS‐like phenotypes primarily converges upon abnormal chromatin remodeling and transcriptional dysregulation as pivotal to the pathophysiology of KS phenotypic hallmarks. The identification of mutations in genes belonging to the same functional pathways of
KMT2D
and
KDM6A
can help design molecular screenings targeted to KS‐like phenotypes.