bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of metal ions on the anti-corrosion properties of γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane coatings on cold-rolled iron
Authors: Ge Shengsong , Li Menglong , Shao Qian , Liu Ke , Wang Junxiang , Yi Fengjiao
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to clarify the effect of metal ions added in the γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-GPS) solutions on the anti-corrosion properties of the γ-GPS coatings on cold-rolled iron (CRI).

Design/methodology/approach

– The transformations of functional groups involved in reactions during the coating process were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the thickness of the γ-GPS coatings on the CRI substrates was measured using high-powered microscopy. The anti-corrosion properties of γ-GPS-treated samples were evaluated by neutral salt spray tests, polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements.

Findings

– The results show that Zn2+ and Mg2+ in the γ-GPS solutions promote the formation of Si-O-Si and Si-O-Fe bonds and improve the anti-corrosion properties of the γ-GPS coatings on CRI. However, Al3+ and Na+ in the γ-GPS solutions do not play this role.

Originality/value

– Although there have been previous research studies on the γ-GPS coatings on CRI, this paper is the first to study the effect of metal ions added in the silane solutions on the anti-corrosion properties of the γ-GPS coatings, and it has been confirmed that the anti-corrosion properties changed when Zn2+ (or Mg2+) is present.
Workplace diversity management in Australia
Authors: Davis Paul J. , Frolova Yuliya , Callahan William
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify Australian managers’ attitudes and understandings regarding workforce diversity management (WDM) and the practices and incorporation of WDM in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Methodology is quantitative. A questionnaire in the form of a self-administered survey instrument was mailed to 650 managers (325 HR managers and 325 other managers) in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Findings

– The research found that workforce diversity is not especially well understood or appreciated; especially by non-HR managers. Organisations appear generally not to prioritise WDM and levels of senior manager engagement with the topic are tentative. Statistical analysis highlighted considerable divergence of opinion across the surveyed group.

Research limitations/implications

– As an exploratory study, further research is encouraged to better understand cause and effect relationships pertaining to the findings.

Practical implications

– There are implications for HR managers or those in related roles who might design, implement and promote WDM initiatives. There are implications for consultants, employees and senior managers regarding education, awareness and support of diversity objectives.

Originality/value

– Addresses a gap in the literature by looking at contemporary attitudes and practices regarding WDM in Australian organisations. Provides the first empirical comparison between HR and other managers on the topic.
Reflexivity in managing diversity: a pracademic perspective
Authors: Bouten-Pinto Carolina
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose reflexivity as a means to managing diversity practice in organizations. Reflexivity enables taken for granted assumptions about identities, roles, perspectives, language, meanings and understandings between managers and employees to be explored and redefined in ways that matter to the people in the workplace. It provides insights and examples from a practitioner perspective while engaged in designing and implementing a managing diversity initiative. In addition, it positions the development of relationships between managers and employees as a key ingredient in managing diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on a post hoc qualitative reflexive study of a managing diversity project undertaken by the author as a diversity practitioner.

Findings

– The study suggested that reflexivity can allow both managers and employees to critically examine the conventional ways in which diversity and differences are understood, as this awareness can enable more relational approaches to diversity to be developed.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen qualitative research approach, the specific findings cannot be generalized; rather, an example of the potential of reflexivity as practice in organizations is proffered and insights are offered to enable further academic enquiry and practical considerations.

Practical implications

– Reflexivity stimulates both independent and shared action-learning sense-making processes which support equal participation. This challenges and expands the diversity agendas prevalent in the applied field of managing diversity. For example, by positioning organizational diversity as an inter-subjective and contextual process, meaningful dialogue between employees and managers becomes possible. Moreover, as reflexivity allows for a range of narrative accounts to emerge from such embedded activities, this approach can serve as a model for similar dialogical processes to occur within the wider organization. In addition, this paper provides insight into how reflexivity as practice for both practitioners and researchers can offer a means for more collaborative relationships to develop at the practitioner/researcher nexus.

Originality/value

– The paper endeavors to make a contribution to both the academic and the practitioner managing diversity fields by demonstrating that reflexive practice can add significant value to managing diversity processes in organizations and research.
The ethics pipeline to academic publishing
Authors: Bertram Gallant Tricia
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to respond to Curno’s piece on the Challenges to ethical publishing in the digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this response, the author argues that a focus on “publication ethics” may perpetuate the problem of unethical conduct because such a focus ignores the influences of the educational ethics pipeline.

Findings

– As a result, the author issues two calls for action: we must cease operating in our ethical silos and educational leaders must publicly recognize the problem of unethical conduct and fully commit to addressing it.

Originality/value

– This response challenges the notions of ethical silos and the inaction by educational institutions to properly train ethical professionals, authors and researchers.
Smoke density evaluation of acrylic resin and intumescent flame retardant coatings
Authors: Li Zhishi , Wang Huajin , Zhang Sheng , Zhao Wei , Jiang Qinghuai , Wang Mingqiang , Zhao Jun , Lu Wei
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss how acrylic resin influences the smoke generation of intumescent flame retardant coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

– Thermal decomposition kinetics is used in this study to simulate the burning process. The thermal decomposition of acrylic resin can be identified in the intumescent coatings through the multi-peak fitting of derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves. The dormant influence of acrylic resin, combined with the smoke density, is calculated.

Findings

– Multiple peaks fitting method of DTG curves helps estimate the decomposition process of acrylic resin in flame retardant coating. Combining DTG data with the smoking curve, smoking generation of acrylic resin during the combustion could be evaluated. The decomposition conversion rate of acrylic resin is 21.13 per cent. Acrylic resin generates 34.64 per cent of the total amount of smoke produced during the combustion of intumescent flame retardant coatings.

Research limitations/implications

– All the other intumescent flame retardant coating systems could be studied using the same approach as that used in this work to achieve an improved understanding of the smoke generation process during combustion.

Practical implications

– The method developed here provided a simple and practical solution to analyse the decomposition and smoking generation of acrylic resin in the coating mixtures. It also can be used to analyse any thermal decomposition process of any mixed compounds.

Originality/value

– The analysis method to evaluate resin’s smoking generation of coating’s total generation is novel, and it could be applied in all kinds of coatings and mixtures to estimate the smoking generation of one composition.
The illusion of CSR: drawing the line between core and supplementary CSR
Authors: Gomez-Carrasco Pablo , Guillamon-Saorin Encarna , Garcia Osma Beatriz
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the theoretical framework for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and to provide a number of conceptual considerations which can be considered in the design of measures for corporate social performance (CSP).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study develops a theoretical framework of CSR and provides conceptual considerations to improve the measurement of CSP. The example of Spanish savings banks is used to illustrate the complexity of the concept of CSR, which includes different dimensions and relationships.

Findings

– CSP evaluation can be affected by the illusion of CSR, which may result in invalid conclusions on the relationship with financial performance. This risk mainly affects those studies whose CSP measure is based on charity or philanthropic activities, as most of the time they are disconnected from core business. These activities enjoy great visibility and, in some cases, such as Spanish savings banks, they become a thick veil that can be used to hide serious deficiencies in other key aspects of CSP.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has implications for the literature on the conceptual and theoretical framework of CSR and the research on the link between CSP and financial performance. This paper highlights the importance of seeking comprehensive measures that cannot be misleading because of the relationships between the components of CSR.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a novel conceptual framework for CSR, which connects the conceptual debate around “Strategic CSR” with the theoretical framework designed by Carroll’s (1991) Pyramid of CSR and emphasizes the importance of a meticulous examination of the CSP construct before studying its relationship with financial performance.
First Complete Genome Sequence of Zika Virus (
Flaviviridae
,
Flavivirus
) from an Autochthonous Transmission in Brazil
Authors: Cunha Mariana Sequetin , Esposito Danillo Lucas Alves , Rocco Iray Maria , Maeda Adriana Yurika , Vasami Fernanda Gisele Silva , Nogueira Juliana Silva , de Souza Renato Pereira , Suzuki Akemi , Addas-Carvalho Marcelo , Barjas-Castro Maria de Lourdes , Resende Mariângela Ribeiro , Stucchi Raquel Silveira Bello , Boin Ilka de Fátima Santana Ferreira , Katz Gizelda , Angerami Rodrigo Nogueira , da Fonseca Benedito Antonio Lopes
Published: March 2016

We report here the genome sequence of Zika virus, strain ZikaSPH2015, containing all structural and nonstructural proteins flanked by the 5′ and 3′ untranslated region. It was isolated in São Paulo state, Brazil, in 2015, from a patient who received a blood transfusion from an asymptomatic donor at the time of donation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Shiga Toxin-Negative
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 Strain C1-057, Isolated from Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Yang Hua , Carlson Brandon , Geornaras Ifigenia , Woerner Dale , Sofos John , Belk Keith
Published: March 2016

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 is one of the major foodborne pathogens in the United States. We isolated a variant Shiga toxin-negative
E. coli
O157:H7 strain from feedlot cattle. We report here the draft genome sequence of this isolate, consisting of a chromosome of ~4.8 Mb and two plasmids of ~96 kb and ~14 kb.
Draft Genome Sequence of Toluene-Resistant
Staphylococcus epidermidis
SNUT
Authors: Kim Beomsoo , Kim Jingyu , Park Hyun , Park Joonho
Published: March 2016

Here, we report draft sequence of the Gram-positive toluene-resistant bacterium
Staphylococcus epidermidis
SNUT. The draft genome sequence is 2,511,658 bases, with 2,346 protein-coding genes, 57 tRNA-coding genes, and 8 rRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Exfoliative Toxin A-Producing
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains B-7772 and B-7777 (CC8/ST2993) and B-7774 (CC15/ST2126), Isolated in a Maternity Hospital in the Central Federal District of Russia
Authors: Abaev Igor , Skryabin Yury , Kislichkina Angelina , Bogun Alexandr , Korobova Olga , Mayskaya Nadezhda , Shemyakin Igor , Dyatlov Ivan
Published: March 2016

Staphylococcus aureus
clonal complex 8 (CC8) has not been associated with staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS) in newborns and exfoliative toxin genes. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of exfoliative toxin A-producing B-7772, B-7777 (both CC8), and B-7774 (CC15) strains associated with SSSS in newborns.
Should the norepinephrine maximal dosage rate be greatly increased in late shock?
Authors: Stefanou Christos , Palazis Lakis , Loizou Areti , Timiliotou Chrystalla
Published: March 2016

Any advanced shock eventually degenerates into vasoplegia, which responds weakly to vasopressors. The highest reported norepinephrine flow rate is 3 μg/kg/min. We present the case of a young explosion victim, who was transferred in late haemorrhagic shock. Apart from usual treatment (hydration, mass transfusion protocol), single-agent norepinephrine was used to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of >60–65 mm Hg. For several hours, norepinephrine flow was 7–10 times the aforementioned (highest reported) in order to achieve our goal; during which, further hydration or transfusion would not contribute to MAP elevation. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) severity score was 18 (expected mortality >99%). The patient survived without underperfusion-related damage. We conclude that norepinephrine dosages could potentially be greatly increased in late shock. We must resist giving up flow escalation based on its numerical value.
Exploring the Current Landscape of Intravenous Infusion Practices and Errors (ECLIPSE): protocol for a mixed-methods observational study
Authors: Blandford Ann , Furniss Dominic , Lyons Imogen , Chumbley Gill , Iacovides Ioanna , Wei Li , Cox Anna , Mayer Astrid , Schnock Kumiko , Bates David Westfall , Dykes Patricia C , Bell Helen , Dean Franklin Bryony
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Intravenous medication is essential for many hospital inpatients. However, providing intravenous therapy is complex and errors are common. ‘Smart pumps’ incorporating dose error reduction software have been widely advocated to reduce error. However, little is known about their effect on patient safety, how they are used or their likely impact. This study will explore the landscape of intravenous medication infusion practices and errors in English hospitals and how smart pumps may relate to the prevalence of medication administration errors.

Methods and analysis

This is a mixed-methods study involving an observational quantitative point prevalence study to determine the frequency and types of errors that occur in the infusion of intravenous medication, and qualitative interviews with hospital staff to better understand infusion practices and the contexts in which errors occur. The study will involve 5 clinical areas (critical care, general medicine, general surgery, paediatrics and oncology), across 14 purposively sampled acute hospitals and 2 paediatric hospitals to cover a range of intravenous infusion practices. Data collectors will compare each infusion running at the time of data collection against the patient's medication orders to identify any discrepancies. The potential clinical importance of errors will be assessed. Quantitative data will be analysed descriptively; interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from an NHS Research Ethics Committee (14/SC/0290); local approvals will be sought from each participating organisation. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences for academic and health professional audiences. Results will also be fed back to participating organisations to inform local policy, training and procurement. Aggregated findings will inform the debate on costs and benefits of the NHS investing in smart pump technology, and what other changes may need to be made to ensure effectiveness of such an investment.
Prevalence of chronic diseases among physicians in Taiwan: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kao Li-Ting , Chiu Yu-Lung , Lin Herng-Ching , Lee Hsin-Chien , Chung Shiu-Dong
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The health of physicians is an important topic which needs to be addressed in order to provide the best quality of patient care. However, there are few studies on the prevalence of chronic diseases among physicians. In this study, we explored the prevalence of chronic diseases among physicians and compared the probability of chronic diseases between physicians and the general population using a population-based data set in Taiwan.

Study design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Taiwan.

Participants

Our study consisted of 1426 practising physicians and 5704 general participants.

Primary outcome measures

We chose 22 chronic diseases from the Elixhauser Comorbidity index and nine highly prevalent medical conditions in an Asian population for analysis. We used conditional logistic regression analyses to investigate the OR and its corresponding 95% CI of chronic diseases between these two groups.

Results

The conditional logistic regression analyses showed that physicians had lower odds of peripheral vascular disorders (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.19 to 0.90), uncomplicated diabetes (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.60 to 0.97), complicated diabetes (OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.34 to 0.83), renal failure (OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.19 to 0.90), liver diseases (OR=0.78, 95% CI=0.66 to 0.94), and hepatitis B or C (OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.49 to 0.77) and higher odds of hypertension (OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.41), hyperlipidaemia (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.23 to 1.67) and asthma (OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.16 to 2.18) than the general population.

Conclusions

We concluded that although physicians had decreased prevalence of some chronic diseases, they had a significantly increased prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and asthma.
Point-of-care C reactive protein for the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection in NHS primary care: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators to adoption
Authors: Huddy Jeremy R , Ni Melody Z , Barlow James , Majeed Azeem , Hanna George B
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Point-of-care (POC) C reactive protein (CRP) is incorporated in National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the diagnosis of pneumonia, reduces antibiotic prescribing and is cost effective.

Aim

To determine the barriers and facilitators to adoption of POC CRP testing in National Health Service (NHS) primary care for the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection.

Design

The study followed a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory. The study was undertaken in 2 stages. Stage 1 consisted of semistructured interviews with 8 clinicians from Europe and the UK who use the test in routine practice, and focused on their subjective experience in the challenges of implementing POC CRP testing. Stage 2 was a multidisciplinary-facilitated workshop with NHS stakeholders to discuss barriers to adoption, impact of adoption and potential adoption scenarios. Emergent theme analysis was undertaken.

Participants

Participants included general practitioners (including those with commissioning experience), biochemists, pharmacists, clinical laboratory scientists and industry representatives from the UK and abroad.

Results

Barriers to the implementation of POC CRP exist, but successful adoption has been demonstrated abroad. Analysis highlighted 7 themes: reimbursement and incentivisation, quality control and training, laboratory services, practitioner attitudes and experiences, effects on clinic flow and workload, use in pharmacy and gaps in evidence.

Conclusions

Successful adoption models from the UK and abroad demonstrate a distinctive pattern and involve collaboration with central laboratory services. Incorporating antimicrobial stewardship into quality improvement frameworks may incentivise adoption. Further research is needed to develop scaling-up strategies to address the resourcing, clinical governance and economic impact of widespread NHS implementation.
Feasibility randomised controlled trial of Recovery-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Older Adults with bipolar disorder (RfCBT-OA): study protocol
Authors: Tyler Elizabeth , Lobban Fiona , Sutton Chris , Depp Colin , Johnson Sheri , Laidlaw Ken , Jones Steven H
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic mental health problem that persists into older adulthood. The number of people living with this condition is set to rise as the UK experiences a rapid ageing of its population. To date, there has been very little research or service development with respect to psychological therapies for this group of people.

Methods and analysis

A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial comparing a 14-session, 6-month Recovery-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Older Adults with bipolar disorder (RfCBT-OA) plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone. Participants will be recruited in the North-West of England via primary and secondary mental health services and through self-referral. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of RfCBT-OA; therefore, a formal power calculation is not appropriate. It has been estimated that randomising 25 participants per group will be sufficient to be able to reliably determine the primary feasibility outcomes (eg, recruitment and retention rates), in line with recommendations for sample sizes for feasibility/pilot trials. Participants in both arms will complete assessments at baseline and then every 3 months, over the 12-month follow-up period. We will gain an estimate of the likely effect size of RfCBT-OA on a range of clinical outcomes and estimate parameters needed to determine the appropriate sample size for a definitive, larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of RfCBT-OA. Data analysis is discussed further in the Analysis section in the main paper.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the UK National Health Service (NHS) Ethics Committee process (REC ref: 15/NW/0330). The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conference presentations and local, participating NHS trusts.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13875321; Pre-results.
Osseous injuries of the foot: an imaging review. Part 1: the forefoot
Authors: Kiener Alexander James , Hanna Tarek N , Shuaib Waqas , Datir Abhijit , Khosa Faisal
Published: March 2016

Injuries to the foot are a common cause for presentation to the ED, and imaging is often used to aid in the diagnosis. The foot can be divided into three distinct anatomical regions: the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot. Our manuscripts comprise a three-part imaging review in which we address the use of radiography as well as advanced imaging modalities. We provide pearls to radiographic interpretation and discuss prognostic implications and classification systems. Part 1 addresses forefoot injuries, part 2 reviews midfoot injuries and part 3 covers the hindfoot.
Osseous injuries of the foot: an imaging review. Part 2: the midfoot
Authors: Kiener Alexander James , Hanna Tarek N , Shuaib Waqas , Datir Abhijit , Khosa Faisal
Published: March 2016

Injuries to the foot are a common cause for presentation to the emergency department (ED), and imaging is often used to aid in the diagnosis. The foot can be divided into three distinct anatomic regions: the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot. Our manuscripts comprise a three-part imaging review in which we address the use of radiography as well as advanced imaging modalities. We provide pearls to radiographic interpretation and discuss prognostic implications and classification systems. Part 1 addressed forefoot injuries, Part 2 reviews midfoot injuries and Part 3 covers the hindfoot.
Impact of socioeconomic deprivation on mortality in people with haemorrhagic stroke: a population-based cohort study
Authors: McCormick Jacquelyn , Chen Ruoling
Published: March 2016

Purpose

Socioeconomic deprivation (SED) has an effect on many health outcomes, including ischaemic stroke; however, its impact on mortality after haemorrhagic stroke remains unclear, particularly in the long run. We examined this association in a multiethnic population in the UK.

Design

We examined data from 782 patients with first-ever haemorrhagic stroke, collected by the South London Stroke Register from 1995 to 2011. SED was defined as the quartile with the highest Carstairs scores, and was analysed in relation to mortality after stroke in a multivariate-adjusted Cox regression model.

Results

In a follow-up of 17 years, 498 patients died. Compared with the first quartile of Carstairs score (the least deprived), the multivariate-adjusted HRs for 17-year mortality in patients in the second, third and fourth quartiles were 0.94 (95% CI 0.72 to 1.23), 1.17 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.52) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.78), overall p=0.04. The SED gradient association remained in patients with intracerebral haemorrhagic stroke, while in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhagic stroke the corresponding HRs were 2.62 (95% CI 1.22 to 5.64), 3.03 (95% CI 1.49 to 6.18) and 1.83 (95% CI 0.87 to 3.83), respectively. Results of 10-year mortality showed similar patterns, although the association of deprivation with 1-year mortality was not significant.

Conclusions

There is a significant impact of SED on long-term mortality after haemorrhagic stroke. The reasons for this survival inequality must be explored to reduce mortality in patients with haemorrhagic stroke.
Changes in the prevalence of HBV infection in pregnant women in Turkey between 1995 and 2015: a 20-year evaluation
Authors: Furuncuoglu Yavuz , Bolukbas F Fusun , Bolukbas Cengiz , Torun Perihan , Ozturk Recep
Published: March 2016

Objective

To determine changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence across three different time periods in pregnant women.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of pregnant women attending four healthcare centres between January 1995 and May 2015. Data for serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs levels were collected from routine antenatal screening records. The 20-year study was divided into three periods: 1995–2001, 2002–2008 and 2009–2015. The results are presented by the women's age and gravidity as possible determinants of HBV infection.

Results

7605 pregnant women (56.0% primigravidae) (mean age 23.4±4.8 years) were tested for markers of HBV infection. 3010 pregnant women were screened between 1995 and 2001, 2995 between 2002 and 2008, and 1600 between 2009 and 2015. The overall prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBs positivity in the 7605 pregnant women was 1.5% (n=114) and 11.5% (n=877), respectively. Regarding temporal change in the prevalence of HBV markers, HBsAg decreased significantly from 2.6% to 0.8% (p<0.01), while anti-HBs increased significantly from 9.5% to 17.5% (p<0.01), between the first and last study periods. Multigravidae and older women had higher HBsAg and anti-HBs positivity compared to primigravidae.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the prevalence of HBsAg positivity is gradually decreasing among pregnant women, while the level of HBsAg antibody seropositivity is lower than expected. HBV carrier rate increases with increasing age and gravidity. In addition to the national HBV immunisation programme, the prevention of perinatal transmission should also be prioritised to decrease the HBV pool of infection.
Evaluating the Adequacy of Water-Related Reporting and Disclosure by High-Impact users in South Africa
Authors: Botha Marthinus Jacobus , Middelberg Sanlie. L.
Published: March 2016

South Africa is facing a water crisis in terms of the scarcity and the quality of its water. Considering this water-constrained future, it is evident that companies in South Africa should pay attention to the pristine management and reporting of this scarce resource. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the reporting and disclosure requirements of water of Socially Responsible Investment-indexed (SRI-indexed) JSE-listed companies. The disclosure requirements of integrated reporting, King III, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) provided the theoretical background. Content analysis was used as the research method to analyse the integrated reports of high-impact users. The findings of the study include that most of the companies illustrate commitment towards water stewardship by reporting on water-related aspects. A more comprehensive standardised set of guidelines to report on water per sector could add value to the reporting practices of companies.
Investigation of Radial Basis Collocation Method for Incremental-Iterative Analysis
Authors: Yang Judy P. , Su Wan-Ting
Published: March 2016

We propose an incremental-iterative algorithm by using the strong form collocation method for solving geometric nonlinear problems. As nonlinear analyses concerning large deformation have been relied on the weak form-based methods such as the finite element methods and the reproducing kernel particle methods, the recently developed strong form collocation methods could be new research directions in that the mesh control and quadrature rule are abandoned in the collocation methods. In this work, the radial basis collocation method is adopted to perform the nonlinear analysis. The corresponding parameters affecting the deformation paths such as the increment of applied traction and shape parameter of the radial basis function are discussed. We also investigate the possibility of using the weighted collocation methods in the nonlinear analysis.
Multiparty Asynchronous Session Types
Authors: Honda Kohei , Yoshida Nobuko , Carbone Marco
Published: March 2016

Communication is a central elements in software development. As a potential typed foundation for structured communication-centered programming, session types have been studied over the past decade for a wide range of process calculi and programming languages, focusing on binary (two-party) sessions. This work extends the foregoing theories of binary session types to multiparty, asynchronous sessions, which often arise in practical communication-centered applications. Presented as a typed calculus for mobile processes, the theory introduces a new notion of types in which interactions involving multiple peers are directly abstracted as a global scenario. Global types retain the friendly type syntax of binary session types while specifying dependencies and capturing complex causal chains of multiparty asynchronous interactions. A global type plays the role of a shared agreement among communication peers and is used as a basis of efficient type-checking through its projection onto individual peers. The fundamental properties of the session type discipline, such as communication safety, progress, and session fidelity, are established for general n-party asynchronous interactions.
Endothelial SK3 channel-associated Ca2+ microdomains modulate blood pressure
Authors: Yap Fui C. , Weber David S. , Taylor Mark S. , Townsley Mary I. , Comer Brian S. , Maylie James , Adelman John P. , Lin Mike T.
Published: March 2016

Activation of vascular endothelial small- (KCa2.3, SK3) or intermediate- (KCa3.1, IK1) conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) pathway. Although the activation of SK3 and IK1 channels converges on EDH, their subcellular effects on signal transduction are different and not completely clear. In this study, a novel endothelium-specific SK3 knockout (SK3−/−) mouse model was utilized to specifically examine the contribution of SK3 channels to mesenteric artery vasorelaxation, endothelial Ca2+ dynamics, and blood pressure. The absence of SK3 expression was confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Functional studies showed impaired EDH-mediated vasorelaxation in SK3−/− small mesenteric arteries. Immunostaining results from SK3−/− vessels confirmed the absence of SK3 and further showed altered distribution of transient receptor potential channels, type 4 (TRPV4). Electrophysiological recordings showed a lack of SK3 channel activity, while TRPV4-IK1 channel coupling remained intact in SK3−/− endothelial cells. Moreover, Ca2+ imaging studies in SK3−/− endothelium showed increased Ca2+ transients with reduced amplitude and duration under basal conditions. Importantly, SK3−/− endothelium lacked a distinct type of Ca2+ dynamic that is sensitive to TRPV4 activation. Blood pressure measurements showed that the SK3−/− mice were hypertensive, and the blood pressure increase was further enhanced during the 12-h dark cycle when animals are most active. Taken together, our results reveal a previously unappreciated SK3 signaling microdomain that modulates endothelial Ca2+ dynamics, vascular tone, and blood pressure.
Flow-cytometric method for simultaneous analysis of mouse lung epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic lineage cells
Authors: Singer Benjamin D. , Mock Jason R. , D'Alessio Franco R. , Aggarwal Neil R. , Mandke Pooja , Johnston Laura , Damarla Mahendra
Published: March 2016

Flow cytometry is a powerful tool capable of simultaneously analyzing multiple parameters on a cell-by-cell basis. Lung tissue preparation for flow cytometry requires creation of a single-cell suspension, which often employs enzymatic and mechanical dissociation techniques. These practices may damage cells and cause cell death that is unrelated to the experimental conditions under study. We tested methods of lung tissue dissociation and sought to minimize cell death in the epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic lineage cellular compartments. A protocol that involved flushing the pulmonary circulation and inflating the lung with Dispase, a bacillus-derived neutral metalloprotease, at the time of tissue harvest followed by mincing, digestion in a DNase and collagenase solution, and filtration before staining with fluorescent reagents concurrently maximized viable yields of epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic lineage cells compared with a standard method that did not use enzymes at the time of tissue harvest. Flow cytometry identified each population—epithelial (CD326+CD31−CD45−), endothelial (CD326−CD31+CD45−), and hematopoietic lineage (CD326−CD31−CD45+)—and measured cellular viability by 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) staining. The Dispase method permitted discrimination of epithelial vs. endothelial cell death in a systemic lipopolysaccharide model of increased pulmonary vascular permeability. We conclude that application of a dissociative enzyme solution directly to the cellular compartments of interest at the time of tissue harvest maximized viable cellular yields of those compartments. Investigators could employ this dissociation method to simultaneously harvest epithelial, endothelial, and hematopoietic lineage and other lineage-negative cells for flow-cytometric analysis.
Association Between Post-Cancer Diagnosis Dietary Inflammatory Potential and Survival in WHI Observational Study and Dietary Modification Trial
Authors: Zheng JL , Tabung FK , Zhang JJ , Shivappa N , Ockene JK , Caan B , Kroenke C , Hebert JR , Steck SE
Published: March 2016

Background: Inflammation regulates key biologic processes in chronic disease and can be modulated by diet. Our objective was to use the dietary inflammatory index (DII), a novel tool to characterize the inflammatory potential of diet, to examine how post-cancer diagnosis dietary quality is associated with overall survival in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study (OS) and Dietary Modification Trial (DM). Methods: After excluding baseline cancers and energy outliers, the analytical cohort had 4,241 postmenopausal women (19% of total cancer cases), aged 50 to 79 years at baseline, in the WHI OS (n = 1,852) and DM (n = 2,389), who developed invasive cancer during follow-up and completed a food frequency questionnaire after diagnosis. These women were followed from dietary assessment until death from any cause. Energy-adjusted DII scores from food only and from food plus supplement (any reported dietary supplement related to DII parameters) after cancer diagnosis for each subject were calculated by multiplying the inflammatory effect scores determined based on extensive literature review and intake values for each food parameter, and then summing across all the food parameters. Death was ascertained by clinical center follow-up or by searching the National Death Index with central or local adjudication. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all-cause mortality comparing women in higher DII quartiles with those in the first quartile. Results: After a median 11.2 years of follow-up, 1,470 deaths occurred. After adjustment for key covariates, women who consumed a more pro-inflammatory diet (in higher quartiles of DII score from food only) after a cancer diagnosis had a significantly higher risk of death from any cause compared to women consuming a more anti- inflammatory diet (HR Q4:Q1 = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38; P trend = 0.015). In analyses using DII score from both diet and supplements, a pro-inflammatory DII score was associated with even higher risk of all-cause mortality (HRQ4:Q1 = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.40–1.91; P trend < 0.0001). Conclusions: Consuming a more pro-inflammatory diet after cancer diagnosis was associated with increased risk of death from any cause.
Active Tobacco Smoke and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure During Potential Biological Windows of Susceptibility in Relation to Breast Cancer
Authors: White AJ , D'Aloisio AA , Nichols HB , DeRoo LA , Sandler DP
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Our objective was to prospectively examine active smoking and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in relation to breast cancer risk, with a focus on exposures during potential windows of susceptibility. Methods: Sister Study cohort participants (n = 50,884) were enrolled between 2003 and 2009 and were followed for a breast cancer diagnosis. Women ages 35–74 in the United States and Puerto Rico were eligible if they had a sister who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Study participants completed extensive telephone and paper questionnaires including information on established breast cancer risk factors as well as active smoking history and exposure to ETS while in utero and during childhood and adult years. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for invasive breast cancer incidence associated with active smoking and ETS exposure. Results: During follow-up (mean = 6.4 years), 1,843 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed in the study population. Exposure to ETS in adulthood was not associated with increased breast cancer risk. However, nonsmoking women who were exposed to ETS throughout their childhood (18 years) had an 18% higher risk of breast cancer (95% CI, 1.02–1.38) relative to those without any childhood ETS. In utero ETS exposure also was associated with a modest increase in breast cancer incidence (HR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.01–1.32) among nonsmokers as was paternal smoking prior to the participant's mother's pregnancy (HR = 1.12, 95% CI, 0.98–1.29). Additionally, active smoking prior to first pregnancy for 10 or more pack-years (HR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.02–1.67) was associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer. Conclusions: In this large, prospective study, we report evidence that both active smoking and ETS exposure during potential windows of susceptibility, including in utero exposure, childhood and prior to first pregnancy, are associated with higher risk of breast cancer.
Recombinant Arabidopsis HSP70 Sustains Cell Survival and Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nigro Alessandra , Mauro Loredana , Giordano Francesca , Panza Salvatore , Iannacone Rina , Liuzzi Grazia Maria , Aquila Saveria , De Amicis Francesca , Cellini Francesco , Indiveri Cesare , Panno Maria Luisa
Published: March 2016

The chaperone HSP70 protein is widely present in many different tumors and its expression correlates with an increased cell survival, low differentiation, and poor therapeutic outcome in human breast cancer. The intracellular protein has prevalently a cytoprotective function, while the extracellular HSP70 mediates immunologic responses. Evolutionarily, HSPs are well conserved from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and human HSP70 shows a strong similarity to that of plant origin. In the current article, we have tested the potential effect of recombinant HSP70, from Arabidopsis thaliana, on cell survival and metastatic properties of breast cancer cells. Our data show that HSP70 sustains cell viability in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast tumoral cells and increases Cyclin D1 and Survivin expression. The extracellular HSP70 triggers cell migration and the activation of MMPs particularly in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, under UV-induced stress condition, the low levels of phospho-AKT were increased by exogenous HSP70, together with the upregulation of Cyclin D1, particularly in the tumoral cell phenotype. On the other hand, UV increased TP53 expression, and the coincubation of HSP70 lowers the TP53 levels similar to the control. These findings correlate with the cytoprotective and antiapoptotic role of HSPs, as reported in different cellular contexts. This is the first study on mammary cells that highlights how the heterologous HSP70 from Arabidopsis thaliana sustains cell survival prevalently in breast cancer cell types, thus maintaining their metastatic potential. Therefore, targeting HSP70 would be of clinical importance since HSP70 blocking selectively targets tumor cells, in which it supports cell growth and survival. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 1063–73. ©2016 AACR.
A atuação da terapia ocupacional com mulheres com câncer de mama em cuidados paliativos.
Authors: Faria Natália Cintra , De Carlo Marysia Mara Rodrigues do Prado
Published: March 2016

Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, baseado em análise documental, para revisão dos dados sociodemográficos e clínicos e dados referentes aos atendimentos de Terapia Ocupacional. O objetivo é identificar e categorizar as intervenções do terapeuta ocupacional com mulheres com câncer de mama atendidas pelo serviço de Cuidados Paliativos de um hospital público, universitário, de alta complexidade, localizado no interior do Estado de São Paulo. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (Processo nº 12559/2013). A casuística inicial foi composta por 49 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer ginecológico, dentre as quais foram identificadas 27 com câncer de mama; 23 delas haviam sido atendidas pela terapeuta ocupacional e compuseram a amostra final deste estudo. Os dados e os procedimentos realizados foram analisados por estatística descritiva. intervenções abrangeram tanto o paciente como sua família; envolveram diferentes procedimentos, como acolhimento e suporte familiar, orientações sobre estratégias de enfrentamento, conservação de energia, estímulo à independência e autonomia para as AVDs e AIVDs e atividades significativas. A Terapia Ocupacional possibilita a construção de espaços saudáveis de vida e de potência, criação e singularidade nos Cuidados Paliativos.
Favorable Cardiovascular Risk Profile Is Associated With Lower Healthcare Costs and Resource Utilization
Authors: Valero-Elizondo Javier , Salami Joseph A. , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Osondu Chukwuemeka U. , Aneni Ehimen C. , Malik Rehan , Spatz Erica S. , Rana Jamal S. , Virani Salim S. , Blankstein Ron , Blaha Michael J. , Veledar Emir , Nasir Khurram
Published: March 2016

Background—

The American Heart Association’s 2020 Strategic Goals emphasize the value of optimizing risk factor status to reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to quantify the overall and marginal impact of favorable cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) profile on healthcare expenditure and resource utilization in the United States among those with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods and Results—

The study population was derived from the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Direct and indirect costs were calculated for all-cause healthcare resource utilization. Variables of interest included CVD diagnoses (coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, dysrhythmias, or heart failure), ascertained by
International Classification of Diseases
, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes, and CRF profile (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, physical activity, and obesity). Two-part econometric models were used to study expenditure data. The final study sample consisted of 15 651 MEPS participants (58.5±12 years, 54% female). Overall, 5921 (37.8%) had optimal, 7002 (44.7%) had average, and 2728 (17.4%) had poor CRF profile, translating to 54.2, 64.1, and 24.9 million adults in United States, respectively. Significantly lower health expenditures were noted with favorable CRF profile across CVD status. Among study participants with established CVD, overall healthcare expenditures with optimal and average CRF profile were $5946 and $3731 less compared with those with poor CRF profile. The respective differences were $4031 and $2560 in those without CVD.

Conclusions—

Favorable CRF profile is associated with significantly lower medical expenditure and healthcare utilization among individuals with and without established CVD.
Learning Precise Spike Train–to–Spike Train Transformations in Multilayer Feedforward Neuronal Networks
Authors: Banerjee Arunava
Published: March 2016

We derive a synaptic weight update rule for learning temporally precise spike train–to–spike train transformations in multilayer feedforward networks of spiking neurons. The framework, aimed at seamlessly generalizing error backpropagation to the deterministic spiking neuron setting, is based strictly on spike timing and avoids invoking concepts pertaining to spike rates or probabilistic models of spiking. The derivation is founded on two innovations. First, an error functional is proposed that compares the spike train emitted by the output neuron of the network to the desired spike train by way of their putative impact on a virtual postsynaptic neuron. This formulation sidesteps the need for spike alignment and leads to closed-form solutions for all quantities of interest. Second, virtual assignment of weights to spikes rather than synapses enables a perturbation analysis of individual spike times and synaptic weights of the output, as well as all intermediate neurons in the network, which yields the gradients of the error functional with respect to the said entities. Learning proceeds via a gradient descent mechanism that leverages these quantities. Simulation experiments demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed learning framework. The experiments also highlight asymmetries between synapses on excitatory and inhibitory neurons.