bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Incidence and Topographic Distribution of Sutures Including Wormian Bones in Human Skulls
Authors: Cirpan Sibel , Aksu Funda , Mas Nuket
Published: June 2015

Objective:

The Wormian Bones are accessory bones located within the cranial sutures and fontanelles. The present article examines the incidence of Wormian Bones and compares the number and topographic distribution between the sutures including Wormian Bones in skulls of West Anatolian Population.

Methods:

One hundred fifty crania were examined. The parameters evaluated in the present study were as follows: the rate of skulls including Wormian Bones; the topographic distribution and frequencies of the sutures including Wormian Bones; the number of these sutures for each skull; the name and number of sutures that were bilaterally and symmetrically located on the right and left side of skull (paired sutures) and which coincidentally had Wormian Bones for each skull; the differences of frequencies between the paired sutures including Wormian Bones.

Results:

The rate of skulls including Wormian Bones was determined as 59.3%. The maximum and minimum numbers of sutures, including Wormian Bones, were 6 in 1 skull and 1 in each of 30 skulls, respectively. The maximum and minimum rates of sutures that had Wormian Bones were found in left lambdoid 40.7% and right occipitomastoid 1.3% sutures, respectively. There was only a significant difference between the rate of right and left squamous sutures (P = 0.04). Forty-five skulls were including 55 pairs of bilaterally and symmetrically located sutures that coincidentally had Wormian Bones in each pair. Each of 35 skulls had 1 pair of sutures including Wormian Bones and each of 10 skulls had 2 pairs.

Conclusions:

In the present study, the rate of Wormian Bones was determined as 59.3% in West Anatolian Population. This incidence rate is considerably lower than the other reports, and it may be as a result of racial variations. These divergent bones were more frequently found in left lambdoid sutures (40.7%) and less frequently in right occipitomastoid sutures (1.3%). This study may guide the investigators dealing with the neurosurgery, orthopedy, radiology, anatomy, and anthropology in their practice.
Models on the boundary between classical and quantum mechanics
Authors: Hooft Gerard 't
Published: June 2015

Arguments that quantum mechanics cannot be explained in terms of any classical theory using only classical logic seem to be based on sound mathematical considerations: there cannot be physical laws that require ‘conspiracy’. It may therefore be surprising that there are several explicit quantum systems where these considerations apparently do not apply. In this report, several such counterexamples are shown. These are quantum models that do have a classical origin. The most curious of these models is superstring theory. So now the question is asked: how can such a model feature ‘conspiracy’, and how bad is that? Is there conspiracy in the vacuum fluctuations? Arguments concerning Bell's theorem are further sharpened.
Lorentzian quantum reality: postulates and toy models
Authors: Kent Adrian
Published: June 2015

We describe postulates for a novel realist version of relativistic quantum theory or quantum field theory in Minkowski space and other background space–times, and illustrate their application with toy models.
Variability in group size and the evolution of collective action
Authors: Peña Jorge , Nöldeke Georg
Published: June 2015

Models of the evolution of collective action typically assume that interactions occur in groups of identical size. In contrast, social interactions between animals occur in groups of widely dispersed size. This article models collective action problems as two-strategy multiplayer games and studies the effect of variability in group size on the evolution of cooperative behavior under the replicator dynamics. The analysis identifies elementary conditions on the payoff structure of the game implying that the evolution of cooperative behavior is promoted or inhibited when the group size experienced by a focal player is more or less variable. Similar but more stringent conditions are applicable when the confounding effect of size-biased sampling, which causes the group-size distribution experienced by a focal player to differ from the statistical distribution of group sizes, is taken into account.
TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR-LIKE EFFECTOR NUCLEASE-Mediated Generation and Metabolic Analysis of Camalexin-Deficient cyp71a12 cyp71a13 Double Knockout Lines
Authors: Müller Teresa M. , Böttcher Christoph , Morbitzer Robert , Götz Cornelia C. , Lehmann Johannes , Lahaye Thomas , Glawischnig Erich
Published: June 2015

In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a number of defense-related metabolites are synthesized via indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN), including camalexin and indole-3-carboxylic acid (ICOOH) derivatives. Cytochrome P450 71A13 (CYP71A13) is a key enzyme for camalexin biosynthesis and catalyzes the conversion of indole-3-acetaldoxime (IAOx) to IAN. The CYP71A13 gene is located in tandem with its close homolog CYP71A12, also encoding an IAOx dehydratase. However, for CYP71A12, indole-3-carbaldehyde and cyanide were identified as major reaction products. To clarify CYP71A12 function in vivo and to better understand IAN metabolism, we generated two cyp71a12 cyp71a13 double knockout mutant lines. CYP71A12-specific transcription activator-like effector nucleases were introduced into the cyp71a13 background, and very efficient somatic mutagenesis was achieved. We observed stable transmission of the cyp71a12 mutation to the following generations, which is a major challenge for targeted mutagenesis in Arabidopsis. In contrast to cyp71a13 plants, in which camalexin accumulation is partially reduced, double mutants synthesized only traces of camalexin, demonstrating that CYP71A12 contributes to camalexin biosynthesis in leaf tissue. A major role of CYP71A12 was identified for the inducible biosynthesis of ICOOH. Specifically, the ICOOH methyl ester was reduced to 12% of the wild-type level in AgNO3-challenged cyp71a12 leaves. In contrast, indole-3-carbaldehyde derivatives apparently are synthesized via alternative pathways, such as the degradation of indole glucosinolates. Based on these results, we present a model for this surprisingly complex metabolic network with multiple IAN sources and channeling of IAOx-derived IAN into camalexin biosynthesis. In conclusion, transcription activator-like effector nuclease-mediated mutation is a powerful tool for functional analysis of tandem genes in secondary metabolism.
S-SAD phasing of monoclinic histidine kinase fromBrucella abortuscombining data from multiple crystals and orientations: an example of data-collection strategy anda posteriorianalysis of different data combinations
Authors: Klinke Sebastián , Foos Nicolas , Rinaldi Jimena J. , Paris Gastón , Goldbaum Fernando A. , Legrand Pierre , Guimarães Beatriz G. , Thompson Andrew
Published: June 2015

The histidine kinase (HK) domain belonging to the light–oxygen–voltage histidine kinase (LOV-HK) fromBrucella abortusis a member of the HWE family, for which no structural information is available, and has low sequence identity (20%) to the closest HK present in the PDB. The `off-edge' S-SAD method in macromolecular X-ray crystallography was used to solve the structure of the HK domain from LOV-HK at low resolution from crystals in a low-symmetry space group (P21) and with four copies in the asymmetric unit (∼108 kDa). Data were collected both from multiple crystals (diffraction limit varying from 2.90 to 3.25 Å) and from multiple orientations of the same crystal, using the κ-geometry goniostat on SOLEIL beamline PROXIMA 1, to obtain `true redundancy'. Data from three different crystals were combined for structure determination. An optimized HK construct bearing a shorter cloning artifact yielded crystals that diffracted X-rays to 2.51 Å resolution and that were used for final refinement of the model. Moreover, a thorougha posteriorianalysis using several different combinations of data sets allowed us to investigate the impact of the data-collection strategy on the success of the structure determination.
Crystal structure analysis of ebastine [4-(4-benzhydryloxy-1-piperidyl)-1-(4-tert-butylphenyl) butan-1-one]: an oral histamine antagonist
Authors: Sharma Ranjana , Prasher Dixit , Tiwari R. K.
Published: June 2015

Ebastine belongs to the category of second-generation non-sedating H1 receptor antagonists and is chiefly used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. The present paper reports findings on the crystal and molecular structure of ebastine, employing the technique of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Ebastine crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group with unit-cell dimensions a = 16.5890 (12), b = 10.9575 (8), c = 16.6795 (11) Å, β = 113.623 (2)°, V = 2777.8 (3) Å3, Z = 4 and calculated density amounting to 1.123 Mg m−3. The structure factor value was observed 1016 and final R = 0.0496 for 4360 unique reflections. The piperidine ring in the ebastine molecule was found to exist in a chair conformation, and the C—N bond length was 1.459 (3) Å, thereby showing good agreement with the standard C—N bond length of 1.472 Å.
HERMES: a soft X-ray beamline dedicated to X-ray microscopy
Authors: Belkhou Rachid , Stanescu Stefan , Swaraj Sufal , Besson Adrien , Ledoux Milena , Hajlaoui Mahdi , Dalle Didier
Published: June 2015

The HERMES beamline (High Efficiency and Resolution beamline dedicated to X-ray Microscopy and Electron Spectroscopy), built at Synchrotron SOLEIL (Saint-Auban, France), is dedicated to soft X-ray microscopy. The beamline combines two complementary microscopy methods: XPEEM (X-ray Photo Emitted Electron Microscopy) and STXM (Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy) with an aim to reach spatial resolution below 20 nm and to fully exploit the local spectroscopic capabilities of the two microscopes. The availability of the two methods within the same beamline enables the users to select the appropriate approach to study their specific case in terms of sample environment, spectroscopy methods, probing depthetc. In this paper a general description of the beamline and its design are presented. The performance and specifications of the beamline will be reviewed in detail. Moreover, the article is aiming to demonstrate how the beamline performances have been specifically optimized to fulfill the specific requirements of a soft X-ray microscopy beamline in terms of flux, resolution, beam sizeetc. Special attention has been dedicated to overcome some limiting and hindering problems that are usually encountered on soft X-ray beamlines such as carbon contamination, thermal stability and spectral purity.
Synthesis and characterization of (6-{[2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}pyridin-2-yl)methanol: a supramolecular and topological study
Authors: Soto-Monsalve Monica , Cabrera-Espinoza Andrea , Grande Carlos D. , D'Vries Richard F. , Chaur Manuel N.
Published: June 2015

Hydrazones exhibit a versatile chemistry and are of interest for their potential use as functional molecular systems capable of undergoing reversible changes of configuration,i.e. E/Zisomerization. The title compound, C12H12N4O, has anEconfiguration with respect to the hydrazone C=N bond. The crystal packing is formed by N—H...N and O—H...N hydrogen bonds that give a two-dimensional layer structure and C—H...C interactions associated with layer stacking to produce the three-dimensional supramolecular structure. These intermolecular interactions were analyzed and quantified by the Hirshfeld surface method and the two-dimensional supramolecular arrangement was topologically simplified as ahcbnetwork.
Structure of human saposin A at lysosomal pH
Authors: Hill Chris H. , Read Randy J. , Deane Janet E.
Published: June 2015

The saposins are essential cofactors for the normal lysosomal degradation of complex glycosphingolipids by acid hydrolase enzymes; defects in either saposin or hydrolase function lead to severe metabolic diseases. Saposin A (SapA) activates the enzyme β-galactocerebrosidase (GALC), which catalyzes the breakdown of β-D-galactocerebroside, the principal lipid component of myelin. SapA is known to bind lipids and detergents in a pH-dependent manner; this is accompanied by a striking transition from a `closed' to an `open' conformation. However, previous structures were determined at non-lysosomal pH. This work describes a 1.8 Å resolution X-ray crystal structure determined at the physiologically relevant lysosomal pH 4.8. In the absence of lipid or detergent at pH 4.8, SapA is observeed to adopt a conformation closely resembling the previously determined `closed' conformation, showing that pH alone is not sufficient for the transition to the `open' conformation. Structural alignments reveal small conformational changes, highlighting regions of flexibility.
The structure of a GFP-based antibody (fluorobody) to TLH, a toxin fromVibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Chen Yaoguang , Huang Xiaocheng , Wang Rongzhi , Wang Shihua , Shi Ning
Published: June 2015

A fluorobody is a manmade hybrid molecule that is composed of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a fragment of antibody, which combines the affinity and specificity of an antibody with the visibility of a GFP. It is able to provide a real-time indication of binding while avoiding the use of tags and secondary binding reagents. Here, the expression, purification and crystal structure of a recombinant fluorobody for TLH (thermolabile haemolysin), a toxin from the lethal food-borne disease bacteriumVibrio parahaemolyticus, are presented. This is the first structure of a fluorobody to be reported. Crystals belonging to space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 63.35,c = 125.90 Å, were obtained by vapour diffusion in hanging drops and the structure was refined to anRfreeof 16.7% at 1.5 Å resolution. The structure shows a CDR loop of the antibody on the GFP scaffold.
Crystallographic analysis of a novel aldo-keto reductase fromThermotoga maritimain complex with NADP+
Authors: Hou Hai , Li Ruiying , Wang Xiaoyan , Yuan Zhen , Liu Xuemeng , Chen Zhenmin , Xu Xiaoling
Published: June 2015

Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) are a superfamily of NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases that catalyse the asymmetric reduction of aldehydes and ketones to chiral alcohols in various organisms. The novel aldo-keto reductase Tm1743 fromThermotoga maritimawas identified to have a broad substrate specificity and high thermostability, serving as an important enzyme in biocatalysis and fine-chemical synthesis. In this study, Tm1743 was overexpressed inEscherichia coliBL21(DE3) cells with an N-terminal His6tag and was purified by Ni2+-chelating affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Purified recombinant enzyme was incubated with its cofactor NADP+and its substrate ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate (EOPB) for crystallization. Two X-ray diffraction data sets were collected at 2.0 and 1.7 Å resolution from dodecahedral crystals grown from samples containing Tm1743–NADP+–EOPB and Tm1743–NADP+, respectively. Both crystals belonged to space groupP3121, with similar unit-cell parameters. However, in the refined structure model only NADP+was observed in the active site of the full-length Tm1743 enzyme. Degradation of the N-terminal vector-derived amino acids during crystallization was confirmed by Western blot and mass-spectrometric analyses.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-3-phenylguanidine
Authors: Han Hongfei , Guo Zhiqiang , Wei Xuehong
Published: June 2015

In the title compound, C23H25N3, the dihedral angles between the planes of the benzene ring and the two substituent dimethylphenyl rings are 60.94 (7)° and 88.08 (7)°, and the dihedral angle between the planes of the two dimethylphenyl rings is 58.01 (7)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...N interactions exist between adjacent molecules. One of the dimethylphenyl rings has a small amount of π–π overlap with the phenyl ring of an adjacent molecule [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.9631 (12) Å].
Crystal structure of 3,9,9-trimethyl-2,3,3a,4,9,9a-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[b]quinolin-4-ium chloride
Authors: Sridhar G. , Bilal I. Mohammed , Easwaramoorthy D. , Rani S. Kutti , Solomon K. Anand
Published: June 2015

The title molecular salt, C15H22N+·Cl−, arose as an unexpected product of the reaction between aniline and melanol in the presence of HCl. The central heterocyclic ring has a half-chair conformation and the five-membered ring has an envelope conformation, with the C atom linked to the N atom as the flap. In the crystal, the ions are linked by N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, generating chains propagating in the [100] direction. The crystal studied was a merohedral twin with a 0.64 (3):0.36 (3) domain ratio.
The association between learning styles and perception of teaching quality
Authors: Jepsen Denise M. , Varhegyi Melinda M. , Teo Stephen T.T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Although learning styles and teaching quality have been studied separately, the association between the association between the two has yet to be identified. The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between students’ learning styles with students’ perceptions of teaching quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used survey responses from 272 undergraduate students. All 80 items in the Honey and Mumford’s (1986) Learning Styles Questionnaire and all 46 teaching quality items (Thompson, 2002) were used to assess learning styles and perceptions of teaching quality, respectively. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the relationships between learning styles and perception of teaching quality.

Findings

– Results indicate learners with dominant reflector or activist styles are influenced in their perceptions of teaching quality of their teacher or lecturer. No perceptions of teaching quality relationships were found for students with dominant theorist or pragmatist learning style.

Practical implications

– Recognising that perceptions of teaching quality impacts on some students, teachers and lecturers may consider and articulate the type of learning they would prefer students to adopt for a particular class. As an example, a teacher might ask students who would normally see themselves as active learners to relax into the lecture mode of delivery and reflect on what is said in the lecture, to take time to consider what is said.

Originality/value

– This study combines the two important constructs of learning and perception of teaching quality to provide insight into the relationship between the two.
Employability skills: perspectives from a knowledge-intensive industry
Authors: Collet Chris , Hine Damian , du Plessis Karen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– While the global education debate remains focused on graduate skills and employability, the absence of a shared language between student, academic and industry stakeholder groups means that defining industry skills requirements is both essential and difficult. The purpose of this paper is to assess graduate skills requirements in a knowledge-intensive industry from a demand perspective as distinct from a curriculum (supply) viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

– Skills items were derived from a breadth of disciplines across academic, policy and industry literature. CEOs and senior managers in the innovation and commercialisation industry were surveyed regarding perceptions of skills in graduates and skills in demand by the firm. Two rounds of exploratory factor analyses were undertaken to examine employers’ perceptions of the skills gap.

Findings

– First-order analysis resolved ten broad constructs that represent cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills domains as applied in this industry. Knowledge, leadership and interprofessional collaboration feature as prominent skills. Second-order analysis revealed employers’ perceptions of graduate skills specifically centre on organisational fit and organisational success. An over-arching theme relates to performance of the individual in organisations.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings suggest that the discourse on employability and the design of curriculum need to shift from instilling lists of skills towards enabling graduates to perform in a diversity of workplace contexts and expectations centred on organisational purpose.

Originality/value

– In contrast to the heterogeneous nature of industry surveys, the authors targeted a homogenous sector that is representative of knowledge-intensive industries. This study contributes to the broader stakeholder dialogue of the value and application of graduate skills in this and other industry sectors.
Anti-social behaviour and European protection against eviction
Authors: Vols M. , Tassenaar P.G. , Jacobs J.P.A.M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the implementation of the minimum level of protection against the loss of the home that arises from Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights in The Netherlands. The paper focuses on anti-social behaviour-related cases in which the landlord requests the court to issue an eviction order.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a statistical analysis of nearly 250 judgements concerning housing-related anti-social behaviour.

Findings

– A significant difference is found in the court’s attitude against drug-related anti-social behaviour and other types of nuisance. Moreover, it is found that in two-thirds of the cases, the tenant advanced a proportionality defence. Although the European Court stresses the need of a proportionality check, the Dutch courts ignore the tenant’s proportionality defence in 10 per cent of the cases and issue an eviction order in the majority of all cases. Advancing a proportionality defence does not result in any difference for the court decision.

Originality/value

– The paper presents original data on the legal protection against eviction in cases concerning anti-social behaviour. This is the first study that analyses the approach towards housing-related anti-social behaviour in the context of the European minimum level of protection. Whilst centred on legislation and procedures in The Netherlands, its findings and discussion are relevant in other jurisdictions facing similar issues.
What will the “Eyes and Ears” of the SEC choose to see and hear this year? OCIE announces examination priorities for 2015
Authors: Berman Kenneth , Harrell Michael P. , Larkin Gregory
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To discuss and interpret the recently published summary of the select priorities of the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (“OCIE”) in connection with the National Exam Program for 2015.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article highlights the broad OCIE focus areas and provides detail on the associated initiatives.

Findings

– OCIE’s priorities appear to place particular emphasis on retail investors and investors saving for retirement and market-wide risks, including cybersecurity. The examination priorities also emphasize OCIE’s evolving ability to analyze data to identify and examine registrants that may be engaged in illegal activity. Of particular interest to private equity fund sponsors, the National Exam Program will continue to conduct examinations that focus on fees and expenses borne by investors in private equity funds.

Practical implications

– In view of the OCIE’s priorities, recent public comments by OCIE officials (concerning, for example, presentation of performance data) and our experience representing private equity firms being examined by OCIE, private equity fund sponsors should continue to be prepared for rigorous examinations on these issues and the areas of focus highlighted by the SEC in the past three years.

Originality/value

– The article summarizes the OCIE’s recently published examination priorities for 2015 that cover a broad range of market participants and target a variety of their products, practices and procedures, including a continued focus on private equity fund sponsors.
SEC asset management unit’s enforcement priorities for 2015 – conflicts of interest
Authors: Weiner Perrie Michael , Hunnius Patrick , Crain Sean R.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To address “Conflicts, Conflicts Everywhere,” a speech at the recent IA Watch 17th Annual Compliance Conference by Julie M. Riewe, co-chief of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division’s Asset Management Unit (AMU).

Design/methodology/approach

– Provide information on the AMU’s creation, the AMU’s 2015 priorities for each of the primary investment vehicles it polices –registered investment companies; private funds (both hedge funds and private equity funds); and other client accounts, such as separately managed accounts/retail accounts – and the AMU’s central concern across all of the investment vehicles it polices: conflicts of interest.

Findings

– Conflicts of interest will be receiving much attention from the Commission in the coming months. In order to help avoid an SEC inquiry or, worse yet, an enforcement action, corporations and individuals should seek counsel.

Originality/value

– Practical explanation and guidance from experienced securities and financial services lawyers.
The effect of customer incivility on service employees’ customer orientation through double-mediation of surface acting and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Hur Won-Moo , Moon Tae Won , Han Su-Jin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how customer incivility affects service employees’ emotional labor (i.e. surface acting) and the way surface acting augments their emotional exhaustion at work, and in turn, damages customer orientations of service employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a sample of 309 department store sales employees in South Korea, a two-stage mediation model is used in terms of structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results indicate that customer incivility is positively related to service employees’ use of surface acting; this, in turn, results in feelings of emotional exhaustion, which are negatively related to their customer orientation. That is, the findings of this study shows that the negative relationship between customer incivility and service employees’ customer orientation was fully and sequentially mediated by service employees’ surface acting and emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is the nature of the cross-sectional data the authors used in the analysis. It gives us reason to be very cautious in reaching conclusions concerning causal relationships among variables, since the authors did not capture longitudinal variation.

Practical implications

– The research shows that customer incivility has a negative effect on service employees’ customer-oriented behaviors since experiences of customer incivility among emotionally exhausted employees via surface acting generates inadequate and unfair sense-making related to the treatment offered by customers, which increases the tendency of decreasing their effort and loyalty for customers to prevent further loss of emotional resources. Therefore, service organizations should devise appropriate strategies and implement systematic programs for reducing employee exposure to customer incivility, or preventing it altogether.

Originality/value

– The current study broadens the conceptual work and empirical studies in customer incivility literature by representing a fundamental mechanism of why customer incivility negatively affects service employees’ customer orientation. The primary contribution of the study is to gain a deeper understanding of how customer incivility leads to lower employee customer-oriented behaviors through double mediating effects of surface acting and emotional exhaustion.
Predicting determinants of Internet banking adoption
Authors: Sharma Sujeet Kumar , Govindaluri Srikrishna Madhumohan , Al Balushi Shahid M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the main determinants of Internet banking users on the basis of literature of technology acceptance model (TAM). Understanding and predicting main determinants of Internet banking is an important issue for banking industry and users.

Design/methodology/approach

– Service quality and trust were incorporated in the TAM together with demographic variables. The data were collected using Google Docs from 110 Omani Internet banking users. A two-staged regression-neural network model was applied to understand and predict Internet banking adoption.

Findings

– The results obtained from multiple linear regression model were compared with the results from neural network model to predict Internet banking adoption and the performance of latter model was found to superior. The neural network model was able to capture relative importance of all independent variables, service quality, trust, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude and demographic variables, whereas perceived ease of use and demographic variables were not significant predictors of Internet banking adoption as per the regression model.

Practical implications

– This study provides useful insights with regard to development of Internet banking systems to banking professionals and information systems researchers in Oman and similar emerging economies.

Originality/value

– This study is probably the first attempt to model Internet banking adoption in Gulf Cooperation Council using a predictive rather than explanatory focus. The majority of studies in Internet banking adoption in Oman and elsewhere usually utilize modeling methods suited for explanatory purposes.
The furoxan nitric oxide donor, PRG150, evokes dose‐dependent analgesia in a rat model of painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Huang Lillian Y , Tsui Debbie Y , Williams Craig M , Wyse Bruce D , Smith Maree T
Published: June 2015

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a type of peripheral neuropathic pain that is often intractable. Elevated nitric oxide (NO) from neuronal and non‐neuronal sources in the somatosensory system is implicated in the pathobiology of peripheral neuropathic pain. However, in diabetes, nitrergic nerve degeneration to deplete NO bioactivity appears causal in the pathogenesis of irreversible autonomic neuropathy, another long term complication of diabetes. Hence, this study hypothesized that progressive NO depletion may underpin the pathobiology of PDN and that NO donors may alleviate PDN. Diabetes was induced in rats with intravenous streptozotocin (STZ) at 70 mg/kg and confirmed if blood glucose levels (BGLs) on day 10 post‐STZ were ≥15 mmol/L. Analgesic efficacy of subcutaneous (s.c.) bolus doses of the furoxan NO donor, PRG150 was assessed in the STZ‐diabetic rat model of PDN at 10‐, 14‐ and 24‐weeks post‐STZ relative to the sydnominine NO donor, SIN‐1 and its prodrug, molsidomine. PRG150 produced dose‐dependent analgesia in STZ‐diabetic rats whereas SIN‐1 and molsidomine evoked neuro‐excitatory side‐effects, but not analgesia. The 1000‐fold larger doses of PRG150 needed to produce analgesia at 14‐ and 24‐weeks (800 pmol/kg) c.f. 10‐weeks (8 fmol/kg) post‐STZ in rats, suggest that progressive NO depletion is also causal in PDN. Importantly, doses of PRG150 up to 10 000 fold higher than the analgesic dose did not produce hypotension in rats. The 50‐fold greater release of NO by SIN‐1 c.f. PRG150 in vitro, may underpin the neuro‐excitatory rather than analgesic effects of SIN‐1/molsidomine. PRG150 is worthy of further investigation as a potential novel analgesic for PDN.
PCC Elections as a ‘Failed Experiment’: What Lessons can be Learned?
Authors: Kirkland Christopher
Published: June 2015

The low turnout of the 2012 police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections have led to questions surrounding their legitimacy and have even led to the former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg describing the elections—elections his party helped to introduce—as a ‘failed experiment’. Despite this, the election of a majority Conservative government in May 2015 appears to offer some longevity to the role of police and crime commissioners and cements next year's PCC elections in the political diary. Concerns in the immediate aftermath of the elections focused upon the costs of the elections. In this article I offer some suggestions as to what lessons could be learned from this experiment and, through exploring the attitudes of voters, political parties and the media, suggest that we can learn four lessons: (1) that spoilt ballots cannot be ignored; that (2) political parties and (3) the media's attitudes toward elections are important in encouraging people to vote; and (4) that high numbers of independent candidates cannot simply be welcomed at times of elections.
Physico‐Chemical and Structural Characteristics of Vegetables Cooked Under Sous‐Vide, Cook‐Vide, and Conventional Boiling
Authors: Iborra‐Bernad C. , García‐Segovia P. , Martínez‐Monzó J.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, physico‐chemical and structural properties of cut and cooked purple‐flesh potato, green bean pods, and carrots have been studied. Three different cooking methods have been applied: traditional cooking (boiling water at 100 °C), cook‐vide (at 80 and 90 °C) and sous‐vide (at 80 °C and 90 °C). Similar firmness was obtained in potato applying the same cooking time using traditional cooking (100 °C), and cook‐vide and sous‐vide at 90 °C, while in green beans and carrots the application of the sous‐vide (90 °C) required longer cooking times than cook‐vide (90 °C) and traditional cooking (100 °C). Losses in anthocyanins (for purple‐flesh potatoes) and ascorbic acid (for green beans) were higher applying traditional cooking. β‐Carotene extraction increased in carrots with traditional cooking and cook‐vide (P < 0.05). Cryo‐SEM micrographs suggested higher swelling pressure of starch in potatoes cells cooked in contact with water, such as traditional cooking and cook‐vide. Traditional cooking was the most aggressive treatment in green beans because the secondary walls were reduced compared with sous‐vide and cook‐vide. Sous‐vide preserved organelles in the carrot cells, which could explain the lower extraction of β‐carotene compared with cook‐vide and traditional cooking. Sous‐vide cooking of purple‐flesh potato is recommended to maintain its high anthocyanin content. Traditional boiling could be recommended for carrots because increase β‐carotenes availability. For green beans, cook‐vide, and sous‐vide provided products with higher ascorbic acid content.
The Fate of Organophosphorus Pesticides during Camellia Oil Production
Authors: Liu Yihua , Mo Runhong , Zhong Donglian , Shen Danyu , Ni Zhanglin , Tang Fubin
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fate of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) during camellia oil production process, from camellia fruit to the final oil product. The results showed that the OPs were mainly distributed in the peel of camellia fruit, basically above 40% after the pesticide application of 7 d (P < 0.05). A small amount of OPs could enter into the seed and convert to crude camellia oil, with the concentration of 19.5 to 548.2 mg/L. In addition, metabolites of OPs (25.7 to 768.9 mg/L) could be detected in the crude camellia oil. M8oreover, the refining process (degumming, deacidfying, bleaching) had a significant effect on the removal of OPs from the crude camellia oil (P < 0.05), and the effect was related to the octanol–water partition constant (LogP) of pesticide. The larger the LogP, the more stable the OPs were during refining process. The final refined camellia oil was found to have no detectable levels of OPs metabolite.
Radiation Oncology Training Program Curriculum developments in Australia and New Zealand: Design, implementation and evaluation – What next?
Authors: Turner Sandra , Seel Matthew , Berry Martin
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The Australian and New Zealand Radiation Oncology Training Program has undergone major changes to align with pedagogical principles and best‐evidence practice. The curriculum was designed around the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists framework and involved structural programme changes and new in‐training assessment. This paper summarises the work of programme design and implementation and presents key findings from an evaluation of the revised programme.

Methods

An independent team conducted the evaluation during the last year of the first 5‐year curriculum cycle. Opinions were sought from trainees, supervisors and directors of training (DoTs) through online surveys, focused interviews and group consultations. One hundred nineteen participated in surveys; 211 participated in consultations. All training networks were represented.

Results

The new curriculum was viewed favourably by most participants with over 90% responding that it ‘provided direction in attaining competencies’. Most (87/107; 81%) said it ‘promotes regular, productive interaction between trainees and supervisors’. Adequacy of feedback to trainees was rated as only ‘average’ by trainees/trainers in one‐third of cases. Consultations revealed this was more common where trainers were less familiar with curriculum tools. Half of DoTs/supervisors felt better supported. Nearly two‐third of all responders (58/92; 63%) stated that clinical service requirements could be met during training; 17/92 (18.5%) felt otherwise. When asked about ‘work‐readiness’, 59/90 (66%) respondents, including trainees, felt this was improved.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the ‘new’ curriculum has achieved many of its aims, and implementation has largely been successful. Outcomes focus future work on better supporting trainers in using curriculum tools and providing useful feedback to trainees.
The gill microbiota of invasive and indigenous Spondylus oysters from the Mediterranean Sea and northern Red Sea
Authors: Roterman Yahala Rina , Benayahu Yehuda , Reshef Lea , Gophna Uri
Published: June 2015

The gill tissue of bivalve mollusks hosts rich symbiotic microbial communities that may contribute to the animal's metabolism. Spondylus spinosus is an invasive oyster that has become highly abundant along the eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMS) coastline, but is scarce in the northern Red Sea (NRS), its indigenous region. The composition and seasonal dynamics of the gill microbial communities of S. spinosus were examined in both regions, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Additionally, two Red Sea Spondylus species, S. avramsingeri and S. pickeringae, were investigated using the same approach. Significant differences were found between microbial communities of the EMS S. spinosus and the three NRS species. Bacteria from the family Hahellaceae dominated the communities of the EMS S. spinosus and the NRS S. avramsingeri, oysters that are dominant in their habitat, yet were rare in the NRS S. spinosus and S. pickeringae, which are only seldom encountered. Bacterial communities of EMS S. spinosus were more similar to those of NRS S. spinosus than to those of other NRS Spondylus species, indicating that either part of the microbiota had co‐invaded with their host into the Mediterranean Sea, or that there are species‐specific selective constraints on microbial composition.
Consumption of and satisfaction with health care among opioid users with chronic non‐malignant pain
Authors: Hansen A. B. , Skurtveit S. , Borchgrevink P. C. , Dale O. , Romundstad P. R. , Mahic M. , Fredheim O. M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Although persons with chronic pain are frequent users of the health care system, they report poor satisfaction with health care services. Participants with persistent opioid use in Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)3 report severe pain in spite of treatment. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that subjects with persistent opioid use have both a higher consumption of health care services and a poorer satisfaction than the remaining subjects reporting chronic pain.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was based on linkage of self‐reported data from the substudy (10,238 were invited, 6927 met the inclusion criteria) of health care use in HUNT3; a population‐based health survey during the years 2006–2008 and the complete national registers of the Norwegian Prescription Database and the Cancer Registry of Norway. Patients with chronic pain are stratified according to the level of opioid use as persistent users of opioids, intermittent users, and persons not using opioids.

Results

Persons with chronic non‐malignant pain reported a higher consumption of all health care services compared to the control group. Consumption of health care services increased with increasing level of opioid use. Persons with persistent opioid use were highly satisfied with all health care services, although less satisfied than persons without chronic pain.

Conclusions

Combined with previous findings of high levels of pain in spite of opioid treatment, the present findings indicate that symptomatic relief is not a prerequisite for patient satisfaction. The study shows higher patient satisfaction compared to previous studies.
Effectiveness of sofosbuvir‐based regimens in genotype 1 and 2 hepatitis C virus infection in 4026 U.S. Veterans
Authors: Backus L. I. , Belperio P. S. , Shahoumian T. A. , Loomis T. P. , Mole L. A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Real‐world effectiveness data are needed to inform hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment decisions.

Aim

To assess sustained virological response (SVR) of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based regimens in routine medical practice.

Methods

Observational, intent‐to‐treat cohort analysis of genotype 1 and 2 HCV‐infected veterans initiating SOF‐based regimens with recommended treatment duration of 12 weeks.

Results

Four thousand and twenty‐six veterans with genotype 1 (N = 3203) and genotype 2 (N = 823) comprise the cohort. SVR rates for genotype 1 were 66.8% for SOF + peginterferon + ribavirin (RBV), 75.3% for SOF + simeprevir (SIM), 74.1% for SOF + SIM + RBV and for genotype 2 were 79.0% for SOF + RBV. Genotype 1 patients were less likely to achieve SVR with BMI ≥30 (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84, P < 0.001), a history of decompensated liver disease (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36–0.71, P < 0.001), treatment experience (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48–0.71, P < 0.001), APRI >2 (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.36–0.55, P < 0.001) and with SOF + PEG + RBV compared with SOF + SIM (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.40–0.62, P < 0.001). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, diabetes and genotype subtype did not predict SVR. Odds of achieving SVR with SOF + SIM + RBV did not differ compared with SOF + SIM (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.75–1.44, P = 0.86). Genotype 2 patients were less likely to achieve SVR with prior treatment experience (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.88, P = 0.009) and APRI >2 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.62, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this real‐world cohort, SVR rates were lower than in clinical trials. Genotype 1 and 2 HCV‐infected patients with advanced liver disease by APRI >2 or FIB‐4 > 3.25 were significantly less likely to achieve SVR. For genotype 1, a SOF + SIM ± RBV regimen was associated with a higher likelihood of SVR.
Identity and Sustainability: Localized Sense of Community Increases Environmental Engagement
Authors: Forsyth Donelson R. , van Vugt Mark , Schlein Garrett , Story Paul A.
Published: June 2015

Drawing on social, community, and place identity theories, we predicted that individuals whose identities are based, at least in part, on the place where they reside would be more likely to engage in environmentally responsible behaviors, or ERBs. Study 1 tested this hypothesis by assessing residents’ localized community identification and their willingness to take steps to protect and enhance local streams and waterways. Study 2 experimentally manipulated residents’ sense of community. Both studies confirmed that (a) increases in one's sense of community were associated with increases in willingness to protect water resources and (b) pro‐environment behavioral intentions were stronger when identity was more localized (neighborhood‐based rather than regionally based). These findings support a nested conception of placed‐based community identity, which could inform strategies to encourage pro‐environmental water conservation and resource management.
Trends in survival of multiple myeloma patients in Germany and the United States in the first decade of the 21st century
Authors: Pulte Dianne , Jansen Lina , Castro Felipe A. , Emrich Katharina , Katalinic Alexander , Holleczek Bernd , Brenner Hermann ,   the GEKID Cancer Survival Working Group
Published: June 2015

Multiple myeloma is a chronic, incurable but highly treatable neoplasm. Recent population‐based studies have shown improvements in survival for patients diagnosed in the early 21st century. Here, we examine trends in survival for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Germany and the United States (US) between 2002 and 2010. Data were extracted from 11 population‐based cancer registries in Germany and from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database in the US. Myeloma patients aged 15–74 years with diagnosis and follow‐up between 1997 and 2010 from Germany and the US were included. Period analysis was employed to assess trends in 5‐year relative survival in Germany and the US between 2002–04 and 2008–10. Age‐adjusted 5‐year relative survival increased from 47·3% to 53·8% in Germany and from 39·8% to 53·2% in the US between 2002–04 and 2008–10. There was a strong age gradient with lower survival among older patients, which persisted over time and was more pronounced in Germany than the US. Five‐year relative survival estimates for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma below 75 years of age steadily increased throughout the first decade of the 21st century and reached levels above 50% in both Germany and the US, probably reflecting the increased use of newer agents in myeloma treatment.
Optimum position of left adrenal vein sampling for subtype diagnosis in primary aldosteronism
Authors: Umakoshi Hironobu , Wada Norio , Ichijo Takamasa , Kamemura Kohei , Matsuda Yuichi , Fuji Yuichi , Kai Tatsuya , Fukuoka Tomikazu , Sakamoto Ryuichi , Ogo Atsushi , Suzuki Tomoko , Tsuiki Mika , Naruse Mitsuhide ,   WAVES‐J Study Group
Published: June 2015

Context

Although adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the standard method for subtype diagnosis in primary aldosteronism (PA), protocol details including the sampling position in the adrenal vein are not standardized.

Objective

To establish the optimum sampling position in the left adrenal vein based on postoperative outcome in PA patients.

Design and Setting

Retrospective study in nine referral centres.

Participants

Of 496 consecutive PA patients who underwent AVS between 2006 and 2013, 217 with successful AVS under cosyntropin stimulation, and with concomitant data from two positions: proximal (common trunk) and distal (central vein) to the junction with the inferior phrenic vein, were included.

Main outcome measures

Discordant rate of subtype diagnosis between common trunk and central vein, and postoperative outcomes in patients with discordant results.

Results

Subtype diagnosis using common trunk and central vein was discordant in 10 (4·6%) of the 217 patients (κ = 0·87, P < 0·05). Of these 10 patients, eight with left unilateral subtype and two with bilateral subtype using common trunk data showed bilateral subtype and unilateral subtype, respectively, using central vein data. Five patients with left unilateral subtype and one with bilateral subtype by common trunk data underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. All six patients were cured of PA after adrenalectomy, resulting in false‐negative rates of 17% (1/6) by common trunk data, and 83% (5/6) by central vein data.

Conclusion

In view of its better potential diagnostic accuracy, technical ease, lower cost and lower risk of vein rupture, blood sampling from the common trunk of the left adrenal vein may be preferable as the standard method of AVS in patients with PA, although additional studies in a larger number of cases are required.