bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altruism in business – an empirical study of philanthropy in the small business context
Authors: Lähdesmäki Merja , Takala Tuomo
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine corporate philanthropy from the perspective of small business owner‐managers to find out whether there is room for altruism in business life.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on 25 thematic interviews with small business owner‐managers. The data analysis is based on a method of qualitative content analysis.

Findings

Based on the analysis, it is shown that reactivity, an emphasis on personal interests, the willingness to utilize philanthropy as part of marketing and lack of planning are typical of philanthropy in the small business context. Small businesses often emphasize strategic business reasons as the main motive for their philanthropic engagements. Nevertheless, in some cases the philanthropic decisions are based on mere willingness to contribute to the welfare of others. Thus, the paper suggests that there is room for altruism in the small business context. The existence of altruism in the context of small business philanthropy is closely related to owner‐managers' values and business ambitions. Indeed, the organizational context does not usually hinder the existence of altruism to any great extent among small businesses, as it might do in the large business context. Similarly, based on the results of this study, the authors suggest that close relationships between a small business and its stakeholders increase the probability of altruism in business.

Research limitations/implications

It is acknowledged that corporate philanthropy is but one possible context in which to study altruism.

Originality/value

The study provides useful information on whether there is room for altruism in business life from the perspective of small business owner‐managers.
Mission, purpose, and ambition: redefining the mission statement
Authors: Salem Khalifa Azaddin
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue for the need to redefine a mission statement, to develop a clearer definition and show its advantages and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper shows the literature's lack of agreement on the definition of the mission statement and whether it should be defined as a stand‐alone statement or as a broader model. It then demonstrates the discrepancy between these definitions and the actual mission statements of exemplary organizations. This is followed by proposing a new definition of a mission, demonstrating how it is rooted in good practice, and presenting its benefits and limitations.

Findings

There are found to be widely varied definitions and models of the mission statement. These are typically complex (composed of many parts) and are not reflected in the mission statements of many exemplary organizations. The need is clear for a more focused definition.

Research limitations/implications

The basic argument is mainly built on conceptual discussions and unsystematic evidence. Therefore, there is a need for more empirical studies to substantiate that argument. The paper discusses the research implications of the proposed definition.

Practical implications

The proposed definition of the mission statement may prove helpful both conceptually and practically. This definition focuses the attention of practitioners on purpose and commitment independent from other related concepts. The paper shows the impact of the proposed definition on the process, participants, and outcome of developing a mission statement.

Originality/value

The paper offers a focused definition of mission statement and shows its relevance to both theory and practice.
Air the anger: investigating online complaints on luxury hotels
Authors: Ekiz Erdogan , Khoo‐Lattimore Catheryn , Memarzadeh Faranak
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Given the importance of negative word of mouth and growing number of hotel customers who leave their complaints on the web, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the complaints posted by guests who have stayed at luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset for this paper is a compilation of hotel reviews collected from TripAdvisor between November 2010 and January 2011. A thematic analysis was used in order to identify emergent themes from the dataset, which were explored and discussed in relation to the existing literature on complaining behavior as well as the aims of the study. The six phases of analysis outlined in the relevant literature was used to guide data analysis.

Findings

Analysis of the 320 scripts produced a total of 1,453 different incidents. Results of the analysis produced 54 different themes. A frequency analysis conducted to rank these 54 themes in terms of how frequently they are stated. Some of the extracted themes and their frequency from the most significant to least are as follows; “rooms”, “arrogant and/or clueless staff” and “failure to respond”.

Practical implications

Rooms as the setting of the accommodation services, received the highest number of complaints from the luxury hotel guests, and suggest that Malaysian hoteliers should focus on the basics of accommodation and provide tangible quality factors. Moreover, the findings of the analysis suggest that the luxury hotels are suffering from service failures caused by inexperienced, unprofessional, misbehaving staff, which calls for strong recruitment, training and continuous improvement on the hoteliers' part. The findings highlight some important measures that hoteliers can use as guidelines to further improve their service offerings.

Originality/value

Customers who share dissatisfying experiences and disseminate negative word‐of‐mouth have been a significant challenge for companies who under‐deliver. This problem is more of a major concern today with the aid of technology and the speed of internet. Despite the increasing importance, comparatively little has been written on how guests use the internet to share their experiences.
Vegetation's importance in regulating surface elevation in a coastal salt marsh facing elevated rates of sea level rise
Authors: Baustian Joseph J. , Mendelssohn Irving A. , Hester Mark W.
Published: July 2012

Rising sea levels threaten the sustainability of coastal wetlands around the globe, thus understanding how increased inundation alters the elevation change mechanisms in these systems is increasingly important. Typically, the ability of coastal marshes to maintain their position in the intertidal zone depends on the accumulation of both organic and inorganic materials, so one, if not both, of these processes must increase to keep pace with rising seas, assuming all else constant. To determine the importance of vegetation in these processes, we measured elevation change and surface accretion over a 4‐year period in recently subsided, unvegetated marshes, resulting from drought‐induced marsh dieback, in paired planted and unplanted plots. We compared soil and vegetation responses in these plots with paired reference plots that had neither experienced dieback nor subsidence. All treatments (unvegetated, planted, and reference) were replicated six times. The recently subsided areas were 6–10 cm lower in elevation than the reference marshes at the beginning of the study; thus, mean water levels were 6–10 cm higher in these areas vs. the reference sites. Surface accretion rates were lowest in the unplanted plots at 2.3 mm yr−1, but increased in the presence of vegetation to 16.4 mm yr−1 in the reference marsh and 26.1 mm yr−1 in the planted plots. The rates of elevation change were also bolstered by the presence of vegetation. The unplanted areas decreased in elevation by 9.4 mm yr−1; whereas the planted areas increased in elevation by 13.3 mm yr−1, and the reference marshes increased by 3.5 mm yr−1. These results highlight the importance of vegetation in the accretionary processes that maintain marsh surface elevation within the intertidal zone, and provide evidence that coastal wetlands may be able to keep pace with a rising sea in certain situations.
Acidity controls on dissolved organic carbon mobility in organic soils
Authors: Evans Chris D. , Jones Tim G. , Burden Annette , Ostle Nick , Zieliński Piotr , Cooper Mark D. A. , Peacock Mike , Clark Joanna M. , Oulehle Filip , Cooper David , Freeman Chris
Published: July 2012

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in surface waters have increased across much of Europe and North America, with implications for the terrestrial carbon balance, aquatic ecosystem functioning, water treatment costs and human health. Over the past decade, many hypotheses have been put forward to explain this phenomenon, from changing climate and land management to eutrophication and acid deposition. Resolution of this debate has been hindered by a reliance on correlative analyses of time series data, and a lack of robust experimental testing of proposed mechanisms. In a 4 year, four‐site replicated field experiment involving both acidifying and deacidifying treatments, we tested the hypothesis that DOC leaching was previously suppressed by high levels of soil acidity in peat and organo‐mineral soils, and therefore that observed DOC increases a consequence of decreasing soil acidity. We observed a consistent, positive relationship between DOC and acidity change at all sites. Responses were described by similar hyperbolic relationships between standardized changes in DOC and hydrogen ion concentrations at all sites, suggesting potentially general applicability. These relationships explained a substantial proportion of observed changes in peak DOC concentrations in nearby monitoring streams, and application to a UK‐wide upland soil pH dataset suggests that recovery from acidification alone could have led to soil solution DOC increases in the range 46–126% by habitat type since 1978. Our findings raise the possibility that changing soil acidity may have wider impacts on ecosystem carbon balances. Decreasing sulphur deposition may be accelerating terrestrial carbon loss, and returning surface waters to a natural, high‐DOC condition.
Plant respiration and photosynthesis in global‐scale models: incorporating acclimation to temperature and CO2
Authors: Smith Nicholas G , Dukes Jeffrey S
Published: July 2012

To realistically simulate climate feedbacks from the land surface to the atmosphere, models must replicate the responses of plants to environmental changes. Several processes, operating at various scales, cause the responses of photosynthesis and plant respiration to temperature and CO2 to change over time of exposure to new or changing environmental conditions. Here, we review the latest empirical evidence that short‐term responses of plant carbon exchange rates to temperature and CO2 are modified by plant photosynthetic and respiratory acclimation as well as biogeochemical feedbacks. We assess the frequency with which these responses have been incorporated into vegetation models, and highlight recently designed algorithms that can facilitate their incorporation. Few models currently include representations of the long‐term plant responses that have been recorded by empirical studies, likely because these responses are still poorly understood at scales relevant for models. Studies show that, at a regional scale, simulated carbon flux between the atmosphere and vegetation can dramatically differ between versions of models that do and do not include acclimation. However, the realism of these results is difficult to evaluate, as algorithm development is still in an early stage, and a limited number of data are available. We provide a series of recommendations that suggest how a combination of empirical and modeling studies can produce mechanistic algorithms that will realistically simulate longer term responses within global‐scale models.
Experiments with Methods to Reduce Attrition in Longitudinal Surveys
Authors: Fumagalli Laura , Laurie Heather , Lynn Peter
Published: July 2012

We report findings from two large-scale randomized experiments, carried out on the British Household Panel Survey, with survey features designed to reduce sample attrition. The first experiment compares strategies for obtaining updated contact information from sample members. We find that the propensity to locate a sample member at wave t successfully is maximized by a between-wave mailing of a change-of-address card, rather than an address confirmation card or no card. The second experiment compares standardized and tailored respondent reports for young people and busy people. We find that tailored reports have a modest positive effect on rates of co-operation for both groups, though the effect for busy people depends on providing the option of a shorter telephone interview instead of the full face-to-face interview.
Endothelial Japanese encephalitis virus infection enhances migration and adhesion of leukocytes to brain microvascular endothelia via MEK‐dependent expression of ICAM1 and the CINC and RANTES chemokines
Authors: Lai Ching‐Yi , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Chang Cheng‐Yi , Pan Hung‐Chuan , Chang Chen‐Jung , Liao Su‐Lan , Su Hong‐Lin , Chen Chun‐Jung
Published: July 2012

Currently, the underlying mechanisms and the specific cell types associated with Japanese encephalitis‐associated leukocyte trafficking are not understood. Brain microvascular endothelial cells represent a functional barrier and could play key roles in leukocyte central nervous system trafficking. We found that cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells were susceptible to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection with limited amplification. This type of JEV infection had negligible effects on cell viability and barrier integrity. Instead, JEV‐infected endothelial cells attracted more leukocytes adhesion onto surfaces and the supernatants promoted chemotaxis of leukocytes. Infection with JEV was found to elicit the elevated production of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1, and regulated‐upon‐activation normal T‐cell expressed and secreted, contributing to the aforementioned leukocyte adhesion and chemotaxis. We further demonstrated that extracellular signal‐regulated kinase was a key upstream regulator which stimulated extensive endothelial gene induction by up‐regulating cytosolic phospholipase A2, NF‐κB, and cAMP response element‐binding protein via signals involving phosphorylation. These data suggest that JEV infection could activate brain microvascular endothelial cells and modify their characteristics without compromising the barrier integrity, making them favorable for the recruitment and adhesion of circulating leukocytes, thereby together with other unidentified barrier‐disrupting mechanisms contributing to Japanese encephalitis and associated neuroinflammation.
From old comrades to new partnerships: dynamic development of economic relations between China and North Korea
Authors: Yoon Seung‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Ook
Published: July 2012

Traditionally, China and North Korea have been described as ‘blood brothers’ because of their common socialist ideological ground. Since 2000 the basis of their relationship has shifted from one‐sided economic support by China into strategic and mutual cooperation. In this paper, we analyse changes in their relationship by examining two specific points: first, China's growing investment and trade in North Korea, and second, close linkages of regional development strategies between the two countries. While the prevalent discussions around North Korea and its relations with China concentrate on geopolitical issues, this research shed more light on geoeconomic engagement between China and North Korea. This paper argues that it is crucial to grasp how China and North Korea perform geoeconomic calculations toward each other and how this affects geopolitical conditions.
HOW MANY SPECIES OF ALGAE ARE THERE?
Authors: Guiry Michael D.
Published: July 2012

Algae have been estimated to include anything from 30,000 to more than 1 million species. An attempt is made here to arrive at a more accurate estimate using species numbers in phyla and classes included in the on‐line taxonomic database AlgaeBase (http://www.algaebase.org). Despite uncertainties regarding what organisms should be included as algae and what a species is in the context of the various algal phyla and classes, a conservative approach results in an estimate of 72,500 algal species, names for 44,000 of which have probably been published, and 33,248 names have been processed by AlgaeBase to date (June 2012). Some published estimates of diatom numbers are of over 200,000 species, which would result in four to five diatom species for every other algal species. Concern is expressed at the decline and potential extinction of taxonomists worldwide capable of improving and completing the necessary systematic studies.
Functional Uniform Priors for Nonlinear Modeling
Authors: Bornkamp Björn
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis article considers the topic of finding prior distributions when a major component of the statistical model depends on a nonlinear function. Using results on how to construct uniform distributions in general metric spaces, we propose a prior distribution that is uniform in the space of functional shapes of the underlying nonlinear function and then back‐transform to obtain a prior distribution for the original model parameters. The primary application considered in this article is nonlinear regression, but the idea might be of interest beyond this case. For nonlinear regression the so constructed priors have the advantage that they are parametrization invariant and do not violate the likelihood principle, as opposed to uniform distributions on the parameters or the Jeffrey’s prior, respectively. The utility of the proposed priors is demonstrated in the context of design and analysis of nonlinear regression modeling in clinical dose‐finding trials, through a real data example and simulation.
Low Extra-articular (Transcondylar) Fractures of the Distal Humerus
Authors: Weening Alexander A. , Brouwer Kim M. , Adams Margaritha , Ring David
Published: July 2012

Background

We reviewed our experience with low transcondylar, extra-articular distal humerus fractures to determine the prevalence of extra-articular distal humerus fractures, the percentage that are low transcondylar fractures, and the results of treatment.

Material and methods

One hundred seventy-four fractures of the distal humerus in adult patients were identified. Patients with at least 1-year of follow-up were evaluated based on the medical record according to the system described by Broberg and Morrey.

Results

Twenty-six fractures (15%) were extra-articular (AO Type A), 15 involved both the medial and lateral columns (8.6%), nine of which were low transcondylar fractures representing 5% of all fractures and 60% of the extra-articular bicolumnar fractures. Among the nine patients with low transcondylar fractures, two had non-union and three died within 3 months of injury. Among the eight patients with healed fractures after sufficient follow-up, patients with higher extra-articular distal humerus fractures had better motion and function than patients with low transcondylar fractures.

Conclusions

Transcondylar fractures are the most common type of extra-articular bicolumnar fracture and may be more common than previously recognized. Mortality within 3 months and non-union appear common with this fracture type.
Design and Test of an Extensometer for Strain Monitoring of High Temperature Pipelines
Authors: Hu X. Y. , Jia J. H. , Wang N. , Xia X. M. , Wang Z. D. , Tu S. T.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, an extensometer was specifically designed for online deformation monitoring of high temperature pipes and its applicability was verified experimentally. The design procedure and the installation of the extensometer were described in detail. Experiments were carried out to prove the accuracy and the reliability of the extensometer. The laboratory test at room temperature was performed. The reliability of the extensometer at high temperature was validated by on-site monitoring of the deformation of a main steam pipe operating at 540 °C in a power plant. It was demonstrated that the designed extensometer has a high accuracy and an excellent reliability for measurement of the deformation of the high temperature pipes.
Geothrix fermentans Secretes Two Different Redox-Active Compounds To Utilize Electron Acceptors across a Wide Range of Redox Potentials
Authors: Mehta-Kolte Misha G. , Bond Daniel R.
Published: July 2012

The current understanding of dissimilatory metal reduction is based primarily on isolates from the proteobacterial genera
Geobacter
and
Shewanella
. However, environments undergoing active Fe(III) reduction often harbor less-well-studied phyla that are equally abundant. In this work, electrochemical techniques were used to analyze respiratory electron transfer by the only known Fe(III)-reducing representative of the
Acidobacteria
,
Geothrix fermentans
. In contrast to previously characterized metal-reducing bacteria, which typically reach maximal rates of respiration at electron acceptor potentials of 0 V versus standard hydrogen electrode (SHE),
G. fermentans
required potentials as high as 0.55 V to respire at its maximum rate. In addition,
G. fermentans
secreted two different soluble redox-active electron shuttles with separate redox potentials (−0.2 V and 0.3 V). The compound with the lower midpoint potential, responsible for 20 to 30% of electron transfer activity, was riboflavin. The behavior of the higher-potential compound was consistent with hydrophilic UV-fluorescent molecules previously found in
G. fermentans
supernatants. Both electron shuttles were also produced when cultures were grown with Fe(III), but not when fumarate was the electron acceptor. This study reveals that
Geothrix
is able to take advantage of higher-redox-potential environments, demonstrates that secretion of flavin-based shuttles is not confined to
Shewanella
, and points to the existence of high-potential-redox-active compounds involved in extracellular electron transfer. Based on differences between the respiratory strategies of
Geothrix
and
Geobacter
, these two groups of bacteria could exist in distinctive environmental niches defined by redox potential.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Sponge-Associated Strain Bacillus atrophaeus C89, a Potential Producer of Marine Drugs
Authors: Liu Fang , Sun Wei , Su Fei , Zhou Kang , Li Zhiyong
Published: July 2012

Bacillus atrophaeus
C89, isolated from the marine sponge
Dysidea avara
, is a potential producer of bioactive compounds, such as neobacillamide A and bacillamide C. Here, we present a 4.2-Mb assembly of its genome. The nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) make it possible to produce the bioactive compounds.
Construction and validation of a questionnaire distinguishing a chronic abdominal wall pain syndrome from irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: van Assen Tijmen , Boelens Oliver B , Kamphuis Jan T , Scheltinga Marc R , Roumen Rudi M
Published: July 2012

Objective

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) population is heterogeneous, harbouring a variety of abdominal symptoms. Therefore, IBS is often termed a ‘diagnosis of exclusion’. Chronic abdominal wall pain (CAWP) is a poorly recognized entity, frequently caused by the anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). Some patients may be misdiagnosed because IBS and CAWP share symptoms. Aim of this study was to construct and validate a questionnaire to distinguish patients with CAWP (including ACNES) patients with IBS.

Design

A questionnaire was designed of 17 ACNES characteristic items obtained from ACNES patients (n=33) and expert opinion of two specialized surgeons. Eleven IBS-related items (‘Rome III’ criteria) were added leading to a questionnaire containing 28 items. This was validated in a ‘gold standard’ ACNES group (successfully operated ACNES patients, n=68) and a ‘prospective’ IBS group (n=64) as well as in a ‘prospective’ ACNES group (n=47). Distinctive power of individual items was analyzed by χ2. Reliability was tested with Crohnbach's α. ROC curve was used to determine cut-off values.

Results

Eighteen of 28 items were significantly distinctive (p<0.01) between ACNES and IBS patients leading to an 18-point ACNES score with good internal consistency (α=0.85). Cut-off value of 10 points resulted in 94% sensitivity, 92% specificity and areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.98. Evaluation of the prospective ACNES group led to 85% sensitivity, 92% specificity and AUC 0.95 indicating high discriminative properties of the questionnaire.

Conclusions

This novel questionnaire may be useful and valid as a simple tool distinguishing patients harbouring a CAWP syndrome from those having IBS.
Candida krusei: biotechnological potentials and concerns about its safety
Authors: Yadav Jay Shankar Singh , Bezawada Jyothi , Yan Song , Tyagi R.D. , Surampalli R.Y.
Published: July 2012

Yeasts have a tradition in biotechnological applications, and Saccharomyces species are the most dominating representatives. Among the yeast species, Candida krusei has been isolated from different habitats, and in recent years, it has gained increased interest because of its diverse biotechnological role. It is found in many fermented food items and dairy products and has also been exploited for production of biochemicals and enzymes. However, because of its opportunistic pathogenic nature, it draws scientific attention regarding the safety of its industrial exploitation. Candida krusei generally causes infections in immunocompromised patients, such as those suffering from Human immunodeficiency virus – acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and also in cancer patients. The recent increase in the use of immunosuppressive drugs has increased the chances of C. krusei infections. Candida krusei possesses an intrinsic resistance to many triazole antifungal drugs, especially fluconazole, which is a main drug used in antifungal therapy; therefore, there is serious concern regarding its safe industrial use.
VopB1 and VopD1 are essential for translocation of type III secretion system 1 effectors of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Shimohata Takaaki , Mawatari Kazuaki , Iba Hitomi , Hamano Masakazu , Negoro Sachie , Asada Shoko , Aihara Mutsumi , Hirata Akiko , Su Zehong , Takahashi Akira
Published: July 2012

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a pathogenic Vibrio species that causes food-borne acute gastroenteritis, often related to the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. Vibrio parahaemolyticus has 2 type III secretion systems (T3SS1 and T3SS2). Here, we demonstrate that VP1657 (VopB1) and VP1656 (VopD1), which share sequence similarity with Pseudomonas genes popB (38%) and popD (36%), respectively, are essential for translocation of T3SS1 effectors into host cells. A VP1680CyaA fusion reporter system was constructed to observe effector translocation. Using this reporter assay we showed that the VopB1 and VopD1 deletion strains were unable to translocate VP1680 to host cell but that the secretion of VP1680 into the culture medium was not affected. VopB1 or VopD1 deletion strains did not enhance cytotoxicity and failed to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases and secretion of interleukin-8, which depend on VP1680. Thus, we conclude that VopB1 and VopD1 are essential components of the translocon. To target VopB1 and VopD1 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment or prevention in V. parahaemolyticus infection.
Brain stem oxidative stress and its associated signaling in the regulation of sympathetic vasomotor tone
Authors: Chan Samuel H. H. , Chan Julie Y. H.
Published: July 2012

There is now compelling evidence from studies in humans and animals that overexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. An excellent example is neurogenic hypertension, in which central sympathetic overactivation is involved in the development, staging, and progression of the disease, and one of the underlying mechanisms involves oxidative stress in key brain stem sites that are engaged in the regulation of sympathetic vasomotor tone. Using the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) as two illustrative brain stem neural substrates, this article provides an overview of the impact of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants on RVLM and NTS in the pathogenesis of neurogenic hypertension. This is followed by a discussion of the redox-sensitive signaling pathways, including several kinases, ion channels, and transcription factors that underpin the augmentation in sympathetic vasomotor tone. In addition, the emerging view that brain stem oxidative stress is also causally related to a reduction in sympathetic vasomotor tone and hypotension during brain stem death, methamphetamine intoxication, and temporal lobe status epilepticus will be presented, along with the causal contribution of the oxidant peroxynitrite formed by a reaction between nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II)-derived nitric oxide and superoxide. Also discussed as a reasonable future research direction is dissection of the cellular mechanisms and signaling cascades that may underlie the contributory role of nitric oxide generated by different NOS isoforms in the differential effects of oxidative stress in the RVLM or NTS on sympathetic vasomotor tone.
A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Novel Loci for Paclitaxel-Induced Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy in CALGB 40101
Authors: Baldwin R. Michael , Owzar Kouros , Zembutsu Hitoshi , Chhibber Aparna , Kubo Michiaki , Jiang Chen , Watson Dorothy , Eclov Rachel J. , Mefford Joel , McLeod Howard L. , Friedman Paula N. , Hudis Clifford A. , Winer Eric P. , Jorgenson Eric M. , Witte John S. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Nakamura Yusuke , Ratain Mark J. , Kroetz Deanna L.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Sensory peripheral neuropathy is a common and sometimes debilitating toxicity associated with paclitaxel therapy. This study aims to identify genetic risk factors for the development of this toxicity.

Experimental Design: A prospective pharmacogenetic analysis of patients with primary breast cancer, randomized to the paclitaxel arm of CALGB 40101, was used to identify genetic predictors of the onset and severity of sensory peripheral neuropathy. A genome-wide association study in 855 subjects of European ancestry was conducted and findings were replicated in additional European (n = 154) and African American (n = 117) subjects.

Results: A single nucleotide polymorphism in FGD4 was associated with the onset of sensory peripheral neuropathy in the discovery cohort [rs10771973; HR, 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30–1.91; P = 2.6 × 10−6] and in a European (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06–2.80; P = 0.013) and African American (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.13–3.28; P = 6.7 × 10−3) replication cohort. There is also evidence that markers in additional genes, including EPHA5 (rs7349683) and FZD3 (rs10771973), were associated with the onset or severity of paclitaxel-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusions: A genome-wide association study has identified novel genetic markers of paclitaxel-induced sensory peripheral neuropathy, including a common polymorphism in FGD4, a congenital peripheral neuropathy gene. These findings suggest that genetic variation may contribute to variation in development of this toxicity. Validation of these findings may allow for the identification of patients at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy and inform the use of an alternative to paclitaxel and/or the clinical management of this toxicity. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 5099–109. ©2012 AACR.
Climate Change during and after the Roman Empire: Reconstructing the Past from Scientific and Historical Evidence
Authors: McCormick Michael , Büntgen Ulf , Cane Mark A. , Cook Edward R. , Harper Kyle , Huybers Peter , Litt Thomas , Manning Sturt W. , Mayewski Paul Andrew , More Alexander F. M. , Nicolussi Kurt , Tegel Willy
Published: July 2012

Growing scientific evidence from modern climate science is loaded with implications for the environmental history of the Roman Empire and its successor societies. The written and archaeological evidence, although richer than commonly realized, is unevenly distributed over time and space. A first synthesis of what the written records and multiple natural archives (multi-proxy data) indicate about climate change and variability across western Eurasia from c. 100 b.c. to 800 a.d. confirms that the Roman Empire rose during a period of stable and favorable climatic conditions, which deteriorated during the Empire's third-century crisis. A second, briefer period of favorable conditions coincided with the Empire's recovery in the fourth century; regional differences in climate conditions parallel the diverging fates of the eastern and western Empires in subsequent centuries. Climate conditions beyond the Empire's boundaries also played an important role by affecting food production in the Nile valley, and by encouraging two major migrations and invasions of pastoral peoples from Central Asia.
Mechanical and thermal behaviours of polyetheretherketone-based multi-scale composites
Authors: Lin LY , Tlatlik H , Gralla R , Igartua MA , Baets P de , Schlarb AK
Published: July 2012

In this study, polyetheretherketone composites were compounded using a two-screw extruder followed by injection moulding. The effects of multi-fillers on the mechanical properties and crystallization performances were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that the addition of fillers slightly increases the crystallization temperature and crystallinity. Compared to neat polyetheretherketone, the incorporation of inorganic filler leads to a significant improvement in matrix hardness, matrix stiffness and a slight increase in tensile strength. However, the material ductility, the impact strength and the fracture toughness of polyetheretherketone composites decrease. Fractography analyses show that the addition of fillers restraints the ductile deformation of polymers, which is responsible for the reduction of material ductility, impact strength as well as fracture toughness of polyetheretherketone composites.
Being moved in sundry places
Authors: Cocksworth Ashley
Published: July 2012

In commemoration of its three-hundred-and-fiftieth year, this article draws on the rich resource of Evening Prayer as it appears in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer to argue that the liturgy leads the participant through a transformative movement of prayer. The curious doubling of the Lord’s Prayer provides a framework in order to discuss this transformation.
Pathways into Multiple Exclusion Homelessness in Seven UK Cities
Authors: Fitzpatrick Suzanne , Bramley Glen , Johnsen Sarah
Published: July 2012

This paper interrogates pathways into multiple exclusion homelessness (MEH) in the UK and, informed by a critical realist theoretical framework, explores the potential causal processes underlying these pathways. Drawing on an innovative multistage quantitative survey, it identifies five experiential clusters within the MEH population, based on the extent and complexity of experiences of homelessness, substance misuse, institutional care, street culture activities and adverse life events. It demonstrates that the most complex forms of MEH are associated with childhood trauma. It also reveals that the temporal sequencing of MEH-relevant experiences is remarkably consistent, with substance misuse and mental health problems tending to occur early in individual pathways, and homelessness and a range of adverse life events typically occurring later. The strong inference is that these later-occurring events are largely consequences rather than originating causes of MEH, which has important implications for the conceptualisation of, and policy responses to, deep exclusion.
Motivations for Secondary Abstinence Among African American Females at Risk for HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Bradley Erin L. P. , Sales Jessica M. , Elifson Kirk W. , DiClemente Ralph J.
Published: July 2012

Some sexually experienced African American females abstain from sexual activity for various reasons and periods of time following sexual debut (secondary abstinence), reducing their risk of HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. However, few studies have sought to understand secondary abstinence motivations. Furthermore, the scope of existing knowledge may be limited by the quantitative approaches employed. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate secondary abstinence motivations among African American females using a grounded theory approach. Interviews were conducted with 20 young women, aged 18 to 23 years, who recently completed a sexual risk–reduction intervention. Motivations for secondary abstinence not identified in previous studies included feeling used for sex, partner infidelity, and abuse or sexual assault. Also, young women were motivated to abstain to focus on improving certain aspects of their lives. Other motivations similar to those previously identified included not being married or in a committed relationship, separation from one’s partner, and STI and pregnancy experiences or fears. Insight from this investigation can be used to improve measurement of motivations and to develop and refine HIV/STI interventions for this population.
The Cultural Competence of Health Care Professionals
Authors: Prescott-Clements Linda , Schuwirth Lambert , van der Vleuten Cees , Hurst Yvonne , Whelan Gerald , Gibb Elizabeth , Rennie James
Published: July 2012

The cultural competence of health professionals affects the satisfaction with, and outcomes of, patient care. Patient-centered cultural training was implemented with 76 trainees. Four months later, they were assessed using standardized patient scenarios and their performance compared to a control group. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the training. Assessment scores were analyzed using t tests to compare groups. Interrater reliability was calculated for individual scenarios. The cultural training received positive evaluations with many trainees indicating their intention to change future practice. Those who received cultural training gained higher scores upon assessment than those who had not. This difference was significant for three scenarios with nonclinical evaluators. Interrater reliability ranged from .913 to .427. The significant difference in performance between the groups supports the validity and educational impact of this approach. However, variable reliability highlights the difficulties with developing robust assessments in this area that are feasible within resource constraints.
A living wage standard: A case study of the US Virgin Islands
Authors: Kotval Zenia , Kotval-K Zeenat , Machemer Patricia , Mullin John
Published: July 2012

While a minimum wage standard refers to the lowest wage allowed by law, a living wage attempts to address issues of well-being and dignity. A minimum wage is not a living wage; a minimum wage may not allow low-wage workers a minimally secure way of life. For many communities, their minimum wage—even those set above the federal level—does not allow low-wage workers to meet their very basic living needs such as food, shelter, and basic medical care. If a community is successful in the passage of a living wage standard, the living wage becomes the legal minimum wage for the regulated businesses and institutions. Thus, living wage initiatives represent an approach to raising the minimum wage for the affected businesses regulated by the law. In 2008, the US Virgin Islands ( USVI ) Legislature decided to pass Act 7027 which required the USVI Bureau of Economic Research to develop an economic Self-Sufficiency Standard for the USVI. This current study, conducted by the authors, does not address arguments for a living wage based on morality; rather this study addresses the economic logic of a living wage by assessing the economic effects for the USVI.
Progressive muscle relaxation in persons with schizophrenia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , Correll Christoph U , Scheewe Thomas W , Probst Michel , De Herdt Amber , Knapen Jan , De Hert Marc
Published: July 2012

Objective:

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation on psychological distress and anxiety symptoms and on response/remission for people with schizophrenia.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials were considered if they investigated progressive muscle relaxation in patients with schizophrenia. EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane Library were searched. The selection of studies, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results:

Three randomized controlled trials involving 146 patients met the inclusion criteria. Progressive muscle relaxation can acutely reduce state anxiety and psychological distress and improve subjective well-being. No studies investigated the evidence for progressive muscle relaxation as an add-on treatment for general psychopathology and for positive or negative symptoms. Also, no studies assessed the value of progressive muscle relaxation in longer-term treatment and for relapse prevention. There were no data to draw any conclusions about progressive muscle relaxation in comparison with other treatment modalities. None of the studies encountered adverse events. Dose-response relationships could not be determined.

Conclusion:

Progressive muscle relaxation might be a useful add-on treatment to reduce state anxiety and psychological distress and improve subjective well-being in persons with schizophrenia.
The biomechanics of three different fracture fixation implants for distal femur repair in the presence of a tumor-like defect
Authors: Ahmadi Shahryar , Shah Suraj , Wunder Jay S , Schemitsch Emil H , Ferguson Peter C , Zdero Rad
Published: July 2012

The femur is the most common long bone involved in metastatic disease. There is consensus about treating diaphyseal and epiphyseal metastatic lesions. However, the choice of device for optimal fixation for distal femur metaphyseal metastatic lesion remains unclear. This study compared the mechanical stiffness and strength of three different fixation methods. In 15 synthetic femurs, a spherical tumor-like defect was created in the lateral metaphyseal region, occupying 50% of the circumference of the bone. The defect was filled with bone cement and fixed with one of three methods: Group 1 (retrograde nail), Group 2 (lateral locking plate), and Group 3 (lateral nonlocking periarticular plate). Constructs were tested for mechanical stiffness and strength. There were no differences between groups for axial stiffness (Group 1, 1280 ± 112 N/mm; Group 2, 1422 ± 117 N/mm; and Group 3, 1403 ± 122 N/mm; p = 0.157) and offset torsional strength (Group 1, 1696 ± 628 N; Group 2, 1771 ± 290 N; and Group 3, 1599 ± 253 N; p = 0.816). In the coronal plane, Group 2 (296 ± 17 N/mm) had a higher stiffness than Group 1 (263 ± 17 N/mm; p = 0.018). In the sagittal plane, Group 1 (315 ± 9 N/mm) had a higher stiffness than Group 3 (285 ± 19 N/mm; p = 0.028). For offset torsional stiffness, Group 1 (256 ± 23 N/mm) had a higher value than Group 3 (218 ± 16 N/mm; p = 0.038). Group 1 had equivalent performance to both plating groups in two test modes, and it was superior to Group 3 in two other test modes. Since a retrograde nail (i.e. Group 1) would require less soft-tissue stripping in a clinical context, it may be the optimal choice for tumor-like defects in the distal femur.
An agent-based framework for collaboration among critical mechanical devices working in a cluster
Authors: Yang Qiliang , Xing Jianchun , Wang Ping
Published: July 2012

Critical mechanical devices, such as high-pressure air compressors, are crucial for industrial production. Critical mechanical devices are independently distributed devices that work in a cluster, but have high power requirements and need large amounts of space. Thus, the efficient control and coordination of a cluster of critical mechanical devices to achieve task goals is beset with difficulties. Motivated by an example of high-pressure air compressors in a cluster, this paper proposes an agent-based framework for realizing collaboration among critical mechanical devices that work in a cluster. The proposed agent-based framework endows critical mechanical devices with abilities such as autonomy, interaction and collaboration. The framework comprises three core components: (i) an agent-based control approach to the design of critical mechanical device agents to create autonomy; (ii) a type of critical mechanical device agent communication language to create interaction among critical mechanical devices; and (iii) a total working time-based collaboration algorithm that fully considers the physical characteristics of critical mechanical devices to create collaboration among critical mechanical device clusters. A type of critical mechanical device agent controller is implemented using the proposed approach. The agent-based framework has been successfully applied and evaluated in a real-world project. The results obtained in that case study show that the proposed framework can achieve collaboration among critical mechanical device clusters allowing them to realize their predefined goals efficiently and safely.
Maximizing the Benefits of International Education Collaborations
Authors: Spencer-Oatey Helen
Published: July 2012

International collaborations are frequently mentioned in university strategies as a way of promoting internationalization, often in relation to achieving greater connectivity among staff from different backgrounds. Much less explicit attention is paid to the underlying rationale for facilitating such connectivity, or the challenges academic staff may face in participating in such collaborations. In this article, the author argues that failure to pay adequate attention to such interaction issues can hinder the added value that international projects can offer and that much greater attention needs to be paid to the collaboration process itself in order to maximize benefits. The author analyzes the interaction experiences of staff who participated in a set of Sino-British collaborative e-learning projects and reports and illustrates the key challenges they faced and the ways in which they responded. The article concludes with a number of implications and recommendations for personnel involved in researching, planning, and/or participating in international education collaborations.
Influence of Black Masculinity Game Exemplars on Social Judgments
Authors: Dill Karen E. , Burgess Melinda C.R.
Published: July 2012

In this investigation, the authors ask how media exemplars of Black masculinity influence the views of and intentions toward other Black men. An experiment compared the effects of exposure to Black video game characters fitting the exemplar thug or street criminal (e.g., Carl Johnson from GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS) versus exemplars of professional Black men (e.g., political leaders), on evaluations of an unknown and unrelated Black or White political candidate and on pro-Black attitudes. Results revealed significant interactions of exemplar type and candidate race on favorability and capability candidate ratings and on pro-Black attitudes. These data demonstrate the power of mass media exemplars of Black masculinity to prime meaningfully different outcomes in viewers. As the face of gaming evolves with advances in technology, so too should the characterization of race in games.
Mobilizing Culture as an Asset
Authors: Adelman Madelaine , Haldane Hillary , Wies Jennifer R.
Published: July 2012

The contested relationship between gender violence and the “culture concept” can be found in the cultural defense of gender violence, gender violence linked to postcolonial retraditionalizations of family life, the underpolicing of gender violence associated with communities labeled as culturally backward, and the overpolicing of activities categorized by human rights advocates as harmful traditional practices. Culture has been used to defend, explain, or excuse gender violence, and seen as a barrier to the elimination of gender violence. Here, however, the authors analyze how culture has been mobilized strategically as a resource in the struggle against gender violence.