bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workspace design and fit-out: what knowledge workers value
Authors: Hills Raewyn , Levy Deborah
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Organisations use “space” to support the profitability of their business. The workplace and the space that organisations occupy is continuously evolving and transforming. There has been a general trend globally to provide less assigned space and more shared space for employees at higher occupational density. Studies have shown that the workplace setting can contribute to an employee's sense of well-being and increased productivity. The purpose of this paper is to permit a deeper understanding as to how knowledge workers evaluate their workspace within this changing environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes an integrated conceptual framework developed from a range of literature within the disciplines of property, psychology and facilities management. In order to investigate the pertinence of this framework a case study is undertaken comprising five one-to-one in-depth interviews with knowledge workers from an organisation that had recently relocated. The key changes between the original and newer premises in terms of space usage were the move from a more traditional layout incorporating larger desk space and eye-level partitioning to one incorporating a fit-out providing for a higher occupational density and a wider range of communal spaces.

Findings

– The findings identify a number of evaluative criteria including workability, comfort, occupational density, the need for privacy, control over the environment, adjacency to colleagues and functionality, all previously identified in the literature. A further two criteria, location and customisability were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

– The study although incorporating a wide ranging literature review concentrates on employees within one company and given the makeup of employees the interviewees were all male thus not able to pick up gender differences.

Practical implications

– The study provides stakeholders such as organisations, workplace consultants and design professionals with information about what knowledge workers value most in their workplace environment.

Originality/value

– Most extant literature investigating the link between employees and their workplace has focused on specific aspects of the relationship. This research contributes to understanding workplace by taking an overall perspective and providing knowledge worker employees with an opportunity to compare two distinct workplace settings.
Legal research on ProQuest databases: a survey of Legislative Insight and Congressional
Authors: Pal Anupama
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview of legal reference sources available from ProQuest, specifically Legislative Insight and Congressional, with a focus on their scope and usability for particular types of legal reference queries.

Design/methodology/approach

– ProQuest resources useful for legal research were located, evaluated and discussed.

Findings

– ProQuest legal resources are not as prominently displayed as many of the vendor’s other subject-specific offerings, but once located, several of them can be used collaboratively to fully research a single legal issue from inception to practice and enforcement.

Originality/value

– The examination of the resources in this study will provide academic librarians with an understanding of which ProQuest resources should be used in collaboration with each other to answer general legal enquiries as well as in-depth, specific statutory research.
Cracks in the Creative City: The Contradictions of Community Arts Practice
Authors: McLean Heather E.
Published: October 2014

The recent flurry of research about arts‐led regeneration initiatives illuminates how contemporary arts festivals can become complicit in the production of urban inequality. But researchers rarely engage with detailed empirical examples that shed light on the contradictory role that artists sometimes play within these spectacularized events. Similar research in performance studies connects the political limits and potential of social practice arts — interventions that encourage artists and non‐artists to co‐produce work — as civic boosters strive to stage cities in order to attract investment. In this article, I explore the case study of Streetscape: Living Space at Regent Park, a participatory artistic intervention programmed in a public housing neighbourhood that is undergoing redevelopment in Toronto, Canada. Streetscape was part of the Luminato festival, an elite booster coalition‐led festival of ‘creativity’. I refer to these arts interventions to demonstrate how artists engaging in social practice arts can become complicit in naturalizing colonial gentrification processes at multiple scales. But I also reveal how artists can leverage heterogeneous arts‐led regeneration strategies to make space for ‘radical social praxis’ (Kwon, 2004), interventions that challenge hegemonic regimes. I conclude by interrogating the effectiveness of place‐based efforts in unsettling the ‘creative city’.
Telescoping and gender differences in the time course of disordered gambling: evidence from a general population sample
Authors: Slutske Wendy S. , Piasecki Thomas M. , Deutsch Arielle R. , Statham Dixie J. , Martin Nicholas G.
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

The course of disordered gambling in women has been described as ‘telescoped’ compared with that in men, with a later age at initiation of gambling but shorter times from initiation to disorder. This study examined the evidence, for the first time, for such a telescoping effect in a general population rather than a treatment‐seeking sample.

Method

Participants in a large community‐based Australian twin cohort (2001 men, 2662 women) were assessed by structured diagnostic telephone interviews in which they reported the ages at which they had attained various gambling milestones and additional information to be used as covariates (the types of gambling in which they had participated and history of symptoms of alcohol dependence, major depression, and adult antisocial behavior). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine differences between men and women in the time from gambling initiation to the first disordered gambling symptom and a diagnosis of disordered gambling.

Results

Men had a higher hazards than women for the time to the first disordered gambling symptom [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.13, P < 0.0001] and to a diagnosis of disordered gambling (HR = 2.53, P < 0.0001). These differences persisted after controlling for covariates. Earlier age of initiation was the most potent predictor of progression to the first symptom.

Conclusions

When assessed at the general population level, female gamblers do not appear to show a telescoped disordered gambling trajectory compared with male gamblers.
The Veterans' Movements and the Early Republican State in Cuba
Authors: HEWITT STEVEN
Published: October 2014

This article analyses the Cuban Association of Veterans and Patriots of 1923–1924. This was one among many of such organisations in the early republican period in Cuba. Its formation was motivated by a need to put political pressure on the incumbent administration of the nation for political, social and economic demands. Of particular interest is the insight an analysis of this movement gives us into early state formation in the early republican period, and how ties of loyalty from the wars of independence helped shape the politics and political party formation of post‐independence Cuba.
Indoline‐3‐propionate and 3‐aminopropyl carbamates reduce lung injury and pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced in mice by LPS
Authors: Finkin‐Groner E , Moradov D , Shifrin H , Bejar C , Nudelman A , Weinstock M
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose

In the search for safer and effective anti‐inflammatory agents, we investigated the effect of methyl indoline‐3‐propionate and indoline‐3‐(3‐aminopropyl) carbamates on LPS‐induced lung injury and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in mice. Their mechanism of action was determined in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Experimental Approach

Lung injury was induced by intratracheal infusion of LPS and assessed by the change in lung weight and structure by light microscopy after staining by haematoxylin and eosin. In LPS‐activated macrophages, MAPK proteins and IκBα were measured by Western blotting and the transcription factors, AP‐1 and NF‐κB by electromobility shift assay. Cytokines in the plasma and spleen of mice injected with LPS were measured by elisa‐based assay.

Key Results

AN917 and AN680 (1–10 pM) decreased TNF‐α protein in macrophages by inhibiting phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, IκBα degradation and activation of AP‐1 and NF‐κB without affecting cell viability. In vivo, these compounds (10 μmol·kg−1) markedly decreased lung injury induced by LPS and the elevation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in lung, plasma and spleen. Activation of α‐7nACh receptors contributed to the reduction of TNF‐α by AN917, which inhibited AChE in the spleen by 35%.

Conclusion and Implications

Indoline carbamates are potent inhibitors of pro‐inflammatory mediators in murine macrophages and in mice injected with LPS, acting via the p38 MAPK, AP‐1 and NF‐κB cascades. Indirect α‐7nACh receptor activation by AN917, through inhibition of AChE, contributes to its anti‐inflammatory effect. Indoline carbamates may have therapeutic potential for lung injury and other diseases associated with chronic inflammation without causing immunosuppression.
Carbon nanomaterials combined with metal nanoparticles for theranostic applications
Authors: Modugno Gloria , Ménard‐Moyon Cécilia , Prato Maurizio , Bianco Alberto
Published: October 2014

Among targeted delivery systems, platforms with nanosize dimensions, such as carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) and metal nanoparticles (NPs), have shown great potential in biomedical applications. They have received considerable interest in recent years, especially with respect to their potential utilization in the field of cancer diagnosis and therapy. The many functions of nanomaterials provide opportunities to use them as multimodal agents for theranostics, a combination of therapy and diagnosis. Carbon nanotubes and graphene are some of the most widely used CNMs because of their unique structural and physicochemical properties. Their high specific surface area allows for efficient drug loading and the possibility of functionalization with various bioactive molecules. In addition, CNMs are ideal platforms for the attachment of NPs. In the biomedical field, NPs have also shown tremendous potential for use in drug delivery, non‐invasive tumour imaging and early detection due to their optical and magnetic properties. NP/CNM hybrids not only combine the unique properties of the NPs and CNMs but they also exhibit new properties arising from interactions between the two entities. In this review, the preparation of CNMs conjugated to different types of metal NPs and their applications in diagnosis, imaging, therapy and theranostics are presented.
Involving disabled children and young people as partners in research: a systematic review
Authors: Bailey S. , Boddy K. , Briscoe S. , Morris C.
Published: October 2014

Children and young people can be valuable partners in research, giving their unique perspectives on what and how research should be done. However, disabled children are less commonly involved in research than their non‐disabled peers. This review investigated how disabled children have been involved as research partners; specifically how they have been recruited, the practicalities and challenges of involvement and how these have been overcome, and impacts of involvement for research, and disabled children and young people.

The INVOLVE definition of involvement and the Equality and Human Rights Commission definition of disability were used. Relevant bibliographic databases were searched. Websites were searched for grey literature. Included studies had involved disabled children and young people aged 5–25 years in any study design. Reviews, guidelines, reports and other documents from the grey literature were eligible for inclusion.

Twenty‐two papers were included: seven reviews, eight original research papers, three reports, three guidelines and one webpage. Nine examples of involvement were identified. Recommendations included developing effective communication techniques, using flexible methods that can be adapted to needs and preferences, and ensuring that sufficient support and funding is available for researchers undertaking involvement. Positive impacts of involvement for disabled children included increased confidence, self‐esteem and independence. Positive impacts for research were identified.

Involving disabled children in research can present challenges; many of these can be overcome with sufficient time, planning and resources. More needs to be done to find ways to involve those with non‐verbal communication. Generally, few details were reported about disabled children and young people's involvement in studies, and the quality of evidence was low. Although a range of positive impacts were identified, the majority of these were authors' opinions rather than data. There remains scope for methodological research to inform appropriate approaches to public and patient involvement in childhood disability research.
Childhood obesity and community food environments in Alabama's Black Belt region
Authors: Li Y. , Robinson L. E. , Carter W. M. , Gupta R.
Published: October 2014

Background

Childhood obesity has been rising rapidly in the USA. The rate is higher among those at a lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority groups. In Alabama, nearly half of the children from rural African American families are overweight or obese. Studies suggest that children's eating behaviours and weight could be influenced by surrounding food environments. The purpose of this paper is to assess the community food environment and examine the associations with childhood obesity in Alabama's Black Belt region.

Methods

This research uses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Weight status of 613 African American students in four elementary schools in a rural county of Alabama was assessed. We examined community food environments around children's home through GIS (Geographic Information System) and statistical methods. The interrelations between children's weight and community food environments are explored with multi‐level models.

Results

Approximately 42.1% of surveyed children were overweight or obese, much higher than the national average, 30.6%. In Model 1, convenience stores (3.44; P < 0.01), full service restaurants (8.99; P < 0.01) and supermarkets (−37.69; P < 0.01) were significantly associated with the percentile of body mass index. Fast food stores (−0.93; P = 0.88) were not related to children's weight. In Model 2, the additions of sociodemographic factors and school effects cause significant changes of the relationships between children's weight and four types of food outlets. The percentage of African American population (90.23, P < 0.01) and school (6.68, P < 0.01) were positively associated with children's weight; while median household income (−39.6; P < 0.01) was negatively related to it.

Conclusion

Children's weight is influenced by community food environments, sociodemographic factors and school context. Findings suggest that policymakers and planners need to improve community food environments of low‐income minority communities. Parents and schools should pay more attention to reduce the negative impacts of food environments on children.
The contributions of behaviour change science towards dental public health practice: a new paradigm
Authors: Asimakopoulou Koula , Newton Jonathon Tim
Published: October 2014

Conventional behavioural models, such as social cognition models, to improve oral health have been proposed for a long time but have failed to consistently explain reliable amounts of variability in human behaviours relevant to oral health. This paper introduces current work from the behavioural sciences aiming to better understand the process through which behaviour change may take place. Given the shortcomings seen so far in attempts to explain behaviour through traditional models it is proposed that a new approach is adopted. This commentary outlines this new approach, grounded in current work by mainstream behaviour change experts. We propose that attempts to use unreliable theoretical models to explain and predict oral health behaviour should now be replaced by work following this new paradigm.
Persistent centripetal fat distribution and metabolic abnormalities in patients in long‐term remission of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Wagenmakers Margreet , Roerink Sean , Gil Linda , Plantinga Theo , Smit Jan , Netea‐Maier Romana , Hermus Ad
Published: October 2014

Objective

Centripetal obesity is associated with systemic low‐grade inflammation and an increased cardiovascular risk. Patients in long‐term remission of Cushing's syndrome (CS) report persisting abdominal fat accumulation. However, this has previously not been adequately objectified. Therefore, we investigated the adipose tissue distribution and adipocytokine profiles of patients in long‐term remission of CS.

Design

Cross‐sectional case–control study in a tertiary referral centre.

Patients

Fifty‐eight patients, in remission of CS for at least 5 years, were compared to 58 age‐, gender‐ and BMI‐matched healthy control subjects.

Measurements

Measures of body composition (assessed with clinical evaluation and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning) and serum adipocytokine profiles.

Results

Compared to the matched control subjects, patients in long‐term remission of CS had a greater waist circumference (P < 0·01), a smaller thigh circumference (P < 0·01), a higher waist‐to‐hip ratio (P < 0·01) and a higher hip‐to‐thigh ratio (P < 0·01). As measured with DEXA scanning, patients had a higher percentage of truncal fat mass (P = 0·01), and the truncal fat mass to leg fat mass ratio was greater (P < 0·01). Patients had lower adiponectin levels (P < 0·01), higher leptin levels (P < 0·01) and higher resistin levels (P = 0·04) than control subjects.

Conclusion

Even after long‐term remission, patients who suffered from CS in the past continue to have a centripetal adipose tissue distribution and an adverse adipokine profile. This is independent of aetiology of the CS, treatment strategies, hormonal deficiencies and comorbidity, and probably contributes to the persistent increased cardiovascular risk.
Family Firm Heterogeneity and Corporate Policy: Evidence from Diversification Decisions
Authors: Schmid Thomas , Ampenberger Markus , Kaserer Christoph , Achleitner Ann‐Kristin
Published: October 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper empirically tests how founders and their families affect business segment diversification. We contribute to the literature by studying the distinct effects of family ownership, management, and supervision on diversification strategies.

Research Findings/Insights

We use a large panel dataset of listed German firms. Our results indicate a sharp contrast between firms owned by families and those in which the family holds an active management position. Firms owned by families have higher levels of diversification. However, the opposite is true for firms managed by families. Furthermore, other large shareholders perform a monitoring role and induce family owners to concentrate on their core business.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This paper clearly confirms that family firms comprise a heterogeneous group of firms. Thus, empirical research in this area should carefully distinguish the impact of different channels (i.e., management vs. ownership) families may use to influence corporate decision making. For diversification decisions, we can even show that family ownership and management have an opposite impact. Founding families have to trade off the desire to preserve financial wealth (via diversification) with the risk of losing control and endangering their socioemotional wealth (SEW).

Practitioner/Policy Implications

For policy makers, our results underline that family firms are not a homogeneous group of firms. Hence, it is important to consider their heterogeneity in the political discussion. For example, needs and preferences of family managed firms may differ substantially from those of family owned firms. Equity investors and debt providers should also be aware of this family firm heterogeneity.
Power and Paradigms: The Dutch Response to Pressures for Shareholder Value
Authors: Bezemer Pieter‐Jan , Zajac Edward J. , Naumovska Ivana , van den Bosch Frans A J , Volberda Henk W.
Published: October 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

In recent years, research aimed at identifying and relating the antecedents and consequences of diffusing organizational practices/ideas has turned its attention to debating the international adoption and implementation of the Anglo‐American model of corporate governance, i.e., a shareholder value orientation (SVO). While financial economists characterize the adoption of an SVO as necessary and performance‐enhancing, behavioral scientists have disputed such claims, invoking institutional contingencies in the appropriateness of an SVO. Our study seeks to provide some resolution to the debate by developing an overarching sociopolitical perspective that links the antecedents and consequences of the adoption of the contested practice of SVO.

Research Findings/Insights

We test our framework using extensive longitudinal data from 1992–2006 from the largest listed corporations in the Netherlands. We find a negative relationship between SVO adoption and subsequent firm performance, although this effect is attenuated when accompanied by greater SVO alignment among major owners and a firm's visible commitment to an SVO.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study extends prior research on the diffusion of contested organizational practices that has taken a sociopolitical perspective by offering an original contingency perspective that addresses how and why the misaligned preferences of corporate owners will affect (i) a company's inclination to espouse an SVO, and (ii) the performance consequences of such misalignment.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

This study suggests that, when board members are considering the adoption of new ideas/practices (e.g., SVO), they should consider the contextual fitness of the idea/practice with the firm's owners and their interests.
Simultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P and anti‐SV40 antibodies revealed the origin of BK virus‐infected decoy cells in voided urine samples
Authors: Ariyasu S. , Yanai H. , Sato M. , Shinno Y. , Taniguchi K. , Yamadori I. , Miki Y. , Sato Y. , Yoshino T. , Takahashi K.
Published: October 2014

Background

Methods for determining the origin of BK virus (BKV)‐infected cells (decoy cells) in clinical urine samples have not been established although they could enhance the diagnosis of BKV infection in immunocompromised patients.

Methods

We performed simultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P (a urothelial marker) and anti‐SV40 antibodies in 66 clinical urine samples exhibiting SV40 positivity and a decoy‐cell appearance on Papanicolaou staining. The clinical voided urine samples included seven cases of renal transplantation, 47 cases of cancer therapy and 12 cases of non‐neoplastic disease. SurePath™ liquid‐based cytology was used for the urine samples.

Results

BKV‐infected cells were categorized as SV40(+)/S100P(+) and SV40 (+)/S100p(−). SV40(+)/S100P(−) cells were found in 55 cases (83.4%); nine cases (13.6%) carried both SV40(+)/S100P(−) and SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells. The former were identified as BKV infection in renal tubules and the latter in both the renal tubules and urothelial epithelia. The remaining two cases (3.0%) had only SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells of urothelial origin.

Conclusion

Simultaneous immunostaining with anti‐S100P and anti‐SV40 is a useful method for determining the origin of BKV‐infected cells in clinical urine samples from immunocompromised patients such as renal transplantation recipients.
Fostering and framing international social research on alcohol and other drugs: A tribute toRobinRoom
Authors: Giesbrecht Norman , Rosenqvist Pia
Published: October 2014

This commentary concentrates on three aspects ofRobinRoom's research history: the extent and scope of his research, his role as a builder of research milieus and his importance for the creation of research networks. It is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis, but rather illustrative. A supplementary table provides information on 24 international research projects that Robin Room led or where he played a significant role. In addition to looking at his scientific production history as reflected in databases, when preparing this essay the authors consulted 38 researchers who had worked or presently work with him in various projects, groups or in the research institutes where has held leadership positions. We posed questions pertaining to: major research issues over the past 50 years, the involvement of Robin Room in various projects, the ways in which these projects had contributed to social science or practice and Robin's contributions to the creation of research milieus.[Giesbrecht N, Rosenqvist P. Fostering and framing international social research on alcohol and other drugs: A tribute toRobinRoom. Drug Alcohol Rev2014;33:617–24]
Shadow Banking, Chinese Style
Authors: Sharma Shalendra D.
Published: October 2014

Shadow banks are broadly defined as entities which conduct credit intermediation outside the formal banking system. Poorly regulated, engaging in opaque forms of intermediation, deeply interconnected with the official banking system, and operating with implicit government guarantees, they pose a major source of systemic risk. Yet shadow banks provide an important service by channeling credit to excluded investors, and can complement the formal banking sector. What explains the rapid proliferation of shadow banks in China? How large are they and what forms do they take? What types of risks do they pose to the financial system? And how best can China utilise the services of shadow banks while at the same time ensuring that they do not create systemic risks for the financial system?
Bus Competition in Ireland: Delayed by Regulatory Roadblocks
Authors: Massey Patrick
Published: October 2014

Competition in local bus services in Ireland has been prohibited for more than 80 years, with the majority of services operated by state‐owned monopolies. The Public Transport Regulation Act 2009 seemed to herald a radical departure. It established a new transport regulator and provided that, after an initial five‐year period, routes would be opened up to competitive tendering unless an extension of the incumbents' monopoly rights was necessary to guarantee continuity of services. Yet in December 2013 the regulator decided to extend the state bus companies' monopolies on the vast majority of their routes until the end of 2019. This paper argues that there is no economic evidence to support this decision, which is reminiscent of the previous policy approach of protecting the state companies and raises concerns of possible regulatory capture. The paper calls for the phased introduction of competitive tendering of all routes currently operated by the state bus companies as quickly as possible.
Post‐TAVR Ventricular Septal Defect in the Presence of Subaortic Membrane
Authors: Lee Christina W. , Hegde Sheila M. , Ewer Steven M. , Lozonschi Lucian
Published: October 2014

Mini‐Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has traditionally been reserved for patients who are high‐risk with significant comorbid conditions. We present a case of an 80‐year‐old female who sustained a small, restrictive ventricular septal defect (VSD) following TAVR. This patient was thoroughly evaluated preoperatively and the decision was made to proceed with nonconventional repair given significant comorbid conditions in conjunction with subvalvular stenosis secondary to a subvalvular membrane. The objective of this presentation is to direct special focus to the echocardiographic images of this unique case in the setting of this unique anatomic variant.
A Distinctly Rare Case of Candida Endocarditis Involving the Bioprosthetic Pulmonary and the Eustachian Valve Diagnosed on 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Pasha Ahmed K. , Snyder Branden A. , Zangeneh Tirdad T. , Thompson Jess L. , Sobonya Richard E. , Abidov Aiden
Published: October 2014

Mini‐Abstract

We describe a unique case where a 53‐year‐old man with history of intravenous drug abuse and prior endocarditis presented with fever and chest pain. He was found to have a eustachian valve vegetation and bioprosthetic pulmonary valve vegetation. The causative organism was Candida albicans. In this case, three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography clearly identified the pulmonic valve vegetation which was not well seen on two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.
Decomposing biodiversity data using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation model, a probabilistic multivariate statistical method
Authors: Valle Denis , Baiser Benjamin , Woodall Christopher W. , Chazdon Robin
Published: October 2014

We propose a novel multivariate method to analyse biodiversity data based on the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. LDA, a probabilistic model, reduces assemblages to sets of distinct component communities. It produces easily interpretable results, can represent abrupt and gradual changes in composition, accommodates missing data and allows for coherent estimates of uncertainty. We illustrate our method using tree data for the eastern United States and from a tropical successional chronosequence. The model is able to detect pervasive declines in the oak community in Minnesota and Indiana, potentially due to fire suppression, increased growing season precipitation and herbivory. The chronosequence analysis is able to delineate clear successional trends in species composition, while also revealing that site‐specific factors significantly impact these successional trajectories. The proposed method provides a means to decompose and track the dynamics of species assemblages along temporal and spatial gradients, including effects of global change and forest disturbances.
Observations of immature and adult stages of the myrmecophilous cetoniine beetle Campsiura nigripennis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Komatsu Takashi , Maruyama Munetoshi , Hasin Sasitorn , Woraguttanon Varawut , Wiyanan Suthat , Sakchoowong Watana
Published: October 2014

Several cetoniine species are known or speculated to be associated with ants, based on their specialized morphological characters. However, there are only a few species where biological information on the larval and adult stages is available. Field observations revealed that Campsiura nigripennis spends the immature stages inside elephant dung, and that adult females fly to elephant dung for oviposition. In addition, adult beetles of C. nigripennis intruded into arboreal nests of Oecophylla smaragdina. Specialized morphological characters appear to allow them to tolerate attacks from the ants. Furthermore, the distribution of the beetle in continental Asia largely overlaps that of the Asian elephant, indicating that dung of elephants, in conjunction with that of other large mammals, is fundamental to the biology of C. nigripennis.
Odd Lot Trades: The Behavior, Characteristics, and Information Content, Over Time
Authors: Johnson Hardy
Published: October 2014

I investigate the role odd lot trades play in equity markets, and how this role changes over four periods: 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2012. In each of these years, I examine the determinants, price contribution, and characteristics of odd lot trading. I find that odd lot proportions are increasing, but the determinants of the proportions remain consistent. I find that odd lot transactions contribute to price formation, this contribution is in excess of the odd lot proportion of volume, and is increasing over time. An intraweek pattern of odd lot trading exists with Monday having the highest proportions.
Insider Trading and Financing Constraints
Authors: Ataullah Ali , Goergen Marc , Le Hang
Published: October 2014

Insider trading may alleviate financing constraints by conveying value‐relevant information to the market (the information effect) or may exacerbate financing constraints by impairing market liquidity and distorting insiders’ incentives to disclose value‐relevant information (the confidence effect). We examine the significance of these two contrasting effects by investigating the link between insider trading and financing constraints as measured by the investment‐cash flow sensitivity. We find that, overall insider trading exacerbates financing constraints; however the information effect dominates the confidence effect for insider purchases. Only trades by executive directors are significantly related to financing constraints.
Split Ratings and Differences in Corporate Credit Rating Policy between Moody's and Standard & Poor's
Authors: Bowe Michael , Larik Waseem
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates split credit ratings awarded by Moody's and Standard & Poor's (S&P) to U.S. corporations. Bivariate probit model estimates, analyzing 5,238 firm‐year observations from dual‐rated S&P 500/400/600 index‐constituent corporations, indicate firm‐specific financial and governance characteristics predict split ratings. Large, profitable companies with enhanced interest coverage, a greater percentage of independent directors, and more institutional investment are less likely to receive splits. Moody's appears more conservative in its evaluations, assigning lower ratings to smaller, less profitable companies with low interest coverage. Moody's also associates external, independent constraints on managerial autonomy with a higher corporate credit standing relative to S&P.
A New Method to Measure the Performance of Leveraged Exchange‐Traded Funds
Authors: Charupat Narat , Miu Peter
Published: October 2014

We examine the effects of daily return compounding, financing costs, and management factors on the performance of leveraged exchange‐traded funds (LETFs) over various holding periods. We propose a new method to measure LETFs’ tracking errors that allows us to disentangle these effects. Our results show that the compounding effect generally has more influence on tracking errors than other factors, especially for long holding periods and in a “sideways” market. The explicit costs (i.e., the expense ratios) and other factors (e.g., financing costs) can materially affect the performance of LETFs, especially for those with high leverage ratios and bear funds.
R&D Increases and Long‐Term Performance of Rivals
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Syan , Hung Weifeng , Wang Yanzhi
Published: October 2014

We examine how a firm's research and development (R&D) increases affect its intra‐industry competitors in the long run. Consistent with the R&D spillover hypothesis, when a firm unexpectedly increases its R&D spending, its intra‐industry competitors experience improvements in operating performance and analyst forecast revisions and earn positive abnormal stock returns in the long run. The industry concentration, which is related to the firm's strategic reaction, is crucial in determining the magnitude of the R&D spillover effect.
Evaluating the SDC Mergers and Acquisitions Database
Authors: Barnes Beau Grant , L. Harp Nancy , Oler Derek
Published: October 2014

We compare 20 years of data from Thompson Financial SDC Platinum (SDC)'s Mergers and Acquisitions database with a hand‐collected database, providing evidence on the completeness and accuracy of SDC data across time. We find that our hand‐collected data is generally more accurate than SDC, but SDC's accuracy and coverage improves over time. Our investigation of discrepancies between the databases finds that SDC is more prone to errors on smaller, high book‐to‐market acquirers with weak announcement period market responses. Preliminary analyses suggest that this potential bias is not significant, but could affect inferences when examining smaller, high book‐to‐market firms.
Nucleobindin 2 expression is an independent prognostic factor for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Can , Ma Hui , Zhang Hong‐Tuan , Gao Jing‐Da , Xu Yong
Published: October 2014

Aims

Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) has been reported to play an important role in both tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This study aimed to examine the clinical significance of NUCB2 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods and results

The expression level of NUCB2 and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters was analysed in 188 ccRCC tissues and adjacent non‐cancerous tissues by immunohistochemistry. Samples from eight ccRCC patients were examined by Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between NUCB2 expression and the prognosis of ccRCC patients. The expression level of NUCB2 was found to be significantly higher in ccRCC tumours compared to adjacent non‐cancerous tissues using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and qRT–PCR. Moreover, high NUCB2 tumour expression was associated with high T stage and metastasis and shorter overall survival. Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that NUCB2 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.

Conclusions

Our results show that NUCB2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression and is a potential molecular biomarker for the diagnosis and targeted therapy of ccRCC.
Improvement of Luminescence Properties of Blue‐to‐Red Emitting NaCaBO3: Ce3+, Mn2+ Phosphor Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Zhang Xinguo , Song Jiahui , Zhou Liya , He Pei , Gong Menglian
Published: October 2014

Color‐tunable phosphors NaCaBO3: Ce3+, Mn2+ were synthesized by sol–gel (SG) and solid state (SS) method. SEM observation indicated that the microstructure of phosphor (SG) consisted of regular fine grains with an average size of about 5 μm. NaCaBO3: Ce3+, Mn2+ showed two emission bands: one at 425 nm for Ce3+ and another at 610 nm for Mn2+. NaCaBO3: Ce3+, Mn2+ (SG) exhibit higher energy‐transfer efficiency (90%) and higher Mn2+ quantum efficiency (80%) than SS samples, due to smooth surface, narrow size distribution, and improved homogeneity of sensitizer/activator ions. NaCaBO3: Ce3+, Mn2+ exhibits blue‐to‐red tunable color by changing Ce3+/Mn2+ ratio.
Variability of refusal in L2: evidence of L1 pragmalinguistic transfer and learner's idiosyncratic usage
Authors: Wijayanto Agus
Published: October 2014

This study investigates pragmalinguistic competence of Javanese learners of English in Indonesia as compared with native speakers of British English when realizing refusal strategies. The research data was obtained by means of a series of discourse completion tasks. Refusal strategies by native speakers of Javanese were also considered so as to observe whether or not the realization of refusal by the learners was informed by the Javanese language. The three groups of speakers broadly used similar types of semantic formulae and adjuncts of refusal. Nevertheless the wording of those phrased by the learners and the native Javanese speakers was more alike than either to that of the native speakers of British English suggesting L1 pragmalinguistic transfer.
New graduate nurses in transition: A review of transition programmes and transition experiences within mental health care
Authors: Tingleff Ellen Boldrup , Gildberg Frederik Alkier
Published: October 2014

Research on experiences of transition into mental health‐care roles seems sparse, but it is vital in order to produce a comprehensive understanding of the transition into mental health‐care roles and to serve as a foundation for future research and development. The aim of the present study was to review existing research literature, and in doing so, investigate transition programmes for new graduate nurses (NGN) into mental health care, and their experiences of role transition and evaluations of participation in transition programmes. The literature review spans literature published after the year 2000. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, and Pubmed. Search results consisting of 14 articles were analysed using thematic analysis. Results from the analysis showed four overall themes: nursing education, transition programmes and evaluations, working environment, and the NGN role. We conclude that it is not possible to produce a comprehensive understanding specifically concerning the transition programmes for NGN into mental health care, and that further research is necessary due to the limitations of this review.
‘Going into the unknown’: Experiences of male patients in secure settings during environmental transition
Authors: Parkes Jacqueline H. , Pyer Michelle , Ward Alison , Doyle Colin , Dickens Geoffrey L.
Published: October 2014

Little is known about the experiences of male patients in secure mental health and intellectual disability units during environmental transition. We interviewed patients before (n = 9) and after (n = 8) a side‐to‐side security transition from medium‐secure wards in an older building to new wards in a purpose‐built building. We inquired about transitional experiences in general and about this transition specifically. We examined interview transcripts and field notes using thematic analysis, and collated routine outcome data to gauge whether transition had obvious positive or negative effects. Qualitative analysis indicated three major themes (information, transition, and behaviour) and five overlapping subthemes (positive information sharing and consultation, concerns and anxieties about lack of information, life change and opportunity, home and sense of belonging, and potential conflict). Outcome data indicated little obvious change between first and second interviews. Expressed concerns of patients about transition were largely about tangible and practical issues, including changes to rules, including smoking and prohibited items. The results highlight the need for the development of supportive patient‐inclusion strategies, consistent and transparent communication processes, and a published timeframe during the planning and implementation phases of all types of transitional moves, including the side‐to‐side transfer of residents between accommodation buildings.
The impact of a national caries strategy in Greenland after 4 years
Authors: Ekstrand Kim R. , Qvist Vibeke
Published: October 2014

Aims

(1) To describe dental health – and financial goals to be achieved with a national caries strategy in Greenland (CSG) implemented in 2008; (2) to describe the principles of CSG; (3) to report caries outcome data for the 3‐and 9‐year‐olds in 1996, in 2008 (baseline), and in 2012; and (4) to assess the effect of CSG on the same age.

Goals and Results

Ad (1) Caries status recorded ≥85% of the children; 3‐year‐olds in 2012:defs = 0 ≥ 80%, defs > 8 ≤ 5%; 9‐year‐olds in 2012: DMFS = 0 ≥ 80%;DMFS > 4 ≤ 5%. CSG should not increase the cost compared to the old programme. Ad (2) CSG focused on predetermined visits/examinations, risk‐related visits, oral health promotion, and predetermined fluoride and sealing policies. Ad (3) 75% and 88% of the total cohorts of 3‐ and 9‐year‐olds in 2012 were recorded, respectively. Seventy‐six percent of the 3‐year‐olds showed defs = 0 in 2012 compared to 64% in 2008 (P < 0.0001). DMFS = 0 data for the 9‐year‐olds were 65% vs 57% (P = 0.003). The cost for running CSG was comparable to the cost before 2008. Ad (4) The annual percentage increase of children with defs/DMFS = 0 after implementation of CSG was twice as high as during 1996–2008.

Conclusion

The caries status improves significantly from 2008 to 2012 exemplified in the 3‐ and 9‐year‐olds without increasing the costs.
Human cardiac telocytes: 3D imaging by FIB‐SEM tomography
Authors: Cretoiu D. , Hummel E. , Zimmermann H. , Gherghiceanu M. , Popescu L. M.
Published: October 2014

Telocyte (TC) is a newly identified type of cell in the cardiac interstitium (www.telocytes.com). TCs are described by classical transmission electron microscopy as cells with very thin and long telopodes (Tps; cellular prolongations) having podoms (dilations) and podomers (very thin segments). TCs' three‐dimensional (3D) morphology is still unknown. Cardiac TCs seem to be particularly involved in long and short distance intercellular signalling and, therefore, their 3D architecture is important for understanding their spatial connections. Using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) we show, for the first time, the whole ultrastructural anatomy of cardiac TCs. 3D reconstruction of cardiac TCs by FIB‐SEM tomography confirms that they have long, narrow but flattened (ribbon‐like) telopodes, with humps generated by the podoms. FIB‐SEM tomography also confirms the network made by TCs in the cardiac interstitium through adherens junctions. This study provides the first FIB‐SEM tomography of a human cell type.
INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE 17 positively modulates natural leaf senescence through melatonin‐mediated pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi Haitao , Reiter Russel J. , Tan Dun‐Xian , Chan Zhulong
Published: October 2014

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) functions as a ubiquitous modulator in multiple plant developmental processes and various stress responses. However, the involvement of melatonin in natural leaf senescence and the underlying molecular mechanism in Arabidopsis remain unclear. In this study, we found that the endogenous melatonin level was significantly induced in a developmental stage‐dependent manner, and exogenous melatonin treatment delayed natural leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. The expression level of AUXIN RESISTANT 3 (AXR3)/INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE 17 (IAA17) was significantly downregulated by exogenous melatonin treatment and decreased with developmental age in Arabidopsis. Further investigation indicated that AtIAA17‐overexpressing plants showed early leaf senescence with lower chlorophyll content in rosette leaves compared with wild‐type plants, while AtIAA17 knockout mutants displayed delayed leaf senescence with higher chlorophyll content. Notably, exogenous melatonin‐delayed leaf senescence was largely alleviated in AtIAA17‐overexpressing plants, and AtIAA17‐activated senescence‐related SENESCENCE 4 (SEN4) and SENESCENCE‐ASSOCIATED GENE 12 (SAG12) transcripts might have contributed to the process of natural leaf senescence. Taken together, the results indicate that AtIAA17 is a positive modulator of natural leaf senescence and provides direct link between melatonin and AtIAA17 in the process of natural leaf senescence in Arabidopsis.