bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accruals, cash flows and earnings in european privately held firms
Authors: Amor Tapia Borja , Tascón Fernández María Teresa
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo examina las propiedades de los ajustes al devengo, los flujos de caja y los resultados en las empresas europeas no cotizadas. A partir de varias hipótesis sobre la persistencia de losresultados y sus componentes, encontramos que las empresas no cotizadas parecen comportarse de forma diferente a la evidencia encontrada previamente sobre las empresas cotizadas. Lasdiferencias son significativas cuando los ajustes al devengo son extremos, dado que la persistencia del ROA y de los flujos de caja siguen patrones de comportamiento distintos a los encontrados en las empresas estadounidenses cotizadas. Pero contrariamente a nuestrashipótesis, las diferencias en la persistencia no son significativas cuando las empresas no cotizadas publican resultados positivos frente a resultados negativos.

This paper examines the properties of accruals, cash flows and earnings in European privately held firms. We start from several hypotheses about the persistence of earnings and its components, finding that private companies seem to behave in a different manner than the publicly traded firms tested in previous literature. As hypothesized, differences are significant when accruals are extreme, though in European private firms, persistence of ROA relative to cash flow follows a different pattern than in US public firms. But contrary to our expectations, differences in persistence are not significant when companies report positive versus negative earnings.
El inmovilizado material
Authors: Fernández Santos Yolanda
Published: May 2015

El inmovilizado material en el PGC 2007
Las diferencias de cambio
Authors: Gutiérrez López Cristina
Published: May 2015

Las diferencias de cambio en el PGC 2007
El impuesto sobre beneficios
Authors: Morala Gómez Belén
Published: May 2015

El impuesto sobre beneficios en el PGC 2007
Cuando su fabricante contratista se convierte en su competidor
Authors: Arruñada Benito , Vázquez Xosé A.
Published: May 2015

La fabricación ha sido el aspecto fundamental de las empresas manufactureras durante más de un siglo. Sin embargo, en la actualidad, cada vez más compañías están subcontratando su producción a empresas especializadas. En algunas de ellas, los trabajadores no llegan a establecer un contacto físico con los productos. El cambio tecnológico no sólo está promoviendo la especialización mediante la utilización de robots y fábricas flexibles, sino que además está reduciendo los costes de coordinación a través de la aplicación de nuevos estándares y el uso de Internet. Este es el motivo por el que la subcontratación de la fabricación ("contract manufacturing", en inglés) puede predominar en un futuro próximo. Desafortunadamente, los incentivos de los directivos fomentan una aproximación general y carente de análisis a las decisiones de externalizar o no, qué productos externalizar, con qué subcontratistas fabricantes (CM, por "Contract Manufacturer", en inglés) comprometerse, y de qué forma -un acuerdo de mercado, una alianza estratégica, o alguna forma intermedia. Cuando los fabricantes de equipos originales (OEM, por "Original Equipment Manufacturer", en inglés) comparten aspectos de propiedad intelectual básicos con sus CMs, es importante que la relación sea cercana y de confianza -pero no tan estrecha como para que los CMs se alejen del mercado y de las contribuciones de otros OEMs.

Manufacturing has been the core of industrial firms for more than a century. Nowadays, however, an increasing number of companies are contracting out their production with specialists. In some of them not even a single worker touches physically the products it sells. Technological change is not only fostering specialization through the use of robots and flexible factories, but also reducing coordination costs by applying new standards and using the Internet. This is the reason why this "contract manufacturing" might well become the rule in the near future. Unfortunately, managers' incentives encourage a wholesale, uncritical approach to decisions about whether to outsource, which products to outsource, which CMs to engage, and in what form --a market agreement, a strategic alliance, or something in between. When OEMs share sensitive intellectual property with CMs, it is important that the relationship be trusting and close- but not so close that CMs lose touch with the market and other OEMs' contributions.
Hacia una nueva perspectiva de la dirección de empresas
Authors: Fernández Gago Roberto
Published: May 2015

Está ampliamente demostrado que el comportamiento humano no es necesariamente egoísta, pero sin embargo gran parte de las teorías utilizadas en la enseñanza en dirección empresas se basan en esta premisa. El presente artículo invita a la reflexión acerca de las consecuencias que se derivan de esta postura, las dificultades que se presentan a la hora de dar cabida a nuevos planteamientos que promuevan la incorporación de valores más positivos del individuo y la necesidad de que se produzca dicho cambio.

Although it is well proved that human behaviour is not always selfish, most theories used in the teaching of business management are based on that premise. This article invites the reader to think about the consequences this stance leads to, the obstacles faced when accepting new approaches that promote the consideration of more positive individual's values and how necessary such a new perspective is.
Análisis de los factores determinantes de la eficacia organizativa desde la dirección estratégica de recursos humanos
Authors: González Álvarez Nuria
Published: May 2015

La dirección estratégica de recursos humanos enfatiza la influencia de las prácticas de recursos humanos de alto compromiso sobre la eficacia organizativa. El objetivo de este trabajo es contrastar como el empleo de un conjunto de prácticas de recursos humanos de alto compromiso en el seno de una organización influye positivamente en los resultados que ésta consigue. Para ello, se dispone de una muestra de 258 empresas manufactureras españolas. Los resultados apuntan que la utilización de dichas prácticas de recursos humanos tiene un impacto positivo sobre los rendimientos corporativos. De esta forma, este trabajo aporta evidencia empírica para la relación entre las prácticas de recursos humanos de alto compromiso consideradas de forma global y el rendimiento organizativo para el caso de una gran muestra de empresas españolas pertenecientes a todos los sectores de actividad industrial, lo cual supone una avance importante en la investigación sobre recursos humanos en España donde existe una laguna importante de trabajos empíricos que aborden esta cuestión.

Strategic human resource management highlights the influence of the high commitment human resource practices on firm performance. The aim of this study is to analyse how the use of high commitment human resources practices influences, in a positive way, on the firm performance. For this purpose, a sample of 258 Spanish manufacturing companies has been used. The results indicate that the use of the raid human resources practices have a positive impact on corporate performance. In this way, the main implication of this study is that provides empirical evidence for Spanish firms of the relationship between high involvement human resource practices and performance. This represents a significant advance in human resources research in Spain, where there is a significant gap in empirical work studying this subject.
Factores facilitadores e inhibidores del incremento del grado de diversificacion en las empresas de Castilla y León
Authors: Martínez Campillo Almudena
Published: May 2015

El presente trabajo estudia tres factores organizativos que pueden facilitar o inhibir el incremento del nivel de diversificación industrial: el tamaño corporativo, la diversificación internacional y la diversidad de producto inicial. En concreto, pretende analizar los efectos principales e interacción de dichos factores sobre la probabilidad de que las empresas aumenten el número de negocios donde participan. Para ello, tras revisar la literatura sobre diversificación y cambio estratégico, se plantean una serie de hipótesis, cuyo contraste se efectúa aplicando un análisis de regresión Logit. Los resultados indican que tanto el tamaño como la internacionalización de una empresa obstaculizan su crecimiento hacia nuevas líneas de actividad. Asimismo, este trabajo revela la existencia de interacciones significativas entre ambas variables y la diversidad de producto inicial que influyen favorablemente en el incremento de la diversificación industrial.

This study examines three organizational factors that may facilitate or inhibit the increase in industrial diversification: firm size, international diversification and initial product diversity. Specifically, the goal is to analyze their main and interaction effects on firms propensity to enhance the number of business segments in which they operate. After revising literature on diversification and strategic change, the study proposes a number of hypotheses that are contrasted by applying a Logit regression. Results indicate that size and internationalization of the firm restrain significantly its growth toward new activities. Also, our findings reveal that there are significant interactions among both variables and the initial product diversity that affect positively on the increase in industrial diversification.
Estudios científicos sobre literatura infantil y su didáctica: revisión bibliográfica (2000- 2014)
Authors: Selfa Moisés
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo de investigación es en una revisión bibliográfica de los estudios científicos que desde el año 2000 hasta 2013 se han publicado sobre Literatura Infantil. El objetivo es ofrecer un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de estos estudios a partir de los datos obtenidos en la base de citas bibliográficas Scopus Los datos analizados son los siguientes: la evolución del número de publicaciones científicas sobre literatura infantil en el periodo 2000-2013, el número y la nacionalidad de autores que sobre estos dos conceptos han publicado 3 o más artículos en este periodo de tiempo y las líneas de investigación predominantes sobre Literatura Infantil en esta franja de 13 años. Esta revisión bibliográfica nos permite afirmar que la línea de investigación mayormente estudiada es aquella que se ocupa del uso didáctico de la Literatura Infantil para la instrucción y alfabetización de la población escolar más joven, si bien existen otras líneas destacadas como son el análisis de estereotipos de género en textos de Literatura Infantil y los autores, títulos y géneros de Literatura Infantil que son objeto de análisis desde diferentes puntos de vista.
Geographic variation of resistance to water loss within two species of lungless salamanders: implications for activity
Authors: Riddell Eric A. , Sears Michael W.
Published: May 2015

For many organisms, constraints on activity increase energetic costs, which ultimately reduce the suitability of a particular habitat. Mechanistic species distribution models often use estimates of activity to predict how organisms will respond to climate change. These models couple physiology and morphology with climatic data to estimate potential activity. In turn, the duration of activity is used to estimate the energetic balance of individuals at a given location. Whether individuals remain in positive net energetic balance determines if a given location is suitable for the species. However, because these models often assume that physiology does not vary across the species range, estimates of activity (and consequently energetics) are potentially misleading. To test the consequence of this assumption, we measured total resistance to water loss (R) within two species of lungless salamanders (Plethodon metcalfi and P. teyahalee) collected from locations along their elevational extent in southwestern North Carolina. Because hydration state constrains the activity of salamanders, increasing R would increase potential activity. Here, we leveraged the natural changes in environmental conditions along an elevational gradient to determine if salamanders modify R in different environments. We predicted that salamanders collected from low elevations would have higher R to compensate for the warmer, drier conditions at low elevations that may limit activity. We determined R in the laboratory using a flow‐through system at two temperatures (12°C, 18°C) and at three vapor pressure deficits (0.2 kPa, 0.35 kPa, 0.5 kPa). For P. metcalfi, individuals collected from low elevations exhibited the highest R, suggesting either acclimatization or adaptation to local conditions. For P. teyahalee, individuals collected from high elevations exhibited the highest R, but these results may reflect alternative pressures due to differences in behavior. The results also suggest that salamanders might use temperature as a cue to increase R, but the capacity to do so depends upon the temperatures experienced in nature. Moreover, we show that variation in R has the potential to alter the duration of activity over the elevational ranges of these species, illustrating the importance of incorporating geographic variation of physiological traits for predicting a species' response to climate.
Magnitude, Spatiotemporal Patterns, and Controls for Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in India during 1901–2010
Authors: Banger Kamaljit , Tian Hanqin , Tao Bo , Lu Chaoqun , Ren Wei , Yang Jia
Published: May 2015

To the best of our knowledge, no attempts have been made to understand how environmental changes that occurred in the 20th century have altered soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in India. In this study, we applied a process‐based Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), to estimate the magnitude as well as to quantify the effects of climate change and variability, land cover and land‐use change (LCLUC), carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, atmospheric nitrogen deposition (NDEP), and tropospheric ozone (O3) pollution on SOC stocks in India during 1901–2010. The DLEM simulations have shown that SOC stocks ranged from 20.5 to 23.4 Pg C (1 Pg = 1015 g), majority of which is stored in the forested areas in the north‐east, north, and few scattered regions in the southern India. During the study period, soils have sequestered SOC by 2.9 Pg C. Elevated CO2 concentration has increased total SOC stocks over the country by 1.28 Pg C, which was partially offset by climate change (0.78 Pg C) and tropospheric O3 pollution (0.20 Pg C) during 1901–2010. Interestingly, LCLUC increased SOC stocks by 1.7 Pg C thereby suggesting that SOC loss from deforestation was offset by the conversion of low productive fallow lands and other lands to croplands that received irrigation along with N fertilizers. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition (NDEP) has increased biomass production and SOC by 0.5 PgC over the country. This study has demonstrated that the benefits from elevated CO2 concentration, cropland management practices, and NDEP in sequestering SOC stocks were offset by climate change and tropospheric O3 pollution which should be curbed in India.
Dating Sediment in a Fast Sedimentation Reservoir using Cesium‐137 and Lead‐210
Authors: Zhang X.C. , Zhang G.H. , Garbrecht J.D. , Steiner J.L.
Published: May 2015

More than 10,000 reservoirs have been constructed in agricultural watersheds in the United States since the 1940s to control floods and sediments. Reservoir sedimentation records provide a unique opportunity to retrospectively study the effects of land use changes and climate variations on sediment production if the sediment chronology could be properly determined. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the applicability of four unsupported 210Pb (210Pbex) models for dating deposited sediments in fast‐sedimentation environments; (ii) estimate the sedimentation rates; and (iii) relate the sedimentation rates to changes in soil conservation measures, land use, and climate. Three sediment profiles were sampled at 5‐cm intervals in a flood control reservoir in the Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental Watershed in southwestern Oklahoma. Radioactivity was measured with a γ spectrometer for radioisotopes 137Cs and 210Pb. Four 210Pbex dating models were tested. Three models (constant flux–constant sedimentation [CFCS], constant initial concentration [CIC], and constant rate of supply [CRS]), which are widely used in the lacustrine and marine environments under slow‐sedimentation conditions, were not applicable to fast‐sedimentation conditions because of considerable 210Pbex input with the sediment, which is assumed negligible in the models. A modified CRS model that uses 137Cs age markers as references improved determination of the sediment chronology. The average sedimentation rates were three to five times higher during the 1957 to 1963 time period than during the 1964 to 2011 period. The significant sediment reductions coincided with the implementation of numerous conservation measures in the watershed, including check dams, terraces, changing cropping patterns, and progressive adoption of no‐till and conservation tillage systems.
GPR43 Potentiates β-Cell Function in Obesity
Authors: McNelis Joanne C. , Lee Yun Sok , Mayoral Rafael , van der Kant Rik , Johnson Andrew M.F. , Wollam Joshua , Olefsky Jerrold M.
Published: May 2015

The intestinal microbiome can regulate host energy homeostasis and the development of metabolic disease. Here we identify GPR43, a receptor for bacterially produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as a modulator of microbiota-host interaction. β-Cell expression of GPR43 and serum levels of acetate, an endogenous SCFA, are increased with a high-fat diet (HFD). HFD-fed GPR43 knockout (KO) mice develop glucose intolerance due to a defect in insulin secretion. In vitro treatment of isolated murine islets, human islets, and Min6 cells with (S)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3,3-dimethyl-N-(5-phenylthiazol-2-yl)butanamide (PA), a specific agonist of GPR43, increased intracellular inositol triphosphate and Ca2+ levels, and potentiated insulin secretion in a GPR43-, Gαq-, and phospholipase C–dependent manner. In addition, KO mice fed an HFD displayed reduced β-cell mass and expression of differentiation genes, and the treatment of Min6 cells with PA increased β-cell proliferation and gene expression. Together these findings identify GPR43 as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Comparison of Patterns of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Between Children With Cerebral Palsy and Children With Typical Development
Authors: Ryan Jennifer M. , Forde Cuisle , Hussey Juliette M. , Gormley John
Published: May 2015

Background

Reduced participation in physical activity and increased time spent in sedentary behavior are associated with overweight, chronic disease, and disability. In order to optimize recommendations and interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in children with cerebral palsy (CP), knowledge of their physical activity and sedentary behavior is needed.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior in preadolescent children with and without CP and compare physical activity and sedentary behavior between the 2 groups.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study of 33 children, aged 6 to 10 years, with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I–III) and 33 age- and sex-matched children with typical development.

Methods

Physical activity was measured using the RT3 accelerometer over 7 days.

Results

Children with CP spent more time in sedentary behavior and accumulated less total activity, moderate activity, vigorous activity, and sustained bouts of moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA). They also accumulated a fewer number of bouts of MVPA and vigorous activity, despite spending a similar amount of time in each bout.

Limitations

The small number of children in GMFCS levels II and III did not allow for adjustment for GMFCS level when comparing physical activity between children with and without CP.

Conclusions

Preadolescent children with CP spent less time in moderate and vigorous activity and more time in sedentary behavior than children with typical development. Children with CP also accumulated less continuous MVPA and vigorous activity as a result of achieving fewer sustained bouts of MVPA and vigorous activity throughout the day.
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS): Validity and Responsiveness
Authors: Dumas Helene M. , Fragala-Pinkham Maria A. , Rosen Elaine L. , Lombard Kelly A. , Farrell Colleen
Published: May 2015

Background

Although preliminary studies have established a good psychometric foundation for the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) for a broad population of youth with disabilities, additional validation is warranted for young children.

Objective

The study objective was to (1) examine concurrent validity, (2) evaluate the ability to identify motor delay, and (3) assess responsiveness of the PEDI-CAT Mobility domain and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).

Methods

Fifty-three infants and young children (<18 months of age) admitted to a pediatric postacute care hospital and referred for a physical therapist examination were included. The PEDI-CAT Mobility domain and the AIMS were completed during the initial physical therapist examination, at 3-month intervals, and at discharge. A Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to examine concurrent validity. A chi-square analysis of age percentile scores was used to examine the identification of motor delay. Mean score differences from initial assessment to final assessment were analyzed to evaluate responsiveness.

Results

A statistically significant, fair association (rs=.313) was found for the 2 assessments. There was no significant difference in motor delay identification between tests; however, the AIMS had a higher percentage of infants with scores at or below the fifth percentile. Participants showed significant changes from initial testing to final testing on the PEDI-CAT Mobility domain and the AIMS.

Limitations

This study included only young patients (<18 months of age) in a pediatric postacute hospital; therefore, the generalizability is limited to this population.

Conclusions

The PEDI-CAT Mobility domain is a valid measure for young children admitted to postacute care and is responsive to changes in motor skills. However, further item and standardization development is needed before the PEDI-CAT is used confidently to identify motor delay in children <18 months of age.
Screening Materials Relevant for Energy Technologies
Authors: Smit Berend
Published: May 2015

In this short review, some recent advances are discussed in the development of computational techniques to perform large-scale screening of materials for energy-related applications. We focus on carbon capture and methane storage in different classes of nanoporous materials. We show
how these screening studies can identify whether economic targets for particular processes can be reached.
Molecular Engineering of Functional Materials for Energy and Opto-Electronic Applications
Authors: Gao Peng , Konrad Domanski , Aghazada Sadig , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: May 2015

This review presents an overview of the dedicated research directions of the Group for Molecular Engineering of Functional Materials (GMF). This includes molecular engineering aspects of sensitizers constructed from ruthenium complexes, organic molecules, porphyrins and phthalocyanines.
Manipulation of organometal trihalide perovskites, and charge transporting materials for high performance perovskite solar cells and photo-detectors are also described. Controlling phosphorescence color, and quantum yields in iridium complexes by tailoring ligands for organic light emitting
diodes are demonstrated. Efficient reduction of CO2 to CO using molecular catalyst on a protected Cu2O photocathode, and cost-effective water-splitting cell using a high efficiency perovskite solar cell are presented.
Surface Reactions are Crucial for Energy Storage
Authors: Callini Elsa , Kato Shunsuke , Mauron Philippe , Züttel Andreas
Published: May 2015

Reactions between gas molecules, e.g. H2 and CO2 and solids take place at the surface. The electronic states and the local geometry of the atomic arrangement determine the energy of the adsorbate, i.e. the initial molecule and the transition state. Here we review
our research to identify the surface species, their chemical state and orientation, the interaction with the neighbouring molecules and the mobility of the adsorbed species and complement the experimental results with thermodynamic modelling. The role of the Ti was found to be a bridge between
the charged species preventing the individual movement of the ions including charge separation. The Ti has no catalytic effect on the hydrogen sorption reaction in borohydrides. The physisorption of molecular hydrogen is too weak at ambient temperature to reach a significant hydrogen storage
density. The addition of a hydrogen dissociation catalyst to a nanoporous material with a large specific surface area may potentially enable the spillover of hydrogen atoms from the metal catalyst to the surface of the porous material and chemisorb on specific sites with a much higher binding
energy compared to physisorption. The intercalation of alkali metals in C60 fullerenes increases the interaction energy of hydrogen with the so-called metal fullerides significantly. Sterical diffusion barriers by partial oxidation of the surface of borohydrides turned out to redirect
the reaction path towards pure hydrogen desorption and suppress the formation of diborane, a by-product of the hydrogen evolution reaction from borohydrides previously undetected. The combination of a newly developed gas controlling system with microreactors allows us to investigate complex
reactions with small quantities of nano designed new catalytic materials. Furthermore, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) will allow the investigation of the reactions locally on the surface of the catalyst and the near ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy enables analysis of the
surfaces in ultra-high vacuum and in situ interaction with the adsorbates i.e. while the reaction takes place. This brings us in a unique position for the investigation of the heterogeneous reactive systems. The mechanism of the Ti catalysed hydrogen sorption reactions in alanates
was recently established based on spectroscopic investigations combined with thermodynamic analysis of the transition states.
Inkjet Printing Meets Electrochemical Energy Conversion
Authors: Lesch Andreas , Cortés-Salazar Fernando , Bassetto Victor Costa , Amstutz Véronique , Girault Hubert H.
Published: May 2015

Inkjet printing is a very powerful digital and mask-less microfabrication technique that has attracted the attention of several research groups working on electrochemical energy conversion concepts. In this short review, an overview is given about recent efforts to employ inkjet printing
for the search of new electrocatalyst materials and for the preparation of catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. Recent approaches of the Laboratory of Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (LEPA) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale
de Lausanne for the inkjet printing of catalyst layers and membrane electrode assemblies are presented and future energy research directions of LEPA based on inkjet printing in the new Energypolis campus in the Canton of Valais are summarized.
Analytical Chemistry at the Laboratoire d'Electrochimie Physique et Analytique
Authors: Bondarenko Alexandra , Cortés-Salazar Fernando , Gasilova Natalia , Lesch Andreas , Qiao Liang , Girault Hubert H.
Published: May 2015

The Laboratoire d'Electrochimie Physique et Analytique (LEPA) has moved to the new Energypolis campus in Sion. This laboratory is involved in energy research in particular by studying charge transfer reactions at soft interfaces and developing interfacial redox electrocatalysis, by
pioneering the concept of photo-ionic cells and by integrating redox flow batteries for the production of hydrogen at the pilot scale. Nonetheless, this laboratory has a long tradition in analytical chemistry with the development of microfabrication techniques such as laser photo-ablation,
screen-printing and more recently inkjet printing for the design and fabrication of biosensors and immunosensors. As shown in the present review, the laboratory has recently pioneered new technologies for electrochemical and mass spectrometry imaging and for the screening of allergy in patients.
The role of the laboratory in the Valais landscape will be to foster the collaboration with the HES to develop teaching and research in analytical chemistry as this field is a major source of employment for chemists.
Evaluation of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis of ventriculostomy-related infections
Authors: Gordon Claire L. , Tokarz Rafal , Briese Thomas , Lipkin W. Ian , Jain Komal , Whittier Susan , Shah Jayesh , Connolly E. Sander , Yin Michael T.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Diagnosis of ventriculostomy-related infections (VRIs) is challenging due to the lack of rapid, sensitive assays for pathogen detection. The authors report the development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for differential diagnosis of common VRI pathogens.

METHODS

MassTag PCR was used to develop a multiplex assay for detection of 11 VRI pathogens. The assay was established and optimized using cloned template standards and spiked samples and was then evaluated on CSF specimens from ventricular drains. Subjects were grouped into definite VRI, possible VRI, or no VRI based on conventional microbiology, CSF evaluation, and clinical parameters.

RESULTS

CSF specimens were obtained from 45 subjects (median age 49 years, interquartile range 32–63 years; 51% were male). The assay detected 10–100 genome copies. It detected a pathogen in 100% (6 of 6) of definite VRI cases in which a pathogen targeted by the assay was present; these represented 67% of all definite VRIs (6 of 9). Among subjects with a possible VRI, the assay detected a pathogen in 29% (5 of 17). In subjects without overt infection the presence of a pathogen was detected in 32% of subjects (6 of 19), albeit with lower signal compared with the VRI group.

CONCLUSIONS

MassTag PCR enabled parallel testing of CSF specimens for 11 pathogens of VRI. The high sensitivity of PCR combined with possible device colonization, specimen contamination, and concurrent antibiotic treatments limit the clinical value of the assay, similar to other current diagnostic approaches. With further optimization, multiplex PCR may provide timely identification of multiple possible VRI pathogens and guide management, complementing classic culture approaches.
The 6 thalamic regions: surgical approaches to thalamic cavernous malformations, operative results, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

The ideal surgical approach to thalamic cavernous malformations (CMs) varies according to their location within the thalamus. To standardize surgical approaches, the authors have divided the thalamus into 6 different regions and matched them with the corresponding surgical approach.

METHODS

The regions were defined as Region 1 (anteroinferior), Region 2 (medial), Region 3 (lateral), Region 4 (posterosuperior), Region 5 (lateral posteroinferior), and Region 6 (medial posteroinferior). The senior author’s surgical experience with 46 thalamic CMs was reviewed according to this classification. An orbitozygomatic approach was used for Region 1; anterior ipsilateral transcallosal for Region 2; anterior contralateral transcallosal for Region 3; posterior transcallosal for Region 4; parietooccipital transventricularfor Region 5; and supracerebellar-infratentorial for Region 6.

RESULTS

Region 3 was the most common location (17 [37%]). There were 5 CMs in Region 1 (11%), 9 in Region 2 (20%), 17 in Region 3 (37%), 3 in Region 4 (6%), 4 in Region 5 (9%), and 8 in Region 6 (17%). Complete resection was achieved in all patients except for 2, who required a second-stage operation. The mean follow-up period was 1.7 years (range 6 months-9 years). At the last clinical follow-up, 40 patients (87%) had an excellent or good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores 0–2) and 6 (13%) had poor outcome (mRS scores 3–4). Relative to their preoperative condition, 42 patients (91%) were unchanged or improved, and 4 (9%) were worse.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors have presented the largest series reported to date of surgically treated thalamic CMs, achieving excellent results using this methodology. In the authors’ experience, conceptually dividing the thalamus into 6 different regions aids in the selection of the ideal surgical approach fora specific region.
Incubation Routine of Saunders's Tern Sternula Saundersi in a Harsh Environment
Authors: AlRashidi Monif , Shobrak Mohammed
Published: May 2015

Saunders's Tern ( Sternula saundersi) is a small ground-nesting seabird which breeds in the coasts and islands of Africa and Asia bordering the northern Indian Ocean. Despite having a wide distribution, little information is available on the breeding biology of this species. This study was carried out on Farasan Islands, Saudi Arabia, to document some aspects of the breeding biology of this species using a small trail camera. Such camera systems can reveal the incubation routine of this species in such a harsh environment. The midday ground temperature in March may reach up to 50 °C, while the midnight ground temperature may only reach 20 °C, thus leaving the eggs unattended even for few minutes, especially during the hottest and coldest parts of the day, may cause nest failure. This huge variation in ground temperatures between day and night gave us an excellent opportunity to test the behavioural mechanism used by the parents for maintaining the optimal egg temperature so as to protect their eggs. We found that nest attendance increases when the temperatures deviated from the optimal egg temperature, and nests were incubated for more than 90% of the time during the hottest and coldest parts of the day to prevent eggs from harmful temperatures.
Variation in the Nesting Phenology of two Positively Interacting Passerines
Authors: Polak Marcin
Published: May 2015

A heightened risk of predation can promote the formation of protective nesting associations between avian species which are well-known for vigorously defending their broods. Thus, by nesting under the protective umbrella created by an aggressive neighbour, individuals can enhance their reproductive success. For positive interactions between different species to come into being, there must be spatial and temporal coincidence. The overlap in nesting dates may be beneficial to neighbouring individuals of these species because either can warn the other of an approaching predator and the broods can be communally defended. The main aim of the present study was to compare the nesting phenology in populations of two positively interacting passerines: the Barred Warbler ( Sylvia nisoria) and the Red-backed Shrike ( Lanius collurio). Even though both species arrived at their breeding grounds at the same time, warblers began laying eggs one week earlier than shrikes. Most Barred Warbler females attempted to lay eggs as early as possible in the first half of the breeding season. Egg-laying was spread out more evenly in time in the population of Red-backed Shrikes compared with that of the Barred Warblers. There was substantial overlap in the breeding dates in most nests of both species; nonetheless, in some seasons there was significant phenological shift. The spatially closest broods of the two species were better synchronised. Due to the narrower time window and decrease in reproductive success, the present data showed stronger selective pressure on late nesting warblers than shrikes.
Functional and Clinicopathologic Outcomes Using a Modified Vescica Ileale Padovana Technique
Authors: Flack Chandra K. , Monn M. Francesca , Kaimakliotis Hristos Z. , Koch Michael O.
Published: May 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the clinicopathologic and functional outcomes of a modified Vescica ileale Padovana (VIP) neobladder technique.

Methods:

Data for 160 patients at a single institution who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic VIP neobladder creation between 1998 and 2013 were analyzed. Modified VIP technique involved longitudinal opening of the small bowel close to the anterior mesenteric border instead of along the true anti-mesentery. This allowed for creation of a dependent neourethral funnel and a large serosal surface for ureteral anastomosis, distant from any suture lines.

Results:

Mean age for the entire cohort was 59.5, with 9% female and 64% with muscle invasive disease prior to cystectomy. Within 30 days of surgery, 16 patients (10%) developed a Clavien grade 3-4 complication and there were no deaths. Ninety-six percent reported minor or no daytime urinary leakage at 12 months, and 70% reported minor or no nighttime urinary leakage. Two- and five-year overall survival rates were 84.2% and 72.6% , respectively. Seven patients developed a ureteral stricture (4%), three (2%) had bladder neck contractures, two (1%) experienced urethral recurrence, and there were no vesicovaginal fistulas.

Conclusions:

This modified VIP neobladder technique achieves favorable functional, survival, and recurrence outcomes similar to other published orthotopic continent diversions. Its near spheroidal shape lowers internal pressure, allowing for improved continence at physiologic filling capacity, and its offset bowel opening helps prevent unnecessary stretch to the native urethra, even in large individuals. The widened uretero-enteric anastomosis site distant from bowel suture lines contributes to decreased stricture rates and its placement on the dome of the neobladder facilitates endoscopic access should strictures occur. Finally, lack of posterior overlapping suture lines also mitigates the risk of fistulae formation in females should anterior vaginal wall excision or entry be unavoidable.
Sequential Intravesical Gemcitabine and Docetaxel for the Salvage Treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Steinberg Ryan L. , Thomas Lewis J. , O’Donnell Michael A. , Nepple Kenneth G.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the most effective intravesical therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), but patients can fail or supply shortages can develop. For BCG failures, radical cystectomy is recommended. However, in patients who desire bladder preservation or are poor surgical candidates, alternative salvage intravesical therapies should be explored.

Objective:

To determine whether dual sequential intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel is effective in treating NMIBC.

Methods:

We evaluated our initial experience with 45 patients treated with intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel between June 2009 and May 2014. Patients were treated with 6 weekly instillations of gemcitabine (1 gram of gemcitabine in 50 ml of sterile water) followed immediately by docetaxel (37.5 mg of docetaxel in 50 mL of saline). Treatment success was defined as no bladder cancer recurrence and no cystectomy. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meier method.

Results:

Forty-five patients received treatment with a median overall follow-up of 15 months. Median follow up for treatment success was 6 months in all patients and 13 months for responders. Five patients were unable to tolerate a full induction course. Treatment success was 66% at first surveillance, 54% at 1 year, and 34% at 2 years after initiating induction. Ten patients received cystectomy (median of 5.6 months from starting induction) with no positive margins or lymph nodes on final pathology.

Conclusions:

Sequential dual intravesical gemcitabine and docetaxel can salvage some patients in a challenging NMIBC cohort.
Chemotherapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer: Five Simple Rules Learned Over 30 Years
Authors: Raghavan Derek
Published: May 2015

Invasive, clinically non-metastatic bladder cancer has a cure rate of only 50% , when all T stages are considered. The pattern of relapse is dominated by systemic spread, provided that optimal surgery is practiced. Occult metastases are thus most likely to be present at first presentation. For more than 30 years, therapeutic strategies have focused on the use of systemic chemotherapy before, during or after loco-regional therapy to produce cure. More aggressive surgery and more precise radiation techniques in addition to improved chemotherapy have also been tested to improve cure rates. Genetic analysis has focused on prediction and prognostication, without yet having a major impact on outcomes. New agents have been tested in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting, but have not yet proven superior to standard algorithms, such as neoadjuvant MVAC chemotherapy. Many studies have tested ineffective metastatic regimens in the neoadjuvant setting without success, giving rise to the maxim that ignoring logical rules of investigation will not advance clinical practice. Leveraging molecular prognostication and immune responsiveness of urothelial cancer may produce the next era of progress. Five simple rules are proposed to guide the development of future studies.
Immunotherapy and Radiation – A New Combined Treatment Approach for Bladder Cancer?
Authors: Buchwald Zachary S. , Efstathiou Jason A.
Published: May 2015

Recently, immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has been showing promise in clinical trials for stage IV bladder cancer. Herein, we review the literature regarding the role for radiation therapy, the role for immunotherapy, and the potential synergy of these treatments combined in bladder cancer. There is ample pre-clinical data in a number of different tumor models, coupled with a growing body of clinical evidence in melanoma and other malignancies to suggest combining radiation and immunotherapy could lead to substantial advances in treatment outcomes for bladder cancer. Yet, these data for bladder cancer remain at the pre-clinical stage, and further study is needed.
Human dignity and the business of business
Authors: Dierksmeier Claus
Published: May 2015

Abstract A paradigm change from mechanistic to humanistic management theories and practices is underway, exemplified in a shift from an economics oriented at the fictional homo oeconomicus towards novel models oriented at the real conditio humana. This methodological turn brings about both the opportunity and the necessity of re-orienting management theory as well as business education to the idea of human dignity, as was common in the long-tradition of moral economics from Plato up to Adam Smith. In order to contribute to this theoretical move, in its first part, this paper surveys important conceptions of dignity throughout the ages, and then, in the second part, discusses their implications for a future humanistic business education.
Conceptualizing humanistic management as an alternative to managing in a post crisis world
Authors: Pirson Michael
Published: May 2015

Abstract The various crises require a different paradigm for business theory and practice. For this special issue contributors were asked to conceptualize such an alternative paradigm and propose and discuss heretofore unnamed phenomena. We present six contributions from renowned experts in the field that argue for a shift in perspective of management and organizational research and practice to allow us to conceptualize a life-conducive economic system.
The theory of the managed firm (TMF)
Authors: Spender J.-C.
Published: May 2015

Abstract The economics literature on the ‘theory of the firm’ is extensive. But it fails to address Coase’s 1937 ‘killer questions’, his pointing out that we have no rigorous theory of the firm that can explain or justify their existence. In particular we have no theory of how real people, as opposed to computational devices, fit into notions of the firm that can address Coase’s critique. This is surely a problem for those teaching firm management in business schools and elsewhere - albeit an elephant that has been swept under the carpet. This paper sketches a theory of the firm that stands on the managers’ creative judgments that their reasoning supports but does not dominate; hence the ‘theory of the managed firm’ (TMF) rather than merely the ‘theory of the firm’ (ToF). Along with Adam Smith, I presume human judgment is the source of all new economic value and so see the managed firm as democratic capitalism’s principal apparatus for channeling creative inputs into the socio-economy. Thus managers have both economic and political functions. Firms generate value as managers contribute their judgment in the course of shaping their firm’s responses to the Knightian uncertainties (KUs) and bounded rationalities (BRs) met with as the firm’s freely chosen goals are pursued. Under KU/BR, an analysis of managers’ agentic activity and rhetorical practice complements their rational decision-making and helps us see more of the nature of the managed firm. The TMF provides a post-positivist basis for re-theorizing entrepreneurship, business leadership, strategizing, and innovation management. Practice rather than theory is its basis. It also rejects the ‘separation thesis’ of the business ethics literature, and so provides a theoretical basis for an ethics of managing.
The Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Rhizophagus intraradices Reduces the Negative Effects of Arsenic on Soybean Plants
Authors: Spagnoletti Federico , Lavado Raúl
Published: May 2015

Arsenic (As) in soils causes several detrimental effects, including death. Arsenic toxicity in soybean plants (Glycine max L.) has been little studied. Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) increase the tolerance of host plants to abiotic stress, like As. We investigated the effects of AM fungi on soybean grown in As-contaminated soils. A pot experiment was carried out in a glasshouse, at random with five replications. We applied three levels of As (0, 25, and 50 mg As kg−1), inoculated and non-inoculated with the AM fungus Rhizophagus intraradices (N.C. Schenck & G.S. Sm.) C. Walker & A. Schüßler. Plant parameters and mycorrhizal colonization were measured. Arsenic in the substrate, roots, and leaves was quantified. Arsenic negatively affected the AM percentage of spore germination and hyphal length. As also affected soybean plants negatively: an extreme treatment caused a reduction of more than 77.47% in aerial biomass, 68.19% in plant height, 78.35% in number of leaves, and 44.96% reduction in root length, and delayed the phenological evolution. Mycorrhizal inoculation improved all of these parameters, and decreased plant As accumulation (from 7.8 mg As kg−1 to 6.0 mg As kg−1). AM inoculation showed potential to reduce As toxicity in contaminated areas. The AM fungi decreased As concentration in plants following different ways: dilution effect, less As intake by roots, and improving soybean tolerance to As.