bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable HEMA‐based hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Moghadam Mohamadreza Nassajian , Pioletti Dominique P.
Published: June 2015

Hydrogels are widely used in the biomedical field. Their main purposes are either to deliver biological active agents or to temporarily fill a defect until they degrade and are followed by new host tissue formation. However, for this latter application, biodegradable hydrogels are usually not capable to sustain any significant load. The development of biodegradable hydrogels presenting load‐bearing capabilities would open new possibilities to utilize this class of material in the biomedical field. In this work, an original formulation of biodegradable photo‐crosslinked hydrogels based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is presented. The hydrogels consist of short‐length poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) chains in a star shape structure, obtained by introducing a tetra‐functional chain transfer agent in the backbone of the hydrogels. They are cross‐linked with a biodegradable N,O‐dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine (DMHA) molecule sensitive to hydrolytic cleavage. We characterized the degradation properties of these hydrogels submitted to mechanical loadings. We showed that the developed hydrogels undergo long‐term degradation and specially meet the two essential requirements of a biodegradable hydrogel suitable for load bearing applications: enhanced mechanical properties and low molecular weight degradation products. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1161–1169, 2016.
A phase II trial of perioperative chemotherapy involving a single intraperitoneal administration of paclitaxel followed by sequential S‐1 plus intravenous paclitaxel for serosa‐positive gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Ying‐Feng , Imano Motohiro , Itoh Tatsuki , Satoh Takao , Chiba Yasutaka , Imamoto Haruhiko , Tsubaki Masahiro , Nishida Shozo , Yasuda Takushi , Furukawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Background and Objectives

We carried out a phase II trial to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and tolerability of perioperative chemotherapy including single intraperitoneal(IP) administration of paclitaxel(PTX) followed by intravenous(IV) administrations of PTX with S‐1 in a neoadjuvant setting for serosa‐positive gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients with cT4a gastric cancer were enrolled. A laparoscopic survey was performed before study inclusion for the confirmation of serosal invasion, negative lavage cytology, and negative peritoneal metastasis. IP PTX (80 mg/m2) was administered, followed by systemic chemotherapy. Surgery was performed after the completion of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the treatment completion rate.

Results

37 patients were recruited. The treatment completion rate was 67.6% (25/37; 90% CI, 52.8–80.1%), which was significantly higher than 50%; we set this as a threshold value (P = 2.4% [one‐sided]). 14 patients had target lesions; of these, 10 showed a partial response (71.4%), three had stable disease (21.4%), and one had progressive disease(7.2%). The response rate was 71.4% (10/14). All patients underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection. The 3‐ and 5‐year OS rates were 78.0 and 74.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Perioperative chemotherapy including neoadjuvant IP PTX followed by sequential IV PTX with S‐1 for serosa‐positive gastric cancer is feasible, safe, and efficient. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:1041–1046. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finding “the Feeling” Through Movement, Music, and Memory: Oriental Dance, Tarab, and Umm Kulthūm
Authors: Bordelon Candace A.
Published: June 2015

In the tradition of Arab music, artists aspire to generate tarab, an experiential quality described by ethnomusicologist A. J. Racy as a merger between music and emotional transformation. Although there is no exact equivalent in Western language, the most common English words used to capture the meaning of tarab are “ecstasy,” “transcendence,” and “enchantment.” Music frequently identified as being tarab music includes that of Egyptian singer Umm Kulthūm, a towering figure in twentieth century Arab music. Oriental dance (the name used in Egypt, but commonly referred to as belly dance) is customarily performed to this genre of music, which dancers acknowledge as an inseparable part of the dance. This study unravels how the Oriental dancer, in tandem with the music of Umm Kulthūm, engages with the audience to create the experience of tarab—a deeply emotional state generated by the invocation of personal, cultural, and public memories that is often collectively experienced by dancer, musicians, and audience. This study is based on interviews with four Egyptian dancers and four North American dancers who performed extensively in the Middle East. This research, while both building on and theorizing from the current ethnomusicological research on tarab music, foregrounds the dancer's voice and her experiences while embodying and performing to this music, offering a new analysis that brings the dancer into the discourse and expands our understanding of Oriental dance as a performance and aesthetic experience apart from the traditional notions of Orientalism.
Kirigami-based stretchable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Song Zeming , Wang Xu , Lv Cheng , An Yonghao , Liang Mengbing , Ma Teng , He David , Zheng Ying-Jie , Huang Shi-Qing , Yu Hongyu , Jiang Hanqing
Published: June 2015

We have produced stretchable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using the concept of kirigami, i.e., a combination of folding and cutting. The designated kirigami patterns have been discovered and implemented to achieve great stretchability (over 150%) to LIBs that are produced by standardized battery manufacturing. It is shown that fracture due to cutting and folding is suppressed by plastic rolling, which provides kirigami LIBs excellent electrochemical and mechanical characteristics. The kirigami LIBs have demonstrated the capability to be integrated and power a smart watch, which may disruptively impact the field of wearable electronics by offering extra physical and functionality design spaces.
The p53 binding protein PDCD5 is not rate-limiting in DNA damage induced cell death
Authors: Bock Florian J. , Tanzer Maria C. , Haschka Manuel D. , Krumschnabel Gerhard , Sohm Bénédicte , Goetsch Katrin , Kofler Reinhard , Villunger Andreas
Published: June 2015

The tumour suppressor p53 is an important mediator of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage, acting mainly by transcriptional regulation of specific target genes. The exact details how p53 modulates this decision on a molecular basis is still incompletely understood. One mechanism of regulation is acetylation of p53 on lysine K120 by the histone-acetyltransferase Tip60, resulting in preferential transcription of proapoptotic target genes. PDCD5, a protein with reported pro-apoptotic function, has recently been identified as regulator of Tip60-dependent p53-acetylation. In an effort to clarify the role of PDCD5 upon DNA damage, we generated cell lines in which PDCD5 expression was conditionally ablated by shRNAs and investigated their response to genotoxic stress. Surprisingly, we failed to note a rate-limiting role of PDCD5 in the DNA damage response. PDCD5 was dispensable for DNA damage induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and we observed no significant changes in p53 target gene transcription. While we were able to confirm interaction of PDCD5 with p53, we failed to do so for Tip60. Altogether, our results suggest a role of PDCD5 in the regulation of p53 function but unrelated to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, at least in the cell types investigated.
Social behaviour in mesopelagic jellyfish
Authors: Kaartvedt Stein , Ugland Karl I. , Klevjer Thor A. , Røstad Anders , Titelman Josefin , Solberg Ingrid
Published: June 2015

Gelatinous organisms apparently play a central role in deep pelagic ecosystems, but lack of observational methodologies has restricted information on their behaviour. We made acoustic records of diel migrating jellyfish Periphylla periphylla forming small, ephemeral groups at the upper fringe of an acoustic scattering layer consisting of krill. Groups of P. periphylla were also documented photographically using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Although the adaptive value of group formation remains speculative, we clearly demonstrate the ability of these jellyfishes to locate and team up with each other.
A lactam building block for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Cao Jiamin , Qian Liu , Lu Futai , Zhang Jianqi , Feng Yaqing , Qiu Xiaohui , Yip Hin-Lap , Ding Liming
Published: June 2015

A D–A conjugated polymer (PThBDTP) based on a new lactam acceptor unit (BDTP) was synthesized and inverted solar cells based on PThBDTP/PC71BM achieved a high PCE of 9.13% with a high Voc of 0.96 V.
Under-water unidirectional air penetration via a Janus mesh
Authors: Chen Jingwei , Liu Yiming , Guo Dawei , Cao Moyuan , Jiang Lei
Published: June 2015

Under-water and unidirectional air penetration was effectively achieved on the basis of a composite mesh with Janus wettability.
Hydrogels formed from Fmoc amino acids
Authors: Draper Emily R. , Morris Kyle L. , Little Marc A. , Raeburn Jaclyn , Colquhoun Catherine , Cross Emily R. , McDonald Tom. O. , Serpell Louise C. , Adams Dave J.
Published: June 2015

A number of Fmoc amino acids can be effective low molecular weight hydrogelators; we compare single crystal structures to fibre X-ray diffraction data.
Thermodynamics of technetium: reconciling theory and experiment using density functional perturbation analysis
Authors: Weck Philippe F. , Kim Eunja
Published: June 2015

The structure, lattice dynamics and thermodynamic properties of bulk technetium were investigated within the framework of density functional theory. The predicted thermal expansion and isobaric heat capacity are in excellent agreement with available experimental data.
Investigating public perceptions of carbon dioxide utilisation (CDU) technology: a mixed methods study
Authors: Jones C. R. , Kaklamanou D. , Stuttard W. M. , Radford R. L. , Burley J.
Published: June 2015

Carbon dioxide utilisation (CDU) technologies hold promise for helping to limit atmospheric releases of CO2 while generating saleable products. However, while there is growing investment in the research and development required to bring CDU to the market, to date there has been very little systematic research into public perceptions of the technology. The current research reports upon the findings of a series of six qualitative focus groups (and an associated questionnaire) held with members of the UK public in order to discuss the perceived benefits and risks of CDU technology. The findings reveal that public awareness of CDU is currently very low and that there is a desire to learn more about the technology. While our participants did, on average, appear to develop an overall positive attitude towards CDU, this attitude was tentative and was associated with a number of caveats. The implications for the findings in terms of the development of communication and broader strategies of public engagements are outlined.
Naïve Bayes classifier predicts functional microRNA target interactions in colorectal cancer
Authors: Amirkhah Raheleh , Farazmand Ali , Gupta Shailendra K. , Ahmadi Hamed , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Schmitz Ulf
Published: June 2015

The article describes a novel method (CRCmiRTar) for a CRC-specific prediction of functional miRNA-target interactions based on a machine learning approach.
Grindstone chemistry: protic ionic liquid-substrate tuned green synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted and 2-substituted benzimidazoles with outstanding selectivity
Authors: Majumdar Swapan , Chakraborty Mithun , Pramanik Nabyendu , Maiti Dilip K.
Published: June 2015

An environmentally benign and highly substrate-protic ionic liquid controlled synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted and 2-substituted benzimidazoles with outstanding selectivity is demonstrated through grinding a mixture of OPD, aldehydes and catalyst.
Spectroscopic studies on the interaction of terpyridine-CuCl2 with cysteine
Authors: Zhou Xiyuan , Huang Zeng , Cao Yuan , Yu Shanshan , Yu Xiaoqi , Zhao Gang , Pu Lin
Published: June 2015

Interaction of the classical coordination complex TpyCuCl2 (Tpy = terpyridine) with cysteine was studied. Addition of cysteine to the solution of TpyCuCl2 was found to give greatly enhanced fluorescence.
Mechanically programmed shape change in laminated elastomeric composites
Authors: Robertson Jaimee M. , Torbati Amir H. , Rodriguez Erika D. , Mao Yiqi , Baker Richard M. , Qi H. Jerry , Mather Patrick T.
Published: June 2015

Laminated elastomeric composites exhibit non-affine shape change following a simple, room temperature tensile deformation.
Correlation between fast oxygen kinetics and enhanced performance in Fe doped layered perovskite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Jun Areum , Yoo Seonyoung , Ju Young-Wan , Hyodo Junji , Choi Sihyuk , Jeong Hu Young , Shin Jeeyoung , Ishihara Tatsumi , Lim Tak-hyoung , Kim Guntae
Published: June 2015

The optimal Fe substitution, SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ, enhanced the performance and redox stability due to its fast oxygen kinetics.
An in situ and general preparation strategy for hybrid metal/semiconductor nanostructures with enhanced solar energy utilization efficiency
Authors: Bai Hua , Ye Fang , Lv Qing , Xi Guangcheng , Li Junfang , Yang Haifeng , Wan Chongqing
Published: June 2015

We report a facile method for direct growth of noble metal nanoparticles on semiconductor nanostructures through an in situ redox reaction.
Seamless sliding‐mode control for bidirectional boost converter with output filter for electric vehicles applications
Authors: Albiol‐Tendillo Laura , Vidal‐Idiarte Enric , Maixe‐Altes Javier , Mendez‐Prince Sylvia , Martinez‐Salamero Luis
Published: June 2015

This study analyses the feasibility of a unique sliding‐mode control law to regulate a bidirectional boost converter with output filter in a seamless manner. The output voltage of the converter is effectively regulated by means of a proportional–integral controller, while the inner current loop has a sliding‐mode current controller. The stability of this converter is verified for both step‐up and step‐down operation modes, considering the converter is part of a determined powertrain arrangement for an electric vehicle. Simulation and experimental results have proven the stability of the system in both operating modes and also during transitions, confirming that sliding‐mode control is an appropriate control strategy for a bidirectional boost converter with output filter.
Analytic structure of the S-matrix for singular quantum mechanics
Authors: Camblong Horacio E. , Epele Luis N. , Fanchiotti Huner , García Canal Carlos A.
Published: June 2015

The analytic structure of the S-matrix of singular quantum mechanics is examined within a multichannel framework, with primary focus on its dependence with respect to a parameter (Ω) that determines the boundary conditions. Specifically, a characterization is given in terms of salient mathematical and physical properties governing its behavior. These properties involve unitarity and associated current-conserving Wronskian relations, time-reversal invariance, and Blaschke factorization. The approach leads to an interpretation of effective nonunitary solutions in singular quantum mechanics and their determination from the unitary family.
Plasma bullets behavior in a tube covered by a conductor
Authors: Xian Y. B. , Xu H. T. , Lu X. P. , Pei X. K. , Gong W. W. , Lu Y. , Liu D. W. , Yang Y.
Published: June 2015

In this work, for better applications of atmospheric pressure plasma jets, the physics of plasma streamers in a glass tube with a part of it covered by a conductor is investigated. To better understand the propagation mechanism of plasma bullets in capillary tubes passing through a curved or narrow passage for some biomedical or material applications, the propagation of plasma streamers in a tube covered by a floating conductor is investigated. For a plasma streamer propagating in a tube covered by a conductor, the plasma streamer is suppressed and becomes shorter, and a secondary streamer is generated in the tube at the downstream end of the conductor. The larger the area covered by the conductor, or the thinner the tube, the stronger the plasma streamer is inhibited. The electric potential of the conductor is measured to be as high as 6 kV. On the other hand, a higher voltage applied on the HV electrode, or a higher gas flow rate will make the secondary plasma streamer longer. It is found that the capacitor formed by the conductor outside the tube and the wall of the tube plays an important role in inhibiting the original plasma streamer and generating the secondary streamer. Moreover, the active species generated by the original plasma play important role in generating a secondary plasma streamer.
Generic, phenomenological, on-the-fly renormalized repulsion model for self-limited organization of terminal supraparticle assemblies
Authors: Nguyen Trung Dac , Schultz Benjamin A. , Kotov Nicholas A. , Glotzer Sharon C.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Engineering nanoassemblies with uniform characteristic dimensions is of great interest given the unique properties of nanoscale building blocks and their collective response in superstructures. We present a generic, particle-based model that predicts the formation of self-limited, or “terminal,” supraparticle assemblies observed in many inorganic, colloidal, and biological systems. The key factor that leads to the self-limiting behavior is shown to be that the repulsion between particles becomes renormalized “on-the-fly” as the particles aggregate. The model explains the monodispersity of terminal assemblies formed from polydisperse nanoparticles, as observed in recent experiments. Our findings not only deepen the understanding of how self-limited, or terminal assemblies form, but also offer versatile approaches to control the dimension and shape of synthetic nanoassemblies.
Effects of Slotted Water Control Structures on Nekton Movement within Salt Marshes
Authors: Kimball Matthew E. , Rozas Lawrence P. , Boswell Kevin M. , Cowan James H.
Published: June 2015

Water control structures (WCSs) restrict hydrological connectivity in salt marshes and thereby impede nekton movement within the greater habitat mosaic. Transient fishery species, which spawn outside salt marshes and must get past these barriers to reach spawning areas or salt-marsh nurseries, are especially vulnerable to these structures. Water control structures incorporating slots (narrow vertical openings spanning most of the water column) are thought to improve nekton passage; however, few studies have directly examined nekton passage through WCS slots. Dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) acoustic imaging was used monthly (April–September 2010) on diurnal flood tides to examine nekton movement through 15-cm-wide slots at two identical WCSs located in Louisiana tidal marsh channels. Nekton behavior was compared between these WCSs and a nearby natural salt-marsh creek. Examination of 12 h of subsampled acoustic data revealed large concentrations of salt-marsh nekton at the WCSs (n = 2,970 individuals total), but passage rates through the slots were low (≤10% of total observed individuals migrated via the slots). Most migrating fish were observed leaving the managed area and swimming against a flood tide. The mean size of migrating individuals (∼25 cm TL) did not differ in relation to swimming direction (going into versus exiting the managed marsh) and was similar to that reported from other studies examining similar slot widths. Nekton formed congregations in the WCS channel, but no congregations were observed in the natural salt-marsh creek, even though nekton species composition and sizes were similar among sites. The WCSs in our study appear to function as ecological hot spots, where large individuals may encounter enhanced foraging opportunities but also fishing mortality and where smaller individuals may experience greater predation rates.

Received July 22, 2014; accepted February 13, 2015
Single Peak Soliton and Periodic Cusp Wave of the Generalized Schrodinger–Boussinesq Equations*
Authors: Qiao Li-Jing , Tang Sheng-Qiang , Zhao Hai-Xia
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we study peakon, cuspon, smooth soliton and periodic cusp wave of the generalized Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations. Based on the method of dynamical systems, the generalized Schrödinger–Boussinesq equations are shown to have new the parametric representations of peakon, cuspon, smooth soliton and periodic cusp wave solutions. Under different parametric conditions, various sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of the above solutions are given.
A New Approach to Energy Integral for Investigation of Dust—Ion Acoustic (DIA) Waves in Multi-Component Plasmas with Quantum Effects in Inertia Less Electrons
Authors: Kalita B.C. , Kalita R.
Published: June 2015

Dust-ion acoustic waves are investigated in this model of plasma consisting of negatively charged dusts, cold ions and inertia less quantum effected electrons with the help of a typical energy integral. In this case, a new technique is applied formulating a differential equation to establish the energy integral in case of multi-component plasmas which is not possible in general. Dust-ion acoustic (DIA) compressive and rarefactive, supersonic and subsonic solitons of various amplitudes are established. The consideration of smaller order nonlinearity in support of the newly established quantum plasma model is observed to generate small amplitude solitons at the decrease of Mach number. The growths of soliton amplitudes and potential depths are found more sensitive to the density of quantum electrons. The small density ratio r(= 1 − f) with a little quantized electrons supplemented by the dust charges Zd and the in-deterministic new quantum parameter C2 are found responsible to finally support the generation of small amplitude solitons admissible for the model.
Is It Who You Are That Counts?
Authors: Holliday Wayne Julie , Michel Jesse S. , Matthews Russell A.
Published: June 2015

This chapter reviews theory and research on the role of personality and values in the work–family experience, beginning with a review of the processes of how personality and values are theorized to relate to the work–family interface, particularly conflict and enrichment. The chapter then summarizes the empirical literature on the relationship between personality and values and work–family experiences. Finally, the findings are synthesized and recommendations for future research are provided.
Developing New Posts in Music Therapy
Authors: Ledger Alison
Published: June 2015

Many music therapists join an organization as the first employee in the role, and consequently are the first music therapist that many of their new colleagues will have met. This chapter provides information about the challenges of introducing music therapy to established workplaces, securing funding and resources, gaining acceptance from interprofessional team members, and determining a role for music therapy. The ways in which music therapy can become an integral part of a healthcare or education organization are explored. Published accounts indicate that the development of music therapy posts can be facilitated or restricted by a range of complex forces, such as historical factors, power dynamics, organizational cultures, and a music therapist’s relationships with other workers. From the sparse information available about music therapy start up, it is not possible to establish clear causal links between influential factors. It is likely that successful start-up depends on a complex range of context-based factors, and the key to gaining entry in one practice setting may not necessarily open the door in another. Furthermore, the development of new posts may be influenced by power dynamics within the organization, and a music therapist’s relationships with other workers. Literature that describes how music therapists have navigated this complexity are reviewed and discussed.
Music Therapy in the Medical Care of Infants
Authors: Shoemark Helen , Dearn Trish
Published: June 2015

This chapter describes the ways in which music therapy can be provided to preterm infants or full-term who require medical care for complex issues that require hospitalization after birth. The history of Newborn Music Therapy research includes the application of music to change pain, non-nutritive sucking, feeding, with kangaroo care, and in developmental care. The modalities include recorded music and singing, and live singing and gentle instrument playing. Underpinning the application of music in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are considerations of the ambient sound levels of the NICU, the age of the infant, the physical context, timing of session. The significance of the parents’ experience in family-centerd music therapy in hospital is highlighted, as is the pivotal role of the music therapist to stimulate and facilitate music as part of healthy infant development.
Methods and Techniques
Authors: Edwards Jane
Published: June 2015

Methods and techniques in music therapy are distinct from approaches and models which provide theoretical principles to guide action. Methods and techniques are music-based ways in which the service user or client is engaged musically. The techniques used are based on improvisational, compositional, and music listening opportunities that music therapists engage with clients. Music therapists can use music-based techniques with any combination of acoustic, electric, or electronic instrumentation, and the use of vocalization or singing is also offered. Anyone with musical skills can play music for another person; a person who is tired, in pain, or has a chronic illness or disability. Music therapy is distinguished from other ways of using music to support people in health care by both the training of the clinician, and the use of theoretical thinking to guide the use of techniques and principles in making helpful, effective, and evidence-based responses to needs.
Determinants of nucleosome positioning and their influence on plant gene expression
Authors: Liu Ming-Jung , Seddon Alexander E. , Tsai Zing Tsung-Yeh , Major Ian T. , Floer Monique , Howe Gregg A. , Shiu Shin-Han
Published: June 2015

Nucleosome positioning influences the access of transcription factors (TFs) to their binding sites and gene expression. Studies in plant, animal, and fungal models demonstrate similar nucleosome positioning patterns along genes and correlations between occupancy and expression. However, the relationships among nucleosome positioning,cis-regulatory element accessibility, and gene expression in plants remain undefined. Here we showed that plant nucleosome depletion occurs on specific 6-mer motifs and this sequence-specific nucleosome depletion is predictive of expression levels. Nucleosome-depleted regions inArabidopsis thalianatend to have higher G/C content, unlike yeast, and are centered on specific G/C-rich 6-mers, suggesting that intrinsic sequence properties, such as G/C content, cannot fully explain plant nucleosome positioning. These 6-mer motif sites showed higher DNase I hypersensitivity and are flanked by strongly phased nucleosomes, consistent with known TF binding sites. Intriguingly, this 6-mer-specific nucleosome depletion pattern occurs not only in promoter but also in genic regions and is significantly correlated with higher gene expression level, a phenomenon also found in rice but not in yeast. Among the 6-mer motifs enriched in genes responsive to treatment with the defense hormone jasmonate, there are no significant changes in nucleosome occupancy, suggesting that these sites are potentially preconditioned to enable rapid response without changing chromatin state significantly. Our study provides a global assessment of the joint contribution of nucleosome occupancy and motif sequences that are likelycis-elements to the control of gene expression in plants. Our findings pave the way for further understanding the impact of chromatin state on plant transcriptional regulatory circuits.
The hidden cost of digitization – things to consider
Authors: Riley-Reid Trevar D.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to explore some of the hidden costs of these endeavors through an exploration of some the current literature. Despite the perceived ease of creating digital access, the road to digitization is long and fraught with a number of obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

– Some of the key ideas researched are the steps to consider when planning a digitization project, the long-term sustainability of such projects and issues of copyright and ownership. This article will benefit any institution planning to embark upon a future digitization project.

Findings

– More research needs to be conducted as the needs of users change and as the technology shifts and changes.

Originality/value

– This paper will benefit any institution planning to embark upon a future digitization project.
A field-level examination of the adoption of sustainable procurement in the social housing sector
Authors: Meehan Joanne , Bryde David J
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on a field-level examination of the adoption of sustainable procurement in social housing. It explores the role of regulation and procurement consortia in sustainable procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a case study of the UK social housing sector and uses an online survey (n=116) of UK Housing Associations. Factor analysis identifies three parsimonious dimensions of sustainable procurement. Attitudinal data are analysed to explore the field-level adoption of sustainable procurement and the role of consortia.

Findings

– The results delineate sustainable procurement activities into three factors; direction setting, supplier-centric assurance and local socially oriented supply. High yet sup-optimal levels of sustainable procurement activity are revealed. Prevailing attitudes identify positive commitments to sustainable procurement at individual, organisational and sector levels. The value of network collaboration is identified. Tenants as critical stakeholders do not prioritise sustainable procurement creating challenge for inclusivity. Regulators are seen to a have low level of sustainable procurement knowledge and procurement consortia a high perceived knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

– Results provide insight into the effect of sustainable procurement policy, the role of regulators and network structures and consortia, raising issues around legitimacy, coopetition, stakeholder engagement, performance measurement, and functional/sectoral maturity.

Social implications

– The identification of the potential exclusion of tenants in sustainability debates is particularly significant to deliver social value.

Originality/value

– The relative newness of the social housing sector and its quasi-public sector status provides an original contribution to the consortia and sustainable procurement literatures.
Information infrastructure capability and organisational competitive advantage
Authors: Sook-Ling Lew , Ismail Maizatul Akmar , Yee-Yen Yuen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an inclusive research model to overcome the single perspective issues of the previous research which were looking at either on knowledge management (KM) activity, information technology (IT) applications or information infrastructure capability (IIC) independently.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviewed and categorised five knowledge management (KM) frameworks: first, KM foundation studies; second, resource-based view studies; third, IIC studies; fourth, competitive advantage (CA) studies; fifth, organisational information processing theory studies to propose research model. Case studies based on face-to-face interviews were conducted to empirically analyse the proposed research model.

Findings

– An inclusive research model was suggested to redress the key limitation of past studies in this research field.

Research limitations/implications

– Since Asian countries are at present heading for the creation of a knowledge economy, the present study is important to assist government and researchers to develop the most suitable information infrastructure for effective KM in the organisation. The research model proposed by the present study can also become a key reference to the governments and researchers in other developing countries towards the creation of knowledge economy.

Practical implications

– The model proposed by the present study will help organisations to examine the performance of their current information infrastructure towards developing new business processes, techniques and decisions for effective KM in the organisations.

Originality/value

– The present study is one of the pioneer studies that integrating important IICs such as the integrating capability, data management capability, security capability, utility capability and collaborating capability in the research framework to assist knowledge-based companies to enhance current KM practices and attain long-term CA.
Gender Differences in Predrinking Behavior Among Nightclubs' Patrons
Authors: Santos Mariana G. R. , Paes Angela T. , Sanudo Adriana , Andreoni Solange , Sanchez Zila M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Drinking before entering nightclubs (predrinking) seems to be associated with an increase in alcohol‐related harm. This study aims to investigate gender differences in predrinking behavior and to evaluate its association with risk behaviors practiced inside nightclubs.

Methods

Individual‐level data were collected by a portal survey of 2,422 patrons at the entrance and 1,833 patrons at the exit of 31 nightclubs located at São Paulo, Brazil. The nightclubs were selected by 2‐stage sampling with probability proportional to the establishments' capacity in the first stage and a systematic sample of patrons in the entrance line in the second stage. Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) was measured at the entrance and exit. Face‐to‐face interviews identified predrinking characteristics and risk behaviors. Weighted analyses were stratified by gender.

Results

Predrinking was practiced by 49.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 42.7 to 55.8) of the male patrons and 29.0% (95% CI = 20.6 to 38.9) of the female patrons (p < 0.001) on the day of the interview. When considering only predrinkers, men and women showed similar BrAC at entrance and exit and similar proportion of alcoholic intoxication (BrAC ≥ 0.38 mg/l). In both genders, people who practiced predrinking on the day of the interview were more likely to drink inside the nightclub, compared to those who did not practice predrinking (p < 0.001). Among men, the practice of predrinking increased the chance of “drinking and driving” after leaving the nightclub (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9, 95% CI = 4.1–11.5, p < 0.001). Among women, the practice of predrinking increased the chances of experiencing sexual harassment in the nightclub (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.3 to 6.6, p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Predrinking is more prevalent among men; however, men and women who engaged in predrinking have a similar pattern of alcohol consumption and exit BrAC. The fact that risk behaviors and illicit drug use were associated with predrinking but differ between genders suggests that a gender‐specific approach should be used in tailored interventions to prevent alcohol‐related harm in nightclubs.
The impact of paying treatment providers for outcomes: difference‐in‐differences analysis of the ‘payment by results for drugs recovery’ pilot
Authors: Mason Thomas , Sutton Matthew , Whittaker William , McSweeney Tim , Millar Tim , Donmall Michael , Jones Andrew , Pierce Matthias
Published: June 2015

Aims

To estimate the effect on drug misuse treatment completion of a pilot scheme to pay service providers according to rates of recovery.

Design

A controlled, quasi‐experimental (difference‐in‐differences) observational study using multi‐level random effects logistic regression.

Setting

Drug misuse treatment providers in all 149 commissioning areas in England in the financial years 2011–12 and 2012–13.

Participants

Service users treated in England in 2011–12 and 2012–13.

Intervention and comparators

Linkage of provider payments to performance indicators in eight pilot commissioning areas in England compared with all 141 non‐pilot commissioning areas in England.

Measurements

Recovery was measured by successful completion of treatment (free from drugs of dependence) and engagement with services was measured by rates of declining to continue with treatment.

Findings

Following the introduction of the pilot scheme, service users treated in pilot areas were 1.3 percentage points [odds ratio (OR) = 0.859; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.788, 0.937] less likely to complete treatment compared with those treated in comparison areas. Service users treated in pilot areas were 0.9 percentage points (OR = 2.934; 95% CI = 2.094, 4.113) more likely to decline to continue with treatment compared with those treated in comparison areas.

Conclusions

In the first year of the pilot ‘Payment by Results for Drugs Recovery’ scheme in England, linking payments to outcomes reduced the probability of completing drug misuse treatment and increased the proportion service users declining to continue with treatment.
A test for conditional independence between response time and accuracy
Authors: Bolsinova Maria , Maris Gunter
Published: June 2015

An important distinction between different models for response time and accuracy is whether conditional independence (CI) between response time and accuracy is assumed. In the present study, a test for CI given an exponential family model for accuracy (for example, the Rasch model or the one‐parameter logistic model) is proposed and evaluated in a simulation study. The procedure is based on the non‐parametric Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. As an illustrative example, the CI test was applied to data from an arithmetics test for secondary education.
Environmental Externalities, Comparative Advantage, and the Location of Production: An Application to the Canadian Dairy Industry
Authors: Rajsic Predrag , Fox Glenn
Published: June 2015

The traditional theory of comparative advantage has not been well integrated with the theories of externalities and location. In this paper we develop a conceptual framework which undertakes such an integration at the firm and regional levels. We call this the General Equilibrium with Individual Spatial Heterogeneity and Externalities (GEISHE) model. We use the model to study the effect of spatial heterogeneity in emission intensity on the spatial distribution of production under a uniform emission standard. This model suggests that the introduction of an emission restriction can have differential effects on the spatial patterns of production, depending on local production intensity. We also present empirical analysis of intraprovincial movement of production for the Canadian dairy industry using 1996 and 2006 Census data. Ceteris paribus, areas that had higher dairy production intensities in 1996 also tended to experience higher declines in their dairy cow populations between 1996 and 2006, which is consistent with the GEISHE model. These results suggest that environmental pressure may change the patterns of comparative advantage within a supply managed industry, even if relocation of production across provincial boundaries is not permitted. Expression of environmental comparative advantages seems to be taking place within provinces.
Vascular Tortuosity May Be Related to Intracranial Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Bum Joon , Kim Seung Min , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U. , Suh Dae C. , Kim Jong S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Conventional risk factors cannot explain the individual or ethnic difference in the location of cerebral atherosclerosis. Vascular geometry may play a role on this.

Aim

To investigate the association between the geometrical properties of the middle cerebral artery and intracranial atherosclerosis.

Methods

Stroke patients with either symptomatic middle cerebral artery or proximal internal carotid artery diseases were enrolled. The diameter, length, and tortuosity (arc-chord ratio, by percent) of the middle cerebral artery was compared between stroke patients and the age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The geometrical property was also compared between the symptomatic middle cerebral artery and the normal-looking contralateral middle cerebral artery, and between the contralateral middle cerebral arteries in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery and proximal internal carotid artery diseases.

Results

One hundred seventy-seven patients (101 with middle cerebral artery disease and 76 with proximal internal carotid artery disease) were studied. Symptomatic middle cerebral artery was more tortuous (119·31 ± 16·95 vs. 112·98 ± 14·16; P = 0·009) than the contralateral middle cerebral artery. The contralateral middle cerebral artery of patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery disease demonstrated a smaller proximal diameter ( P = 0·007) and a greater vascular tortuosity than the contralateral middle cerebral artery of patients with proximal internal carotid artery disease (112·01 ± 12·25 vs. 107·46 ± 9·35; P = 0·008) and corresponding middle cerebral artery of healthy control subjects (112·01 ± 12·25 vs. 108·73 ± 9·79; P = 0·04). Young age, female, small diameter, the absence of diabetes, and high tortuosity of the contralateral middle cerebral artery were independently associated with middle cerebral artery atherosclerotic disease.

Conclusions

High tortuosity and small diameter are related to middle cerebral artery atherosclerosis, probably by altering hemodynamics. Different degree of tortuosity may be one of the reasons for individual differences in location of cerebral atherosclerosis.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the possible mechanism of the action of acupuncture at Dazhong (KI 4) on the functional cerebral regions of healthy volunteers
Authors: Zhang Q. , Li A. , Yue J. , Zhang F. , Sun Z. , Li X.
Published: June 2015

Acupuncture at right Dazhong (KI 4) mostly affects functional magnetic resonance imaging signal in the right inferior frontal gyrus, right insular lobe, right thalamus, right middle frontal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex, which are associated with governing executive functions, emotional activities and social behaviour.
Cardiac Nav1.5 is modulated by ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n‐recognin UBR3 and 6
Authors: Zhao Chunxia , Wang Lijie , Ma Xiue , Zhu Weidong , Yao Lei , Cui Yingyu , Liu Yi , Li Jun , Liang Xingqun , Sun Yunfu , Li Li , Chen Yi‐Han
Published: June 2015

The voltage‐gated Na+ channel Nav1.5 is essential for action potential (AP) formation and electrophysiological homoeostasis in the heart. The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is a major degradative system for intracellular proteins including ion channels. The ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N‐recognin (UBR) family is a part of the UPS; however, their roles in regulating cardiac Nav1.5 channels remain elusive. Here, we found that all of the UBR members were expressed in cardiomyocytes. Individual knockdown of UBR3 or UBR6, but not of other UBR members, significantly increased Nav1.5 protein levels in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, and this effect was verified in HEK293T cells expressing Nav1.5 channels. The UBR3/6‐dependent regulation of Nav1.5 channels was not transcriptionally mediated, and pharmacological inhibition of protein biosynthesis failed to counteract the increase in Nav1.5 protein caused by UBR3/6 reduction, suggesting a degradative modulation of UBR3/6 on Nav1.5. Furthermore, the effects of UBR3/6 knockdown on Nav1.5 proteins were abolished under the inhibition of proteasome activity, and UBR3/6 knockdown reduced Nav1.5 ubiquitylation. The double UBR3–UBR6 knockdown resulted in comparable increases in Nav1.5 proteins to that observed for single knockdown of either UBR3 or UBR6. Electrophysiological recordings showed that UBR3/6 reduction‐mediated increase in Nav1.5 protein enhanced the opening of Nav1.5 channels and thereby the amplitude of the AP. Thus, our findings indicate that UBR3/6 regulate cardiomyocyte Nav1.5 channel protein levels via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. It is likely that UBR3/6 have the potential to be a therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias.
Editorial: Research Domain Criteria (RDoC): a new psychiatric nosology whose time has not yet come
Authors: Peterson Bradley S.
Published: June 2015

In developing new ways of classifying mental disorders, RDoC is developing a new nosology, a new way of dividing nature at its seams. Given the NIMH influence on research agendas across the world, this scientific agenda will have important consequences for researchers and clinicians worldwide. Defining discrete neural systems and the behavioral and cognitive functions they subserve is scientifically important. Understanding how these systems relate to clinical problems, patient suffering, and improved treatments has immense potential practical value for clinical care worldwide. This Editorial places the RDoC framework in context and then sets out a series of conceptual, empirical, and developmental challenges for RDoC. Together these challenges suggest that RDoC is premature as a nosology and, as currently implemented, risks being reified and overly rigid in its application.
Treatment choices for patients with invasive lobular breast cancer: a doctor survey
Authors: Jacobs Carmel , Ibrahim Mohamed F.K. , Clemons Mark , Hutton Brian , Simos Demetrios , Caudrelier Jean‐Michel , Graham Ian D. , Smith Stephanie , Addison Christina , Arnaout Angel
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) has distinct features that present challenges for management. We surveyed doctors regarding management approaches, opinions on quality of evidence supporting their practice, and future research needs.

Methods

An online questionnaire was developed and circulated to breast cancer surgical, radiation and medical oncologists.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 88/428 doctors (20.6%); 22/56 (39.3%) surgeons, 21/64 (32.8%) radiation oncologists and 45/308 (14.6%) medical oncologists. The majority (65%) of surgeons were comfortable treating ILC patients using the same surgical management as patients with invasive ductal cancers (IDC). Furthermore, 25% would perform a similar surgery but would obtain larger gross margins. There was equipoise for radiation oncologists regarding whether or not ILC was an independent risk factor for local‐regional recurrence after either breast‐conserving surgery or mastectomy. Of those radiation oncologists who believe ILC is an independent risk factor for recurrence after mastectomy, 44.4% would offer radiation in the absence of usual indications. Medical oncologists approached systemic therapy for ILC patients similarly to those with comparable IDCs. Areas identified as most controversial and requiring future research were preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, radiotherapy post‐mastectomy and the responsiveness of ILC to adjuvant chemotherapy compared with endocrine therapy.

Conclusions

There is a variation in doctors' beliefs, management and opinions regarding the quality of evidence for the management of ILC. Clinical trials specifically assessing the management of ILC are required to guide clinical practice.