bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Has the US Finance Industry Become Less Efficient? On the Theory and Measurement of Financial Intermediation
Authors: Philippon Thomas
Published: March 2015

A quantitative investigation of financial intermediation in the United States over the past 130 years yields the following results: (i) the finance industry's share of gross domestic product (GDP) is high in the 1920s, low in the 1960s, and high again after 1980; (ii) most of these variations can be explained by corresponding changes in the quantity of intermediated assets (equity, household and corporate debt, liquidity); (iii) intermediation has constant returns to scale and an annual cost of 1.5–2 percent of intermediated assets; (iv) secular changes in the characteristics of firms and households are quantitatively important. (JEL D24, E44, G21, G32, N22)
Wages and Informality in Developing Countries
Authors: Meghir Costas , Narita Renata , Robin Jean-Marc
Published: March 2015

We develop an equilibrium wage-posting model with heterogeneous firms that decide to locate in the formal or the informal sector and workers who search randomly on and off the job. We estimate the model on Brazilian labor force survey data. In equilibrium, firms of equal productivity locate in different sectors, a fact observed in the data. Wages are characterized by compensating differentials. We show that tightening enforcement does not increase unemployment and increases wages, total output, and welfare by enabling better allocation of workers to higher productivity jobs and improving competition in the formal labor market. (JEL E26, J24, J31, J46, O15, O17)
Punishment and Deterrence: Evidence from Drunk Driving
Authors: Hansen Benjamin
Published: March 2015

I test the effect of harsher punishments and sanctions on driving under the influence (DUI). In this setting, punishments are determined by strict rules on blood alcohol content (BAC) and previous offenses. Regression discontinuity derived estimates suggest that having a BAC above the DUI threshold reduces recidivism by up to 2 percentage points (17 percent). Likewise having a BAC over the aggravated DUI threshold reduces recidivism by an additional percentage point (9 percent). The results suggest that the additional sanctions experienced by drunk drivers at BAC thresholds are effective in reducing repeat drunk driving. (JEL I12, K42, R41)
How Elastic Are Preferences for Redistribution? Evidence from Randomized Survey Experiments
Authors: Kuziemko Ilyana , Norton Michael I. , Saez Emmanuel , Stantcheva Stefanie
Published: March 2015

We analyze randomized online survey experiments providing interactive, customized information on US income inequality, the link between top income tax rates and economic growth, and the estate tax. The treatment has large effects on views about inequality but only slightly moves tax and transfer policy preferences. An exception is the estate tax—informing respondents of the small share of decedents who pay it doubles support for it. The small effects for all other policies can be partially explained by respondents' low trust in government and a disconnect between concerns about social issues and the public policies meant to address them. (JEL D31, D72, H23, H24)
Consumer Uncertainty and Purchase Decision Reversals: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Shulman Jeffrey D. , Cunha Marcus , Saint Clair Julian K.
Published: March 2015

This research examines how prepurchase information that reduces consumer uncertainty about a product or service can affect consumer decisions to reverse an initial product purchase or service enrollment decision. One belief commonly held by retailers is that provision of greater amounts of information before the purchase reduces decision reversals. We provide theory and evidence showing conditions under which uncertainty-reducing information provided before the purchase decision can actually increase the number of decision reversals. Predictions generated from an analytical model of consumer behavior incorporating behavioral theory of reference-dependence are complemented by empirical evidence from both a controlled behavioral experiment and econometric analysis of archival data. Combined, the theory and evidence suggest that managers should be aware that their information provision decisions taken to reduce decision reversals may actually increase them.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0906 .
Branding Conspicuous Goods: An Analysis of the Effects of Social Influence and Competition
Authors: Amaldoss Wilfred , Jain Sanjay
Published: March 2015

Branding decisions are critical for the success of new products. Prior research on branding and brand extension has primarily focused on how branding influences consumers’ perceptions of product quality. However, consumers of conspicuous goods care not only about product quality but also about the profile of its users. For example, high-end consumers prefer an exclusive brand. On the other hand, low-end consumers may find a brand more attractive if high-end consumers use it. In this paper, we analyze how social effects and market structure can influence the branding of conspicuous goods. Consistent with intuition, our theoretical analysis shows that a monopolist would prefer not to use umbrella branding when consumers’ desire for uniqueness is high. By contrast, in a competitive market, umbrella branding is more profitable than individual branding when consumers have a high level of desire for uniqueness. We also identify conditions in which it is optimal for marketers of conspicuous goods to adopt either an individual branding strategy or asymmetric branding strategies. Furthermore, competing firms may offer umbrella branding even when both firms may be better off if they could commit to using individual branding. Finally, we extend the model to consider a market where consumers’ product preference is not related to social status. Again, if consumers are sufficiently snobbish, competing firms earn more profits by adopting an umbrella branding strategy instead of an individual branding strategy.

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
The Demand Effects of Joint Product Advertising in Online Videos
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Tan Yinliang (Ricky)
Published: March 2015

Joint product display in videos may help customers to not only evaluate the attributes of products that can influence their individual demands (direct effect) but also learn about the complementarity between them that may cause additional correlation in their demands (spillover effect). To estimate the demand effects, we introduced videos displaying apparel with matching accessories for a few randomly selected apparel on a fashion retailer’s website. We found that introducing a video resulted in a 14.5% increase in apparel sales and a 28.3% increase in accessories sales. The estimated increase in accessories sales was largely attributed to the spillover effect of videos. Moreover, introducing videos with other product promotions resulted in a significantly higher effect of videos on product demands. Overall, we show how video display of related products can increase their demands in an online product network.

This paper was accepted by Sandra Slaughter, information systems.
On the Failure of Hindsight-Biased Principals to Delegate Optimally
Authors: Danz David , Kübler Dorothea , Mechtenberg Lydia , Schmid Julia
Published: March 2015

With the help of a simple model, we show that the hindsight bias can lead to inefficient delegation decisions. This prediction is tested experimentally. In an online experiment that was conducted during the FIFA World Cup 2010, participants were asked to predict a number of outcomes of the ongoing World Cup and had to recall their assessments after the outcomes had been realized. Their answers were used to construct individual measures of the hindsight bias. The participants also had to make choices in a delegation game. Our data confirm that hindsight-biased subjects more frequently fail to delegate optimally than subjects whom we have classified as not hindsight biased.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.2087 .

This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, judgment and decision making.
The Dynamic Impact of Product-Harm Crises on Brand Preference and Advertising Effectiveness: An Empirical Analysis of the Automobile Industry
Authors: Liu Yan , Shankar Venkatesh
Published: March 2015

Product-harm crises (recalls) carry negative product information that adversely affects brand preference and advertising effectiveness. This negative impact of product-harm crises may differ across recall events depending on media coverage of the event, crisis severity, and consumers’ prior beliefs about product quality. We develop a state space model to capture the dynamics in brand preference, advertising effectiveness, and consumer response to product recalls; integrate it with a random coefficient demand model; and estimate it using a unique data set containing 35 automobile brands, 193 auto sub-brands, and 359 recalls during 1997–2002. Our results reveal that consumers respond more negatively to product recalls with greater media attention, more severe consequences, and higher perceived product quality. Furthermore, they show that sub-brand advertising effectiveness declines by a greater amount than parent-brand advertising and the decline in effectiveness of the recalled sub-brand’s advertising spills over to other sub-brands under the same parent brand.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
Peers and Network Growth: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Hasan Sharique , Bagde Surendrakumar
Published: March 2015

Much research suggests that social networks affect individual and organizational success. However, a strong assumption underlying this research is that network structure is not reducible to the individual attributes of social actors. In this article, we test this assumption by examining whether interacting with random peers causes exogenous growth of a person’s network. Using three years of network data for students at an Indian college, we evaluate the effect of peers on network growth. We find strong evidence that interacting with random, but well-connected, roommates causes significant growth of a focal student’s network. Further, we find that this growth also implies an increase in how close an actor moves to a network’s center and whether that actor is likely to serve as a network bridge. Fundamentally, our results demonstrate that exogenous factors beyond individual agency—i.e., random peers—can shape network structure. Our results also provide a useful model for causally identifying the determinants of network structure and dynamics.

This paper was accepted by Gérard Cachon, organizations.
The effect of strict infection control policies on the rate of infection after elective foot and ankle surgery
Authors: Ralte P. , Molloy A. , Simmons D. , Butcher C.
Published: March 2015

The rate of surgical site infection after elective foot and ankle surgery is higher than that after other elective orthopaedic procedures.

Since December 2005, we have prospectively collected data on the rate of post-operative infection for 1737 patients who have undergone elective foot and ankle surgery. In March 2008, additional infection control policies, focused on surgical and environmental risk factors, were introduced in our department.

We saw a 50% reduction in the rate of surgical site infection after the introduction of these measures. We are, however, aware that the observed decrease may not be entirely attributable to these measures alone given the number of factors that predispose to post-operative wound infection.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:516–19.
The capsular ligaments provide more hip rotational restraint than the acetabular labrum and the ligamentum teres
Authors: van Arkel R. J. , Amis A. A. , Cobb J. P. , Jeffers J. R. T.
Published: March 2015

In this in vitro study of the hip joint we examined which soft tissues act as primary and secondary passive rotational restraints when the hip joint is functionally loaded. A total of nine cadaveric left hips were mounted in a testing rig that allowed the application of forces, torques and rotations in all six degrees of freedom. The hip was rotated throughout a complete range of movement (ROM) and the contributions of the iliofemoral (medial and lateral arms), pubofemoral and ischiofemoral ligaments and the ligamentum teres to rotational restraint was determined by resecting a ligament and measuring the reduced torque required to achieve the same angular position as before resection. The contribution from the acetabular labrum was also measured. Each of the capsular ligaments acted as the primary hip rotation restraint somewhere within the complete ROM, and the ligamentum teres acted as a secondary restraint in high flexion, adduction and external rotation. The iliofemoral lateral arm and the ischiofemoral ligaments were primary restraints in two-thirds of the positions tested. Appreciation of the importance of these structures in preventing excessive hip rotation and subsequent impingement/instability may be relevant for surgeons undertaking both hip joint preserving surgery and hip arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:484–91.
Cortical strut bone grafting and long-stem endoprosthetic reconstruction following massive bone tumour resection in the lower limb
Authors: Qu H. , Guo W. , Yang R. , Tang X. , Yan T. , Li D. , Yang Y. , Zang J.
Published: March 2015

We determined the efficacy of a devitalised autograft (n = 13) and allograft (n = 16) cortical strut bone graft combined with long-stem endoprosthetic reconstruction in the treatment of massive tumours of the lower limb. A total of 29 patients (18 men:11 women, mean age 20.1 years (12 to 45) with a ratio of length of resection to that of the whole prosthesis of > 50% were treated between May 2003 and May 2012. The mean follow-up was 47 months (15 to 132). The stem of the prosthesis was introduced through bone graft struts filled with cement, then cemented into the residual bone. Bone healing was achieved in 23 patients (86%). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society functional score was 85% (57 to 97). The five-year survival rate of the endoprostheses was 81% (95% confidence intervals 67.3 to 92.3). The mean length of devitalised autografts and allografts was 8.6 cm (5 to 15), which increased the ratio of the the length of the stem of the prosthesis to that of the whole length of the prosthesis from a theoretical 35% to an actual 55%.

Cortical strut bone grafting and long-stem endoprosthetic reconstruction is an option for treating massive segmental defects following resection of a tumour in the lower limb. Patients can regain good function with a low incidence of aseptic loosening. The strut graft and the residual bone together serve as a satisfactory bony environment for a revision prosthesis, if required, once union is achieved.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:544–9.
Total knee arthroplasty following tibial plateau fracture
Authors: Scott C. E. H. , Davidson E. , MacDonald D. J. , White T. O. , Keating J. F.
Published: March 2015

Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer.

The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis.

Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau. Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and > 60 months using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction score.

Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular malunion (50 months, p < 0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13% vs 1% p = 0.014) and persistent stiffness (10% vs 0%, p = 0.014). Two (6%) PTOA patients required revision total knee arthroplasty at 57 and 114 months. The mean Oxford knee score was worse pre-operatively in the cohort with primary osteoarthritis (18 vs 30, p < 0.001) but there were no significant differences in post-operative Oxford knee score or patient satisfaction (primary osteoarthritis 86%, PTOA 78%, p = 0.437).

Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction are comparable.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:532–8.
The transverse Vulpius gastrocsoleus recession for equinus gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Tinney A. , Thomason P. , Sangeux M. , Khot A , Graham H. K.
Published: March 2015

We report the results of Vulpius transverse gastrocsoleus recession for equinus gait in 26 children with cerebral palsy (CP), using the Gait Profile Score (GPS), Gait Variable Scores (GVS) and movement analysis profile. All children had an equinus deformity on physical examination and equinus gait on three-dimensional gait analysis prior to surgery. The pre-operative and post-operative GPS and GVS were statistically analysed. There were 20 boys and 6 girls in the study cohort with a mean age at surgery of 9.2 years (5.1 to 17.7) and 11.5 years (7.3 to 20.8) at follow-up. Of the 26 children, 14 had spastic diplegia and 12 spastic hemiplegia. Gait function improved for the cohort, confirmed by a decrease in mean GPS from 13.4° pre-operatively to 9.0° final review (p < 0.001). The change was 2.8 times the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Thus the improvements in gait were both clinically and statistically significant. The transverse gastrocsoleus recession described by Vulpius is an effective procedure for equinus gait in selected children with CP, when there is a fixed contracture of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:564–71.
The effect of surgical synovectomy and radiotherapy on the rate of recurrence of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee
Authors: Mollon B. , Lee A. , Busse J. W. , Griffin A. M. , Ferguson P. C. , Wunder J. S. , Theodoropoulos J.
Published: March 2015

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative process of the synovium which most commonly affects the knee and occurs in either a localised (LPVNS) or a diffuse form (DPVNS). The effect of different methods of surgical synovectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy on the rate of recurrence is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and identified 35 observational studies in English which reported the use of surgical synovectomy to treat PVNS of the knee.

A meta-analysis included 630 patients, 137 (21.8%) of whom had a recurrence after synovectomy. For patients with DPVNS, low-quality evidence found that the rate of recurrence was reduced by both open synovectomy (odds ration (OR) = 0.47; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.90; p = 0.024) and combined open and arthroscopic synovectomy (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.58; p = 0.003) compared with arthroscopic surgery. Very low-quality evidence found that the rate of recurrence of DPVNS was reduced by peri-operative radiotherapy (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.70; p = 0.01). Very low-quality evidence suggested that the rate of recurrence of LPVNS was not related to the surgical approach.

This meta-analysis suggests that open synovectomy or synovectomy combined with peri-operative radiotherapy for DPVNS is associated with a reduced rate of recurrence. Large long-term prospective multicentre observational studies, with a focus on both rate of recurrence and function, are required to confirm these findings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:550–7.
The treatment of a rupture of the Achilles tendon using a dedicated management programme
Authors: Hutchison A. M. , Topliss C. , Beard D. , Evans R. M. , Williams P.
Published: March 2015

The Swansea Morriston Achilles Rupture Treatment (SMART) programme was introduced in 2008. This paper summarises the outcome of this programme. Patients with a rupture of the Achilles tendon treated in our unit follow a comprehensive management protocol that includes a dedicated Achilles clinic, ultrasound examination, the use of functional orthoses, early weight-bearing, an accelerated exercise regime and guidelines for return to work and sport. The choice of conservative or surgical treatment was based on ultrasound findings.

The rate of re-rupture, the outcome using the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and the Achilles Tendon Repair Score, (AS), and the complications were recorded. An elementary cost analysis was also performed.

Between 2008 and 2014 a total of 273 patients presented with an acute rupture 211 of whom were managed conservatively and 62 had surgical repair. There were three re-ruptures (1.1%). There were 215 men and 58 women with a mean age of 46.5 years (20 to 86). Functional outcome was satisfactory. Mean ATRS and AS at four months was 53.0 (sd 14), 64.9 (sd 15) (n = 135), six months 67.8 (sd 16), 73.8 (sd 15) (n = 103) and nine months (72.4; sd 14) 72.3 (sd 13) (n = 43). The programme realised estimated cost savings exceeding £91 000 per annum.

The SMART programme resulted in a low rate of re-rupture, a satisfactory outcome, a reduced rate of surgical intervention and a reduction in healthcare costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:510–15.
TOX Acts an Oncological Role in Mycosis Fungoides
Authors: Yu Xin , Luo Yixin , Liu Jie , Liu Yuehua , Sun Qiuning
Published: March 2015

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a low-grade lymphoma characterized by clonal expansion of atypical CD4+ skin-homing T lymphocytes. Herein, we examined the role of thymocytes selection associated HMG-box (TOX), a gene previously found to be unregulated in MF skin biopsies, in MF pathogenesis. TOX encodes a high-mobility group family (HMG) domain DNA binding nuclear protein, which regulates the differentiation of developing T-cells. First, we confirmed that TOX expression levels in MF were increased compared with those in benign inflammatory dermatitis (BID) and normal skin. In addition, TOX level increased with the progression MF from patch stage to tumor stage. Overexpression of TOX accelerated the proliferation and migration of MF cell lines in vitro, which were blocked by AKT inhibitors. In conclusion, our study confirmed that TOX was highly expressed in MF lesions and accelerates the proliferation and migration of MF. TOX is a diagnostic marker for MF and may play a pathogenic role in disease progression.
Interventionist Curatorial and Display Practices in Beijing
Authors: Sanderson Edward
Published: March 2015

Over the past decade, a number of curatorial and exhibitionary practices have developed in China that intervene into daily life. Interventionist practice partly develops from dissatisfaction with the marked division between the commercial art world and the everyday realities of cultural producers. They also develop from a desire to create a common space of engagement for artists and the local public. While much of this work is not overtly political, the prevailing social conditions of an authoritarian state lend these practices a critical edge, which can lead to surveillance, censorship and other consequences. This article surveys curatorial and artistic interventions in Beijing, placing them in the specific context of the various neighbourhoods, such as the 798 Art District, the city centre, Caochangdi village, and the industrialized suburbs.
Exhibition Reviews
Authors: Walker Ellyn , Snowball Alison , Sutherland Erin L. , Ortuzar Jimena , MacDonald Kristie
Published: March 2015

Sam Durant, Proposal for White and Indian Dead Monument Transpositions, Washington, dc Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 3 August – 30 November 2014

Sona Safaei, V+1 8–11, Toronto, 16–30 August 2014

Terms of Engagement: Averns, Feldman-Kiss, Stimson Curated by Christine Conley, Agnes Etherington Art Gallery, Kingston, 26 April – 10 August 2014, also exhibited at Mount Saint Vincent University Museum, Halifax, 18 January – 9 March 2014, and the Esker Foundation, Calgary, 27 September – 14 December 2014

Camilla Singh, Uniforms for Non-Uniform Work Curated by Emelie Chhangur, Art Gallery of York University, Toronto, 2 April – 15 June 2014

Fiona Tan, Inventory Curated by Adelina Vlas, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 14 December 2013 – 11 May 2014; originating at MAXXI National Museum of XXI Century Arts, Rome, 27 March – 8 September 2013
Book Reviews
Authors: Haines Chelsea , Doherty Shauna Jean , Hampton John G. , Jerome Kelli , Kent Charlotte Latham , Hajdin Nives , Christensen Amber
Published: March 2015

Exhibition as Social Intervention: ‘Culture in Action’ 1993, Joshua Decter, Helmut Draxler and Others London: Afterall Books (2014), 224 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-3-86335-448-0, US$27.50

New Collecting: Exhibiting and Audiences After New Media art, Beryl Graham (ed.) Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate (2014), 234 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-1-40944-894-5, E-book, ISBN: 978-1-40944-895-2, £60.00

Show Time: The 50 Most Influential Exhibitions of Contemporary art, Jens Hoffmann London: Thames and Hudson (2014), 256 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-0-50023-911-7, £29.95

The Multisensory Museum: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on Touch, Sound, Smell, Memory and Space, Nina Levent and Alvaro Pascual-Leone (eds) Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield (2014), 384 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-0-75912-354-0, US$75.00

The Armory Show at 100: Modernism and Revolution, Marilyn Satin Kushner and Kimberly Orcutt (eds) London: D. Giles Limited (2013), 512 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-1-90780-404-5, US$79.95

Curious Lessons in The Museum: The Pedagogic Potential of Artists’ Interventions, Claire Robins Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate (2013), 246 pp., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-1-40943-617-1, £65.00

Self-Organised, Stine Hebert and Anne Szefer Karlsen (eds) Bergen and London: Hordaland Centre and Open Editions (2013), 168 pp., Paperback, ISBN: 978-0-94900-417-8, £17.00
Modernizing Traditions on the Roof of the World: Displaying ‘Liberation’ and ‘Occupation’ in Three Tibet Museums
Authors: Keränen Lisa , Dodge Patrick Shaou-Whea , Conley Donovan
Published: March 2015

This article investigates the representational interplay between tradition and modernity in three museums about Tibet: the Tibet Museum in Lhasa, China; the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum in Xining, China; and the Tibet Museum in Dharamsala, India. Analyzing how each museum displays Tibetan heritage, three modalities of representing Tibetan culture and Tibet’s disputed ‘liberation’ are identified – triumphant modernization, spectacular sacralization, and catastrophic witnessing. Each modality reproduces, counters and complicates dominant Chinese narratives concerning Tibet’s history, culture and political status. Also discussed are the implications of these practices for displaying contested cultural narratives in contemporary China.
Kein Wandel ohne Macht ‐ Nachhaltigkeitsforschung braucht ein mehrdimensionales Machtverständnis
Authors: Partzsch Lena
Published: March 2015

Which power leads to change, and which power prevents it? The article provides an overview of existing understandings of power in research on environmental politics and sustainability, including positive perceptions of power that researchers have hardly made explicit so far. It exposes
the diversity with which one can understand power through three ideal type concepts: power with (cooperation and learning), power to (resistance and empowerment) and power over (coercion and manipulation). Integrating these concepts in one power framework allows examining
how the three dimensions interrelate with each other. As will be shown, power imbalances affect processes of power with and power to. Conversely, however, “sustainability leadership” as well as “green” creativity and resistance can also weaken and overcome
power over. Examples from research on climate politics serve for illustration. The aim is to push a broader debate on the phenomenon of power and to set a new agenda for a multi-dimensional understanding of power in sustainability research.
Synthese- und Verwertungsprojekte als Förderinstrument transdisziplinärer Forschung
Authors: Stieß Immanuel , Rennings Klaus , Ernst Andreas , Hunecke Marcel
Published: March 2015

An den Forschungsprozess anschließende Synthese- und Transferprojekte tragen dazu bei, die Wirkung der Projektergebnisse über das Ende einer Projektförderung hinaus zu erhöhen. Diesen Wissenstransfer hat das Projekt Individuelles Umwelthandeln und Klimaschutz bei
Migrant(inn)en, Geringverdienenden und Gebäudeenergieberatern getestet. Aus den Erfahrungen des Projekts lassen sich Erfolgsfaktoren für Transferprojekte ableiten.
Für eine erweiterte Governance von Wissenschaft Ein wissenschaftspolitischer Rückblick auf das Jahr 2014
Authors: Schneidewind Uwe
Published: March 2015

Die Debatte über ,,nachhaltige Wissenschaft’ hat sich 2014 an der Frage wechselseitiger Steuerung von Gesellschaft und Wissenschaft entzündet. So hoch die rhetorische Einigkeit mit Blick auf das Ziel nachhaltiger Wissenschaft ist, so kontrovers wird über die Governance-Konsequenzen
gestritten.
Energiewende: Gestaltungsaufgaben auf vielen Ebenen
Authors: Brandt Robert , Ohlhorst Dörte , Steuwer Sibyl , Tews Kerstin
Published: March 2015

Kommunen, Regionen und Bundesländer haben bei der Umsetzung der Energiewende oft je eigene Ziele im Sinn. Zudem wirft die EU kritische Blicke auf den deutschen Sonderweg. Es bedarf daher abgestimmter Strategien auf verschiedenen Ebenen, um die Energieversorgung durch erneuerbare
Energien zu fördern.
Zukunft gestalten: Nachhaltigkeitskompetenzen in der Hochschulbildung
Authors: Wilhelm Sandra , Förster Ruth , Nagel Ueli , Wülser Gabriela , Zingerli Claudia
Published: March 2015

Welche Kompetenzen erfordert eine nachhaltige Entwicklung? Wie können diese in der Hochschulbildung gefördert werden? Diesen Fragen widmete sich die saguf-Jahrestagung 2014 in Zürich.
Von der ,,Großen Transformation“ zu urbanen Transformationen. Zum WBGU-Hauptgutachten Welt im Wandel
Authors: Rink Dieter , Banzhaf Ellen , Kabisch Sigrun , Krellenberg Kerstin
Published: March 2015

Der Wissenschaftliche Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltveränderungen empfiehlt in seinem Hauptgutachten zur ,,Großen Transformation“ eine Stadtplanung, die auf klimaverträgliche und nachhaltige Entwicklungen abzielt. Angesichts der heterogenen Urbanisierungsprozesse
erscheint es angemessen, statt von einer großen Transformation besser im Plural von urbanen Transformationen zu sprechen.
The Influence of Institutional Forces on International Joint Ventures’ Foreign Parents’ Opportunism and Relationship Extendedness
Authors: Chang Jeanine , Bai Xuan , Li Julie Juan
Published: March 2015

Institutional forces influence the formation of international joint ventures (IJVs) in emerging economies and shape both their parents’ behaviors and their marketing strategies. Whereas previous research has centered on governance mechanisms that deter opportunism, this study investigates the influence of institutional forces (i.e., rule of law, government intervention, and dysfunctional competition) on the IJV's foreign parent's opportunism. The authors find that rule of law and dysfunctional competition curtail opportunism, whereas government intervention drives opportunism. In addition, relationships between institutional forces in local markets and the IJV's foreign parent's opportunism depend on the IJV's marketing capability. The authors further examine the influence of the foreign parent's opportunism on IJV relationship extendedness and find support for a negative relationship between opportunism and the IJV's continuity. This study enriches institutional theory and identifies the boundary of the influence of institutional forces on opportunism. Because opportunism is a critical relationship hazard, the findings of this study have important implications for IJVs’ partnership management.
Harbingers of Failure
Authors: Anderson Eric , Lin Song , Simester Duncan , Tucker Catherine
Published: March 2015

The authors identify customers, termed “Harbingers of failure,” who systematically purchase new products that flop. Their early adoption of a new product is a strong signal that a product will fail—the more they buy, the less likely the product will succeed. Firms can identify these customers through past purchases of either new products that failed or existing products that few other customers purchase. The authors discuss how these insights can be readily incorporated into the new product development process. The findings challenge the conventional wisdom that positive customer feedback is always a signal of future success.
AlGaInAs MOVPE selective area growth for photonic integrated circuits
Authors: Decobert Jean , Binet Guillaume , Maia Alvaro D. B. , Lagrée Pierre-Yves , Kazmierski Christophe
Published: March 2015

We developed a generic photonic integration platform based on selective area growth (SAG) by metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of AlGaInAs/InP multiple quantum well (MQW) material. For efficient and predictive band gap engineering of photonic integrated circuits, different SAG zones of active and passive function heterostructures are precisely modeled and characterized. With the vapor-phase diffusion model, using numerical simulations of finite volumes, we extracted the three effective diffusion lengths of Al, Ga, and In species. In our growth conditions, these lengths were 32, 65, and 14 μm, respectively. The Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) equation, a classic approach to describe the growing interface profile, is used. AlGaInAs MQW properties are then simulated in terms of thickness, composition, band gap, and biaxial strain variations. Highly resolved μ-photoluminescence and optical interferometer microscopy measurements confirm the validity of the band gap and thickness variations for both bulk and MQW layers. A new diffractometer, with a submillimeter X-ray spot, was used to study the structural properties of the MQW in the center of the SAG area. As an application, we present the realization and operation of full-monolithic high-speed advanced modulation format transmitters based on novel prefixed optical phase switching by fast electro-absorption modulators.
Bacteria homologus to Aeromonas capable of microcystin degradation
Authors: Mankiewicz-Boczek J. , Gągała I. , Jurczak T. , Jaskulska A. , Pawełczyk J. , Dziadek J.
Published: March 2015

Water blooms dominated by cyanobacteria
are capable of producing hepatotoxins known as
microcystins. These toxins are dangerous to people and
to the environment. Therefore, for a better understanding
of the biological termination of this increasingly
common phenomenon, bacteria with the potential to
degrade cyanobacteria-derived hepatotoxins and the
degradative activity of culturable bacteria were studied.
Based on the presence of the mlrA gene, bacteria with a
homology to the Sphingopyxis and Stenotrophomonas
genera were identified as those presenting potential for
microcystins degradation directly in the water samples
from the Sulejów Reservoir (SU, Central Poland). However,
this biodegrading potential has not been confirmed in in
vitro experiments. The degrading activity of the culturable
isolates from the water studied was determined in more
than 30 bacterial mixes. An analysis of the biodegradation
of the microcystin-LR (MC-LR) together with an analysis of
the phylogenetic affiliation of bacteria demonstrated for
the first time that bacteria homologous to the Aeromonas
genus were able to degrade the mentioned hepatotoxin,
although the mlrA gene was not amplified. The maximal
removal efficiency of MC-LR was 48%. This study
demonstrates a new aspect of interactions between the
microcystin-containing cyanobacteria and bacteria from
the Aeromonas genus.
Putting the Jigsaw Together - A Brief Insight Into the Tularemia
Authors: Kubelkova K. , Macela A.
Published: March 2015

Tularemia is a debilitating febrile and potentially
fatal zoonotic disease of humans and other vertebrates
caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella
tularensis. The natural reservoirs are small rodents,
hares, and possibly amoebas in water. The etiological
agent, Francisella tularensis, is a non-spore forming,
encapsulated, facultative intracellular bacterium, a
member of the γ-Proteobacteria class of Gram-negative
bacteria. Francisella tularensis is capable of invading and
replicating within phagocytic as well as non-phagocytic
cells and modulate inflammatory response. Infection
by the pulmonary, dermal, or oral routes, respectively,
results in pneumonic, ulceroglandular, or oropharyngeal
tularemia. The highest mortality rates are associated
with the pneumonic form of this disease. All members of
Francisella tularensis species cause more or less severe
disease Due to their abilities to be transmitted to humans
via multiple routes and to be disseminated via biological
aerosol that can cause the disease after inhalation of even
an extremely low infectious dose, Francisella tularensis
has been classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent. The
current standard of care for tularemia is treatment with
antibiotics, as this therapy is highly effective if used soon
after infection, although it is not, however, absolutely
effective in all cases.
In vitro plant regeneration of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Authors: Yu Xia , Sheng Jiajing , Zhao Lingling , Diao Ying , Zheng Xingwen , Xie Keqiang , Zhou Mingquan , Hu Zhongli
Published: March 2015

In this study, an efficient and reproducible plant
regeneration system for lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
was established using shoot apical meristems from the
buds and one-week-old aseptically germinated embryos
as explants. Multiple shoot clumps were induced on
Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented
with various combinations of N6-Benzylaminopurine
(6-BA) and α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The
maximum response was obtained with 2.22 μM 6-BA, and
produced 21.33 shoots per explant after four weeks. After
five subcultures, multiple shoot clumps were transferred
to MS basal medium supplemented with various
combinations of 3-Indolebutyric acid (IBA), NAA and
sucrose for root induction. After four weeks, plantlets with
well-developed roots were achieved on MS basal medium
supplemented with 0.54 μM NAA and 30 g/L sucrose with
100% rooting rate. The successfully acclimated plantlets
were transferred to pots with the addition of 2 g/L KMnO4
into the soils, and finally fertile plants with much bigger
leaves were obtained in the greenhouse. The survival rate
was 97.33%.
Is the translational approach becoming a reality in nanomedicine?
Authors: Malhaire Hélène , Lagarce Frederic
Published: March 2015

This paper summarizes the key points discussed at the international conference held in Angers (France) on translational nanomedicine. During 3 days, more than 150 attendees presented their works and discussed through plenary sessions on how to translate to the clinics the discoveries found at lab scale. The importance of interdisciplinary works has been emphasized. New promising strategies inspired by biology were presented, such as bacteriophage associated silicon particles (BASP) in cancer therapy. Green nanotechnology, which limits the use of potentially toxic excipients to the benefit of natural compounds, is growing. Although there are various financial helps for the research and the training of next generations of researchers, the difficulties to find funding to go to the clinics has been illustrated by the squalene-conjugated nanoparticles that find no industrial support. Large-scale production of nanomedicines is also challenging to implement and pharmaceutical companies are developing new large-scale production tools to reach the patient bedside. Last but not least, regulation requirements and patenting have been forced to evolve and adapt to these particular vectors. As a conclusion, transversal collaborative research and a design of nanomedicine based on simplicity are two important levers to help these promising drugs to reach the patient.
ZrOCl2·SiO2-catalyzed synthesis of bis(indoles) via conjugate addition of indole with electron-deficient alkenes in water
Authors: Jari Tayebeh , Amrollahi Mohammad Ali , Kheilkordi Zohreh
Published: March 2015

This report provides a description of an efficient and environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of bis(indole) derivatives via reaction of indole with electron-deficient alkenes. The remarkable advantages of this method for obtaining bis(indoles) are the simplicity of the experimental procedure, short reaction times, and high yields with the green aspects by avoiding toxic catalysts and solvents.
Assessment of wood microstructural changes after one-stage thermo-hydro treatment (THT) by micro X-ray computed tomography
Authors: Biziks Vladimirs , Van den Bulcke Jan , Grinins Juris , Militz Holger , Andersons Bruno , Andersone Ingeborga , Dhaene Jelle , Van Acker Joris
Published: March 2015

The microstructural changes in a selection of softwoods and hardwoods resulting from thermo-hydro treatment (THT) at 160°C were examined by means of a state-of-the-art micro X-ray computed tomography. A dedicated X-ray scanning and volumetric processing protocol was developed. All reconstructed volumes had an approximate voxel pitch between 0.8 and 1.2 μm3. The microstructures of the same needle-shaped specimens before and after THT were visualized, and the individual parameters (maximum opening and lumen volume) for various cell types were quantified and compared. The highest values of substance volume were recorded for the ash sapwood (81%) and spruce specimens (72%). After THT, a significant correlation was found between the mass loss determined by gravimetry and the X-ray volume loss. The largest change occurred in the lumen volume of several tissue components, such as libriform fibers, tracheids, and ray parenchyma. The average aspen fiber volume reduction after THT was 31%, a value 2.6 times higher than the volume reduction of the average vessels. The porosity of ash sapwood increased from 41 to 56%, whereas the porosity of birch decreased from 34 to 29%.
3D Imaging of Axons in Transparent Spinal Cords from Rodents and Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Soderblom Cynthia , Lee Do-Hun , Dawood Abdul , Carballosa Melissa , Santamaria Andrea Jimena , Benavides Francisco D. , Jergova Stanislava , Grumbles Robert M. , Thomas Christine K. , Park Kevin K. , Guest James David , Lemmon Vance P. , Lee Jae K. , Tsoulfas Pantelis
Published: March 2015

The histological assessment of spinal cord tissue in three dimensions has previously been very time consuming and prone to errors of interpretation. Advances in tissue clearing have significantly improved visualization of fluorescently labelled axons. While recent proof-of-concept studies have been performed with transgenic mice in which axons were prelabeled with GFP, investigating axonal regeneration requires stringent axonal tracing methods as well as the use of animal models in which transgenic axonal labeling is not available. Using rodent models of spinal cord injury, we labeled axon tracts of interest using both adeno-associated virus and chemical tracers and performed tetrahydrofuran-based tissue clearing to image multiple axon types in spinal cords using light sheet and confocal microscopy. Using this approach, we investigated the relationships between axons and scar-forming cells at the injury site as well as connections between sensory axons and motor pools in the spinal cord. In addition, we used these methods to trace axons in nonhuman primates. This reproducible and adaptable virus-based approach can be combined with transgenic mice or with chemical-based tract-tracing methods, providing scientists with flexibility in obtaining axonal trajectory information from transparent tissue.
Systematic analysis of BRAFV600E melanomas reveals a role for JNK/c‐Jun pathway in adaptive resistance to drug‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Fallahi‐Sichani Mohammad , Moerke Nathan J , Niepel Mario , Zhang Tinghu , Gray Nathanael S , Sorger Peter K
Published: March 2015

Drugs that inhibit RAF/MEK signaling, such as vemurafenib, elicit profound but often temporary anti‐tumor responses in patients with BRAFV600E melanoma. Adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition occur on a timescale of hours to days, involve homeostatic responses that reactivate MAP kinase signaling and compensatory mitogenic pathways, and attenuate the anti‐tumor effects of RAF/MEK inhibitors. We profile adaptive responses across a panel of melanoma cell lines using multiplex biochemical measurement, single‐cell assays, and statistical modeling and show that adaptation involves at least six signaling cascades that act to reduce drug potency (IC50) and maximal effect (i.e., Emax ≪ 1). Among these cascades, we identify a role for JNK/c‐Jun signaling in vemurafenib adaptation and show that RAF and JNK inhibitors synergize in cell killing. This arises because JNK inhibition prevents a subset of cells in a cycling population from becoming quiescent upon vemurafenib treatment, thereby reducing drug Emax. Our findings demonstrate the breadth and diversity of adaptive responses to RAF/MEK inhibition and a means to identify which steps in a signaling cascade are most predictive of phenotypic response.
Effect of oyster shell as an aggregate replacement on the characteristics of concrete
Authors: Eo Seok-Hong , Yi Seong-Tae
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study is to provide basic experimental data to help prevent environmental pollution and to pursue resource recycling by examining the use of waste oyster shells (OS) as concrete aggregate. The possibilities of manufacturing the waste into lightweight concrete and hollow concrete blocks are also examined. The physicochemical characteristics of OS are analysed and the materials and mechanical characteristics according to age are evaluated for fresh and hardened concretes. New chemical reactions and abnormal substances from the mixing of OS are found to be absent. Although problems in strength and workability with increased OS replacement rate of natural aggregates are generated, these can be resolved by using admixtures and stone powder. With respect to strength and workability, 10–13 mm is found be the optimum particle size range of OS as coarse aggregate. In addition, when the replacement rate of the coarse aggregate is 50%, the unit volume weight stands at 1993 kg/m3, which represents roughly 10% lightening. Results from assessing the quality of the hollow concrete produced indicate that, even if 50% of the fine aggregate is substituted with OS, the absorption rate almost satisfies the standards. Utilisation of OS is therefore expected to be adequate.