bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing ferromagnetic resonance absorption for very thin insulating magnetic films with spin plasmonics
Authors: Chui S. T.
Published: May 2015

We consider enhancing the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) absorption of very thin insulating magnetic films by placing it on top of a dielectric. We find that the signal is enhanced by at least an order of magnitude due to a new nonreciprocal interface resonance that is a mixture of the magnetic surface plasmon mode and a wave guide mode. This resonance occurs over a wide range of thicknesses of the dielectric that is still much less than the wavelength and is made possible by the negative magnetic susceptibility of the magnetic layer. The line width of absorption is reduced by an order of magnitude less than the Gilbert damping parameter. At some frequency, the group velocity of this resonance is negative. Experimentally, very thin yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films are grown on a Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG) substrate which can be considered the dielectric. Our model applies to experiments performed in the YIG/GGG system. Indeed, our picture resolves the disagreement on the magnitude of the spin diffusion lengths obtained with the FMR and the Brillouin scattering techniques. It also provides for a way to make new adaptive thin film miniaturized photonic nonreciprocal devices with low loss.
A life cycle assessment approach to quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from land-use change for beef production in eastern Australia
Authors: Henry Beverley K. , Butler D. , Wiedemann S. G.
Published: May 2015

In life cycle assessment studies, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from direct land-use change have been estimated to make a significant contribution to the global warming potential of agricultural products. However, these estimates have a high uncertainty due to the complexity of data requirements and difficulty in attribution of land-use change. This paper presents estimates of GHG emissions from direct land-use change from native woodland to grazing land for two beef production regions in eastern Australia, which were the subject of a multi-impact life cycle assessment study for premium beef production. Spatially- and temporally consistent datasets were derived for areas of forest cover and biomass carbon stocks using published remotely sensed tree-cover data and regionally applicable allometric equations consistent with Australia’s national GHG inventory report. Standard life cycle assessment methodology was used to estimate GHG emissions and removals from direct land-use change attributed to beef production. For the northern-central New South Wales region of Australia estimates ranged from a net emission of 0.03 t CO2-e ha–1 year–1 to net removal of 0.12 t CO2-e ha–1 year–1 using low and high scenarios, respectively, for sequestration in regrowing forests. For the same period (1990–2010), the study region in southern-central Queensland was estimated to have net emissions from land-use change in the range of 0.45–0.25 t CO2-e ha–1 year–1. The difference between regions reflects continuation of higher rates of deforestation in Queensland until strict regulation in 2006 whereas native vegetation protection laws were introduced earlier in New South Wales. On the basis of liveweight produced at the farm-gate, emissions from direct land-use change for 1990–2010 were comparable in magnitude to those from other on-farm sources, which were dominated by enteric methane. However, calculation of land-use change impacts for the Queensland region for a period starting 2006, gave a range from net emissions of 0.11 t CO2-e ha–1 year–1 to net removals of 0.07 t CO2-e ha–1 year–1. This study demonstrated a method for deriving spatially- and temporally consistent datasets to improve estimates for direct land-use change impacts in life cycle assessment. It identified areas of uncertainty, including rates of sequestration in woody regrowth and impacts of land-use change on soil carbon stocks in grazed woodlands, but also showed the potential for direct land-use change to represent a net sink for GHG.
Biomechanics of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Evaluation of the Posterior Sloping Angle
Authors: Bellemore Jeremy M. , Carpenter Eleanor C. , Yu Nicole Y. C. , Birke Oliver , Little David G.
Published: May 2015

Background:

The posterior sloping angle (PSA) has been shown to be an objective and reproducible predictor of the risk of patients developing contralateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE); however, prophylactic fixation remains controversial. This in vitro study investigates the biomechanical basis of using a 15-degree PSA as a threshold for prophylactic fixation.

Methods:

Synthetic bone in vitro models of the proximal femur were constructed with a PSA of 10 degrees as a control (normal) group (n=6) by performing an osteotomy at the physis and gluing the head back onto the neck. SCFE groups were created with a PSA of 15, 20, 25, 30, 50, or 60 degrees, by excising a wedge from the posterior neck and gluing them back at the new angle with corresponding posterior translation proportional to the slip angle, and loaded superoinferiorly in compression, to failure. Ultimate strength, energy to failure, and stiffness were recorded.

Results:

Increasing the PSA from 10 to 15 degrees only reduced ultimate strength by 13% (P>0.05; CI, −0.21 to −0.06), though a significantly lesser energy to failure was required (−58%, P<0.05; CI, −0.68 to −0.48). Increasing the angle to 20 degrees resulted in a further significant decrease in strength (−19%, P<0.05; CI, −0.28 to −0.10) and energy to failure (−45%, P<0.05; CI, −0.53 to −0.84). The severe SCFE (60-degree PSA) was significantly weaker and less rigid that the control, and the mild and moderate SCFE models (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

These biomechanical data support the threshold of 15-degree PSA as an objective measure for prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip in SCFE.

Clinical Relevance:

The number needed to treat with (minimally invasive) prophylactic fixation to prevent contralateral SCFE can be minimized if the above-mentioned threshold is used.
Reliable simulation of timber structures by combined load and displacement control
Authors: Gebhardt Clemens , Kaliske Michael
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a path-finding algorithm to solve problems with an arbitrary load-displacement relationship which results from geometrical and material nonlinear models to simulate e.g. timber structures realistically.

Design/methodology/approach

– A method using combined load and displacement control for the Newton method along with path-characterising measures and sub-incremention is introduced. A path-related stiffness measure is used to identify the situation when it is necessary to select the displacement control and chose the best degree of freedom as a parameter instead of the load factor. The nonlinearity index extracts information about the convergence behaviour during one incremental step. Together with the reduction of the load increments it avoids leaving the equilibrium path.

Findings

– The method is discussed based on numerical examples with highly nonlinear behaviour. It is capable to solve systems with decreasing load capacity and snap-back effects.

Originality/value

– The algorithm combines load and displacement control and adaptively choses the method and the corresponding degree of freedom and cares for reliable path following.
Evaluating the fidelity and robustness of calibrated numerical model predictions
Authors: Stevens Garrison , Van Buren Kendra , Wheeler Elizabeth , Atamturktur Sez
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Numerical models are being increasingly relied upon to evaluate wind turbine performance by simulating phenomena that are infeasible to measure experimentally. These numerical models, however, require a large number of input parameters that often need to be calibrated against available experiments. Owing to the unavoidable scarcity of experiments and inherent uncertainties in measurements, this calibration process may yield non-unique solutions, i.e. multiple sets of parameters may reproduce the available experiments with similar fidelity. The purpose of this paper is to study the trade-off between fidelity to measurements and the robustness of this fidelity to uncertainty in calibrated input parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

– Here, fidelity is defined as the ability of the model to reproduce measurements and robustness is defined as the allowable variation in the input parameters with which the model maintains a predefined level of threshold fidelity. These two vital attributes of model predictiveness are evaluated in the development of a simplified finite element beam model of the CX-100 wind turbine blade.

Findings

– Findings of this study show that calibrating the input parameters of a numerical model with the sole objective of improving fidelity to available measurements degrades the robustness of model predictions at both tested and untested settings. A more optimal model may be obtained by calibration methods considering both fidelity and robustness. Multi-criteria Decision Making further confirms the conclusion that the optimal model performance is achieved by maintaining a balance between fidelity and robustness during calibration.

Originality/value

– Current methods for model calibration focus solely on fidelity while the authors focus on the trade-off between fidelity and robustness.
A combined spectral-amplitude-perturbation approach for systematic mode selection in thermal convection
Authors: Niknami Mohammad , Ahmed Zahir , Albaalbaki Bashar , Khayat Roger E
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The post-critical convective state for Rayleigh-Benard (RB) convection is studied using a nonlinear spectral-amplitude-perturbation approach in a fluid layer heated from below. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the spectral method the flow and temperature fields are expanded periodically along the layer and orthonormal shape functions are used in the transverse direction. A combined amplitude-perturbation approach is developed to solve the nonlinear spectral system in the post-critical range, even far from the linear stability threshold. Also, to leading order, the Lorenz model is recovered.

Findings

– It is found that very small Prandtl numbers (Pr < 0.1) can change the Nusselt number, when terms to O(ε5/2) and higher are considered. However, to lower orders the Prandtl number does not affect the results. Variation of the Nusselt number to different orders is found to be highly consistent. Comparison with experimental results is made and a very good qualitative agreement is observed, even far from the linear threshold.

Originality/value

– Unlike existing nonlinear formulations for RB thermal convection, the present combined spectral-perturbation approach provides a systematic method for mode selection. The number and type of modes to be included are directly related to the post-critical Rayleigh number. The method is not limited to the weakly nonlinear range.
Conjugated heat transfer analysis of a film cooling passage with different rib configurations
Authors: Wang Jin , Gu Chunwei , Sunden Bengt Ake
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of thermal conductivity on gas turbine blades, and to investigate the contribution of different rib configurations to the heat flux and the film cooling effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Renormalization Group (RNG) model with enhanced wall treatment was used for the turbulence modeling, and the SIMPLE algorithm was used to handle the pressure-velocity coupling.

Findings

– A flame-shape distribution on the internal wall provides high heat flux compared to a hawk-shape distribution; the film cooling effectiveness on the external wall is enhanced for the lateral film cooling effectiveness by heat conduction and film cooling (convection); by comparing the square-rib and pin-rib configurations, the circular-rib configuration offers a higher film cooling effectiveness on the Aluminum wall.

Research limitations/implications

– In the present research, the combination of internal cooling and external cooling is used to predict cooling effectiveness on film-cooled flat plate; two kinds of different plate materials are used to obtain the influence of the thermal conductivity. The successful computational method should give guidelines for potential CFD users in engineering sciences.

Practical implications

– The results of the paper are of engineering interest where film cooling and ribbed surfaces are applied. The successful computational method will also serve as guidelines for potential users of CFD in design as well as research and development work.

Originality/value

– In the present research, the combination of internal cooling and external cooling is used to predict cooling effectiveness on film-cooled flat plate; two kinds of different plate materials are used to obtain the influence of the thermal conductivity.
Three dimensional simulations and stability analysis for convection induced by absorption of radiation
Authors: Harfash Akil Jassim
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a model for convection induced by the selective absorption of radiation in a fluid layer. The concentration based internal heat source is modelled quadratically. Both linear instability and global nonlinear energy stability analyses are tested using three dimensional simulations. The results show that the linear threshold accurately predicts on the onset of instability in the basic steady state. However, the required time to arrive at the steady state increases significantly as the Rayleigh number tends to the linear threshold.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author introduce the stability analysis of the problem of convection induced by absorption of radiation in fluid layer, then the author select a situations which have very big subcritical region. Then, the author develop a three dimensions simulation for the problem. To do this, first, the author transform the problem to velocity – vorticity formulation, then the author use a second order finite difference schemes. The author use implicit and explicit schemes to enforce the free divergence equation. The size of the Box is evaluated according to the normal modes representation. Moreover, the author adopt the periodic boundary conditions for velocity and temperature in the $x, y$ dimensions.

Findings

– This paper explores a model for convection induced by the selective absorption of radiation in a fluid layer. The results demonstrate that the linear instability thresholds accurately predict the onset of instability. A three-dimensional numerical approach is adopted.

Originality/value

– As the author believe, this paper is one of the first studies which deal with study of stability of convection using a three dimensional simulation. When the difference between the linear and nonlinear thresholds is very large, the comparison between these thresholds is very interesting and useful.
Education work and identity in an English Sixth Form college
Authors: Stoten David William
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to explore how education workers position themselves with an organisational culture and fashion a workplace identity. The research involved both professionally qualified teachers and support staff in an inclusive approach and drew theoretical concepts from Structuralist approaches such as labour process theory to Foucauldian post-structuralism and Habermasian critical theory on the nature of identity, power and control. This paper also sought to establish whether there was any difference in the positions taken by teaching and support staff.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used a mixed methods approach. Following on from a pilot questionnaire, a series of research conversations was conducted drawing on Habermas’s interpretation of phenomenology and the co-construction of knowledge.

Findings

– The findings suggest that there are clear differences in the way teaching and support staff construct their workplace identity. In general, teachers were more critical of Central Government policy, as well as the practices of senior management, than was the case for support staff that tended to be more deferential.

Research limitations/implications

– As a case study of a single institution, there are inherent limitations in the generalisability of such research. However, as a snap shot of organisational life, the research provides a useful insight into the complexities of workplace relationships and the identities workers take.

Originality/value

– This paper, albeit on a small scale, provides an insight into two areas not often reported on. First, on reporting on a Sixth Form College, the research aims to address the paucity of published research on this particular organisation type in the English educational system. Second, in placing teaching and support staff alongside each other, it provides a deeper insight into organisational life from differing positions.
Deconstructing management fad adoption: towards a conceptual model
Authors: Mathews Pamela
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose that adoption of new ideas is a more involved cognitive process than has been recognised and this paper seeks to redress the trivialisation of ideas as emerging management ideas (“fads”). The embracing of “fads” for performance improvement and competitive advantage has received considerable attention in the academic literature, resulting in a rather one-sided view.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cognitive decision-making, evidence-based management and complexity theory are examined to illustrate cognitive process, skills and experiences used when making decisions and several propositions are derived from these ideas.

Findings

– An conceptual model of “fad” adoption, integrating the ideas and propositions is presented. This model provides a more pragmatic examination of “fad” adoption decisions and encourages an in depth consideration of their introduction. The model offers a more sophisticated, focused tool for examining the adoption of new management ideas and provides a springboard from which more detailed, integrated models can be developed, and hopefully will stimulate discussion. Implications for theory and practice are also considered.

Originality/value

– Examination of the literature on management “fads” revealed significant material that focused on the negative aspects of “fad” adoption, but an absence of material that examined how manager’s made their adoption decisions. This paper, therefore, provides a valuable contribution to both theory and practice by examining factors which contribute to how and why management decisions to adopt “fads” are made and develops a model to illustrate how these are integrated to contribute to the process of decision-making.
Management research worldwide: extent and determinants (1996-2010)
Authors: Gantman Ernesto R.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the extent and determinants of the production of scientific management and organization studies (SMOS).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a quantitative analysis of bibliometric data.

Findings

– The results of a comparison of number of authorships in a broad number of journals reveal that the share of the US production in the field is declining. However, the visibility of authors from developing countries remains at an extremely low level. Regarding the analysis of the determinants of academic production in the discipline, the estimated count data models highlight the relevance of economic, linguistic and political factors, which have a positive and highly significant effect on the countries’ published research output.

Practical implications

– The concluding section discusses how the quantity and quality of SMOS in developed countries could be improved.

Originality/value

– The paper presents new evidence about the unequal distribution of the countries’ production in SMOS as well as on its determining factors.
Drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) as a food additive in livestock products
Authors: Singh Tarun Pal , Singh Parminder , Kumar Pavan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on natural food additives identified in the drumstick (Moringa Oleifera) and their probable application as novel ingredients in the development of functional food products. This plant additive has attracted interest as one of the prominent candidates for the purpose of improving processing, quality and the safety of various livestock foods such as meat, milk, fish and their products. The search of natural food additives for the processing and preservation of high-quality, ready-to-eat products has notably increased due to the adverse effects of chemical additives on human health.

Design/methodology/approach

– Traditionally, Moringa is a pan-tropical plant species, which is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal properties in human nutrition. Its leaves, seeds, flowers, pods (fruit), bark and roots are extremely valuable sources of nutrition for people of all ages. Moringa is nowadays also considered as an important source of nutraceuticals which may find wide application in the food industry. These nutraceuticals have a positive impact on the body’s function or condition by affecting the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, and it may ultimately influence health.

Findings

– Several additives that are released in vitro or in vivo from various parts of Moringa have been attributed to different health effects, including antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activities, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-convulsant activities and there is enhancement of nutritional and organoleptic attributes of various livestock foods. Extensive research has been undertaken to identify and characterize these additives as a new source of biologically active ingredients for the development of functional foods with specific benefits for human health.

Originality/value

– This paper focuses on the properties, utilization and scope of Moringa
Oleifera in livestock products, all of which indicate that its effective utilization is the need of the hour.
Studies on effect of irradiation on functional properties of two ready-to-drink appetizer beverages and their shelf lives
Authors: Wadikar Dadasaheb D , Vasudish C.R. , Premavalli K.S.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to extend the shelf life of juice/fluids and reduce the thermal damage of their functional components. Thermal processing is a universal method used to extend the shelf lives of juice/fluids. However, combination processing thought to be beneficial in extending the shelf life with least possible thermal damage. The shelf life of the two thermally processed appetizer beverages, i.e. ginger beverage and karpurvalli beverage was established up to six months.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both appetizer beverages were processed using irradiation in combination with heat treatment. A short thermal treatment at 95°C for 5 minutes was given to the bottled beverages, and these were then irradiated with different dosages of 1, 2 and 3 kGy. The samples were stored at room temperature (18-33°C), as well as at 37°C and periodically analysed for changes in pH, acidity, TSS, browning index, antioxidant activity and gingerol/carvacrol contents and for their microbiological quality.

Findings

– The results revealed that in both products, the antioxidant activity and the gingerol/carvacrol content reduced, making these microbiologically safe up to eight months. However, combination of irradiation was not found suitable for the appetizer beverages due to more than 50 per cent losses in the functional components.

Research limitations/implications

– The combination of thermal and irradiation processing was effective to ensure microbial safety and extend the shelf life of beverages. However, it may not be suitable for preserving all functional properties.

Originality/value

– The outcome is result of original work done, and information provided can be a preamble to the researchers targeting improved stability of functional beverages.
Exploring the quality of European dietetic practice placements
Authors: Markaki Anastasia , Spyridaki Aspasia , Chatzi Vasiliki , Joossens Sofie , de Looy Anne
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quality of dietetic practice placements in European higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

– An online questionnaire was used to investigate adherence to the European Dietetic Practice Placement Standards. Supporting documents were assessed against the “Guide to best practice” criteria.

Findings

– The questionnaire response rate was 39 out of 67 DIETS2 partners, representing 19 European countries. According to the questionnaire, the majority of HEIs have a formal agreement regarding roles and responsibilities on practice placement. They have clear learning outcomes, policies, standards and procedures to test, approve and monitor practice placements. However, less than half HEIs provide support and training for supervisors. Practice placement documentations from 16 European HEIs were assessed against the 15 “Guide to best practice” criteria. Only 1 HEI met all 15 criteria. The range of the rest HEIs fell between 1-14 criteria, the mean being 10 criteria. The least met criterion concerned appropriate support and guidance for supervisors, which was met by 18.8 per cent of HEIs.

Practical implications

– Promoting high-quality practice placements is crucial for the preparation of the dietetic workforce to meet changing societal needs of the dietetic profession, impacting on European nutritional health and productivity.

Originality/value

– This study is the first attempt to specifically address quality measures on dietetic practice placements in HEIs across Europe and highlights the issues that need improvement to prepare students for their new roles as dietitians in Europe.
Judy's Defense: One Workplace Bully Is One Too Many
Authors: Gumbus Andra , York Christopher C. , Shea Carolyn A.
Published: May 2015

Judy was a high-performing professional manager who was with her company for 15 years and was a manager for six. She was a confident, positive, and happy person but recently lost her confidence in herself and her abilities. She dreaded going to work because she never knew what she would face from her boss, Dennis. Dennis was a brilliant man who was recently promoted to Senior V.P. He was condescending, and he humiliated people in public. Complaints to the CEO and a harassment claim produced no results. Dennis did the CEO's dirty work and served a role needed in a fast-paced and profit-driven corporate culture. Judy enrolled in an MBA program to build her resume and her self-confidence. She faced a critical juncture in her career. Should she quit, transfer, complain to HR, or confront Dennis?
Competing for New York's Best Lobster Roll: Failed Trade Protection
Authors: Desplaces David E. , Delaurell Roxane M. , Blockson Laquita C.
Published: May 2015

This critical incident offers students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the issues associated with intellectual property (IP) law and the ways to protect a business from its employees and potential unfair competition. Using a restaurant setting students can learn to apply IP concepts, discuss the issues of trademark, as well as develop a legal IP check list.
Megatoys Woos Wal-Mart
Authors: McGuire Stephen J.J. , Drost Ellen A. , Kwong K. Kern , Linnevers David , Tash Ryan , Lavrova Oxana
Published: May 2015

A family business founded by Chinese immigrants grew into a $133 million toy and costume maker by exploiting seasonal niche segments in the highly competitive, global toy industry. Sales of traditional toys stagnated when replaced by game consoles and electronic toys. Unable to compete in high tech toys, MegaToys moved instead toward seasonal products. In 2007, brothers Peter and Charlie Woo were about to pitch what they hoped would be $63 million in Easter basket sales to Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart took the full order, it would come to represent over half of MegaToys' revenue.

The company was faced with the dilemma of how to grow, and at what pace. Charlie Woo knew that MegaToys could continue to grow as long as it was able to satisfy Wal-Mart's demands. Peter Woo wondered if this was the smartest way to grow the business. “Growth is a good thing as long as you don't sell your shirt to get it,” he noted. Should MegaToys continue to increase its sales to Wal-Mart, or would dependence on Wal-Mart eventually threaten the firm's success? Were there other, untapped opportunities for MegaToys that were well aligned with its strengths, resources, and capabilities?
Should Genesee & Wyoming Go Down Under?
Authors: Overby Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2015

The Case takes place at the headquarters of Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. (GWI), one of the leading short line railroads in the United States. The Case revolves around three executives - Mortimer B. Fuller III, Chairman and CEO, Mark Hastings, CFO and Treasurer, and Alan Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Office - and the dilemma over whether to pursue international expansion.

GWI has generally pursued a strategy of diversification through acquisition. However, there are other approaches to diversification, including international expansion. With increasing deregulation and privatization of railroads around the world, GWI and its competitors must weigh the risks of internationalization with the rewards. GWI fears that a failure to move quickly might result in missed opportunities as competitors acquire railroads around the world.

An opportunity has recently arisen in Australia, where the government is selling Australian National Railway. GWI believes Australia might be a good initial foray into the international market given the similarities of the country and its railroad industry to the United States and its railroad industry. The Case asks the question, “Should GWI enter the bidding?”
Winstar Communications: corporate fraud and auditing procedures
Authors: Ng Alexander W. , Mertins Lasse , Martin Charles L.
Published: May 2015

Synopsis

Winstar Communications was a successful and fast growing telecommunication company in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, in the early 2000s, the company started to struggle financially. In 2000, Grant Thornton audited Winstar, issuing an unqualified opinion. After Winstar went into bankruptcy in 2002, investors started to question the quality of the audit. This teaching case is based on the Gould v. Grant Thornton case that was tried in the United States Court of Appeals in 2011/2012. It provides accounting students with an opportunity to learn about auditing procedures and the consequences when auditing procedures are not correctly followed.

Research methodology

Teaching case study.

Relevant courses and levels

This case study is suitable for introductory undergraduate auditing, advanced undergraduate auditing and master level auditing courses.
Mainsail II SIV-Lite and the State Cash Investment Pool1
Authors: Borgman Richard H.
Published: May 2015

In August 2007 the Mainsail II SIV-Lite was frozen by its trustee as a result of the ongoing credit crisis. The state of Maine held $20 million of Mainsail commercial paper in its Cash Pool portfolio, a short-term portfolio that puts temporary, excess state revenues to work. When word of the potential loss became public, the Treasurer came under attack. The case introduces the functions of a state Treasury department, with particular emphasis on the investment objectives and guidelines for the cash pool as well as its composition. The case reviews the events leading up to and including August 2007, the month when the credit markets first began to seize and when the financial crisis effectively began. It examines securitization, structured finance, and the Mainsail SIV-Lite structure in some detail.
Winds of change in Klickitat County: the Harvest Wind Project
Authors: Phillips Michael , Watson David , Barnes Bill , Feldman Howard
Published: May 2015

Case description

This case features a county planning director as he approves or turns down a permit application for the Harvest Wind Farm Project, located in Klickitat County on the Columbia Plateau in Washington State. The utilities involved and Klickitat County stood to benefit through new revenue generation and a favorable federal construction grant associated with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and certain landowners stood to make substantial royalties. However, other landowners were also worried about declining property values, environmental groups had raised objections to the effect of turbines on the pristine Columbia River view, and uncertainty about health effects had recently become more of an issue. Nationally, “wind turbine syndrome” and “shadow-flicker” effects had been linked to wind farm operations. Given these concerns and the uncertainty, would the gains to stakeholders justify signing off on the project?
Family‐of‐origin experience and emotional health as predictors of relationship self‐regulation in marriage
Authors: Brown Matthew , Larson Jeffry , Harper James , Holman Thomas
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to understand differences in one's ability to implement relationship self‐regulation (RSR) in marriage based on the family‐of‐origin variables of parent–child relationship quality, parental marital satisfaction and current emotional health. The participants were 484 married couples who completed the relationship evaluation. Structural equation modelling was used to test a model that showed that the actor and partner's emotional health were associated with RSR in marriage, while most family‐of‐origin factors were not directly associated with RSR. However, the perceived mother–child relationship quality was associated with RSR for wives, but not husbands, when controlling for the other variables in the model. There were no significant relationships between father–child relationship quality or parental marital satisfaction and RSR. Implications for couple therapists and educators are discussed.

Practitioner points

Relationship self‐regulation (RSR) involves recognizing one's own positive and negative contribution to the relationship.

Emotional health affects RSR and should be attended to in work with couples.

Helping partners address emotional health issues may increase a couple's ability to collaboratively work on their relationship.

Open expression of emotions and positive communication skills may decrease emotional health symptomology and increase the couples' use of RSR.
Late Start with Extra Schooling: The Effect of Increase in School Entry Age and Preschool Provision
Authors: Jha Nikhil
Published: May 2015

This paper analyses the combined effect of school entry‐age increase and the changes in preschool provision on educational achievement using a difference‐in‐difference specification. Achievement is assessed using the score on national standardised tests across a range of subjects. The analysis uses the changes in policy in different years across two states in Australia. I find positive effects for several subjects across different grades. Results are robust to falsification tests. In one state, however, cohorts starting school during the policy transition period are adversely affected, possibly due to disruption in preschool education.
The impact of onlooking and including bystander behaviour on judgments and emotions regarding peer exclusion
Authors: Malti Tina , Strohmeier Dagmar , Killen Melanie
Published: May 2015

We investigated judgments and emotions in contexts of social exclusion that varied as a function of bystander behaviour (N = 173, 12‐ and 16‐year‐olds). Adolescents responded to film vignettes depicting a target excluded by a group with no bystanders, onlooking bystanders, or bystanders who included the target. Adolescents were asked to judge the behaviour and attribute emotions to the excluding group, the excluded target, and the bystanders. Younger adolescents judged the behaviour of the excluding group as more wrong than older adolescents when there were no bystanders present, indicating that the presence of bystanders was viewed as lessening the negative outcome of exclusion by the younger group. Yet, bystanders play a positive role only when they are includers, not when they are silent observers. This distinction was revealed by the findings that adolescents rated the behaviour of onlooking bystanders as more wrong compared with the behaviour of including bystanders. Moreover, all adolescents justified the inclusive behaviour more frequently with empathy than the onlooking behaviour. Adolescents also anticipated more empathy to including bystanders than to onlooking bystanders, as well as anticipated more guilt to onlooking bystanders than including bystanders. The findings are discussed in light of the role of group norms and group processes regarding bystanders' roles in social exclusion peer encounters.
Dimethyl fumarate induces necroptosis in colon cancer cells through GSH depletion/ROS increase/MAPKs activation pathway
Authors: Xie Xin , Zhao Yu , Ma Chun‐Yan , Xu Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Yan‐Qiu , Wang Chen‐Guang , Jin Jing , Shen Xin , Gao Jin‐Lai , Li Na , Sun Zhi‐Jie , Dong De‐Li
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a newly approved drug for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis and relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis. Here, we investigated the effects of DMF and its metabolites mono‐methylfumarate (MMF and methanol) on different gastrointestinal cancer cell lines and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved.

Experimental Approach

Cell viability was measured by the MTT or CCK8 assay. Protein expressions were measured by Western blot analysis. LDH release, live‐ and dead‐cell staining, intracellular GSH levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential were examined by using commercial kits.

Key Results

DMF but not MMF induced cell necroptosis, as demonstrated by the pharmacological tool necrostatin‐1, transmission electron microscopy, LDH and HMGB1 release in CT26 cells. The DMF‐induced decrease in cellular GSH levels as well as cell viability and increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were inhibited by co‐treatment with GSH and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in CT26 cells. DMF activated JNK, p38 and ERK MAPKs in CT26 cells and JNK, p38 and ERK inhibitors partially reversed the DMF‐induced decrease in cell viability. GSH or NAC treatment inhibited DMF‐induced JNK, p38, and ERK activation in CT26 cells. DMF but not MMF increased autophagy responses in SGC‐7901, HCT116, HT29 and CT26 cancer cells, but autophagy inhibition did not prevent the DMF‐induced decrease in cell viability.

Conclusion and Implications

DMF but not its metabolite MMF induced necroptosis in colon cancer cells through a mechanism involving the depletion of GSH, an increase in ROS and activation of MAPKs.
Real Options and Incremental Search in Pharmaceutical R&D Project Portfolio Management
Authors: Magazzini Laura , Pammolli Fabio , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the role of real options reasoning in R&D project portfolio management and investment decisions of pharmaceutical firms. We analyse a unique dataset that integrates information on initiation and termination of clinical trials at the level of specific medical indications. Consistent with existing literature, we find a positive relationship between market size and firm entry in clinical trials. We also show that the option value of R&D investments, as proxied by the scope of R&D projects, affects the selection of target markets. Moreover, high‐risk research areas attract more entry, in line with the predictions of real options theory. However, we also find that more flexibility in project duration and delayed project discontinuation attract higher rates of entry. Departures from pure real options reasoning are motivated by the presence of incremental learning in pharmaceutical R&D.
Use of IV fosphenytoin pharmacokinetics to determine the loading dose for a clinical trial of canine status epilepticus
Authors: Coles Lisa D. , Leppik Ilo E. , Patterson Edward E. , Rivers Zachary , Mishra Usha , Cloyd James C.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Canine status epilepticus (CSE) has potential as a translational platform to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel compounds and inform human status epilepticus trials. The aim of this study was to determine the intravenous dose of fosphenytoin (FOS) needed for dogs in a CSE clinical trial to attain phenytoin (PHT) concentrations similar to those used for human status epilepticus and monitor PHT concentrations.

Methods

Four healthy dogs were used to characterize PHT pharmacokinetics. Each received either 15 mg/kg or 25 mg/kg of PHT equivalent intravenously. Blood samples were collected and FOS (total) and derived PHT (total and unbound) plasma concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). Noncompartmental pharmacokinetics (PK) parameter values were determined and compartmental PK modeling and simulations were used to select the dose for the clinical trial with a target goal of 1–2 μg/ml unbound PHT at 30–60 min postinfusion. Predicted total and unbound PHT concentrations were compared with concentrations in blood collected from dogs treated for CSE in the clinical trial.

Results

Initial estimates suggested that a loading dose of 25 mg/kg would attain unbound concentrations of 1–2 μg/ml; however, this dose produced concentrations above 3–6 μg/ml, which resulted in clinically significant toxicity. A two‐compartment model best fit the PHT concentration data with alpha‐phase half‐life of 2–5 min and elimination half‐life of ~5 h. Based on the simulations, a dose of 15 mg/kg was selected and used in the clinical trial and 15 of 16 dogs randomized to the treatment arm had PHT plasma concentrations within the goal range.

Significance

This study demonstrates that characterization of pharmacokinetics in a small number of dogs is useful in determining dosage regimens designed to attain targeted concentrations in clinical trials. Using this approach, we were able to determine a safe and effective dose of FOS for a clinical trial of CSE.
Modulation of transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) in reconstructed human epidermis by excipients known to permeate intestinal tight junctions
Authors: Abdayem Rawad , Callejon Sylvie , Portes Pascal , Kirilov Plamen , Demarne Frédéric , Pirot Fabrice , Jannin Vincent , Haftek Marek
Published: May 2015

Several excipients are commonly used to enhance the drug absorption through simple epithelia of the digestive tract. They permeate the paracellular barrier constituted by tight junctions (TJs). We compared the effects of two excipients, sodium caprate (C10) and a self‐emulsifying excipient Labrasol composed of a mixture of caprylocaproyl polyoxyl‐8 glycerides, both applied to emerged reconstructed human epidermis either ‘systemically’, that is by addition to the culture medium, or topically. During the ‘systemic’ application, which produced cytoplasmic translocation of occludin and leakage of the biotin marker into the lower stratum corneum, the decrease in the trans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was less abrupt with Labrasol when compared with C10, even though both excipients produced comparable final effects over time. With topical Labrasol, a significant TEER decrease was obtained with 5 times the ‘systemic’ concentrations. Topical application of C10 also resulted in the loss of the barrier function measured with TEER but had dramatic deleterious effects on the tissue morphology observed with light and electron microscopy. Our study demonstrates the potential value of Labrasol as an enhancer of bioavailability of molecules applied through the transcutaneous route. Our results suggest modulation of the epidermal TJs by both compounds. Even though the C10 action was at least partly due to overall cell damage and despite the fact that the decrease in TEER after topical application was apparently related to the permeabilization of the primary barrier of the stratum corneum in the first place.
In geriatric patients, delirium symptoms are related to the anticholinergic burden
Authors: Naja Moustafa , Zmudka Jadwiga , Hannat Sanaa , Liabeuf Sophie , Serot Jean‐Marie , Jouanny Pierre
Published: May 2015

Aim

Anticholinergic drugs are widely prescribed for elderly patients and could induce several neuropsychological disorders, especially delirium. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between anticholinergic burden and delirium symptoms.

Methods

A total of 102 patients aged over 75 years (86.3 ± 5.8 years, 53 women and 49 men) hospitalized in a geriatric medicine department were included in this prospective study. Anticholinergic burden was assessed by classifying drug use into three levels (low, medium or high). An overall, weighted score was established. Delirium symptoms were measured with the Confusion Assessment Method on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 15 and 21. Covariates studied were comorbidities (Charlson), health status, activities of daily living, nutrition (albumin), cognition, length of stay and mortality.

Results

A total of 51.6% of the patients were taking anticholinergic drugs at home (2.13 ± 1.34). Length of stay was 14.5 ± 9.9 days. Prevalence of delirium symptoms ranged on days between 34.8 and 60%. Anticholinergic burden was correlated with the appearance of delirium symptoms. Delirium symptoms were associated with greater mortality (16.1 and 3.7 % in patients with and without delirium symptoms; P = 0.049), a longer hospital stay (18.09 ± 11.34 vs 11.75 ± 7.80 days, P = 0.001), greater dependence on discharge (activities of daily living score: 1.57 ± 1.56 vs 3.41 ± 1.45, P < 0.0001) and worse health status on discharge (5.3 ± 2.7 vs 7.0 ± 1.7, P = 0.0008).

Conclusion

Anticholinergic burden appears as a risk factor for both delirium symptoms and mortality. Prevention of delirium symptoms requires its reduction Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 424‐431.
Characteristic features of cognitive, affective and daily living functions of late‐elderly dementia
Authors: Hishikawa Nozomi , Fukui Yusuke , Sato Kota , Kono Syoichiro , Yamashita Toru , Ohta Yasuyuki , Deguchi Kentaro , Abe Koji
Published: May 2015

Aims

The world is rapidly aging, and is facing an increase of late‐elderly dementia patients. It is important to investigate the characteristic features of late‐elderly dementia in a super‐aged country.

Methods

We examined 1554 patients with cognitive decline in Department of Neurology, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan, divided into three subgroups according to the age: young‐elderly (age ≤64 years), middle‐elderly (age 65–74 years) and late‐elderly (age 75 years), and investigated the cognitive, affective and activities of daily living functions (ADL), especially in late‐elderly patients compared with young‐elderly and middle‐elderly patients.

Results

Among 1554 patients, Alzheimer's disease dominated at 62%, and age‐dependently increased up to 69% in the late‐elderly group. The total scores of four cognitive tests were significantly worse with aging for specific subscales of orientation, recall, visual retention, word fluency and so on. In contrast, total scores of the affective tests showed only an increase in the apathy scale in the late‐elderly group. Each subgroup showed depressive/depression in 63.2–55.2%, and apathy in 44.2–54.8%. Furthermore, instrumental ADL items significantly deteriorated in the late‐elderly group, which statistically correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination score.

Conclusions

These results show that the late‐elderly group is characterized by significant cognitive declines, increasing apathy, and instrumental ADL decrease. The cognitive decline may be related to such affective and ADL declines. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 458‐465.