bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embracing CSR in pro-social relationship marketing program: understanding driving forces of positive consumer responses
Authors: Hwang Jiyoung , Kandampully Jay
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This purpose of this article is to identify important factors that influence consumers’ responses to pro-social loyalty programs (pro-social LPs). These positive marketing programs reflect represent an emerging phenomenon in relationship marketing associated with companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

– The test of the proposed model relied on data from 350 US consumers, obtained through web-based experiments. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results showed that consumers’ CSR-driven cognition (CSR beliefs) and reciprocal emotion (feeling of gratitude) enhance their attitudes toward pro-social LPs and increased participation intentions. The perceived value of pro-social LPs also improved consumer attitudes and participation intentions.

Practical implications

– Pro-social LPs offer a noteworthy approach to relationship marketing that benefits both service providers that engage in CSR and society overall.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on LP and CSR by investigating the roles of CSR-driven cognition, reciprocal emotion and value perception in explaining consumers’ responses to an innovative approach of LPs and pro-social LPs.
Factors influencing consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions of e-deals
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Phau Ian , Liang Johan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the key antecedents of attitude towards electronic deals (e-deals) and factors influencing purchase intention of e-deals. Specifically, perceived value and price consciousness will be tested as antecedents of attitudes towards e-deals. Attitudes towards e-deals, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control are proposed to have strong influences upon purchase intention. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) provides the theoretical underpinning of the conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through convenience sampling. Overall, 611 valid responses of 780 distributed surveys were collected. Only 426 e-deals users were analysed by using structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– It is found that perceived value is a strong predictor of attitudes towards e-deals. Another finding also indicates that attitudes towards e-deals and normative influence positively affect consumers’ purchase intention towards e-deals.

Practical implications

– Practitioners are advised to integrate social media (e.g. Facebook or Twitter) and online communities to approach the “leader” to influence new potential consumers to purchase e-deals. It is also important to maintain the good value of e-deals and emphasise the huge benefits of using e-deals to persuade consumers to purchase it.

Originality/value

– The originality of this study lies in extending the TPB as a robust measurement to investigate online shopping behaviour in the context of e-deals.
Natural hybridization of Yezo and Sakhalin spruce in central Hokkaido, revealed by DNA markers with contrasting modes of inheritance
Authors: Aizawa Mineaki , Yoshimaru Hiroshi , Ogawa Hitomi , Goto Susumu , Kaji Mikio
Published: July 2015

Yezo spruce (Picea jezoensis var. jezoensis) and Sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii) occur across Hokkaido and co‐occur in some forest habitats. This leads to the potential for natural hybridization between these two species, which has been shown to occur at low frequencies. The purpose of this study was to identify these hybrids and their possible mating patterns, using various Pinaceae DNA markers with different modes of inheritance. The markers used were maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), paternally inherited chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and biparentally inherited nuclear microsatellites (nSSRs). Seven putative natural hybrids, four artificially‐crossed F1 hybrids, four parent plants from each species, and two artificially‐backcrossed hybrids of putative natural hybrids and their parents were analyzed using the diagnostic DNA markers developed in this study. We found Yezo spruce and Sakhalin spruce to be distinct (J and G types, respectively), and the modes of inheritance held true for the two species, as was previously reported to be the case in Pinaceae. Four of the seven putative natural hybrids harbored J‐type cpDNA, G‐type mtDNA and J/G‐type nSSRs, indicating that natural F1 hybrids are likely to arise from a G (female) × J (male) crossing. One natural hybrid harbored G‐type cpDNA, J‐type mtDNA and J/G‐type nSSRs, which implies that hybrids produced by J (female) × G (male) crossings occur at low frequencies. The two remaining hybrids harbored J‐type cpDNA and mtDNA with either J/G or J/J‐type nSSRs, suggesting that they may be F2 hybrids resulting from backcrossing between an F1 hybrid and a Yezo spruce.
To Know Us is to Love Us: Public Diplomacy and International Broadcasting in Contemporary Russia and China
Authors: Rawnsley Gary D.
Published: July 2015

China and Russia have devoted significant resources to developing their international broadcasting capacity as an instrument of public diplomacy. Focusing on CCTV-N (China) and RT (Russia), this article discusses the strategies each has developed to communicate with international audiences and further the foreign policy ambitions of policy makers in Beijing and Moscow. It highlights the differences between the two stations – namely CCTV-N's ambition to rectify perceived distortions in the global flow of news about China, and RT's focus on reporting events in the US. Hence the case studies expose the fine line between propaganda and public diplomacy.
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Score is an Independent Predictor of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Sunbul Murat , Kivrak Tarik , Durmus Erdal , Akin Hakan , Aydin Yucel , Ergelen Rabia , Yilmaz Yusuf , Agirbasli Mehmet
Published: July 2015

Objective

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and impaired left ventricular (LV) function, yet the impact of NAFLD on right ventricular (RV) function remains unclear. We investigate the RV functional properties in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

Ninety consecutive patients with the diagnosis of biopsy‐proven NAFLD and 45 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination. RV function was evaluated by two‐dimensional (2D) speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE).

Results

Mean fibrosis stage and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) scores were 1.3 ± 1.1 and 5.2 ± 1.6, respectively. NAFLD patients displayed decreased RV function compared to controls. NAFLD patients with liver fibrosis (67 patients) had significantly lower RV function assessed by GLS (global longitudinal strain) compared to patients without liver fibrosis (18.9 ± 3.4% vs. 21.6 ± 2.3%, P < 0.001). NASH score ≥5 was associated with lower RV‐GLS (18.9 ± 3.1% vs. 21.0 ± 3.4%, P = 0.006). NASH score inversely correlated with RV‐GLS (r = −0.370, P < 0.001) such as patients with impaired RV‐GLS (<19%) showed significantly higher NASH score compared to normal RV‐GLS group (5.8 ± 1.4 vs. 4.8 ± 1.7, P = 0.009). Logistic regression analysis revealed that NASH score was an independent predictor of impaired RV function in patients with NAFLD.

Conclusions

Patients with NAFLD have impaired RV function. NASH score inversely correlates with RV‐GLS and independently predicts impaired RV function in patients with NAFLD.
Dendritic cell‐derived exosomes carry the major cat allergen Fel d 1 and induce an allergic immune response
Authors: Vallhov H. , Gutzeit C. , Hultenby K. , Valenta R. , Grönlund H. , Scheynius A.
Published: July 2015

Exosomes are nano‐sized membrane vesicles (50–120 nm), which are released from a wide variety of cells. Depending on their cellular origin, they can induce immune stimulatory‐, inhibitory‐, or tolerance‐inducing effects. However, it is still unclear what role exosomes play during human inflammatory diseases. It has not been studied whether exosomes derived from human dendritic cells (DCs), the first cells to encounter allergens in the mucosa, can carry aeroallergens and contribute to allergic immune responses. We therefore explored whether DC‐derived exosomes can present the major cat allergen Fel d 1 and whether they thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic disease. Our results demonstrate that exosomes are able to present aeroallergens and thereby induce T‐cell T(H)2‐like cytokine production in allergic donors. Thus, these exosomes may be important immune‐stimulatory factors in allergic immune responses and important targets or engineered tools in immunotherapy.
Violence, legitimacy, and prophecy: Nuer struggles with uncertainty in South Sudan
Authors: HUTCHINSON SHARON E. , PENDLE NAOMI R.
Published: July 2015

Contemporary South Sudanese Nuer prophets play powerful roles in interpreting the moral limits of lethal violence and weighing the legitimacy claims of rival government leaders. Their activities remain largely invisible to external observers investigating the making and unmaking of fragile states. Focusing on South Sudan's tumultuous 2005–14 period, we reveal these hidden dynamics through analysis of the two most‐powerful living western Nuer prophets. Gatdeang Dit, a male prophet of the divinityDeng, rejects all forms of violent aggression and fosters relations of peace and intermarriage with Dinka neighbors. Nyachol, a female prophet ofMaani, inspires thousands of armed Nuer youth to retaliate against Dinka cattle raiders and other external threats while insisting on purification for Nuer–Nuer homicides. Despite their differences, both prophets invoke God's superior powers to push back against the simplified, secularized, and objectified forms of violence glorified by rival government elites. [prophecy, government, violence, legitimacy, uncertainty, Nuer, South Sudan]
Automated control of inspired oxygen in ventilated preterm infants: crossover physiological study
Authors: Lal Mithilesh , Tin Win , Sinha Sunil
Published: July 2015

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of automated control of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in comparison with manual FiO2 control in maintaining target pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) range.

Methods

Crossover physiological study involving preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen. Each infant was studied for two consecutive 12 hours in a random sequence. Outcome measures included the proportion of time with SpO2 within and outside the target range of 90–95%, extreme hypoxaemia (<80%) and hyperoxaemia (≥98%).

Results

Complete data set was available in 27 infants. The percentage of time (median, IQR) within the target range was higher during automated control 72.8 (58.8–82.6) compared to manual control 59.6 (49.3–73.3), p = 0.031. Corresponding reduction in per cent time below the target range was 18.1 (12.7–23.6) versus 25.9 (17.8–30.7), p = 0.028, and above the target range 4.8 (3–16) versus 10.1 (6.4‐22.5), p = 0.026. Median (IQR) per cent time spent with severe hypoxaemia (SpO2<80%) and severe hyperoxaemia (SpO2≥98%) was 1.3 (0.1–2.9) versus 3.2 (1.4–6.1), p = 0.022 and 0.08 (0.05–0.36) versus 1.7 (0.7–6.8), p = 0.001, respectively. Median number of manual adjustments of FiO2 per 12 hour was 0 and 63, respectively.

Conclusion

Automated control of FiO2 significantly improved compliance of oxygen saturation targeting and significantly reduced exposure to hypoxaemia as well as hyperoxaemia.
Acid‐inhibitory effects of vonoprazan 20 mg compared with esomeprazole 20 mg or rabeprazole 10 mg in healthy adult male subjects ‐ a randomised open‐label cross‐over study
Authors: Sakurai Y. , Mori Y. , Okamoto H. , Nishimura A. , Komura E. , Araki T. , Shiramoto M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for the treatment of acid‐related diseases. Vonoprazan is a member of a new class of acid suppressants; potassium‐competitive acid blockers. Vonoprazan may thus be an alternative to PPIs.

Aim

To evaluate efficacy, rapidity and duration of acid‐inhibitory effects of vonoprazan vs. two control PPIs, esomeprazole and rabeprazole, in 20 healthy Japanese adult male volunteers with CYP2C19 extensive metaboliser genotype.

Methods

In this randomised, open‐label, two‐period cross‐over study, vonoprazan 20 mg and esomeprazole 20 mg (Study V vs. E) or rabeprazole 10 mg (Study V vs. R) were orally administered daily for 7 days. Primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was gastric pH over 24 h measured as percentage of time pH ≥3, ≥4 and ≥5 (pH holding time ratios; HTRs) and mean gastric pH.

Results

Acid‐inhibitory effect (pH4 HTR) of vonoprazan was significantly greater than that of esomeprazole or rabeprazole on both Days 1 and 7; Day 7 difference in pH4 HTR for vonoprazan vs. esomeprazole was 24.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.2–33.1] and for vonoprazan vs. rabeprazole 28.8% [95% CI: 17.2–40.4]. The Day 1 to Day 7 ratio of 24‐h pH4 HTRs was >0.8 for vonoprazan, compared with 0.370 for esomeprazole and 0.393 for rabeprazole. Vonoprazan was generally well tolerated. One vonoprazan subject withdrew due to a rash which resolved after discontinuation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a more rapid and sustained acid‐inhibitory effect of vonoprazan 20 mg vs. esomeprazole 20 mg or rabeprazole 10 mg. Therefore, vonoprazan may be a potentially new treatment for acid‐related diseases.
Natural history and quality of life in patients with cystine urolithiasis: a single centre study
Authors: Parr Justin M. , Desai Devang , Winkle David
Published: July 2015

Objective

To describe the natural history and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cystine urolithiasis.

Patients and Methods

A cohort study was carried out involving participants recruited from a single surgeon's case mix. Patients with cystinuria and related urolithiasis were invited to complete a questionnaire involving demographic information, use of medical treatment, surgical interventions and the 36‐item short‐form 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36).

Results

In all, 14 patients completed the survey. The SF‐36 survey showed lower QoL than the general public in seven of eight domains. The mean interventional rate in patients with cystinuria was 10.6 procedures per patient. Most patients reported previous use of d‐penicillamine and urinary alkalinisation medications, with most ceasing due to side‐effects or lack of perceived efficacy.

Conclusion

Cystinuria is associated with a high rate of surgical intervention and lower QoL than the general public. Individuals with this condition report that medical management is either ineffective or poorly tolerated. There is a need for further improvements in medical management of cystinuria, to reduce the rate of operative intervention.
Acquisition of cancer stem cell‐like properties in non‐small cell lung cancer with acquired resistance to afatinib
Authors: Hashida Shinsuke , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Shien Kazuhiko , Miyoshi Yuichiro , Ohtsuka Tomoaki , Suzawa Ken , Watanabe Mototsugu , Maki Yuho , Soh Junichi , Asano Hiroaki , Tsukuda Kazunori , Miyoshi Shinichiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: July 2015

Afatinib is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is known to be effective against the EGFR T790M variant, which accounts for half of the mechanisms of acquired resistance to reversible EGFR‐TKIs. However, acquired resistance to afatinib was also observed in clinical use. Thus, elucidating and overcoming the mechanisms of resistance are important issues in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer. In this study, we established various afatinib‐resistant cell lines and investigated the resistance mechanisms. EGFR T790M mutations were not detected using direct sequencing in established resistant cells. Several afatinib‐resistant cell lines displayed MET amplification, and these cells were sensitive to the combination of afatinib plus crizotinib. As a further investigation, a cell line that acquired resistance to afatinib plus crizotinib, HCC827‐ACR, was established from one of the MET amplified‐cell lines. Several afatinib‐resistant cell lines including HCC827‐ACR displayed epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) features and epigenetic silencing of miR‐200c, which is a suppresser of EMT. In addition, these cell lines also exhibited overexpression of ALDH1A1 and ABCB1, which are putative stem cell markers, and resistance to docetaxel. In conclusion, we established afatinib‐resistant cells and found that MET amplification, EMT, and stem cell‐like features are observed in cells with acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. This finding may provide clues to overcoming resistance to EGFR‐TKIs.
Metabolomics analysis of saliva from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Kageyama G , Saegusa J , Irino Y , Tanaka S , Tsuda K , Takahashi S , Sendo S , Morinobu A
Published: July 2015

The recent development of salivary proteomics has led to the identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosing patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Here we sought to identify differentially produced salivary metabolites from pSS patients and healthy controls (HCs) that might be used to characterize this disease. We obtained salivary samples from 12 female pSS patients (mean age 44.2 ± 13.01) and 21 age-matched female HCs. The metabolite profiles of saliva were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total metabolite levels in each of the samples were calculated and compared across the study participants. A total of 88 metabolites were detected across the study samples, 41 of which were observed at reduced levels in the samples frompSS patients. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a loss in salivary metabolite diversity in the pSS patient samples compared to the HC samples. The reduced presence of glycine, tyrosine, uric acid and fucose, which may reflect salivary gland destruction due to chronic sialoadenitis, contributed to the loss of diversity. Comparative PCA of the pSS patients revealed the presence of two subpopulations based on their metabolite profiles, and these two subpopulations showed a significant difference in the prevalence of major salivary glanditis (P = 0·014). In this study, we found that the salivary metabolite profile of pSS patients was less diverse than that of HCs and that the metabolite profiles in pSS patients were affected by the presence of major salivary glanditis.
RNA binding proteins as regulators of immune cell biology
Authors: Newman R , McHugh J , Turner M
Published: July 2015

Sequence-specific RNA binding proteins (RBP) are important regulators of the immune response. RBP modulate gene expression by regulating splicing, polyadenylation, localization, translation and decay of target mRNAs. Increasing evidence suggests that RBP play critical roles in the development, activation and function of lymphocyte populations in the immune system. This review will discuss the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RBP during lymphocyte development, with particular focus on the Tristetraprolin family of RBP.
Clinical outcomes in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas managed conservatively
Authors: Sam Amir H. , Shah Sachit , Saleh Keenan , Joshi Jay , Roncaroli Federico , Robinson Stephen , Cox Jeremy , Martin Niamh M. , Mendoza Nigel , Meeran Karim , Mehta Amrish , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: July 2015

Context

The natural history and the optimum management of patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are unclear.

Objective

Our objective was to characterize the natural history of patients with NFPAs managed conservatively.

Design and patients

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre between 1986 and 2009. Patients with pituitary adenomas and no clinical or biochemical evidence of hormonal hypersecretion were included. Those presenting with apoplexy or a radiological follow‐up period of less than 1 year were excluded. The pituitary imaging for all patients was re‐examined by two neuroradiologists in consensus.

Outcome measures

The outcome measures were change in tumour size and pituitary hormone function.

Results

Sixty‐six patients were managed conservatively for a mean follow‐up period of 4·3 years (range: 1–14·7). Forty‐seven (71%) had a macroadenoma, and nineteen (29%) had a microadenoma. Tumour size decreased or remained stable in 40% of macroadenomas and 47% of microadenomas. The median annual growth rate of enlarging macroadenomas and microadenomas was 1·0 mm/year and 0·4 mm/year, respectively. The median annual growth rate of macroadenomas was significantly higher than that of microadenomas (P < 0·01). Sixty‐eight percentage of patients with a macroadenoma had pituitary hormone deficiency in one or more axes, compared to 42% of those with a microadenoma.

Conclusion

Patients with NFPAs without optic chiasm compression can be managed conservatively. All patients need pituitary function assessment, irrespective of tumour size. These findings provide clinically relevant data for the management of patients with NFPAs.
The hidden costs of drug and alcohol use in hospital emergency departments
Authors: Butler Kerryn , Reeve Rebecca , Arora Sheena , Viney Rosalie , Goodall Stephen , van Gool Kees , Burns Lucinda
Published: July 2015

Introduction and Aims

This study estimates the burden of drug and alcohol morbidity on hospitals in New South Wales (NSW) by observing a multi‐site collective sample utilising survey information and data linkage. Specifically we aimed to determine the prevalence of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems and to estimate patterns of utilisation of hospital services, costs of presentations, and admissions for patients with AOD problems.

Design and Methods

Patients were recruited from eight NSW public hospitals presenting to the hospital emergency department over a 10 day period. Participants completed a self‐administered survey with demographic characteristics and questions about substance use. More than two‐thirds (68%) of participants consented to provide access to their NSW Health medical data for a period spanning 2.5 years.

Results

One‐third (35%) of the total sample were identified as having problematic AOD use with one in five of these patients requiring a high level of intervention. Those patients requiring a high level of intervention present more often and cost more per presentation. If admitted they were more likely to have longer stays and were also more likely to be admitted to a psychiatric ward and have a longer stay in the ward.

Discussion

This study demonstrates a need for AOD interventions in the emergency department setting, both because it represents an opportunity for intervention in a population in which problems with substance use is highly prevalent, and because there is evidence that AOD imposes additional costs on the health system. [Butler K, Reeve R, Arora S, Viney R, Goodall S, van Gool K, Burns L. The hidden costs of drug and alcohol use in hospital emergency departments. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:359–366]
OPTIMAL MONETARY POLICY AND IMPERFECT FINANCIAL MARKETS: A CASE FOR NEGATIVE NOMINAL INTEREST RATES?
Authors: Abo‐Zaid Salem , Garín Julio
Published: July 2015

This article studies optimal monetary policy in a model with credit frictions and money demand. We show that augmenting a standard New Keynesian model with money demand and financial frictions generates a mechanism that, in equilibrium, gives rise to optimal negative nominal interest rates. In addition, we find that the tighter credit markets are, the lower the optimal nominal policy interest rate and the more likely it is to be negative. Quantitatively, when credit constraints are binding, a standard calibration of the model generates an optimal nominal policy interest rate that is roughly −4% annually. (JEL E31, E41, E43, E44, E52, E58)
The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor's neglected subunit – GluN1 matters under normal and hyperbaric conditions
Authors: Bliznyuk Alice , Aviner Ben , Golan Hava , Hollmann Michael , Grossman Yoram
Published: July 2015

Professional deep‐water divers exposed to hyperbaric pressure (HP) above 1.1 MPa develop high‐pressure neurological syndrome, which is associated with central nervous system hyperexcitability. It was previously reported that HP augments N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic responses, increases neuronal excitability, and potentially causes irreversible neuronal damage. In addition, we have reported that HP (10.1 MPa) differentially affects ionic currents, measured by the two‐electrode voltage‐clamp technique, of eight specific NMDAR subtypes generated by the co‐expression of GluN1‐1a or GluN1‐1b with one of the four GluN2(A–D) subunits in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We now report that eight GluN1 splice variants, when co‐expressed with GluN2A, mediate different ionic currents at normal and HP (5.1 MPa). These data, in conjunction with our previous results, indicate that both GluN1 and GluN2 subunits play a critical role in determining NMDAR currents under normal and HP conditions. These data, given the differential spatial distribution of the different NMDAR subtypes in the central nervous system, may offer a partial explanation for the mechanism governing the complex signs and symptoms of high‐pressure neurological syndrome, and an explanation for the suspected long‐term HP health decrement due to repetitive deep dives by professional divers.
Neurexin‐1 regulates sleep and synaptic plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Larkin Aoife , Chen Ming‐Yu , Kirszenblat Leonie , Reinhard Judith , van Swinderen Bruno , Claudianos Charles
Published: July 2015

Neurexins are cell adhesion molecules that are important for synaptic plasticity and homeostasis, although links to sleep have not yet been investigated. We examined the effects of neurexin‐1 perturbation on sleep in Drosophila, showing that neurexin‐1 nulls displayed fragmented sleep and altered circadian rhythm. Conversely, the over‐expression of neurexin‐1 could increase and consolidate night‐time sleep. This was not solely due to developmental effects as it could be induced acutely in adulthood, and was coupled with evidence of synaptic growth. The timing of over‐expression could differentially impact sleep patterns, with specific night‐time effects. These results show that neurexin‐1 was dynamically involved in synaptic plasticity and sleep in Drosophila. Neurexin‐1 and a number of its binding partners have been repeatedly associated with mental health disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, all of which are also linked to altered sleep patterns. How and when plasticity‐related proteins such as neurexin‐1 function during sleep can provide vital information on the interaction between synaptic homeostasis and sleep, paving the way for more informed treatments of human disorders.
The application of expert knowledge in Bayesian networks to predict soil bulk density at the landscape scale
Authors: Taalab K. , Corstanje R. , Mayr T. M. , Whelan M. J. , Creamer R. E.
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the use of expert knowledge as a resource for digital soil mapping. To do this, three models of topsoil soil bulk density (Db) were produced: (i) a random forest model formulated and cross‐validated with the limited data available (which served as the benchmark), (ii) a naïve Bayesian network (BN) where the conditional probabilities that define the relations between Db and explanatory landscape variables were derived from expert knowledge rather than data and (iii) a ‘hierarchical’ BN where model structure was also defined by expert knowledge. These models were used to generate spatial predictions for mapping topsoil Db at a landscape scale. The results show that expert knowledge‐based models can identify the same spatial trends in soil properties at a landscape scale as state‐of‐the‐art mapping algorithms. This means that they are a viable option for soil mapping applications in areas that have limited empirical data.
An Exercise in Legal Honesty: Rewriting the Court of Justice and the Bundesverfassungsgericht
Authors: Everson Michelle
Published: July 2015

This article contains an urgent plea for the re‐establishment of legal honesty in Europe. European law is a victim of European economic crisis. The emergence of the concept of conditionality within national and European jurisprudence, or the judicial imposition of a market discipline upon national budgets, is also a part of a chronicle foretold given in the face of the volatile power of international finance markets. Yet, in rewriting the judgements given by the Court of Justice in the case of Thomas Pringle and by the German Constitutional Court in its matching jurisprudence on the European Stability Mechanism, this article seeks to overcome the destruction of constitutionality within Europe, the foreclosure of a European space for the politics of alternatives and the condemning of individual Europeans to lasting suffering within a perpetual austerity regime.
Distinct actin oligomers modulate differently the activity of actin nucleators
Authors: Qu Zheng , Silvan Unai , Jockusch Brigitte M. , Aebi Ueli , Schoenenberger Cora‐Ann , Mannherz Hans Georg
Published: July 2015

Polymerization of actin monomers into filaments requires the initial formation of nuclei composed of a few actin subunits; however, their instability has hindered their detailed study. Therefore we used chemically crosslinked actin oligomers to analyse their effect on actin polymerization. Actin dimer (upper dimer, UD), trimer and tetramer intermolecularly crosslinked by phenylene‐bismaleimide along the genetic helix (between Lys199 and Cys374) were isolated by gel filtration and found to increasingly stimulate actin polymerization as shown by the pyrene assay and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. In contrast, the so‐called lower actin dimer (LD) characterized by a Cys374‐Cys374 crosslink stimulated actin polymerization only at low but inhibited it at high concentrations. UD and trimer stimulated the repolymerization of actin from complexes with thymosin β4 (Tβ4) or profilin, whereas the LD stimulated repolymerization only from the profilin : actin but not the actin : Tβ4 complex. In vivo, actin polymerization is stimulated by nucleation factors. Therefore the interaction and effects of purified LD, UD and trimer on the actin‐nucleating activity of gelsolin, mouse diaphanous related (mDia) formin and the actin‐related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex were analysed. Native gel electrophoresis demonstrated binding of LD, UD and trimer to gelsolin and its fragment G1–3, to the FH2 domains of the formins mDia1 and mDia3, and to Arp2/3 complex. UD and trimer increased the nucleating activity of gelsolin and G1–3, but not of the mDia‐FH2 domain nor of the Arp2/3 complex. In contrast, LD at equimolar concentration to Arp2/3 complex stimulated its nucleating activity, but inhibited that of mDia‐FH2 domains, gelsolin and G1–3, demonstrating differential regulation of their nucleating activity by dimers containing differently oriented actin subunits.
Dominant factors for very‐high‐cycle fatigue of high‐strength steels and a new design method for components
Authors: Matsunaga H. , Sun C. , Hong Y. , Murakami Y.
Published: July 2015

Dominant factors affecting fatigue failure from non‐metallic inclusions in the very‐high‐cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime are reviewed, and the mechanism for the disappearance of the conventional fatigue limit is discussed. Specifically, this paper focuses on the following: (i) the crucial role of internal hydrogen trapped by non‐metallic inclusions for the growth of the optically dark area (around the non‐metallic inclusion at fracture origin), (ii) the behaviour of the crack growth from a non‐metallic inclusion as a small crack and (iii) the statistical aspects of the VHCF strength, in consideration of the maximum inclusion size, using statistics of extremes. In addition, on the basis of the aforementioned findings, a new fatigue design method is proposed for the VHCF regime. The design method gives the allowable stress, σallowable, for a determined design life, NfD, as the lower bound of scatter of fatigue strength, which depends on the amount of components produced.
A nonlinear continuous damage model based on short‐crack concept under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Zhang J. , Yang S. , Lin J.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, a modified nonlinear damage accumulation model is proposed by using intrinsic crack size as the damage variable in the stress‐control condition. The model's development is based on the Chaboche nonlinear damage law and the short‐crack theory. The validations are confirmed by using the experimental data of Ti–6Al–4V and 2024‐T3 collected from tests and literature. The model capabilities of predicting damage accumulation and crack growth rate in the multi‐level loading condition as well as the variable amplitude loading condition with single and multiple over‐load are investigated and discussed in detail. Comparison results show that the proposed model is able to consider the loading ratio, the loading sequence and the over‐load effect on damage accumulation correctly. Meanwhile, the damage accumulation in the last stage of fatigue life can be described more clearly by the proposed model attributed to the use of crack size as the damage variable.
Temporal and spatial trends in size, biomass and abundance of groupers (Epinephelinae) in Mafia Island Marine Park: fishers’ perceptions and underwater visual census surveys
Authors: Gaspare L. , Bryceson I. , Mgaya Y. D.
Published: July 2015

Fishers’ perceptions of changes in grouper size and abundance were compared with scientific data collected via underwater visual censuses (UVCs) before (1995) and after (2006 and 2011) the establishment of the Mafia Island Marine Park. Perceptions on changes in the size structure of groupers differed among communities due to differences in fishing capacities. Fishers in one village had mixed perceptions, while in another village the majority (66%) perceived a decline in size, with small groupers dominating the catch. Similarly, UVCs indicated that size structure was dominated by small groupers at all times surveyed. Consistent with fishers’ perceptions, UVC indicated that biomass and abundance of groupers declined in both no‐take zones (NTZs) and specified‐use zones (SUZs) between 1995 and 2006, with no substantial changes between 2006 and 2011. The NTZs had higher density and diversity of grouper species than SUZs, as would be expected from the differences in bottom topography in these two types of areas. The idea that NTZs could increase the biomass and abundance of groupers to benefit fished zones was not found, thus indicating that NTZs are not necessarily the best option for managing reef fisheries.
Idiopathic Ophthalmodynia and Idiopathic Rhinalgia: A Prospective Series of 16 New Cases
Authors: Pareja Juan A. , Montojo Teresa , Guerrero Ángel L. , Álvarez Mónica , Porta‐Etessam Jesús , Cuadrado María L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia were described a few years ago. These conditions seem specific pain syndromes with a distinctive location in the eye or in the nose. We aimed to present a new prospective series in order to verify the consistency of these syndromes.

Methods

We performed a descriptive study of all patients referred to our regional neurologic clinics from 2010 to 2014 because of facial pain exclusively felt in the eye or in the nose fulfilling the proposed diagnostic criteria for idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia.

Results

There were 9 patients with idiopathic ophthalmodynia and 7 patients with idiopathic rhinalgia, with a clear female preponderance, and a mean age at onset in the fifth decade. The pain was usually moderate and the temporal pattern was generally chronic. Only one patient reported accompaniments (hypersensitivity to the light and to the flow of air in the symptomatic eye). Preventive treatment with amitriptyline, pregabalin, or gabapentin was partially or totally effective.

Conclusions

The clinical features of this new series parallels those of the original description, thus indicating that both idiopathic ophthalmodynia and idiopathic rhinalgia have clear‐cut clinical pictures with excellent consistency both inter‐ and intra‐individually.
The Epidemiology of Exertional Headache in the General Population of Tehran, Iran
Authors: Rabiee Behnam , Mohammadinejad Payam , Kordi Ramin , Yunesian Masud
Published: July 2015

Objective

In this cross‐sectional study, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of primary exertional headache (EH) among the Iranian general population living in Tehran, the capital city of the country.

Background

Headache is the most common complaint and is listed in the top 10 most disabling conditions. Epidemiological researches on headache can demonstrate its actual burden. There are still limited data on EH, especially in Iran and the Middle East.

Methods

A Persian questionnaire was designed based on the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria of headache disorders (ICHD‐II). Face‐to‐face interviews were performed by 5 trained medical interns on a sample size of 2300 people.

Results

Data for a total number of 2076 subjects were enrolled for final analysis. The mean age of the subjects at the time of the study was 36.3 ± 14.6 years. The 1‐year prevalence of EH was 7.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2‐8.4%). The prevalence of EH was significantly higher in females compared to males (10.0% vs 5.4%, P < .001). The mean age of the subjects with EH was 32 ± 12.1 years. None of our EH patients received medical consult prior to the study.

Conclusion

EH seems to be less prevalent among the Iranian population compared to previous studies.
“We Find Ourselves Preoccupied with the World of the Present”: Humanist Resistance to Progressive Education in Ontario
Authors: Christou Theodore Michael
Published: July 2015

The work here explores the voices of Ontario's humanist educators, who advocated for the preservation of a curriculum theory rooted in faculty psychology, mental discipline, and the classics in the face of progressivist revisions to the province's public school organization. A great deal of scholastic sweat has been poured over the subject of progressive education, its meanings, and its purposes. Much less has been said about the critics of progressivist reform, who are referred to here as humanists; this term follows from the work of Herbert Kliebard, who characterized humanists as one of four competing interests in an epic struggle over the curriculum in the United States. Theodore Christou dubbed humanists “foils” to the progressivist reformers who succeeded in overturning Ontario'sProgrammes of Studyfor the public schools. Kliebard defined this group as:

the guardians of an ancient tradition tied to the power of reason and the finest elements of the Western cultural heritage… to them fell the task of reinterpreting, and thereby preserving as best as they could, their revered traditions and values in the face of rapid social change and a burgeoning school system.
“Building Bridges, Not Fences”: A History of Civic Engagement at Private Black Colleges and Universities, 1944–1965
Authors: Gasman Marybeth , Spencer Dorsey , Orphan Cecilia
Published: July 2015

HBCUs traditionally build bridges, not fences, for their neighbors.

–Barbara S. Frankle

In its truest sense, higher education is aimed at fostering academic achievement and educating students for good and productive citizenship. With this purpose in mind, over the past few decades there has been a proliferation of research on civic engagement. Although substantial in size and reach, the civic engagement literature is limited in terms of depth and scope. Many scholars working in this area have sought to define civic engagement as well as service learning; service learning is believed to lead to greater civic engagement and to increase educational attainment by some scholars and practitioners. Of note, this scholarship aims to defend civic engagement by providing a philosophical justification for it, reclaiming the historic civic purpose of higher education, or providing an assessment of student outcomes, including participation in protest, voting knowledge and behavior, and the impact of service learning. The civic engagement literature also demonstrates the level of engagement among undergraduate students and provides in-depth case studies of college and university initiatives to engage local communities throughout the nation. Scholars of civic engagement have focused on many different types of majority institutions, including small private colleges, state universities, land grant institutions, and private research universities. Most of these studies draw on how the unique histories of these various sectors of higher education position them for civic engagement work as well as the institutional efforts to engage local communities.
Does Outsourcing Really Improve Firm Performance? Empirical Evidence and Research Agenda
Authors: Lahiri Somnath
Published: July 2015

The phenomenon of outsourcing has spawned a rich body of scholarly work in the last two decades. Yet, the answer to one important question has remained elusive: Does outsourcing really improve firm performance? Addressing this question is important as firms across nations continue to embark on the practice of outsourcing to save operating costs and remain competitive. Scholars, practitioners and policy‐makers need to understand whether and how outsourcing benefits the firm. However, no comprehensive review of empirical evidence has been published so far that can address this question. This study reviews 57 empirical research articles that investigated the outsourcing–firm performance relationship in 47 peer‐reviewed scholarly journals over a 20‐year time‐span (1996–2015). The articles differ widely in research scope, context, level of analysis, data source, time‐span, industry sector, extent of outsourcing and measure of performance. The findings suggest that outsourcing can produce positive, negative, mixed, moderated or no significant impact on the firm. This study also provides useful directions for future research on outsourcing and firm performance.
Emerging links between non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction, metabolic syndrome and its components: A systematic review
Authors: Russo Giorgio I , Castelli Tommaso , Urzì Daniele , Privitera Salvatore , La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita A , Calogero Aldo E , Favilla Vincenzo , Cimino Sebastiano , Morgia Giuseppe
Published: July 2015

We carried out a systematic review in order to determine the connection between lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to bladder outlet obstruction and metabolic syndrome with its components. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and Web of Science from their inception until January 2015 to identify all eligible studies on the effect of metabolic syndrome (or component factors) on the presence or severity of lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction in men. This analysis was carried out according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guidelines. In total, 19 studies were identified as eligible for this systematic review. The quality assessment score was ≥50% in more than half of the studies (11/19). The evidence synthesis showed a positive association between metabolic syndrome, number of components and lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction. In particular, the major endocrine aberrations of this connection are central obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. The links between insulin resistance and lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction should be better investigated. Ethnic disparities in all examined studies showed a different impact of metabolic syndrome on lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction severity and such influence still remain unclear. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction open the way for introducing physical activity and diet as recognized first‐line interventions for treating lower urinary tract symptoms. However, this connection should be investigated in two different ethnic cohorts (i.e. Asian vs Caucasian) in order to better understand the impact of ethnic disparities on metabolic syndrome and lower urinary tract symptoms/bladder outlet obstruction severity.
Managerial Sharing, Mutual Fund Connections, and Performance
Authors: Augustiani Cathline , Casavecchia Lorenzo , Gray Jack
Published: July 2015

In this study, we examine the effect of mutual fund connections, through managerial sharing, on performance and stock holding commonalities. Our analysis of return correlations and portfolio holdings indicates that more interconnected funds tend to buy and sell similar stocks, hence increasing the similarity of portfolio holdings and undermining the distinctiveness of their investment strategy. Our results also indicate that highly connected funds significantly underperform weakly connected funds by about 1.4% on a yearly risk‐adjusted basis. We show that fund family performance is unaffected by the intensity of fund connections, and that greater fund connections could significantly enhance family‐level profit margins.
Nursing students' understanding and enactment of resilience: a grounded theory study
Authors: Reyes Andrew Thomas , Andrusyszyn Mary‐Anne , Iwasiw Carroll , Forchuk Cheryl , Babenko‐Mould Yolanda
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore nursing students' understanding and enactment of resilience.

Background

Stress is considered to be a major factor affecting the health, well‐being and academic performance of nursing students. Resilience has been extensively researched as a process that allows individuals to successfully adapt to adversity and develop positive outcomes as a result. However, relatively little is known about the resilience of nursing students.

Design

A constructivist, grounded theory qualitative design was used for this study.

Method

In‐depth individual interviews were conducted with 38 nursing students enrolled in a four‐year, integrated baccalaureate nursing degree programme at a university in Ontario, Canada. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted from January to April 2012 using a semi‐structured interview guide.

Findings

The basic social process of ‘pushing through’ emerged as nursing students' understanding and enactment of resilience. Participants employed this process to withstand challenges in their academic lives. This process was comprised of three main phases: ‘stepping into’, ‘staying the course’ and ‘acknowledging’. ‘Pushing through’ also included a transient ‘disengaging’ process where students were temporarily unable to push through their adversities. The process of ‘pushing through’ was based on a progressive trajectory, which implied that nursing students enacted the process to make progress in their academic lives and to attain goals.

Conclusion

Study findings provide important evidence for understanding the phenomenon of resilience as a dynamic, contextual process that can be learnt and developed, rather than a static trait or personality characteristic.